Michael Wilkins introduces the rabbinic concept of shimmush which means “attending upon and coming under the personal influence of the teacher and learning from his deportment. “But shimmush itself was a study of Torah,” Wilkins continues, “because the rabbi’s life was to be an embodiment of Torah.” … More Jesus, Shimmush, and the Torah
In many parts of the West, Christians find themselves being pushed to the periphery of power and influence after centuries of privilege. Fear, anger, nostalgia, and retaliation are not how Christ’s people are to respond when their circumstances change or their cultural authority is taken away. … More Kings Rise and Fall (Skye Jethani)
In our 21st century context where students are primarily focused on the teacher’s content, and the teacher is just a vehicle for delivering “the goods,” we are far from the teacher-centric world of first century Judaism. … More Adherence to the Master
With my doctorate complete, I am turning my attention to getting my writings into print and available for purchase. I have just released The Father’s Song: The Divine Symphony of Scripture and you can purchase a copy today! … More Book Release: “The Father’s Song”
“Most problems in contemporary churches can be explained by the fact that members have not yet decided to follow Christ.” … More Quotabes: Dallas Willard
A repost from 2015. This article is also available in audio form here. I’ve heard a dozen sermons and given my own share on the story of Jesus at the home of Mary and Martha. I think they’ve all been a bit too hard on Martha and overlooked a potential danger for Mary types out there. … More Redeeming Martha: A New Spin on an Old Story
Evangelicals are well-known for working to get the “right” people in the highest places of government, hoping they will lead our nation with faith and integrity in more godly directions. The overlooked story of Fauci’s boss seems to reveal another truth. … More Vaccine Hesitancy, Evangelicals, and the Ironic Tale of Dr. Fauci’s Boss
A few words in response to the Derek Chauvin trial verdict by myself and NWC Superintendent Mark Stromberg. … More A Word on the Chauvin Trial Verdict
My thesis flows out of the sobering realization that sermon-centric pastoral ministry is inadequate to the task of bandaging hearts, healing wounds, and forming souls at the deeper levels. Dynamic preaching may grow a church, but alone it will not grow disciples. … More Leader, Preacher, or Curate of Souls?
Why is the world so messed up? Where is God in all of this? What role, if any, do Satan, angels and demons play in all this? How do we face evil and suffering in a Christ-centered way? Join us for a 6-week course on “God, Evil, & Spiritual Warfare” kicking off this Sunday! … More 6-Week Course: God, Evil, & Spiritual Warfare
Don’t follow the disciples’ example in this passage and seek Truth in gossip, rumor and conspiracies. Turn to the source of Truth. Turn to Christ. … More Who Is This Man?
I often feel like I am treading water in a sea of strong and savvy senior pastors, watching them stand proudly at the helm of their mighty cruise ships, while I barely keep afloat while clinging desperately to a piece of driftwood—ancient driftwood that may contain the secret to our true pastoral calling. … More The Island of Misfit Pastors
My fancy bound dissertation came in the mail this week! In the coming days, I want to share several excerpts from the introduction and concluding sections of my thesis. … More The Good Pastor
As a dad of 3 curious children, these faith films offer great pathways into discussions about Easter and the story of Jesus. This past week we enjoyed two in particular that I thought I would recommend to others. … More Easter Movie Recommendations
This Easter we explore Resurrection through the lenses of the Jonah story and hear a sermon we’ll not soon forget, “Resurrection Vomit.” … More WATCH: “Resurrection Vomit” (Easter 2021)
What might we be missing when we jump from Good Friday to Easter Sunday? What happened on Holy Saturday? … More The Day Between
Like Jonah’s experience in the belly, the past year can be summed up as “Dark, Cramped, & Stinky.” This Good Friday let us join Jonah in the belly of the fish, to imaginatively enter into his experience and ponder his prayer from the depths. And anticipate Resurrection! … More Dark, Cramped, & Stinky (Good Friday Vigil)
I’m thrilled to share my past four years of doctoral studies has resulted in a thesis that has been approved. You can call me Dr. J if you want! :) I have been researching sages & students in the ancient world, and having the time of my life with renowned New Testament scholar Scot McKnight. … More I’m a Doctor!
I’m excited to release today a new audio dramatization of my “Tale of the Cursed Fig Tree.” What if the fig tree that Jesus cursed could tell his side of the story? This is an imaginative retelling of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem to shouts of “Hosanna!” during his last week, and how his fate … More The Tale of the Cursed Fig Tree (Audio Drama)
We’ve all been bitten by the Serpent of Old, and the venom of sin in all its various forms courses through our veins. Where can we LOOK for healing? Jeremy’s message from John 3:14 and Num. 21 with scripture readings by Peter & Isaak Berg. … More WATCH: Snake Bite
For this 3rd Sunday of Lent we have music by Jeremy, Scripture reading by Isaak Berg, and a message by Pastor Bill on Jesus’ “temple tantrum” in John 2:13-22. Enjoy! … More WATCH: The Raging Fury of God’s Love
Dominionism, and the Christian nationalism it has spawned, are antithetical to the cross. It is a false gospel and those who preach it have their minds set on the things of man (fear, power, and control) and not the things of God (faith, hope, and love). … More This is the Way (Skye Jethani)
In the Hebrew Scriptures, God’s Wisdom is personified as a woman calling out in the streets, trying to get the attention of busy passers by. DI Audio attempts to join Lady Wisdom in shining light onto the intersection of faith and everyday life. … More Wisdom Shouts on the Street Corner
This year Ash Wednesday felt even darker than other years. A service that ends with ashes smeared on your forehead with the words, “From the dust you came, and to dust you shall return,” is always a bit of a downer. But our mortality feels a bit more real, perhaps, after a year that claimed … More Ashes & Oil
Sometimes Jesus needs to invade our personal space, even spitting in our face and poking us in the eye, in order to get our attention and help us see more clearly. In this Sunday sermon, Jeremy explores Mark 8. … More WATCH: Holy Spit!
Kingdom Harbor 