Volume 12, Issue 3
Joy
Cover Stories
Joy in Joyless Times
By Rev. Candace Chellew
Even in joyless times like our own, we must find ways to tune in to that still, small voice — to use our God-granted freedom to connect with God and work diligently to discern God’s will for our lives and the world. It is in that intimate connection with God that we will find true joy. It is in that silence, where we hear God speak and feel God move within us, where we know the peace that passes understanding.
Untakeable, Unshakable Joy
By Lori Heine
Jesus makes it clear that those who place their trust in God’s love, as revealed in Him, have a joy that absolutely no one can ever take away from them.
A City of Joy
By Rev. Suzie Chamness
We may have some “down” times, but it is certainly safe to say every Christian is happier than we would be without Christ. If not, we have not understood the real meaning of the Gospel of God’s Grace. So, when the multitudes came to know Jesus, there was great joy in the town.
Joy Does Not Come Easily
By Neil Ellis Orts
The day begins with the caller I.D. warning against picking up the ringing phone. The breakfast bowl sees measured portions — rations — of store brand cereal and milk. Miss the bus. Spend the day with unhappy customers.
Joy in the Moment
By Gayle A. Humphrey, RN BSN, BA, MPA
Joy goes much deeper than happiness. While happiness is fleeting and dependent on the events of the moment, joy is not dependent on happy moments but is able to transcend every experience, no matter how good or bad, and bring us closer, even into the presence of God.
Pennies from Heaven
By John H. Campbell
Keep an eye out for, collect, and cherish those moments, those little “pennies from heaven” which God showers onto us, to get you through the challenging times and bring more joy and awareness all of the time. Look for the unexpected moments of joy, hope and love everywhere in the everyday and during the good and bad times and be open, ready and grateful when they do arrive.
The Joy of Our Faith
By Stephen Hanchett
Being a Christian means living in the joy of knowing that our life will go on forever in the presence of God. And that whatever injustice we may suffer now, or see others suffer, we should think of it as a cause for celebration, knowing and believing that God is just, and that those who are unjustly despised and dishonored now will one day be honored and rewarded in heaven.
Features
Take a Hike: “Asphalt Jesus” Takes Progressive Christianity on the Road
By Rev. Candace Chellew
As followers of Christ, often we find it far too intimidating or difficult to go across the street to share our faith with another person, let alone take a 2,500 mile walk. That’s what a group of people from Arizona did last year.
When Religion Becomes an Addiction: An Interview with Dr. Robert N. Minor
By Rev. Candace Chellew
We’ve all heard of people who are “high on Jesus,” but what happens when a religious person can’t get enough of that high feeling and will do anything in their power to keep that high going?
An Open Letter to the LGBT Community
By Bishop Gene Robinson
We have every right to be impatient. We MUST keep pushing the Church to do the right thing. We must never let anyone believe that we will be satisfied with anything less than the full affirmation of us and our relationships as children of God.
Getting into the God Box
By Rev. Dr. Jerry S. Maneker
What helps make this book unique is that Sanchez doesn’t preach at us, but integrates within an exciting narrative, the crucial points that every Gay and non-Gay Christian needs to hear.
I Felt How the Apostle Paul Must Have Felt: A Reflection on Our Ministry in Kenya to LGBT’s
By Steve Parelli
I didn’t feel like the Apostle Paul the man, nor the Apostle Paul the Christian, not even the Apostle Paul the vessel filled. I felt more like an empty instrument which for some reason at this brief moment in time, God was happy to use.
Dear Larry Craig: Now You Know
By Dr. Marty Klein, Ph.D.
Now you know what it’s like. I don’t say this in a mean way, I’m just pointing out a simple fact: Now you know what it’s like.
TV’s Leap of Faith
By Mark I. Pinsky
After decades of avoiding religion for fear of alienating viewers and sponsors, prime time television discovered an audience for faith-related shows. That is, as long as the series were upbeat, inspirational, and rarely (if ever) used the word “Jesus.”
There’s Money, Not Bigotry, in Our Genes
By Dr. Robert N. Minor
Genetic research promises a slew of possibilities for improving humanity. But it can also be useful to deflect our attention from the systemic causes of bigotry, violence, and inhumanity that are embedded in the values of our political-social-economic system.
We Are a Resurrection People
By Rev. Dr. Jerry S. Maneker
Gay or Straight, when we listen to God and obey His call on our lives, despite what others, including other professing Christians, say about our obedience to God’s call on our lives, we show ourselves to be a resurrection people!
Queer Christian Art: An Empowering Gift
By Kittredge Cherry
Images of Christ as queer or female are now popping up around the globe with increasing frequency in political debate, historical research, artistic expression, and spiritual contemplation.
Letters to the Editor
From the Pulpit
What Do You Say?
By Rev. Candace Chellew
Whenever we were in a situation where I received something, whether it was something I really wanted or not, Mom would always ask me, “What do you say?” I can tell you from harsh experience that the correct answer was not, “It’s about time! What took you so long?”
Bible Study
The Bible: A User’s Manual, Part 1
By Rev. Micah Royal
Usually when someone causes hurt or oppression with the Bible they are mis-using it. This is called “Bible abuse.” The best way to guard yourself against being its victim is to learn how to read the Bible for yourselves.