How do we experience the new birth? Is there a formula? Or, rather, is it God's free gift promised to us in baptism? Where do we go to seek it out?
Experiencing New Birth
The New Birth
Do Presbyterians/Reformed Christians believe in being "born again?" What does that mean, anyway? Here's a shot at explaining our approach to the question.
Called by Name
...what life-altering faith requires is Jesus speaking our name, calling us in the power of the Spirit to see and to know that his is risen, and that we are his. The initiative always belongs to God in Christ Jesus.
Sin or sins?
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.
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 …
