we know that a person is justified not by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ. (Galatians 2:16) Is this the point to this life summed by obeying a set of rules from a divine power or is it about understanding that God loves us? This is struggle happens in every … More A Disciple’s Life
When all you want to do is fall to pieces is it possible to keep going? Yes, it is. What can I lean on to help me press on? … More Press On
The current trend in leaving organized religion behind is troubling for many reasons. Yesterday, I was sharing with a member about how throughout the human story it was the religious faithful who stepped forward to care for the poor, outcast, infected, those who suffer from famine and natural disasters. “Imagine a day when all who … More Gather Together
There’s no earthly way of knowing Which direction they are going! There’s no knowing where they’re rowing, Or which way they river’s flowing! Not a speck of light is showing, So the danger must be growing, For the rowers keep on rowing, And they’re certainly not showing Any signs that they are slowing… Poem by … More Institutions are Heading Somewhere
The current narrative among many main-line churches right now is that they want to reach the “young people” and the big idea that is often put forward is to make church feel less old school churchy. We must revolutionize the church and make it an effective agent of change for the kingdom of God by meeting … More Feed Your Brain, Attend Worship
“There is only one Jesus, and there is only one history. The question is whether the faith that finds its focus in Jesus is the faith with which we seek to understand the whole of history, or whether we limit this faith to a private world of religion and hand over the public history of … More Sharing Faith
Therefore, Christians need other Christians who speak God’s Word to them. They need them again and again when they become uncertain and disheartened because, living by their own resources, they cannot help themselves without cheating themselves out of the truth. They need other Christians as bearers and proclaimers of the divine word of salvation. They … More Community Breakdown
Free to live. A gift from God. Acquired by faith. Life today is a constant challenge to that freedom. True in every age. How shall we engage this freedom; this challenge. Act and Listen. Believe and Respond. If we only listen; we remain unchanged. If we only act; we serve our own righteousness. Freedom helps … More Freedom
Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there. If I take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea, even there your hand shall … More The Ever Present God
Rev. Shawn J. Smith 