If the shoe fits . . .
The Kind of Society Built by Bystanders
16 unintended but inescapable consequences for a society caught in the riptide of complicity
Lyrics
Stand Up for Jesus
Dudley Atkins Tyng was an Episcopal priest who had been deposed from his rectorship in Philadelphia for being an abolitionist. At a YMCA revival in March 1858, Tyng preached on Exodus 10.11 which in the King James Version is rendered: “Go now ye that are men, and serve the
If the shoe fits . . .
Whence a Fur Coat
Of speechless seconds, lipstick, and becoming a bystander.
Liturgy
10 Quick Notes About Advent
1. What does the word advent mean? The English word advent derives from the Latin ad “toward” + venīre “come”. So, advent indicates something coming (or approaching or proceeding) toward us. Most often, advent refers to the Messiah (Jesus Christ) coming to us. 2. When does the Messiah come to us?
Being Transformed by Renewing Our Mind
Rebecca, Resurrection, and Seeing the Face of God — Luke 20.27–38
A sermon preached November 9, 2025. Rebecca Nancy and I will be at the funeral of Nancy’s 29 year-old niece Rebecca who died of heartbreak 6 weeks after a tractor trailer killed her husband riding his bicycle. Gospel Now, in today’s assigned Gospel reading, some rich people who
Prayer
A Thanksgiving Prayer
How awesome to be in your presence, Lord; to sit at your feet; to nestle ’neath your wings. How fearfully and wonderfully the Potter is molding me. How abundant the indwelling Holy Spirit: igniting my broken heart, strengthening my feeble spirit, purifying my sin-sick soul. How privileged to glorify the
Being Transformed by Renewing Our Mind
3 Drownings & 3 Faiths in Luke 16.19 to 17.10
He designed a tree that would serve Jesus not as a strawman that is easily blown down, but as a formidable target — not unlike God’s creation of Goliath.
Discipleship
What Baptism IS and is NOT
6 things baptism IS & 8 things baptism is NOT
Immigration
A Hymn for Immigration
I was really convicted this week when I came across these lines from an old-fashion hymn: "Thy voice calls me home, saying, 'There is room. There is room at my side for thee!'”
intertextual
8 Stations toward the Humility to See
"For what you see and hear depends a good deal on where you are standing: it also depends on what sort of person you are." —C. S. Lewis, The Magician's Nephew chapter X on Uncle Andrew's misperception 💡"For what you see and hear
Prayer
Prayers for Easter Sunday
Let us pray like we actually want the resurrected Messiah's reign and agenda -- which of course is submitted to God the Father's kingdom and will.
Hebrew
Yahweh & Yeshua in Psalm 118
Reading both Yahweh (or Yah where the abbreviated form is used) when the Divine name appears in Hebrew, and Yeshua where this Hebrew word for salvation appears brings Palm 118 alive for Palm Sunday and Easter Resurrection Sunday. Verse 25 hits us with new impact when we hear the opening