Category Archives: Theology

A Theological Reading of “In the Sanctuary of Outcasts”: Coke bottles

Posted on January 27, 2017 by Jason

Toward the end of Neil White’s gripping memoir, “In the Sanctuary of Outcasts”, he records another encounter with Ella. With his release looming, White was lamenting to Ella his lack of transformation. He writes, “I had decided I needed to change, … Continue reading →

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Fixer Upper: The Hope of Creation

Posted on January 6, 2017 by Jason

We’re suckers for home renovation shows. A dozen years ago, it was Trading Spaces. (Remember that show? It kinda put TLC on the map.) Then it was the Extreme Home Makeover craze. About five years ago, Sunny and I fell in love with House … Continue reading →

Posted in Eschatology, Faith, God, Gospel, Scripture, Television, The Story, Theology | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

A Theological Reading of “In the Sanctuary of Outcasts”: Church

Posted on January 3, 2017 by Jason

I just finished Neil White’s fantastic memoir In the Sanctuary of Outcasts. White spent 12 months — spring 1993 to spring 1994 — incarcerated at the minimum-security Federal Medical Center in Carville, Louisiana. What made this incarceration unique was the “convergence … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Church, Faith, Gospel, Love Others, Missiology, Theology | 1 Comment

When Hope and History Rhyme: A Christmas Eve Meditation

Posted on December 24, 2016 by Jason

Originally posted on already & not yet:
“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…

Posted in Music, Politics, Poverty, Prayer, Race, Social Issues, Terrorism, Theology | Leave a comment

A Ring, A Bumper Sticker and Gary

Posted on November 11, 2016 by Jason

Originally posted on already & not yet:
This is a picture of my high school ring. I haven’t worn it in years. In fact, I’ve hardly worn it at all. Apparently the whole point of having a high school ring…

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Already and Not Yet: Becoming a Husband

Posted on July 20, 2016 by Jason

I originally wrote this for a friend’s blog last month. Decided to post it here as well. The Kingdom of heaven is like becoming a husband. Allow me to explain. On August 14, 1999, I stood before everyone I know … Continue reading →

Posted in Blessings, Faith, Family, Marriage, Race, Scripture, Social Issues, Sunny, Terrorism, Theology | Leave a comment

The Power of Missional Conversation

Posted on July 2, 2016 by Jason

  People who have been shaped by the Good News of Jesus have a responsibility to embody the Good News of Jesus. And one of simplest and yet most powerful ways we can embody the Good News is through our … Continue reading →

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A Missional Way of Life

Posted on July 1, 2016 by Jason

Have you ever noticed that laughter is contagious? The video is actually a social experiment. With hidden cameras set up at a local bus stop, an actor is sent in among the “regular” folks. As you can see, at a … Continue reading →

Posted in Church, Faith, Kingdom Values, Love God, Love Others, Missiology, Scripture, Theology, Video | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Love Is Our Mission: Textual Underpinnings

Posted on May 11, 2016 by Jason

Some of the most familiar passages in our Bibles tell the story of our Missionary God. John 3:16, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have … Continue reading →

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Fearless Love

Posted on April 24, 2016 by Jason

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of … Continue reading →

Posted in 1 John 4, Devotional, Discipleship, Faith, Gospel, Jesus, Kingdom Values, Love First, Love God, Love Others, Ministry, No Fear, Obedience, Scripture, Theology | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment