Essays
Whispers of Grace - What Truly Counts? Unpacking Faith, Trust, and the Gospel
We often use words like “faith” and “belief” interchangeably, assuming we understand their full meaning. But what if there’s more to faith than we realize? What if our understanding is incomplete, even if we’ve been in church our whole lives?
This post dives into the rich meaning of faith, drawing insights from the Apostle Paul’s letters to the Galatians and Romans, and a book titled 15 New Testament Words of Life by Dr. Nijay Gupta.
Whispers of Grace - Embracing the Cruciform Life
We’re deep into our “Whispers of Grace” series, and today we’re tackling a powerful, perhaps unsettling, concept: the cross. More specifically, we’re exploring cruciformity – the idea of being formed to the way of the crucifixion. Sounds terrible, right? Jesus himself said, “If you’re going to follow me, every day you have to take up your cross.” This doesn’t exactly align with the “God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life” sales pitch many of us heard when we first started walking with Jesus.
How do “wonderful plan” and “take up your cross daily” go together? It’s a tough question, and one we need to wrestle with. Our focus this morning, as we journey through these 15 New Testament words of life, is on First and Second Corinthians.
The Battle Lines Within - Understanding Our Tribal Instincts
“You’re either with us, or against us.” This sentiment has been expressed by countless world leaders throughout history.
What comes to mind when you hear that phrase? For me, it’s Joshua asking the “commander of the Lord’s army,” “Are you for us, or for our enemies?” Others might recall President George W. Bush or then-Senator Hillary Clinton using a similar phrase after 9/11.
Every fall in Michigan, there’s what’s known as “hate week.” This is the one week a year when families are pitted against each other. On one side, you have the Maize and Blue; on the other, the Green and White. The week of the Michigan/Michigan State football game is always marked by heightened tribal loyalty. There’s mostly good-natured teasing and many stories shared about past games. Nearly everyone chooses a side.
Living Life to the Full
This week, as we approach Memorial Day, our New Testament “word of life” is simply life. It’s fitting, perhaps, that as we honor those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom, we also reflect on what it truly means to live. While it might seem strategic to drop the word “life” on the Sunday before Memorial Day, sometimes, the divine calendar just works out!
Memorial Day is a complex day, isn’t it? It’s solemn, as we remember profound sacrifice, yet also a time of quiet rejoicing, knowing that lives were given so we might live freely and fully. This annual observance reminds us that life is costly and demands much from us.
Whispers of Grace - Forgiveness (Luke-Acts)
It’s a universally good feeling to be forgiven. We’ve all been there: that pit-in-your-stomach dread after you’ve messed up, the fear that a relationship might be over. But then you take that deep breath, make the call, own your mistake, and ask, “Will you please forgive me?” The moment hangs in the air, seemingly forever, until that sweet release: “Of course, I forgive you.” What an unbelievable feeling!
But here’s the flip side: How many of us genuinely like to forgive? Not many. We love to be forgiven, but we don’t necessarily like to give forgiveness. This often comes up in conversations among Christians, where the immediate reaction is, “If we just forgive people, we’ll become doormats!” Or, “Where’s the justice in that? These people wronged us; they need to be held accountable!” We invent all sorts of reasons to avoid forgiving, clinging to our grudges, even as we crave the grace of being forgiven ourselves.
Whispers of Grace - Gospel
We’re journeying through our series, “Whispers of Grace,” exploring 15 pivotal New Testament words. Our guide is a fantastic, accessible little New Testament theology book by Dr. Nijay Gupta titled “15 New Testament Words.” If you want to read ahead, I highly recommend grabbing a copy – it’s an encouraging and insightful read. As I explored it a few months ago, I knew this was material we had to delve into, especially for the summer, to grasp these significant concepts within the New Testament and their Old Testament roots. We’re discovering these aren’t just New Testament ideas, but Bible-wide, people-of-God themes.
Last week, we discussed righteousness. This week, we turn to another profound word: gospel.
