Tag: Christian life

Bible Note#58: Zacchaeus #2–Some Background

~ gachorpenning ~ 5 Comments

In order to understand this encounter between Jesus and Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-9), we need to know a little bit about the geography of the Holy Land in Jesus' time.  So, let’s start with this question: where was Jericho and what was Jesus doing there?  I’ll address the second question first. What was Jesus doing in … Continue reading Bible Note#58: Zacchaeus #2–Some Background

Bible Note #57: Zacchaeus #1–The Real Zacchaeus and That Terrible Children’s Song

~ gachorpenning ~ 6 Comments

Christians, especially American Christians, can be really good at sanitizing the gospels in order to make Jesus less offensive.  We want a version of Jesus that doesn’t make us uncomfortable, one that fits with our American way of seeing things.  The story of Jesus’ encounter with Zacchaeus is a case in point. One of the … Continue reading Bible Note #57: Zacchaeus #1–The Real Zacchaeus and That Terrible Children’s Song

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

~ gachorpenning ~ 2 Comments

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 #190: Racism and Division in the Church

~ gachorpenning ~ Leave a comment

"The Church must speak out with one voice against bigotry and racism. We have been too quiet. The time is now. A platform has been placed in front of us and we must speak with clarity and truth. We've made a mess of things, but there is a way forward. It will require us to … Continue reading Quote of Note #190: Racism and Division in the Church

Quote of Note #189: Racism and White Christians

~ gachorpenning ~ Leave a comment

"Black theology is alien to most white people--and if they hear a little bit of it in a negative context or out of context, they are likely to have serious problems with it. Racism creates anger. Because of the blatant racism of the past and its common occurrence today, many white Christians do just enough … Continue reading Quote of Note #189: Racism and White Christians

Bible Note #56: Mark 10:35-45 & Serving or Ruling Over

~ gachorpenning ~ 1 Comment

So, we’ve just come out of an election.  Some Christian folks are delighted.  Some Christian folks are despairing.  Both are wrong because both are badly misguided.  The first group—the delighted group—is delighted because they believe they now have their hands on the levers of power.  The second group—the despairing group—is despairing because they believe they … Continue reading Bible Note #56: Mark 10:35-45 & Serving or Ruling Over

Quote of Note #188: Rejecting Bitterness and Resentment

~ gachorpenning ~ Leave a comment

"Before we determine how to live in a world where our highest hopes are not satisfied, we must ask, What does one do under such circumstances? One possible reaction is to distill our frustrations into a core of bitterness and resentment. The person who pursues this path is likely to develop a callous attitude, a … Continue reading Quote of Note #188: Rejecting Bitterness and Resentment

Pastor Note #138: The Way of Jesus: Selfless Service OR Coercion and Domination?

~ gachorpenning ~ 10 Comments

The Way of Jesus: Selfless Service OR Coercion and Domination? The Church of Jesus Christ in America has to decide whether it will embrace coercion as a tool of mission and ministry or not.  This decision is not a new one for Christians.  Throughout our history, we have frequently embraced a love affair with coercion … Continue reading Pastor Note #138: The Way of Jesus: Selfless Service OR Coercion and Domination?

Quote of Note #187/Prayer Note #66: A National Prayer

~ gachorpenning ~ Leave a comment

"O God, who art the Ruler and Judge of all nations, look mercifully on our land. Sanctify all that is rich and noble in our traditions. Grant that our ideals and aspirations may be in accordance with thy will. Take away pride and false pretense from our midst; give us humility in our relations with … Continue reading Quote of Note #187/Prayer Note #66: A National Prayer