It upends almost every idea we have about deity. It challenges almost every ambition we for ourselves. This tension between Jesus as Sovereign and Jesus… Read More »Living in the Tension Between Sovereign and Servant (30 Days of Mostly Silence-Day 13)
He had an eternity to prepare the nursery, and this is what he came up with. He was King of Kings , yet this… Read More »Why the Manger Matters, Even in July (30 Days of Mostly Silence-Day 10)
When J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit opens, Bilbo Baggins is enjoying a comfortable and predictable life at his home in the Shire.[1] But then the wizard Gandalf drops by for a surprise visit. Gandalf says to Bilbo, “I am looking for someone to share in an adventure that I am arranging, and it’s very difficult to find anyone.” Bilbo replies, “I should think so—in these parts! We are plain quiet folk and have no use for adventures. Nasty, disturbing, uncomfortable things! Make you late for dinner! I can’t think what anybody sees in them.” Bilbo starts looking through his mail, hoping that Gandalf will leave. But Gandalf continues gazing at Bilbo. Bilbo angrily exclaims, “We don’t want any adventures here, thank you! You might try over The Hill or across The Water.” But Gandalf responds, “I will go so far as to send you on this adventure. Very amusing for me, very good for you and profitable too, very likely, if you ever get over it.” “Sorry,” Bilbo concludes, “I don’t want any adventures, thank you. Not today. Good morning!” And with that Bilbo slams his door. Read More »Follow: Misadventure (Mark 3) May 19, 2013 – Sunday Morning Message
One without authority. That’s how preacher and author Fred Craddock described us back in 1969. In his As One Without Authority Craddock was addressing the… Read More »Who is Preaching? (5 Questions for Preaching in a Changing Culture #2)