Our Tender Nerves - The Power of Care and Harm in Moral Judgment
Why do we respond to things the way we do? How do we experience the world? Jonathan Haidt, a moral psychologist, argues that we possess six “taste receptors” that shape how we perceive the world around us. These six foundations, and the varying degrees to which we experience each, influence our understanding.
Our moral taste receptors include: Care/Harm, Fairness/Cheating, Loyalty/Betrayal, Authority/Subversion, Sanctity/Degradation, and Liberty/Oppression. Haidt posits that all of these operate within our minds, driving our emotional intuitions as we process the world. They function similarly to taste buds, but for our emotions.
Whispers of Grace - Righteousness
Matthew 21:28-32 Isaiah 9:1-7
We’re embarking on a new series called “Whispers of Grace,” drawing inspiration from the book 15 New Testament Words of Life by Nijay K. Gupta. This series will explore key New Testament concepts and connect them to the broader story of Scripture. This week, we’re diving into the word righteousness.
What comes to mind when you hear “righteousness”? Perhaps negative connotations like self-righteousness or those judgmental “holier-than-thou” types? Maybe you think of the Righteous Brothers? Or if you’re a child of the ’80s like me, maybe Ferris Bueller being called “one righteous dude” pops into your head.
The Failure of Conversation
For a long time, I’ve noticed a disconcerting trend: we seem to be losing the ability to truly talk with one another. While the internet allows us to talk to, or more accurately at, people constantly, what about genuine dialogue?
I’m so grateful for the Tuesday night gathering I host, Tap Room Tuesday. It’s a space where I believe we often talk with one another. Yet, even there, meaningful dialogue is becoming increasingly challenging.
Why is this happening?
When Following Jesus Demands More Than We Imagined
Have you ever been in a position where you got more than you bargained for?
It seems to happen to me every single time I start a home improvement project. I am not what one would call, “handy”. No, I can barely tell the difference between a hammer and a screwdriver. Yet, I try to fix things because that’s the reasonable thing to do. I research how on YouTube and think, “I can do this!” Then, I get into it and realize that it is not as easy or straightforward as the YouTube Pro made it look.
This also happens when I get involved in volunteering for things. Often, I find that what I sign up for is significantly more involved than I anticipated. Nine times out of ten this is due to my own assumptions and not really paying attention to what was being asked of me.
In both scenarios I find that once I’m in, walking away seems to be unreasonable.
Eating His Flesh – A Metaphor for Ultimate Commitment
One of the little pleasures in life for me is the NFL. Perhaps because the season is only sixteen games, but more likely because of the drama. The story lines every year are so fun and interesting that the off-field stuff is just as interesting, or sometimes more interesting, than the games themselves. A couple of years ago my favorite team, the Detroit Lions, was featured on a show called Hard Knocks.
Hard Knocks provides a behind-the-scenes look at a team during the preseason. It was so interesting to see all the hard work that goes into preparing for a season. The stories of the players who make the team or get cut are gripping.
Breaking the Finite Lens
I am often struck by how small I think about Jesus. What about you?
Several weeks ago, I wrote the line, “Jesus is from eternity.” My son mentioned it to me and shared that it was one of the best descriptions of Jesus he had ever heard.
I keep thinking about that.
What Spoils? Rethinking Desire and Eternal Life
Over the last year or so, I have been working on my personal fitness. This pursuit has been spiritual, emotional, relational, and physical. I intentionally try not to say “health” because that implies that at some point I will be “healthy.” That’s a finite game. I don’t want to play that game. I want to play an infinite game of pursuing fitness. I can always be more fit; there is infinite growth there.
As I pursue personal fitness, there is one question that I wrestle with more than any other: “Why do I do what I do?” The answer is elusive.
The Unexpected Joy of Overcoming Fear
Have you ever done something that you were afraid to do and then discovered that you actually enjoyed it?
This might sound a little silly, but I was really afraid to drive. I used to be afraid to drive go-karts, golf carts, and four wheelers. I distinctly remember the first time I was in a go-kart on my own and the fear was palpable. But, then after doing it, I realized that it was so much fun! If I had given in to the fear then I would have missed out on so much.
