Culture
Photo credit: ABC News Yesterday I preached on the story of Joseph and his brothers from Genesis 37. Arrogant Joseph with his multicolored coat, and his brothers who plotted to kill him when they saw him coming. This story resonates in light of the violence and hatred and death in
Genesis
Last Sunday I preached on the expulsion of Ishmael and Hagar from the family of Abraham and Sarah (Genesis 21:8-21). We spend a great deal of time on the Isaac story -- the promise of God to make Abraham the father of a great nation -- but, we often
bless the world
I'm preaching this sermon tomorrow based on Micah 6:1-8. In light of current events, and the divisions within our culture, God's people need to hear again the call to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. I hope your Sunday is glorious!
economics
Last Sunday I preached from Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 NIV. Amazingly, the circumstances in Isaiah's day in 742 BC were similar to those in 21st century America. Politicians disagreed on how best to provide security for the nation of Judah. Strategic alliances to combat national enemies such as
Culture
Yesterday the city of Raleigh, North Carolina chose to make feeding the hungry a crime. The mayor and city council of Raleigh ought to read today's lectionary reading from Isaiah 58:9b-14. Isaiah instructs Israel to stop oppressing people, to feed the hungry and meet the needs of
Culture
The flood of articles predicting what’s going to happen in 2012 has begun, so I thought I would throw in a small church perspective. Interestingly, I think 2012 will bring us to a unique intersection of faith and politics. Here are the top five issues your members will be
Church news
I recently was asked by a church publication in Taiwan to respond to the controversial film, Divided. Here is my response. I would be interested in yours. If you haven't seen the film, here's the link to the film's website. A Pastor Looks At
ethics
The strange case of Warren Jeffs, the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints' leader, ended today in Jeffs's conviction for child rape. We wonder how it is possible in the 21st century for hundreds of men and women to be deluded by Jeffs' bizarre,
Culture
Normally, I don't write about politics because it's a sure way to alienate at least half of your readers. But I just read Wendell Griffen's article titled, Obama Protects the Powerful Over the Poor. Griffen contends that President Obama needs a prophetic voice in
Culture
It is obvious that gas prices are rising quickly again. In 2007-8, I wrote several posts on the prospects of gasoline hitting $4-$5 per gallon - you can read those posts here, here, and here. We were well on the way to those numbers in the United States, and
Culture
Terry Jones has blood on his hands today. Jones is pastor of the Dove World Outreach Center in Gainesville, Florida, where the Quran was burned after being "tried" by Jones and his church in a mock court. The Quran was found "guilty" and, after being soaked
Culture
Religious liberty is at risk in the United States today. Rep. Peter King (R-NY), chair of the House Homeland Security Committee will hold a hearing on Thursday to explore the issue of the radicalization of Muslims here in the United States. While this might appear to be a legitimate national