Tag: Jesus

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

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

Quote of Note #185: Self-sacrificial Service

~ gachorpenning ~ Leave a comment

"Proponents of American Christian nationalism argue that the church should fight to gain worldly power to promote their way of life and protect themselves from their enemies. Jesus, on the other hand, teaches us that power is to be used to self-sacrificially serve others, even our enemies." Caleb E. Campbell, Disarming Leviathan: Loving Your Christian … Continue reading Quote of Note #185: Self-sacrificial Service

Quote of Note #184: The Power of the Cross or the Power of the Sword?

~ gachorpenning ~ Leave a comment

"American Christian nationalism calls us to take up the power of the sword, gain more power, and use it to protect and promote our way of life. Jesus calls us to take up our cross and use our power to serve others, especially those who are not like us. When things seem out of control, … Continue reading Quote of Note #184: The Power of the Cross or the Power of the Sword?

Quote of Note #183: Giving Myself Away for Christ

~ gachorpenning ~ Leave a comment

"But the truth is that there is enough time and enough wealth to go around. The people in the churches every Sunday outnumber the people who are on the streets and the number of people who are on welfare. If the church took up the responsibility of caring for the poor, of living internationally, of … Continue reading Quote of Note #183: Giving Myself Away for Christ

Pastor Note #137: Other People’s Sins & Reading the Bible

~ gachorpenning ~ 1 Comment

When reading the Bible, do you ever find yourself convicted about some sin in your life?  Do you find that the Bible sometimes points out something about the way you’re living that just isn’t right with God?  That’s uncomfortable, isn’t it?  Let me suggest a surefire way to keep that from happening.  Try to always … Continue reading Pastor Note #137: Other People’s Sins & Reading the Bible