Throughout the Scriptures there is an oft-repeated phrase, “fear not.” In this brief conversation with Jesus that phrase pops up again…
When "Enough" Feels Impossible
Do you ever feel like you don’t have what it takes?
There are days when I wake up, consider the tasks before me, and think, “How can I possibly do this?”
Life is messy. It often feels like the world is on fire, and I’m armed with nothing but a nearly empty squirt gun. When I read the news, I see so much work that needs to be done. The world is so vast, yet I am so small. The problems in my neighborhood, my town, my state, my country, and the world are, at times, overwhelming.
There have been times in my life when, just looking at what’s happening within my own family, I don’t think I have what it takes.
My Own Heart's Question - Would I Take Jesus at His Word?
Do you trust anyone?
It’s a hard question to answer, isn’t it?
We live in a culture of radical mistrust. How do we know what is real and what is fake? Is it even possible to know the answer to that any longer?
Every day it seems like I see something on the Internet and think, “Man, that is so cool. I wonder if it’s real?”
From Ruin to Redemption - God’s Justice and Promise
Dan reflects on the cultural phenomenon of the "antihero," using the TV show "Breaking Bad" as a prime example. He contrasts this with the clear moral lines of the film "Remember the Titans." This reflection then transitions into an examination of the book of Micah, specifically chapters 3, 4, and 5.
Key Highlights:
- "Breaking Bad" and the Rise of the Antihero:
- Dan discusses how the show portrays a drug dealer, Walter White, as a sympathetic protagonist, highlighting the cultural shift where audiences root for characters who perform immoral actions.
- This reflects a cultural trend where the lines between good and evil are blurred.
- "Remember the Titans" and Clear Moral Lines:
- Dan contrasts "Breaking Bad" with a scene from "Remember the Titans," emphasizing the clear distinction between right and wrong.
- The quote "Attitude reflects leadership, captain." is used to illustrate the difference between the two cultural items.
- Micah's Prophecy and Its Relevance Today:
- Dan dives into Micah's condemnation of corrupt leaders and false prophets in Israel, drawing parallels to contemporary society.
- Micah's message highlights the dangers of prioritizing personal gain over justice and righteousness.
- Scripture readings from Micah 3, 4, and 5 are included to reinforce the message.
- Trusting in God vs. Trusting in Idols:
- Dan emphasizes Micah's call to trust in God rather than worldly power or material possessions.
- Dan points out how God chooses the broken and marginalized to be his remnant.
- Dan draws a connection between Micah's prophecies and the ministry of Jesus.
- The Transformation of the Heart:
- Dan uses C.S. Lewis's imagery of God rebuilding the heart to illustrate the transformative power of faith.
- The episode concludes with a challenge to listeners to examine what they are placing their trust in.
- Key theme: Dan contrasts the worlds view of good and evil, with the biblical view, and challenges listeners to examine their own hearts.
Tough Love vs. Tender Mercy - Which Way Did Jesus Go?
There’s an old joke that’s told in a variety of ways. A man goes to heaven and is getting a tour by St. Peter. Peter is pointing out the various places in heaven that might be of interest and introduces him to various people as they wander the streets. The man looks down a street and sees a doorway, but it is gated and well out of the way, leading into a building. The man asks, “Peter, what is that?” Peter replies, “Oh, that’s for the Presbyterians. They think they’re the only ones up here.”
Building on the Rock - Practicing Faith for Life's Storms
What do you do when life gets tough? Do you retreat to bed, declaring it a “no good, very bad day,” hoping tomorrow will be better? If so, we might never leave our beds. Daily, we encounter trouble, hardship, heartache, and suffering, even amidst blessings. The news constantly reminds us of the world’s unending problems.
How do we respond? We cannot perpetually hide, waiting for an easy life. The storms inevitably come, and we often live with a sense of impending trouble, even when things are good.