Readings: Exodus 33:12-23, Matthew 22:15-22 I used to think my dad was God. He was a Southern Baptist preacher and each Sunday I’d see him ascend onto the stage and take his place behind the pulpit. There he was – placed high above those of
A friend of mine, just back from a conference at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s headquarters in Chicago (our “Vatican”), sported a sassy new T-shirt. On the front was a colorful portrait of Martin Luther, giving the world a jaunty wink. And on the
At one time in my life, when I was in the midst of a very difficult time, I recall an argument that I had with a self-proclaimed “born again Atheist” friend of mine. Before he and I had crossed paths, he had at one time
If you think you understand, it isn’t God. (Soren Kierkegaard) This is one of my favorite quotes, and one of my favorite concepts. I think the reason I like this concept so much is because it always keeps me on my toes. It never lets
There are times when human languages prove to be inadequate, where words are pale in comparison to the idea or thought being conveyed. Describe an apple to a blind man. He knows what an apple is, but has never seen “red,” nor “round” (at least
I believe that becoming a new creation calls us to totally rethink sexuality. I am challenged to abandon male and female and become one in Christ. My exploration of my new creation self could include some disturbing concepts. As much as I might relish my
And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom… (2 Timothy 4:18) Jesus said that His kingdom was not of this world! (John 18:36) His disciples were to have eternity in mind, and not be bound
“I believe in God, the Father Almighty.” How many times have we said these words? For me I think it has hit the 1000+ mark, and that is just the times I’ve said it as part of a church service. But what do I see
We were picking blackberries in Franklin, Georgia. He was on one side of the bush and I was on the other. I looked up and said “Dad, I am gay.” He looked directly at me through the thorny branches, heavy with berries. “Well, you can’t
The book of Proverbs tells us that “Pride goeth before a fall.” In the case of Black Gay Pride celebrations, Pride will go on before the fall and throughout the fall, from July through October, as thousands of African-American lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT)