Theme of the Day: The Living Lord Produces Active Faith Generally, our actions are shaped by our beliefs. People who eat low-carb diets do so, probably not because they hate pasta, but because they believe it healthiest. If a man buys stock in a company, it probably is because he believes in their business plan. […]
Theme of the Day: The Risen Savior Provides Shepherds Scripture frequently pictures spiritual care in terms of a shepherd watching over sheep. Even folks unfamiliar with shepherding are able to grasp the meaning. Sheep are helpless animals—an easy meal for predators. For sheep to survive they needed a shepherd who not only leads them to […]
Theme of the Day: We Have A Meaningful Message To Share A platitude is a statement aimed at helping sooth some sort of emotional unease. “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” Or “Life is a mystery.” Or “Good things come to those who wait.” While platitudes may be well-intentioned, at best they come off […]
Theme of the Day: The Living Lord Gives Proof and Peace In most world religions, the alleged foundational event was experienced by only one person. A self-proclaimed prophet would allege he alone had some special encounter with God. “No really! Just trust me. It really happened.” The resurrection reality is so very different. In the […]
Theme of the Day: All Will Be Made Alive Studies have shown that most people fear death to varying degrees. This fear is so common, there is even a field of psychological study called thanatology. It examines human reaction to death and dying. One of the biggest reasons people fear death is the perception of […]
Theme of the Day: A Service of Seven Words from the Cross Isaiah 52:13-53:12 Luke 23:32-34 Luke 23:35-43 John 19:25-27 Matthew 27:45,46 John 19:28,29 John 19:30 Luke 23:44-46 John 19:31-42 422 – A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth 436 – The Seven Words 437 – Rest, O Christ, from All Your Labor 817 – Lord, Thee […]
Theme of the Day: Rethinking Sacrifice In most religions the gods demand sacrifice. Followers are to surrender something of value to that god. Money. Time. Possessions. Some religions have even called for human sacrifice. Even people who think they aren’t religious sacrifice to false gods. Take the man whose idol is success. What he wants […]
Theme of the Day: Rethinking Our Appetites We use the word “appetite” to describe a powerful desire for something. So, what is it you crave the most? Where does your mind go in those quiet moments? What do you want? Power? What do you dream about? Prestige? For what do you hunger? Pleasure? Are our […]
Theme of the Day: Rethinking Real Strength Most religions believe in a powerful God. It is assumed that God will use that strength for the benefit of his followers. That is a reasonable assumption, but it begs the question. What is real strength? It is easy to assume that real strength means exerting your will […]
Theme of the Day: Rethinking Commitment Religious sociologists sometimes divide Christians into two groups: committed Christians and cultural Christians. The former are usually defined as those who are active in a congregation, who pray regularly, who read Scripture, etc. The latter are those individuals who call themselves Christian and perhaps have some Christian beliefs. Yet, […]
