A common perception is that Christians lack compassion, humility and kindness. Fair or unfair, the impression has stuck that we in the church often resemble the biblical Pharisees. One commentator refers to...
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Matthew seeks to trace how Jesus prepared his followers to spread his good news to “all nations” that they might obey what he has commanded (28:16-20; for the commands, see especially the Sermon on the...
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One of the attributes of the Good Samaritan parable is its action. It is perfect for dramatization. (One does need to pay attention to casting choices: Certain robbers may relish their role more than...
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It’s worth reading the Book of Jonah in one sitting. It won’t take more than five minutes. Getting the details freshly in mind as well as the entire scope of the story can make an old, familiar tale come...
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This is an edited version of a sermon Isaac Villegas preached Dec. 11 at the ordination service for Theda Good at First Mennonite Church of Denver. Good is the first openly LGBT person ordained in Mennonite...
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I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else. — C.S. Lewis During a supper discussion about how many of their classmates...
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When Suzette Shreffler caught a man stealing from her thrift store, she did not call the police. She confronted him, explained to him why stealing was wrong and had him volunteer for an hour to make...
[read more]The story of thrift store manager Suzette Shreffler’s practice of dealing with thieves is inspiring and challenging. After confronting a man she caught stealing, she had him volunteer for an hour, gave him...
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Romans 8 concludes the first half of the letter with a powerful message that affirms the good news (gospel) of God’s sovereign mercy. Paul counters two competing “gospels” — the gospel of the Roman...
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Then bubbling up from the inner depths is the one thing we did not want, a biting and bitter spirit. — Richard Foster Celebration of Discipline It’s unfortunate we can’t harness this world’s anger...
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