How fascinating it is that 2000 years later, there are some things we do that 'mimic' the Early Church, and some we have discarded...depending on the culture. For instance, how many ladies did you see wearing hats last Sunday in church? For that matter, how many truly have long hair. By the same token, we had some men present who have their hair in a pony tail. Are any of these less spiritual? Pau...  Read More

Wednesday, August 30, 2023Matthew 6:1-24Sometimes God calls us back to basics. In the heart of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) Jesus teaches the crowds how to pray. That ‘template’ for prayer has become an opportunity for us to agree together on many a Sunday, prayer gathering, and personal time spent in God’s presence. I’ve been leaning into the Common English Bible (CEB) translation this y...  Read More

Did Paul just say what I think he said? I want you to pattern your lives after me, just as I pattern mine after Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1, TPT). There is a good chance you and I have a negative association with the word 'mimic' (unless it's a part of someone's stand-up routine). However, that is the root of the word that Paul actually uses. The lexicon says it means 'to strive to be like, imitate...  Read More

Is it weird sometimes how a random term pops into your mind? It might be because my ADD mind can be so random...I know, I left the 'H' out.   Read More

In pondering 'Christian Liberty' and reflecting on Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 9:19: "Although I am free from all and not anyone’s slave, I have made myself a slave to everyone, in order to win more people" (CSB), Martin Luther wrote this famous line: "A Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none. A Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject to all." In context, Lut...  Read More

What is good to the core and appealing to experience is the beautiful unity that exists in God's Family (Psalm 133). This is where the Spirit is abundantly present and at work (like the oil of anointing), and where God's commanded blessing finds its eternal resting place. No wonder Paul so emphasizes these realities in his writings. Today we read them in practice in 1 Corinthians 8. For instance: ...  Read More