A pastor called with a question about what I have called on this blog, “INTENSELY LOCAL MINISTRY.” How do we reach the people around us? The neighbor next door and the one across the street–how do we tell them about the love of Christ in a culture where the discussion of personal faith is seen … More A Pastor Asked Me . . .
The ESV editors supply the three-word heading, “Revive Us Again,” as a summary of Psalm 85. An outline of the content of the psalm might look something like this: Stanza Description Verses. Contemporary Re-phrasing How God was faithful to Israel (vss. 1-3) … More Dissipating the Anger of God: Psalm 85
I heard someone say, “Social Media Apps are Lament Platforms.” It’s not my phrase, but when I heard it, something rang true and false in my ear at the same time. Like a chord misplayed, it hinted at something that was jarring and yet suggestive of something important and true. I wrote it down til … More When Can Christians Lament?
Two thoughts from my morning reading of the Book of Acts. This morning, I was reading Acts and was struck by Paul’s account of his conversion in Acts 26:14 and his description of what the Lord said to him. From there, I went to the other two accounts where Paul shares his testimony in Acts … More Stunned by Jesus.
Our new church in Missouri has asked me to teach a Sunday School class on the Life of David beginning in March. More like a part 1, and then they will evaluate how to proceed. I’m excited about the opportunity and the chance to re-engage with the manual I wrote years ago for a seminary … More Lessons from Teaching the Life of David
Everyone who knows me knows I love the city of Philadelphia. Everyone. Two weeks ago, I was on a “roommates call” with a bunch of old friends from 45 years ago. One of them, Dave, had one question for me. “Are you still a die-hard Philadelphia fan?” “Is the Pope Catholic?,” was my response, followed … More Why is Jerusalem So Important?
Raising Children Who Think for Themselves If you want to raise a child who thinks for themselves, here are 5 simple rituals you can start at home today: The “Respectful Disagreement” Ritual Most parents say, “Because I said so.” To grow a leader, create a ritual where, once a week, your child is allowed to … More Such Good Advice, I Stole It
The remaking of America has been in full swing under our noses for about 6 decades. All the eggs are hatching, and it remains to be seen whether the nation will survive. Schools are being closed all around America. Colleges are closing and consolidating in every state in the union. The writing is going up … More Remaking America
Today marks 2 years since we lost my wonderful sister, Mary, to cancer. She was wonderful, but she was still a sinner in need of a Savior, and today, because of that Savior she trusted in and loved, she lives even though she died. We KNOW that because of Jesus’ promise: Jesus said to her, … More She Lives though She Died
Philly fans are in mourning this morning after the Eagles’ exit from the playoffs. But we are heartened by the fact that the Phillies, perennial World Series contenders in this era, are less than a month from having pitchers and catchers report for Spring Training. For sports fans, seasons have nothing to do with the … More Pitchers and Catchers Report in a Month
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