Category: Bible Commentary

Twisted Love

March 11, 2026

This Gospel text thrusts us back into that darkened upper room where confused disciples hang on their teacher’s every last word. Ominous feelings fill the room and haunt every heart trying to make sense of this perplexing last meal together. How can such beauty come out of a situation so ugly? How can grace withstand such a tidal wave of heartlessness? How can love flow so freely between these river banks of betrayal? … More Twisted Love

Ashes and Armpits

February 18, 2026

I’m (blessedly) trapped in a blizzard in Two Harbors watching angry waves crash onto the shore of Superior. The 60+ mph wind gusts are ominous, but the snow piling up reminds me of the Lenten truth that “Though our sins be as scarlet, [God] will make us white as snow.” I’m reposting this piece to kick off Lent where I ask the same question as Lynyrd Skynyrd, “Ooh, What’s that Smell?” … More Ashes and Armpits

Ethnicity and the Church: A More Excellent Way

February 17, 2026

Introducing a short video and podcast conversation that revisits my urgent 2019 theological essay arguing that ethnic diversity should be viewed as a spiritual gift essential for the health and witness of the global Christian community. I challenge believers to move beyond nationalism and tribalism toward a “most excellent way” (1 Cor. 12:31) defined by suffering in solidarity with marginalized groups. … More Ethnicity and the Church: A More Excellent Way

Being a Neighbor, Showing Mercy in Minneapolis

February 4, 2026

Jesus is meddling in politics again. Why doesn’t he just preach the gospel? To “go and do likewise” in this moment for many Jesus-followers in Minnesota means moving toward those who are being harmed and mistreated, showing mercy and standing in solidarity with them, being the healing presence of Jesus and bearing witness to those being left devastated (and sometimes dead) by the side of the road. … More Being a Neighbor, Showing Mercy in Minneapolis

Planet of the Apes & Politicians

January 22, 2026

I’m not prophesying the imminent downfall of the political establishment or the nation as a whole. I am offering a timeless warning that reckless, animal-like behavior and a lack of “humanity” in places of power and influence can set in motion a slow downward spiral into self-destructive chaos—personal and societal. Exchanging “the mind of a man for the mind of an animal” is, after all, Paul’s diagnosis of sin-infected humanity in his great letter to the Christians in the capital city of Rome. Where does this lead? Read on. … More Planet of the Apes & Politicians

Remaining Calm in the Societal Storm

January 16, 2026

Jesus was no stranger to bad weather. Once he criticized a first century weather forecaster, saying: “You can predict the weather, but not the signs of the times” (Matt 16:3). It doesn’t take a spiritual sage to read the signs of our times. A societal storm is raging and one scene in the Gospels seems to resonate with what we’re feeling. … More Remaining Calm in the Societal Storm

Paul’s Handkerchief

January 13, 2026

My faith was tested a couple years ago sitting in the ICU as our son battled for his life. I leaned friends and family who showed up with visits, cards, meals, and words of love. But I’ll be honest: words alone felt impotent. Even Scripture rarely penetrated my soul. What did minister to me powerfully was Apostle Paul’s handkerchief. Let me explain! … More Paul’s Handkerchief

Blessed Are the Horoscope Readers

December 17, 2025

Do you think the magi would be welcome in our churches if they showed up this Christmas Eve? I suspect these ouija board playing, crystal ball rubbing, tarot card reading visitors would be met with suspicious looks and hushed whispers, brushed off and awkwardly avoided. They certainly would not be invited to come forward and play a central role in the worship service.  … More Blessed Are the Horoscope Readers

Blessed Are The Speechless

December 15, 2025

We are only reading half the story if we focus only on the speechlessness of Zechariah. Before long the mute becomes a minstrel, the silenced one a songbird, the castigated becomes a crooner for Christ. From that day forward, Mercy and Joy are the theme of Mr. and Mrs. Zechariah’s song. Blessed are those who have been mesmerized by God’s mercy, silenced by salvation, flabbergasted by forgiveness, and enraptured by God’s rescue. … More Blessed Are The Speechless

Blessed Are the Carnies

December 11, 2025

Ebenezer Scrooge had a hard time grasping and embracing the spirit and message of Christmas. The rich and self-sufficient always do. Their own personal kingdoms loom so large that they have a hard time making room for God’s Kingdom.
This is why the glad tidings were given to poor shepherds instead of wealthy aristocrats. Shepherds were the carnies of Jesus’ day. They had a reputation for being  dirty, smelly vagabonds. … More Blessed Are the Carnies

Blessed Are the Underachievers

December 5, 2025

The central message of Jesus’ upside-down Kingdom is that He offers good news to the poor and needy losers, and offers a stern warning for the proud and self-sufficient winners in society. He’s not opposed to the winners and hard-working overachievers; he just knows that such folks tend to be less receptive, and at times openly hostile, to His gospel message about free handouts of grace and forgiveness to undeserving screw-ups.  … More Blessed Are the Underachievers

Psalm 23 Survival Kit for Life’s Valleys

December 3, 2025

In a recent sermon on navigating life’s valleys, I suggested packing the Psalm 23 Survival Kit to help you come out the other side. This beloved Psalm is packed full of essential truths and God’s promises to help carry you through “the valley of the shadow of death.” I want to recommend Dallas Willard’s little book on Psalm 23 called Life Without Lack. … More Psalm 23 Survival Kit for Life’s Valleys

Two Stars: Super-Surrender to Supernova

December 1, 2025

This Christmas reflection examines the crucial distinction between fleeting religious experiences and the enduring life of discipleship. Pastor Jeremy Berg contrasts the Star of Bethlehem, which led the Magi to a singular moment of worship, with the Morning Star mentioned by Peter, which symbolizes the necessary, continuous rise of Christ within the believer’s heart. … More Two Stars: Super-Surrender to Supernova

Courageous Righteousness

October 22, 2025

This week, ask yourself: Where is God calling me to pursue righteousness, even if it costs me approval? How can I stand up for the vulnerable, the unseen, the hurting – regardless of what others think? Who in my life needs to be encouraged to pursue this same courage? Following Jesus will never make us universally popular. But He promises the kingdom to those who endure for His sake. … More Courageous Righteousness

Righteous Hunger

September 24, 2025

Politics often awakens a hunger to win: To argue. To feel superior. To prove them wrong. But Jesus invites us into something deeper: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” That kind of hunger doesn’t ignore injustice. Rather, it fights for what is good and true. But it fights with humility, not hostility. It seeks restoration, not revenge. It builds up, rather than tears down. … More Righteous Hunger

Driftwood

June 2, 2025

This nature reflection discusses the dangers of living a life of spiritual drift, likening it to driftwood tossed by waves. It emphasizes the importance of having purpose and direction in life through faith in Christ and the Church. The analogy highlights community strength versus individual aimlessness in navigating life’s challenges. … More Driftwood

Asleep in the Garden

May 27, 2025

This reflection compares the Gardens of Eden and Gethsemane, emphasizing the spiritual lessons found in both. It highlights the importance of sabbath rest, where believers can trust in God’s partnership, and the necessity for vigilance, as seen in the disciples’ failure to stay awake during Jesus’ testing. Faithful stewardship is vital for the church. … More Asleep in the Garden

Podcast #202 – Discipleship Road (Sarah & Doug)

May 21, 2025

In this episode, Sarah and Doug do a “Deep Dive” into a series of meditations I am writing on the Road to Emmaus story in Luke 24. They introduce many key themes I am tracing through this pregnant piece of Scripture. Let their discussion whet your appetite and then look for more from this series in the future. … More Podcast #202 – Discipleship Road (Sarah & Doug)