Charlottesville and Sin
There is a single word to describe the idolization of white supremacy in Charlottesville, and contrary to the narrative it is not history or preservation or protectionism. It is . . . SIN. There is only One who is supreme, and His name is Jesus, and, remarkably, He came "not…
Of Whom the World is Not Worthy: A Poem
O God of Heaven I thank you That in my place of comfort and security I lead, in the Spirit for sure, But with my belly full An arsenal of tools And degrees on my wall But God of Heaven I know Who the real heroes are Women and men…
Four Truths about Forgiveness
Joseph had been deeply wounded by his brothers. In their collective disdain for this seemingly favored son of their father, they trafficked him to those who would sell him into slavery. It is an awful and ugly story, but one to which the Most High God was attentive. Despite what…
My Statement to New Hope Church about the Yanez/Castile Tragedy
Here is the statement I made this weekend in our worship services at New Hope Church in Minneapolis: "Speak Lord, for thy servant heareth." These are the words uttered in the ancient days by Samuel when he discerned that God was trying to get his attention. "Speak Lord, for…
Reflections on Jeronimo Yanez and Philando Castile
Today in the Twin Cities a jury determined that Officer Jeronimo Yanez was not culpable in the death of Philando Castile when the officer shot him in the summer of 2016 during a traffic stop. For most of my African-American friends this is a verdict that is consistent with their…
“Walk By the Spirit!”
As the Apostle Paul brings closure to his thoughts regarding love being supreme over and above the fleshly extremes of license and law, he raises a tension regarding how to ensure this love will prevail. Galatians 5:16 and following resolve this tension with profound clarity, and the resolution is the…