Preserving the Gospel

Part of my sermon this past Sunday (August 13, 2023) included a conversation about what it means to be made a “kingdom of priests” by God (Exodus 19:6). Biblically, the priesthood is responsible for basically two things: teaching the Law of God to the people and facilitating and protecting worship. Within the nation of Israel,... Continue Reading →

God Is Always At Work. Exodus 1:7

When the book of Exodus opens, we are told that the children of Israel “were fruitful and increased greatly” (Exodus 1:7). This is on the heels of the text telling us there were only about 70 family members who came to Egypt to live under Joseph’s care. Even after Israel was enslaved, it happened that,... Continue Reading →

I am Insufficient to the Task

Some Sundays after the service, I feel grateful and energized. Some days I feel like I need to retreat to my office and take a nap. Some days I feel like I need a punching bag. Recently I have taken up the habit of reading either a prayer (currently out of Piercing Heaven) or soaking... Continue Reading →

Letter To My Church On Racism

A friend recently reminded me of this letter I wrote to our congregation in the wake of the protests and death at Charlottesville, VA, 2017. It struck me as something still relevant and important. Letter to LHC After Charlottesville, VA Heather and I have been on vacation trying to “unplug” a bit, but, unfortunately, it... Continue Reading →

Pastors in the Public Square

Is the call of God opposed to a Christian or a pastor being a public intellectual? One man on my Facebook page says that calling a pastor a public intellectual is an insult to the call of God. God does not need educated people to speak through them. This is the kind of anti-intellectualism I... Continue Reading →

An Incarnated Church

On the Primacy of Embodiment, Against the Online Instructors is a wonderful essay at The Public Discourse. It deals head-on with the clear shortcomings of online education from the point of view of human nature. We have known for a long time that long term disembodied education is not only a disservice to both teacher... Continue Reading →

Leaving False Teaching

When the Old Testament nation of Judah split into two kingdoms, the fallout included more than just a split of kings and courts. It involved a split of priests and worship as well. Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, was far from a righteous king, but he did keep the Temple in Jerusalem and worship to... Continue Reading →

Faithful Pastors in Pandemics

I think faithful pastors are heroes right now. I have nothing to take away from the hard work and suffering of those we consider to be first responders during the COVID pandemic. Nurses, doctors, police and fire, grocery workers, delivery drivers, a lot of teachers, and so many more, have all extended themselves in 2020... Continue Reading →

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