Category Archives: Devotional

American Idol and the Myth of Meritorious Salvation

Posted on April 25, 2009 by Jason

If you’re a fan of American Idol, you no doubt know by now the “shocking” and “unprecedented” results of last week’s elimination show. For the uninitiated, this year the biggest TV show in the world added a new dramatic wrinkle … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional, Gospel, Jesus, Television | 2 Comments

No Room: Nazareth

Posted on March 24, 2009 by Jason

All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw … Continue reading →

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Hope for Today

Posted on March 17, 2009 by Jason

These are hard days we’re living in. The economy is on everyone’s mind. Words like “bailout” and “corporate bonuses” have caught our ire. I have several friends and loved ones who are looking for jobs right now; even those who … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional, Hope, Kingdom Values, Scripture | Leave a comment

No Room: The Inn

Posted on March 10, 2009 by Jason

She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. – Luke 2:7 It is a scene that has been well rehearsed in our consciousness: Mary and Joseph, weary … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional, Gospel, Jesus, Poverty, Scripture, Social Issues | 2 Comments

Archive: Bring Them to Jesus

Posted on March 1, 2009 by Jason

Tomorrow morning, I’ll be preaching at our annual Children’s Day service. I was going back through my blog archives and I came across this post I made two years ago. I wanted to post it here again, basically to serve … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional, Jesus, Kids, Preaching, Scripture, Social Issues | Leave a comment

The Gift of Language (or Close Enough is Good Enough)

Posted on February 21, 2009 by Jason

(This post is a continuation of the thoughts I posted here.) We have to acknowledge that our language is incapable of encompassing the totality of God. Asking our finite minds to apprehend the infinite God is like asking a ladybug … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional, God, Gospel, Imago Dei, Kids, Theology | 2 Comments

Indescribable

Posted on February 18, 2009 by Jason

There’s a Jewish saying: “In order to describe God, one would have to be God.” Even though we use words like “holy” or “righteous” or “Father” to help shape our understanding of God, we do so with the knowledge that … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional, Scripture, Theology | 2 Comments

One Word

Posted on January 7, 2009 by Jason

On his blog, Mike Cope once commented that each year he tries to choose a “theme word”, a word to focus on over the course of each year. A few years ago, he chose the word “listen”. Great word. Great … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional, Hope, Kingdom Values, Scripture | 4 Comments

The Intersection of Hope

Posted on January 5, 2009 by Jason

It’s easy to look back and see that 2008 was a difficult year. The economy is on everyone’s mind; each day brings news of more corporate scandals and massive employee layoffs. But 2009 is upon us and with the new … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional, Hope, Kingdom Values, Preaching, Scripture, Theology | Leave a comment

Always

Posted on December 4, 2008 by Jason

1 Corinthians 13 1 If I speak in human or angelic tongues, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries … Continue reading →

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