“We don’t want to wrestle with what The Bible actually reveals because we’re uncomfortable with honestly acknowledging that, “The Bible is confounding!” while at the same time saying, “The Bible is the Word of God (infallible and applicable for life and doctrine).” In other words, we conflate ‘what feels sensible and clarifying’ with perfection, inerrancy, […]
What is the most foundational requirement for ordained leadership in the church? It is deep, mutual love and fellowship among the leaders themselves. If this is not the case, no quantity or quality of shepherding proficiency, or discipleship prowess, or ecclesial acumen, or liturgical expertise, or hermeneutical rigor, or counseling nurturance, or stewardship shrewdness, or […]
Abram was filthy rich. His abode buzzed and bustled with industry! He had hundreds of servants tending to vast herds of sheep, cattle, and donkeys. One day a friend stopped by to drop off some theater tickets for Abram, and as his eyes swept over the sprawling expanse of Abram’s wealth, the friend asked, “What […]
The Parable of the Mud and the Highway “What is the kingdom of heaven like? Or to what shall we compare the foolishness of the litigious quibblers? It is like a group of sojourners in the countryside traveling on a good road – paved solid, leading straight into the open fields and wild hills. On […]
Hebrews 5:12–14 defines true spiritual maturity not as academic knowledge or religious status, but as the practical ability to discern good from evil THROUGH awe (see Hebrews 12:2 and 1 Corinthians 2:2) and action (e.g. like Anton Ego squandering his status as venerated food critic – and actually enjoying good, simple, substantial food …even if […]
Do you know someone who is terrible? Sure you do! And do you want this person to admit that they are terrible? Absolutely! Of course you do. And do you think this person will actually – ever – admit that they are terrible? Not likely. Jonah chapter IV! That’s what you have to read! Jonah […]
The NP (National Park) – specifically Yosemite – analogy is indispensable! Vital clarification is available/awevailable VIA the NP analogy! By seeing the “officer nomination” season(s) through the lens of ECPC as a NP – clarification and confidence are bolstered, buoyed, buttressed, and boosted by seeing and savoring the significant and sundry categories of authority figures […]
To what shall I compare the kingdom of God, and what is the state of those who claim to be wise? A certain man walked into a bustling boat shop on the harbor’s edge. Inside, the air was thick with the scent of new winches, pulleys, jibs, spinnakers, tethers, jacklines, and tallow. The walls were […]
Jesus of Nazareth – Consistently withdrew the wilderness (mountains, seas, and the Judean desert) inviting people AWAY from consumeristic city environments, and urban status-ism, and commodification-ism. And crafted short stories about soil, seeds, trees, birds, rocks, lilies, and wilderness pearls, etc. Moses – Left the city and spent 40 years as a desert shepherd in […]
There is this one part of the Bible where The Big Advocate of Jesus of Nazareth finds himself doubting whether or not Jesus of Nazareth is actually Immanuel. The Big Advocate is suffering in prison, and he sends a query to Jesus – a raw, haunting question – “Are you really The One, or should […]