I made a silent vow to myself a few years ago to spend the money and miss seeing “bucket list” musical legends when they come to town. So, I have a little slush fund of “gig” cash hidden away in one of my books, and I’ve been dipping into it recently. In the past few weeks, I saw two 83-year old legends — Bob Dylan and Paul Simon. … More Pure Art, No Frills
My friend Cheryl shared this with me, and I wanted to share it with you today. Stand up comedian, Jeff Allen, shares his long and winding path from an alcoholic atheist to finding meaning and a transformed life through faith in Jesus Christ and the guidance of the Scriptures. … More A Comedian’s Testimony
David Brooks is one of my go-to sources for reasoned political commentary and analysis. Give 14 minutes to consider his speech at the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship. Brooks’ speech is challenging and thought provoking, calling for us to reassess what we think cultural renewal looks like and to reconnect to our spiritual roots. … More David Brooks: Rupture, Repair & Societal Change
Here’s a rough cut, first attempt at a newer song. A powerful message and charge to keep laboring for the LORD, and to “not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we shall reap a harvest if we do not give up and quit” (Gal. 6:9). I like the rough unpolished vocal for the message of this song, just as Jesus graciously works in and through our rough and unpolished lives. … More #SaturdaySong – “My Labour Is Not In Vain”
Professor David Fitch reflects on life after Easter, emphasizing the struggle Christians face between the victory of Christ’s resurrection and the ongoing presence of evil in the world. He draws parallels with Marthe Cohn’s experiences during WWII, urging believers to actively participate in God’s reign and proclaim Jesus as the ultimate Lord amidst current chaos and challenges. … More Let Jesus Reign (David Fitch)
We celebrated Easter this year under the shadow of disease and death. We sang victory songs nearer to the tomb than usual. Jesus’ grave is empty, but we will someday be lowered into ours — at least temporarily. I used to visit a cemetery early on Easter morning before showing up at church to proclaim God’s victory over the grave. It’s good to stare death in the face before you go on stage to publicly announce its humiliation and defeat! … More Swedish Pancakes By the Empty Tomb
Our friends Sarah and Doug are back with another deep dive discussion of a meditation I am preparing for an upcoming pastor’s conference. Looking at John 21, we explore God’s grace in the midst of our worst failures, and the invitation to throw ourselves overboard into the ocean of God’s love and forgiveness. What is Jesus’ main qualification for his servants? Listen and find out. … More Podcast #198 – Job Interview With Jesus
As we remember Pope Francis and his legacy, I want to recommend a very enjoyable film I have seen twice. Do yourself a favor and skip the recent film, “Conclave” (which I saw in the theater but don’t recommend) and watch the uplifting and entertaining “The Two Popes” (2019). You’ll thank me. … More Pope Francis and a Movie
MainStreet Covenant once again took our Easter service on the road to bless seniors with resurrection hope! This year we did two services at Lake Minnetonka Shores, and was extra special as all three of my kids participated in the service. Peter on the piano, Abby singing, and Isaak reading Scripture. For the message, I did a dramatic reading of my short story, “The Naked Truth About Easter.” Here’s a highlight video. … More Easter 2025 Highlight Video
It’s Holy Saturday…the day Jesus rested in the tomb in some traditions, or the day Jesus raided Hell and proclaimed victory over the powers in others. Either way, Sunday’s a-coming! It is fitting this Easter to share a famous sermon clip from the late, great Tony Campolo who is celebrating his first Easter in glory. … More Sunday’s Coming! (Tony Campolo)
Our family tradition is to return from Good Friday service and observe an evening of darkness and shadows at home. We light candles and don’t use electricity. It’s a dark, somber night. But our culture doesn’t readily embrace silence and darkness. We run the other way from all that, just like we run away from the reality of death and grief. … More A Night of Shadows
Enjoy a special Holy Week audio presentation of Jeremy’s story, “The Naked Truth About Good Friday.” For centuries the story of the naked guy in Mark’s passion story has been shrouded in mystery and the source of much speculation and snickering. The young man is finally read to tell his side of the story. Get the bare facts and stripped down version of Good Friday in this imaginative and inspiring short story. … More Podcast #197: Special: The Naked Truth
There is nothing Christian about Christian Nationalism. It’s a capitulation to the Way of Barabbas over the Way of Jesus. It’s waving palm branches for Judas “The Hammer” Maccabeus on his warhorse over Jesus on a donkey. We are faced with the same question as the crowd that first Holy Week: Who do we want to go free and to follow, and who do we want to send to the cross to be rid of? … More We Still Choose Barabbas
This Sunday we will be shocked once again with the yearly reminder that, given the choice between the peaceful and non-violent revolutionary prophet Jesus bar Joseph or the patriotic freedom-fighting violent revolutionary Jesus bar Abbas, otherwise known as Barabbas, the crowd chose Barabbas over Jesus. We’re still doing it today. My teacher, Scot McKnight, introduces a new book on Jesus and non-violent peacemaking on his Substack today. … More A Revolutionary Jesus
Here’s an artsy video snippet of one of my favorite Bob Dylan songs we covered at our recent show. I find great joy listening to Peter’s happy piano in the background, and don’t miss Jared’s wink on the drums at the beginning. We’re having fun. … More I Want You
This episode of the Anchor Podcast features a recent sermon I shared on the non-human actors in the drama of Holy Week, and a foundational word about our human vocation as God’s image bearers and co-rulers over God’s groaning creation Jesus came to liberate that first Easter. … More Podcast #196: Rocks Crying Out
I didn’t like the song at all. It seemed hokey. It seemed non-sensical. And it didn’t help that it was being sung off key and off tempo by a small congregation of primarily 75 year old church ladies. Not to mention being led by someone who sort of resembled Dana Carvey’s SNL character “Church Lady.” Today I repent of my snobbery and spiritual immaturity. I now believe in singing trees. … More Singing Trees & Crying Rocks
This past weekend is up there on my Mount Rushmore of most meaningful and monumental events of my life. It’s up there with my wedding, ordination, launch of MainStreet, the births of my children. You think I’m overstating it, but I’m not. A shy artist and musician has been living inside me for decades, longing to be seen and trying to muster the courage to come out of hiding. That part of me went public Saturday night! … More What a Weekend! Concert Recap
In this Anchor Podcast episode, I share a bit about our spring break road trip to Myrtle Beach, including stops at the Ark Encounter and the Billy Graham Library. Then Doug and Sara do a deep dive into a piece I just wrote where I reminisce about a cheesy song that used to bug me, and explore the non-human participants in the passion story. … More Podcast #195: Creation’s Voice in the Passion
Kingdom Harbor 