John Wesley, Legalism, and Love (part 3)

It is a well known fact that a pitfall of “holiness” traditions (those that trace their spiritual heritage to John Wesley) is legalism.  Rules rule our lives.  We often find “holiness” in a list of what NOT to do.  I’ve heard it said, “don’t drink, smoke, cuss, or chew – or go out with girls [...]

John Wesley, Christian Perfection, Love (part 1)

I recently read John Wesley’s little book, A Plain Account of Christian Perfection, written in 1777 as a summary of his teaching on Christian perfection (also knows as entire sanctification).
As a result of growing up in a Wesleyan denomination (Nazarene) and of my studies as a theology student, have come to terms with the doctrine [...]

Women and Ministry

I’ve not blogged for a long time.  Too long.  I enjoy writing and thinking and expressing what is going on in my mind.  Lately I’ve just not had much to say.
But today I became aware of a piece that President Jimmy Carter wrote and it struck a nerve,  I loved what he had to write [...]

Mission trip to missional life

For any of you involved with “mission trips” or justice issues – especialy if you work with children or teens – you may want to check out this video about a new set of resources from the Fuller Youth Institute:

Happy Earth Day 2009

I’m recycling a post from last year’s Earth Day.  I am still struck by the fact that God has commanded us to practice Sabbath and how incredibly “green” real Sabbaths are.  So, here is a recycled blog post on Earth Day and Sabbath:

 
I just read this today: “If Christians were to stop driving, shopping, and [...]

A Sign of bad Theology

 

 
I almost never like what I read on church signs. This one, in particular, really hit a nerve. Just in case the picture isn’t working the words read, “Don’t make me come down there!  -God”
 
What is wrong with this? Only about a dozen things.  Here are four that come to my mind [...]

Surprised by Hope

I’m not in the mood to write much, but you should know know that I have recently read, without question, one of the best books about theological topics I have ever come across.  It is called Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church written by N.T. Wright (no surprise [...]

CHRIST

These are the words to be said at the final lighting of an Advent wreath, on Christmas Eve:

On the eve of our Christmas celebration, Jesus’ birthday, we light all of the candles of the Advent wreath. 
First we light the candle for HOPE because Jesus is our hope. 
Second, we light the candle for PEACE because Jesus [...]

LOVE

These are the words to be said while lighting the fourth candle on an Advent wreath:
Today we relight the first three candles of the Advent Wreath — the candles of HOPE, PEACE and JOY. 
Now we light the fourth candle of Advent. This is the candle of LOVE. 
Jesus demonstrated self-giving love in his ministry as the [...]

A Gift from the Unseen

I just listened to a great story on NPR.  A hospital chaplain talks about her ministry…and the ministry of some unseen people in hospitals.   It is very much worth the three minutes it takes to listen too.
The story is called, “In A Hospital, There’s No Monopoly On Prayer.”  At that page you can listen [...]