If you've ever wondered what sin is, here is my best shot at giving you a brief overview based, largely, on excerpts from the book of Romans.
Sin or sins?
Losing Control
He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. –Colossians 1:17 As I detailed last week, I often pride myself on being prepared and having a plan. I also pride myself on doing what I say I’m going to do. When preparations aren’t enough, and you fall short, what is your …
Simul justus et peccator
The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also. —1 John 4:21 I was all set to go. I had a topic for the newsletter's “Word from the Pastor.” I was sure the topic was of pressing concern. I had outlined the essay, lined up …
Welcome to the Fight
Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins.—1 Peter 4:8 This month, I've been spending some time talking about the concept of "Spiritual Warfare" with my congregation. I've been using the book of Revelation to frame this concept, along with passages from 1 Timothy and Ephesians. That said, …
Constructing our Lives
“For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.” —Ephesians 2:10 In an essay entitled, “Enhancement Technologies and Identity Ethics,” Dr. Carl Elliot reflects on the impact technology has on us given our obsession with identity, self-fulfillment, and “finding” …
The Hour
"In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 All went to their own towns to be registered. 4 Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, …
Waiting and Watching
“Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and shield.” -Psalm 33:20 I hate to wait, and I often complain about having to wait around. The funny thing is, the Lord has a great sense of humor, and so I have been given my heart’s desire. The silent pause right after Thanksgiving has …
For All The Saints
For many of us, October 31 is filled with laughing children, spooky costumes, and lots and lots of candy. While all this is a great fun, especially for those of us who are kids at heart (have you seen me in my Spock costume?), what about the day after Halloween, November 1, All Saints' Day? …
Hard Sayings, Harder Time
23 “All things are lawful,” but not all things are beneficial. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. 24 Do not seek your own advantage, but that of the other. - 1 Corinthians 10:23-24 This past Sunday was tough. "Tough" really isn't an adequate enough word to describe my sermon from this past Sunday. I …
Walking with a Limp
Elijah then came near to all the people, and said, “How long will you go [limping/how long will you waver between] two [convictions]? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Ba’al, follow him.” The people did not answer him a word. - 1 Kings 18:21 Limping, I think, is probably a fair characterization …
