Matthew St. John

Charlottesville and Sin

August 12, 2017August 12, 2017 by Matthew R. St. John

Matthew R. St. John

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

August 6, 2017August 14, 2017 by Matthew R. St. John

Matthew R. St. John

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

July 14, 2017August 14, 2017 by Matthew R. St. John

Matthew R. St. John

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

June 18, 2017 by Matthew R. St. John

Matthew R. St. John

107

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

June 16, 2017June 17, 2017 by Matthew R. St. John

Matthew R. St. John

117

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…

Four Needs for Moving Toward Jesus

May 12, 2017June 8, 2017 by Matthew R. St. John

Matthew R. St. John

John 15:8 offers a succinct word about the legitimacy of discipleship. Jesus says, "By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples." But what is the fruit of discipleship---the fruit of which Jesus speaks? Is it having all kinds of knowledge…

1 2 3 … 27 Next »