Pastor Note #145: What Makes for the Blessed Life?

"Blessed are those who force their way to the front of the line; they will get to run things their own way." (For full post, click link below.)

Quote of Note #226: Bearing Witness with Graciousness & Faithfulness

“As was in many of the most religious people of Jesus' day, it is possible to become fully versed in a theological tradition or excel in theological education and still have a hardened heart that never truly surrendered to the Word of God.” Costanzo, et al (for full quote, click link below)

Quote of Note #214: The Superficial Faith of Christian Nationalism

"[Christian Nationalism] leads to superficial Christianity rather than to sincere faith and deep discipleship." Wright & Bird

Bible Note #62: Compassion & the Anger of Jesus–Mark 3:1-6

They knew that Jesus was guided by compassion for the weak and broken and not by some hard-edged interpretation of the law.

Quote of Note #198: Lying to Ourselves & Resentfulness

The man who lies to himself can be more easily offended than anyone. You know it is sometimes very pleasant to take offense, isn't it?

Pastor Note #139: Learning to Live without Chains in Christ’s Victory

Here’s a truth that is very dear to me.  When Jesus went to the cross, he did not merely take my guilt with him.  He took my sin.  He died not merely to gain forgiveness for me but to set me free from the power of sin.  In his resurrection from death, he demonstrated not … Continue reading Pastor Note #139: Learning to Live without Chains in Christ’s Victory

Quote of Note #177: True Christian Discipleship

"Orthopraxy. . . is demonstrated in relationship to God, his word, and people who are made in his image. Becoming an expert in doctrine does not make one a disciple. On the contrary, Jesus taught that the clearest evidence that we are truly disciples is when we 'love one another' as he has loved us … Continue reading Quote of Note #177: True Christian Discipleship

Pastor Note #132: Anger and Following Jesus

In my youth, which took place in those dark days before the existence of computers and apps on mobile devices, it was very difficult to say definitively how often, if at all, a given phrase appears in the Bible.  These days, of course, it is a matter of a few moments of thumb typing, and … Continue reading Pastor Note #132: Anger and Following Jesus