Category Archives: Faith

Love Never Fails

Posted on March 1, 2016 by Jason

1 Corinthians 13 is a text that I’ve read at nearly every wedding over which I’ve presided. That’s great; these are certainly fitting words for such an occasion. But there’s a flip side to such familiarity. If we come to … Continue reading →

Posted in 1 Corinthians 13, Devotional, Eschatology, Faith, God, Gospel, Jesus, Kingdom Values, Love First, Love God, Love Others, Marriage, Scripture, Theology | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Love First: Action

Posted on March 1, 2016 by Jason

This year, our church theme is “Love First.” Not only is this statement a strong word in favor of obedience and missional living, it is also a word of action. This calls to mind Mother Teresa’s famous quote: “Faith in … Continue reading →

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Love First: Obedience

Posted on February 15, 2016 by Jason

To put love first is to love God with all one’s heart, soul, mind, and strength while also striving to love your neighbor as yourself. This means that Love First is a word about obedience. Obedience is definitely not a … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Devotional, Discipleship, Faith, God, Gospel, Jesus, Kingdom Values, Love First, Love God, Love Others, Mark 12, Obedience, Scripture | Leave a comment

A New Command

Posted on February 11, 2016 by Jason

It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional, Discipleship, Faith, God, Jesus, Kingdom Values, Leviticus 19, Love First, Love God, Love of Christ, Love Others, Scripture, Sermon on the Mount | Leave a comment

The Call is Constant: The Symmetry of Grace

Posted on February 6, 2016 by Jason

Jesus calls us to a deeply devoted, transformative type of following, one that is ultimately expressed in agape love for God and others. Of course, that doesn’t mean there won’t be bumps along the way. Simon Peter knows this well. … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional, Discipleship, Faith, God, Jesus, Kingdom Values, Love First, Repentance, Scripture, Theology | Leave a comment

Every Step An Arrival: Going Without Knowing

Posted on February 5, 2016 by Jason

In his book The Pastor, Eugene Peterson cites a Denise Levertov poem that closes with this line: “every step an arrival.” Levertov uses the phrase as a description of her development as a poet but her words fire my imagination … Continue reading →

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Following Comes First

Posted on February 3, 2016 by Jason

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional, Discipleship, Faith, Jesus, Leadership, Love First, Scripture | Leave a comment

The Culture Wars and Engaged Alienation

Posted on January 20, 2016 by Jason

(Note: this is part of a series of posts based on some of the things I’m currently reading and reflecting on. Click here for part one.) For most of our nation’s history, a Judeo-Christian worldview could simply be assumed. You … Continue reading →

Posted in 1 Corinthians 13, 2 Corinthians 5, Books, Church, Devotional, Faith, God, Gospel, Jesus, Kingdom Values, Love First, Scripture, Social Issues, Theology | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

When Hope and History Rhyme: A Christmas Eve Meditation

Posted on December 24, 2015 by Jason

“Peace on Earth” has been called U2’s most agnostic song. Recorded as part of the 2000 release, All That You Can’t Leave Behind, the song’s lyrics were inspired by the Real IRA Omagh bombing in Northern Ireland in August 1998. … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional, Disappointment, Eschatology, Faith, Gospel, Hope, Jesus, Music, Social Issues, Video | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Best Books of 2015

Posted on December 23, 2015 by Jason

Time for my annual list of best books I’ve read this year. Each year I set out with a goal to read 52 books — one per week. Admittedly, that’s an ambitious goal and I usually fall short (with the … Continue reading →

Posted in Baseball, Books, Church, Eschatology, Faith, Kingdom Values, Politics, Race, Social Issues, Sports, Theology | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments