Hope Church

We have too much of a hero complex. Maybe it is our Americanism coming out, in thinking we are the superior saviors of the world. But I think it is mostly our pride manifesting itself in a sense of superiority over anyone at anytime that we deem as inferior. It so easy, even on a missions trip to think, “I’m here to teach you! Now quietly sit and listen to my pearls of wisdom fall from my lips.”

 

Life in our times continues to amaze me. Not that long ago going on a missions trip meant long days of travel, encountering dangerous conditions and obstacles en route, complete separation from friends and family, detachment from all things familiar, and many days of learning and adjustment before effective ministry could take place. But, not in today’s world.

 

We continue working through 1 Corinthians on Sunday Mornings. Here is a cool way to see in visual/art form the words & ideas in 1 Corinthians.

 

 

Experiment with your own wordle.

This Christmas we encouraged people to not just make Christmas about collecting more stuff but using what God has blessed them with to GIVE. This week I had the great opportunity to hear from two of the groups that we helped.

 

This season has been intentionally low-key for my family. It’s been due partially to family additions this year, as well as sickness, and life. But some of it has been with the hope we would not get caught in the trap of gifts=love or stuff=good Christmas.

 

But don’t worry that I’ve gone “Ba-Humbug”. Getting “wrapped up for Christmas" was unavoidable.

 

What Jesus accomplished at the cross is both simple and at the same time multi-faced. These truths are of central importance in initially coming to faith but can’t be left behind for deeper truths. In a recent book Mark Driscoll helps us see these different aspects of the cross. Death by Love is an exploration of cross that is both a theological rich and pastoral helpful.

 

I know for many of you that is a repulsive thought? If you have ever sat near me in church you know why. But I can be heard along with Brian Metz on an upcoming CD release, sort of.

 

On the day after the election, I want to issue a challenge to both sides of the aisle.  No matter if your candidate won or lost, I
want to encourage you to think about some scripture that should guide your attitudes, words, and actions for the next four years and hopefully beyond. 

 

If your candidate won my challenge to you . . .