We are certainly living in “interesting times.” Everywhere I look something is happening. I just shake my head and pray. There are wars in Europe and the Middle East and nationwide protests about the latter. I could write a long list of many things happening locally, nationally, and internationally. The list would be both exhaustive and exhausting. It would inevitably be missing something. From trials to elections to locker rooms to sports to wars to rumors of wars, the list only goes on and on. This article is not about lists. Our faith as Christians is not based on lists. Our faith is based ..read more

Every year something stands out in the drama of Holy Week which begins with Jesus’ dramatic entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday (March 24). On Maundy / Holy Thursday (March 28) Jesus celebrates the first communion amidst a Seder meal that commemorates Passover and escape from bondage in Egypt. Jesus then washes his disciples’ feet and commands them to love one another. People will know that we are Christians by our love. Churches are known in a variety of ways, but rarely by love. The Maundy / Holy Thursday service ends with a silent commemoration of when Jesus was betrayed, taken by civil and ..read more

In this article I will discuss Jesus’ shocking words and actions following his resurrection. Prior to the resurrection, Peter transitioned from following Jesus to fighting to defend Jesus (John 18:10) to three times denying ever knowing Jesus (Mark 14:66-72, Matthew 26:69-75, Luke 22:54-62) to grieving Jesus. Following the resurrection, Jesus appeared to all who were present. Sadly, Thomas was absent from church that day. The other disciples shared the good news of the resurrection. Thomas declared that he would not believe until he saw for himself. What would you do if you were Jesus in th ..read more

What if? Many questions and conversations begin with “What if?” It is a fascinating thought process. I watched a series based on that very question, specifically on what if the United States had lost World War II. In the series (called “The Man in the High Castle”), the United States is occupied by both Third Reich and Imperial Japanese forces with many suffering across the country and around the world. I have read books and essays about what America would be like if the British had won the revolutionary war, if the South had won the Civil War, if the Germans had won World War I and/or Worl ..read more

Every year something stands out in the drama of Holy Week, which begins with Jesus’ dramatic entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. On Maundy/Holy Thursday, Jesus celebrates the first Communion amid a Seder meal that commemorates Passover and escape from bondage in Egypt. Jesus then washes his disciples’ feet and commands them to love one another. People will know that we are Christians by our love. Churches are known in a variety of ways, but rarely by love. The Maundy/Holy Thursday service ends with a silent commemoration of when Jesus was betrayed, captured by civil and religious authoritie ..read more

The season of Lent began this week on Feb. 22 — Ash Wednesday. Opinions vary on when Lent ends. Some traditions believe that Lent ends with Holy Week beginning with Palm Sunday, April 2. Others observe Lent ending on Maundy/Holy Thursday or Easter/Resurrection Sunday. Lent is a 40-day period. If one counts each day on the calendar, the total is 46 days, not 40. So how is Lent a 40 days within an actual 46-day period? The key is Sundays. Our Lord Jesus Christ rose from the dead on a Sunday, and we continue to celebrate his resurrection on Sundays all year. Sundays are not fasting days even wit ..read more

It’s OK to pray in public again. What happened to restore prayer in the public square? Was it an amazing sermon, or did a notorious sinner repent at a big tent revival? No. It wasn’t a preacher, a pariah, or a place. It was Monday Night Football. All it took was an outstanding safety, making an excellent open field tackle and then, shockingly, dropping dead seconds later. Medical staff took the field as teammates and opponents took a knee in prayer. Tears flowed as CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) began and an AED (Automatic External defibrillator) was used. Seconds turned into minutes ..read more

On Monday night, I was watching Monday Night Football when Buffalo Bills Safety Damar Hamlin collapsed following an open field tackle. I figured he’d be back up in a few minutes and on the sideline for medical evaluation. My mind flashed back to another Monday Night Football game in which Denver Broncos Wide Receiver Ed McCaffrey broke his leg while making a reception for a first down. It was the biggest news in Colorado and promised to be the lead story, if not the only story the next day. Events thousands of miles away completely overshadowed any mention of football on that September 11, 200 ..read more

‘Tis the season to remember the most famous unwed pregnant teenager of all time, Mary. Ponder Mary in your heart this Advent season. Through the angel Gabriel, God called upon Mary to be Jesus’ mother. Apparently, Gabriel frightened her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” (Luke 1:30 English Standard Version). “Do not be afraid” is repeated 365 times in scripture, a daily reminder whenever you’re feeling anxious. If the angel Gabriel’s reassurance was helpful his next statement might not have been. “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you s ..read more

Are you a Pharisee or tax collector? Do you know any Pharisees or tax collectors? Stick with me a minute, and we’ll both learn. Pharisees were a dedicated bunch. They were very strict in interpreting and obeying Old Testament rules and commandments. Their very identity was demonstrated by how they lived their life in accordance with their faith. They were very legalistic. Pharisees held themselves as examples of how best to live your faith and judged others for failing to do the same. Before you dismiss them, consider one you might know. His name was Saul, and he describes himself as a Pharis ..read more