From Guilt to Grace - The Path to Soul-Level Peace
The audio of this week’s message: Whispers of Grace - Peace (Hebrews)
As we continue our summer series, Whispers of Grace: New Testament Words of Life, today we turn our attention to the word peace. This is especially fitting given our setting—Peace Presbyterian Church. It’s worth pausing to reflect on what this word means, particularly for those of us who call this place home.
Our focus today is the letter to the Hebrews, specifically chapter 10. At first glance, it might seem odd to draw insights about peace from Hebrews, since the word itself only appears a few times in the text. However, the theme is present in powerful, though indirect, ways. Hebrews speaks frequently of rest and of reconciliation, of how humanity’s sin is atoned for. These discussions open a deeper understanding of peace—a peace that is more than the absence of conflict or noise. It is a soul-level peace, hard-won and deeply rooted in Christ.
Some days are just built different! Yesterday, we spent the day in Detroit hanging out, exploring, laughing, eating, and being present to one another. Life is good.
The Battle for Liberty - Two Stories, One Word
Depending on how you answer that question, someone could likely place you on the political spectrum. That’s because liberty makes up one half of the final moral foundation described by Jonathan Haidt in The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion. This is the liberty/oppression moral foundation.
As I have read and researched more about this budget bill that was passed today, many verses ran through my mind, this one seems most apropos.
Do you think that there will ever come a time again where we can have public dialogue about ideas without dehumanizing those with whom we differ?
Diving into this text seems appropriate at this point in calendar…
Currently reading: America’s God by Mark A. Noll 📚
Back to the gym for the first time since Monday. Had a number of relational opportunities that took precedence.
It’s good to be back working hard like this.
The Glue of Disgust - Exploring Our Sanctity Instinct
I’m a pretty big fan of Mister Rogers. I remember watching Mister Rogers' Neighborhood growing up, and his kind and reassuring voice always resonated with me. He was, in many ways, a role model. After my parents' divorce, the world felt a bit topsy-turvy, but there was a consistent kindness that came from Mister Rogers. Over the years, as I grew into an adult, I learned that Mister Rogers was a Presbyterian minister (hey, me too!) and also the kind of guy who would get into “good trouble.” This gentle and kind man was anything but timid or weak.
Hope Rises - The Resurrection as Our Foundation
If you’d like to listen to this week’s message you can do so right here: Whispers of Grace - Hope (1 & 2 Thessalonians)
One of my favorite fictional universes is Star Wars. As I’ve shared before, I stand firmly on the right side of the Star Wars versus Star Trek debate. Trekkies, Trekkers, or whatever you call yourselves, you’re wrong. Star Wars, with its space wizards and laser swords, is vastly superior to the subpar Star Trek series.
The Spectrum of Submission - Where Do You Stand?
When you think about your boss, do you have positive or negative emotions? How about when you consider the reality of a hierarchy at your workplace or social institution? In general, do you think that hierarchies and their resulting authority structures are good and helpful, or do you see them as something to be bucked against?
Whispers of Grace - The Radical Call to Share Life
The audio of this week’s message can be found here: Whispers of Grace - Fellowship (Philippians)
The concept of “community” is a major buzzword in the church world today. You hear it everywhere—in announcements about community lunches, chair volleyball, and denominational meetings. While we love to talk about community, it often feels shallow and misses the deeper calling for followers of Jesus.
Good morning! Here is to a new week! I encourage you to begin the week in intentional community. We need one another in a shared life more than we realize. #MorningMug
#Wordle 1,464 3/6*
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The #OldGal dropped a 4. Do we have a dogpile today, #YoungPups!?
Amy and I introduced Libby to Frita Batidos in downtown Ann Arbor tonight. Such a fun little place.
I tried their seasonal, Conch Po Boy, it didn’t disappoint!
Fasting today for a colonoscopy means no lift today or tomorrow. So, a walk it is. Some stupid medical procedure won’t break the streak.
#Wordle 1,461 3/6*
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The #OldGal posted a 3, it’s going to be to best her today, #YoungPups.
Grace Without Conditions - The Radical Love That Turns the World Upside Down
The audio for this week’s message can be found here: Grace Without Conditions - The Radical Love That Turns the World Upside Down
This week, we’re talking about a word that many of us have heard so often, it risks losing its impact. It’s a word we might hear in church, at dinner tables, and even during Olympic commentary—so much so that it can go in one ear and out the other.
That word is grace.