This week’s lectionary features a verse I memorized in Greek in college. Paul warns of the danger of knowledge leading to arrogance and division, urging the coupling of knowledge with love. What does it profit a man to gain worlds of knowledge, if he ends up an insufferable jerk? … More All Puffed Up with No Place to Go
We just finished up a 3-part Advent Series exploring Jesus as the perfect embodiment of Micah 6:8 spirituality that invites us to “do justice, love mercy, and walk in humility.” In between Sundays, I’m on college campuses trying to light a fire in college students to embrace and cultivate this kind of Christianity in the world today. … More Doing Justice to Christmas
“Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. You plan to build a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility.” —St. Augustine … More St. Augustine on Humility
What do you think of these six leadership qualities? Which is lacking most among leaders today? Which is the hardest for you? … More What do you think?
This week’s service honors Father’s Day, Keri’s birthday and Conversation #3 on Racial Righteousness with a message by Pastor Jon Tyson of Church of the City, New York, on Jesus, power and privilege. … More Conversation #3: What About White Privilege?
Here’s a retelling of a parable through the lenses of the Enneagram. Jesus told this parable to some who trusted in their False Self, thinking they were the better personality Type and regarded other Enneagram Types with contempt: “Two different personality types went up to the temple to pray, one a self-righteous Type One and … More A Parable Retold
Here’s another letter from Fenelon (1651-1715): Dear friend, I am happy to hear of your frame of mind, and to find you communicating in simplicity everything that takes place within you. Never hesitate to write me whatever you think God requires. It is not at all surprising that you have a sort of jealous ambition … More Spiritual Letters: Fenelon (Letter 7)
A great reminder — and the idea behind MainStreet Merge Forums. -JB by Cathleen Falsani 05-31-2012 Ah, the life of the church. So many arguments, so little time. The list of subjects about which the saints disagree is seemingly endless, encompassing both the profound and the woefully mundane. The ordination of women. The proper role of religion … More Delivery Us From Smugness (by Cathleen Falsani)
When he had finished speaking, [Jesus] said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of … More His Name Is Peter 6 – ‘I’m a Sinful Man’
Jeremy L. Berg 