May 9, 2021 1 John 5:1-6 Growing up, I was captivated by the work of M.C. Escher. Trying to determine in many of his drawings whether the stairs were ascending or descending. Where did they start and where did they end? In much of his art, he incorporated the use of a Mobius strip. For… Continue reading Faith in Action
Tag: God
God Is Love
May 2, 2021 1 John 4:7-21 Can you point to a time in your life where you truly had a deep love for your neighbor? I am not talking about the way you love a partner, or your family. I am talking about a love that goes beyond barriers. Barriers we have self-constructed. Francis of… Continue reading God Is Love
A Living Obedience
March 28, 2021 Palm Sunday Mark 14:17-36 As Jesus enters Jerusalem to fanfare and shouts of “Hosanna,” I am sure that the disciples still fully did not understand what was about to take place. They were holding out hope that Jesus would be like the conquering Messiah they had imagined. Jesus predicting his death, is… Continue reading A Living Obedience
Change Reveals God
January 24, 2021 Mark 1:14-20 Well, John was arrested, however, let us carry on in the work that needs to be done. Mark quickly glosses over this mention and we are immediately immersed in the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. Jesus is asking a lot of his new followers in the gospel lesson and they… Continue reading Change Reveals God
God Wakes Us
November 29, 2020 (Advent 1) Mark 13:24-37 As we sat down at the dining room table Thursday, it was quite different from past Thanksgivings. We chose to have Thanksgiving this year with just our household while also reaching out to family through the wonders of Zoom. I am thankful for opportunities to be able… Continue reading God Wakes Us
Review: The Mystery of Suffering and the Meaning of God
As a pastor, it is probably one of the most received questions that I hear, “Why to bad things happen to good people?” This age old question is known as theodicy. Laytner goes to the depths of this theology through his own personal experiences. Anson Hugh Laytner retired from a career in nonprofit and academic… Continue reading Review: The Mystery of Suffering and the Meaning of God
The Gospel of Inclusion by Brandan Robertson, Book Review
There are many books available on the market that explore what it means to be part of the LGBT+ community in the Church of Christ. Those that are opposed to full LGBT+ inclusion often use scripture to make their point known for all that will hear. In the process they often neglect that everyone is… Continue reading The Gospel of Inclusion by Brandan Robertson, Book Review
I Don’t Know
June 16, 2019 John 16:12-15 “I don’t know!” This sentence alone can be interpreted in many ways. For a teacher asking a student the answer to a math or science question, it shows that the student does not comprehend or simply failed to do the homework or reading. When it comes to hearing this answer… Continue reading I Don’t Know
The Spirit Abides!
June 9, 2018 John 14:8-17, 25-27 There is an anxiousness that often times will creep up within me when I find myself in a place that is unfamiliar. Perhaps, you know exactly what I am talking about. It is that feeling when you feel yourself at an unease and you begin looking around for someone… Continue reading The Spirit Abides!
Cultivating Change
March 24, 2019 Luke 13:1-9 Once upon a time a psychology professor walked around on a stage while teaching stress management principles to an auditorium filled with students. As she raised a glass of water, everyone expected they’d be asked the typical “glass half empty or glass half full” question. Instead, with a smile on… Continue reading Cultivating Change
a mysterious way 