There’s no such thing as Christian Nationalism. What we call Christian Nationalism is a rather naked thirst for power disguised as faith. A dragon in wolves clothing. It doesn’t take much scriptural exploration to see its heretical foolishness. The Gospels describe a scene at the outset of Jesus’ public ministry in which he travels the wilderness to fast. In fasting Jesus is tempted by the … Continue reading The Charlatanry of Christian Nationalism
I am using John Wesley’s Holy Club examen questions to examine my own life. #8- Did I give it (the Bible) time to Speak to me today? The Bible has been speaking to me, even though I’m not formally studying it like I should. The accumulated studies of the past have given me a familiarity and comfort with the scriptures, to the point that I … Continue reading Wesleyan Examen 29APR2025
Note: Moral Mondays are a regular movement to speak moral principles to matters of community and national interest. They were begun by Rev. William Barber (wiki). “I and Thou”, was Martin Buber’s famous appeal to a heightened sense of commonality among all humanity. I came to this idea through Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He used I and Thou to raise the American conscience … Continue reading Moral Mondays: Beyond Proximity
I am using John Wesley’s Holy Club examen questions to examine my own life. 22) Is Christ real to me? Yes. Mostly. I believe mostly in the man Jesus. A good man. A godly man. I’m not sure about the divinity piece. That might be something I just don’t understand. I’m intrigued by the notion that God would take human form. I know it was … Continue reading Wesleyan Examen 031125
Luke 9:28-36 Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which … Continue reading Bible Leads: Transfiguration: Luke 9:28-36
Luke 1:5-20 5In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly order of Abijah. His wife was a descendant of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6Both of them were righteous before God, living blamelessly according to all the commandments and regulations of the Lord. 7But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and … Continue reading Bible Leads: Luke 1:5-20: Zechariah
Matthew 22:15-22 Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said. So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality. Tell us, then, what you think. Is … Continue reading Bible Leads: Matthew 22:15-22: Taxes
Preaching Leads are ideas for preaching on a particular text in the Bible. Today’s text is Matthew 10:1-15. I share both general techniques as well as specific applications. Today’s scripture is about Jesus sending out the 12 disciples to “proclaim the good news.” It is a rich scene with several opportunities for preaching. Scripture Outline These Newfangled Powers The first thing Jesus empowers his disciples … Continue reading Preaching Leads: Jesus Commissions the Disciples
With the impending inauguration of Donald Trump as President of the United States of America, I feel the urgency of my faith like never before. By ‘the urgency of my faith’ I mean its usefulness in guiding who I will be and how I will act now that Mr. Trump will rule the land. I think I would still be alarmed by Mr. Trump without … Continue reading Moral Foundations for Living in Trump’s America (Part 1 of 3)
This year, I’m utilizing the 7 I AMs to navigate Lent. I needed something different and thought that they carried the plot lines of Lent well. Jesus faces more and more antagonism as the I AMs progress. The final I AM (I am the Vine) occurs on Maundy Thursday. Today I was exploring “I am the Gate of the Sheep” together with “I am the … Continue reading Who’s the Gatekeeper?
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