Once again, Bonhoeffer challenges us in a timely way.
Entirely too many of my colleagues are not submitting themselves to the way of the cross but to their own passions.
Oh that I (we) would learn this lesson well.
One way to love well is to develop healthy boundaries that free you to bond with others as equals, knowing that inherent in all people is both good and bad.
The most subversive things we can do in these times is love without condition, correct error with truth in grace, and acknowledge our own blind spots with humility.
Fermenting hate, denigrating the humanity of other people, and withholding mercy makes one the very thing they are opposed to.
We can do better.
I know we can.
I have seen it.
I can do better.
Sometimes when you’re working on sermon you get a bit overwhelmed by the text. I am going to teach Micah over the next three weeks and woof. It’s punching me in the gut.
This Sunday at Peace Presbyterian Church in Flint at 10:45 am and at The Acts 13 Network in Ypsilanti at 530 pm we will begin a three week exploration of the prophet, Micah. His message of doom and hope is timely for us today.
If you’ve been looking for a faith community in Ypsilanti or Flint, I hope you will join us.
I am staring at my to do list and I have no interest in it whatsoever. I am just going to start at the top.
Here…
We…
Go…
#Wordle 1,334 4/6*
⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛ 🟩🟩🟨⬛⬛ 🟩🟩🟨🟩⬛ 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
The #OldGal also scored a 4 today. Any #YoungPups with a birdie?
People of a certain age all have some shared television experiences. First, when we were sick and home from school we would watch The Price is Right. Second, when we stayed up late watching something on TV we would inevitably see something called an “infomercial.” Read the rest…
Jesus in Conversation - Philip and Nathanael
People of a certain age all have some shared television experiences. First, when we were sick and home from school we would watch The Price is Right. Second, when we stayed up late watching something on TV we would inevitably see something called an “infomercial.”
These long form commercials somehow would suck you in and you just couldn’t turn it off. The salesperson would be doing their pitch and then they would say, “But wait! There’s more!” Then they would sweeten the deal.
A whole generation was trained by television to wait for something more. Perhaps this is why my generation is typically unimpressed by many things and always waiting for the other shoe to drop. Because, it turns out that, “wait, there’s more,” isn’t only for good stuff.
As I was reading through this next conversation with Jesus that is recorded in John’s Gospel, I couldn’t help but think that there might have been a narrator in the background saying, “but wait, there’s more…”
The first season of this podcast was very helpful for me to think through biases. It really challenged me to think through the way I thought about “those people.”
In our current cultural moment, perhaps you will find this helpful as well.
Good morning! May you press into that difficult thing you have been avoiding. #MorningMug #Discipline2025
#Wordle 1,333 X/6*
🟨⬛⬛🟨🟩 🟩⬛🟩🟩🟩 🟩⬛🟩🟩🟩 🟩⬛🟩🟩🟩 🟩⬛🟩🟩🟩 🟩⬛🟩🟩🟩
The #OldGal scored a 3. My streak broke at 528.
I am resonating deeply with Bonhoeffer these days. Here is another of his theses against the “Aryan Paragraph” from 1933.
#Wordle 1,332 5/6*
⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛ ⬛🟩⬛⬛⬛ ⬛🟩⬛🟩🟩 ⬛🟩🟩🟩🟩 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
Not a great score, a bogey. But, it was good enough to beat the #OldGal who lost her streak today!!!
Practice in Community
We're wrapping up our series on spiritual practices, and today we're diving into the essential practice of community. While many of us here understand its importance, it's worth exploring why it's so crucial.
The Myth of Lone Ranger Christianity
American Christianity often emphasizes individualism—"me and Jesus." But this "Lone Ranger" approach isn't biblical. It stems, in part, from the Second Great Awakening and figures like Charles Finney, who promoted an individualistic gospel.
Historically, joining the church was a communal process, a deep commitment to the body of Christ. However, the modern focus on individual decisions has led to a disconnect from the importance of community.
Scriptural Foundation: Acts 2:42-47
Let's look at Acts 2:42-47: "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."
Devotion: A Daily Choice
Notice the word "devoted." It signifies an active, ongoing choice. Just like love in marriage, devotion to community is a daily decision.
They devoted themselves to:
- Apostles' teaching: Growing in God's Word.
- Fellowship (Koinonia): Deep, meaningful relationships.
- Breaking of bread: Practicing the Lord's Supper.
- Prayer: Communing with God.
True Fellowship: Beyond Surface Interactions
Fellowship isn't just attending church or social events. It's doing life together, sharing burdens, and celebrating joys.
The early church shared everything, ensuring no one was in need. While we may not replicate that exactly, the principle remains: we should leverage our gifts and resources to support each other.
The Challenge: Vulnerability and Invitation
Many of us struggle to ask for help, fearing we'll burden others. But the church exists to support us.
- Are we inviting others into our lives?
- Are we willing to be vulnerable?
We often prefer others to need us, but we hesitate to reveal our own needs. This one way street breaks down community.
Living Life Together: Beyond Sunday Mornings
The early church met daily, sharing meals and spending time together. In our modern, isolated world, we must be intentional about connecting beyond formal church events.
Our culture promotes isolation: attached garages, air conditioning, and busy schedules. We must push back against this trend.
Preparing for Storms: The Purpose of Community
Spiritual practices prepare us for life's storms. By practicing community when life is good, we'll be more likely to lean on each other when times are tough.
Jesus warned his followers of persecution. They needed community to endure. We need it too.
Your Challenge This Week:
- Are you devoting yourself to fellowship?
- Are you both giving and receiving in your relationships?
- When life gets hard, do you invite others in?
Don't rob your brothers and sisters of the joy of serving you. Let them share in your joys and sorrows.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help us be a people devoted to fellowship. Open our lives to one another, and help us bear each other's burdens. In Jesus' name, Amen