Me and Mine and the Order of Love
In Christian thought, there is a concept called the ordo amoris—the order of loves. It’s a way of thinking about generosity, care, and kindness in relation to our responsibilities and obligations in the world. It is not, however, a way to excuse ourselves from caring for our neighbour.
Sing Instead of Getting Drunk
In Ephesians 5, Paul makes a surprising comparison between getting drunk and being filled with the Spirit. What’s the connection? It’s not about prohibition or pretending—it’s about how God invites us into real, lasting connection. Join us as we explore why Paul talks about singing to each other and how music can be a Spirit-filled path to deep relationships.
The Subtle Difference Between Surrender and Control
In Exodus 13, a small Hebrew word changes the whole story—and reveals how easy it is to mistake control for surrender. We’ll explore the surprising language behind “when Pharaoh let the people go,” uncover the deeper meaning in the Exodus narrative, and ask what it teaches us about letting go in our own lives.
Blessed Are the Meek: When the Call Isn't What We Wanted
What if Jesus’ beatitudes aren’t telling us how to earn God’s favor—but who already has God’s attention? In this reflection, we explore what it really means to be meek, why it’s not something we want to be, and how Jesus turns our assumptions about power and inheritance upside down. This isn’t a call to quiet strength—it’s a revelation of God’s heart for those who’ve been pushed aside. Dive into a fresh reading of “the meek shall inherit the earth” and discover the radical hope at the heart of Jesus’ sermon.
Baptism: A History Deeper Than You Might Think
Baptism is one of the most central and beautiful rituals in the Christian tradition. It’s practiced in almost every denomination, from Catholic to Pentecostal, Orthodox to Evangelical.
What English Grammar Taught Me About Baptism
Did you know there are English grammar rules you’ve been following your entire life—without ever being taught them? There’s a hidden structure behind the way we speak, that can teach us about how we live out our faith.
Baptism: A Means of Grace, Not a Source
In the language of theology, we often say that sacraments are a means of grace, not a source of grace. That distinction matters.
The Grace We Can Taste: A Reflection on the Eucharist
Is Communion just a symbol — or is Jesus truly present when we gather at the table? In this reflection on the Eucharist, we explore the theological spectrum from transubstantiation to symbolic remembrance, and find a middle ground that embraces the real presence of Christ.
When the Prophet Comes for You
What really happened when the prophet Nathan confronted King David after the Bathsheba scandal? Most Bible readers remember the dramatic line—“You are that man!”—but there’s so much more going on beneath the surface of 2 Samuel 12.
Lead Us Not Into Temptation: What's Up With That?
This line from the Lord’s Prayer has puzzled Christians for centuries. In this video, we explore how translation, theology, and tradition all come together to shape our understanding of one of the most debated verses in scripture.
Prayer for Optimists: Reimagining the World Through Jesus
In this reflection on “Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven,” we explore how Jesus teaches us to pray with bold optimism. Far from a desperate escape plan, this is a prayer of sacred self-alignment — a declaration that the world is salvageable, that heaven can be born here, and that we are called to play our part in its renewal.
Our Father: The Beauty and Complexity of Divine Family
What does it really mean to pray, “Our Father who art in heaven” — especially when the word “father” is complicated?
Our Father: A Prayer That Connects Us All
What if the most radical thing about the Lord’s Prayer… is the very first word? Let's explore how Jesus reshapes our understanding of prayer by beginning with “Our Father.” More than just a personal connection to God, Jesus invites us into something far more expansive: a shared spiritual identity that binds us to one another.
Daily Bread: Trust, Simplicity, and the Sacred Interdependence of Life
In a world overflowing with excess, what does it mean to ask God for just our daily bread?
How NOT to Pray: Lessons from the Lord’s Prayer
Before Jesus teaches us how to pray in the Lord's Prayer, he offers a short but sharp critique of how not to pray. He outlines three ways prayer can go sideways: when used by hypocrites as a means to an end, by publicists as image management, and by pagans as divine manipulation.
The Courage to Ask: "What If I’m in the Wrong?
One of the most important questions we can ask ourselves is “Am I in the wrong?” But let’s be honest—most of the time, we don’t really want an answer. We just want someone to reassure us that we’re right.
Rethinking the Tithe: Beyond the 10%
Let's dive into the misunderstood concept of the tithe. You’ve likely heard that you’re supposed to give 10% of your income to the church—but where did that number come from, and is it really what the Bible teaches?
The Gift of Being Fully Alive
A few years ago, I wasn't having a great time. Granted, very few of us were. But I had spent 20 years being a pastor and building community, and all of a sudden, I was a YouTuber, and it just wasn't a lot of fun. And so I picked up some bad habits that weren't serving me well. But as I finally started to come out of that and feel like myself again, I realized that if I wanted to continue on that trajectory, then I needed to make some changes in my life.
A New Bible Worth Your Shelf: Thoughts on the SBL Study Bible
A new Study Bible based on the NRVSue has also been released: The SBL Study Bible. This isn’t meant to replace a full commentary set, but it’s an excellent resource for anyone who wants to study the Bible more seriously.