Stories
Viewing stories about faith
Liturgy: The Death of Addiction
In the reading from Deuteronomy this week, the nation of Israel sits at the border of the Promised Land, and God gives them a choice: “See, I set before you today life and prosperity, [or] death and destruction.”
Liturgy: Worship and Brussel Sprouts
The passages for this week contrast true humility with false humility, true repentance with false repentance, and true faith with false faith.
Liturgy: Timing and Striving
We have one life to live. Let our legacy not be counted in worldly indicators of success but in efforts to understand others’ perspectives and to consider how we can be a blessing to each person who crosses our path.
Liturgy: Division – Not Just for Mathematicians
Even within Christian communities—including theologically conservative schools like The King’s College and Biola—there were rifts as a result of impassioned beliefs about what a president should or should not be, what sort of character should be expected, and whether one or the other of the candidates (or both) satisfied any such criteria.
Liturgy: A More Pointy Existence
Pointing, is such an under-valued function in the Christian life. John was a feared prophet. All of Israel listened to him and the political powers respected his words and sway. Yet, as soon as Jesus arrives on scene, John the Baptist knows that his job is to point away from himself.
Liturgy: Two Breaths
Breath, in Scripture, is often the metaphor for showing what animates someone. God’s breath animates the forces of creation in Genesis 1–2. The Holy Spirit is the animating guide for early Jesus followers in the New Testament.
Liturgy: “Our Blood-stained Hands”
Last Sunday was the first Sunday of Advent, a season where we wait in anticipation for our Lord’s birth. It is a time of longing and expectation. I cannot help but see the world in which we live—one that crucifies its creator and kills its brother—and long for the righteous rule of Christ outlined in Isaiah 11:1-10.
Liturgy: “Learning How to Eat”
On a Sunday morning earlier this year, I shuffled up the center aisle of my church toward the communion table. Next Sunday at church, I’ll take the full portion of what I need at the communion table.
Liturgy: “Redeemer of all Blood Sugars”
In this world we face so much brokenness – sickness, weariness, pain, betrayal, death. Jesus came to make all things new. He came to heal the broken and make us whole again.
Liturgy: “Just Earth”
We all need to know that our stuff is going to break: tablets, hearts, banks, and the earth itself. Life surrounds us with a “glorious ruin” today. Like the earth, our only hope of rescue is God’s intervention in their lives daily—giving us friends, challenging our naïve views of self, proving our confidence in Him through difficult times.
