I perceive a divided opinion among Christians over the killing of Osama bin Laden. Some Christians are thrilled at the news that bin Laden is dead at the hands of American special forces. Other Christians believe the proper response is almost mourning, as bin Laden has been sent, almost certainly, to a Christ-less eternity. Perhaps I am foolish to try … Read More
Thoughts on Baptism
Yesterday, I had the privilege to baptize almost 20 people in our Easter celebrations. At the end of the second service, I left the tank with tears running down my face, aglow in the power of this simple act in the water. Because I didn’t get to say much about it yesterday in the flow of our services, I’d just … Read More
Easter Bunny Theology
Sometimes church people and even well-meaning pastors miss some of the most amazing moments for reaching people through the cultural windows that are present and create opportunities for the gospel to come alive. I’m thinking about those moments in the Christian calendar that intersect with a huge cross-section of nominal Christians–Christmas and Easter. Tomorrow is Easter. Just today, as a … Read More
Forsaken
I don’t know how it is where you are, but where I live it is raining and kind of raw outside, like most Good Fridays I’ve experienced in my life. On Good Friday, I find my mind drifting to the central image of my faith–the crucifixion of Jesus. A lot happened that day, and they put him on the cross … Read More
Reflections on Lent
You may know someone this last week who began observing Lent, the 40 day period preceding Easter. It’s a time when Christians prepare for the coming of Holy Week and Easter through prayer, fasting, alms-giving and self-denial. Some call it the “Spring Training” of Christianity! In fact, this past week started the season of Lent with Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday … Read More