20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that…
The Source of Christian Unity
Christian unity is an interesting topic; I think it’s especially relevant in our contested, fragmented, and polarized time. To some Christian unity is a cute idea, to others it’s a pipedream, and still to others it’s just irrelevant–I’m right, you’re wrong, end of the story. I think the Scriptures teach, however, that our posture towards brothers and sisters in Christ…
Can you overcome by dying? Win by losing?
29 His disciples said, “Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! 30 Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God.” 31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? 32 Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come,…
But When Will Our Sorrow Turn to Joy?
20 Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. 21 When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a…
How Is it Better if You Go?
“I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. 5 But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ 6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it…
Why Do We Recite Creeds and Confessions in Church?
God works in extraordinary ways. Perhaps you’ve heard this truism. I suppose it’s true. But usually, God works in ordinary ways. What we do each week in church is all very ordinary–it’s an invitation to work the simple means of grace. Sing. Pray. Confess. Preach. Eat. Drink. Listen. Think. Just like we see in Acts 2: teaching, fellowship, breaking bread,…
The Lord’s Supper: Of Sacred Blood & Flesh
A recurring theme of this series is that Christian worship is participatory. Perhaps nowhere is the participatory nature of worship more clearly seen than when we eat bread and drink juice (I’ll say wine and juice interchangeably) at the Lord’s table. I grew up in churches that did not observe the Lord’s Supper very often. I remember doing it occasionally–probably…
Is Preaching Worship?
What’s the point of preaching in a worship service? What am I (the preacher) supposed to do? What are you supposed to do? Why do I work so hard on a sermon every week? Paul commands the Colossians to let the Word of Christ dwell in them richly. Listen to this instruction to the church at Colossae about how they…
Why do we sing in church? Part 2
We sing to an audience of One, but we also sing for each other and for ourselves. // Sing to and for Each Other 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord…
Why do we sing in church? Part 1
I confess I’m not a big music guy. I’m more into podcasts than music, lectures than concerts, and though I love how Charleston comes alive in the summer, I have less than no desire to go to Live on the Levee. No offense, it’s just not my thing, but you should totally go. It’s not that I hate or even…