The book of Ecclesiastes seems like an odd place to go to find answers. Initially it sounds like an awfully stoic and, at times, even depressing book. But in its pages we find wisdom for living in a world where time seems short and pleasures fleeting....
Mark’s Gospel is the earliest biography of the life of Jesus that we have. Most likely written between 50 and 60 AD, it provides us with a detailed account of Jesus’ ministry from his baptism to his resurrection....
Each new year brings with it the opportunity for a new start. We look ahead to the coming 12 months with hopes, dreams, goals, and ambitions.... ...
We live in a world in which waiting is uncomfortable. In a time of instant gratification and quick fixes, we will do anything to get past “the in-between” times to find relief and quick answers to life’s struggles. But, if we push past the times of waiting, lament, and longing, we miss the glory of the arrival on the other side of the waiting. ...
The Bible holds stories that go beyond simple words on a page. These stories give us a deeper understanding of faith, sin, and salvation. ...
Do you need a vacation from your vacation? Maybe you need to spend some time Rethinking Rest....
Ancient Ephesus was one of the greatest urban centers in the Roman world. It was host to the Temple of Artemis, considered one of the great wonders of the ancient world. It was diverse, cosmopolitan, and home to a variety of religions. And what some saw as challenges, Paul saw as opportunities, for the church in Ephesus became one of the great sending churches in the ancient world....
This Sunday, we celebrate Pentecost, which marks a turning point in the story of God’s people......
IN THIS HOUSE WE BELIEVE: Science is Real Black Lives Matter Women’s Rights are Human Rights Love is Love No Human is Illegal Kindness is Everything...
During Lent, we are joining together in the Forgiving Challenge, a life-changing journey of experiencing the gift of God’s grace so that we can share it with others. ...
We live in a world of 280-character sound bites and pop philosophy. In a society moving at breakneck speed with attention spans rarely longer than a few minutes, we often look for a quick fix as we move about our days and weeks. But the world is not that simple. It is vast and complex, with challenges that defy not only our quick answers but even the knowledge of experts. What we need is wisdom. ...
According to Rebecca McLaughlin, in her book Confronting Christianity, religion’s decline in the modern world turns out to be a myth. Christianity is the most widespread global belief system, and promises to remain so well into the future. But for many educated westerners, biblical Christianity is a dangerous idea—challenging some of their deepest beliefs. ...
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, an “exile” is someone who is living in a “voluntary or forced absence from their home or country.” It is a word used to describe the feeling of dis-location that so many people face when living far away from the comfortable or the familiar....
Today, when we say the word “church” it conjures up a lot of different images and ideas in peoples’ minds: a close-minded religious group, a comfortable gathering of like-minded believers, a building. There are countless different definitions, some positive, others negative, but very few could be called “inspiring.” But what if all of these definitions miss the mark?...
The story of Genesis is a story of remarkable beginnings that introduces us to the person of God, the nature of our world, and what it means to live a life of faith. Ultimately, it is a story that points us to the grace of God given to us through Jesus who is the Word made flesh who has come to bring light into our darkness, life from death, and hope to every nation on earth. ...
This past year has been a year of isolation and strain. With COVID continuing to rear its head, we have been disconnected not only physically, but also relationally. Which is why we want to start this year new, by focusing again on the relationships which are most important: our relationships with God, with our fellow Christians, and with those who don’t yet know Jesus. As we start 2022, let’s start new together. ...
Over the centuries artists have tried to capture the figure of Jesus. From mosaics, icons, sculptures, and paintings to television and film, images of Jesus can be found all around the world. But what if these pictures are getting in the way of actually seeing Jesus for who he really is?...
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