Light of the world – Kingdom Harbor

Boyhood Epiphany on a Garage Roof

November 19, 2020

Thirty years have passed since I sat on the garage roof staring up at the night sky. The worries and cares of a middle schooler have been upgraded to the burdens of a father, husband and pastor living in this current moment of darkness and fear. Perhaps, this Advent, you also feel like we’re sitting collectively on a cold and icy roof, staring up at the Heavens and badly need to hear these words this Advent: “The people sitting in a pandemic have seen a great light, and to those sitting in the land and shadow of covid, a light has dawned on them” (Matt 4:16). … More Boyhood Epiphany on a Garage Roof

Jesus, Buddha & the Light of Salvation

December 26, 2018

On his death bed, just before he breathed his last, the Buddha gathered his disciples around him and offered these last words of wisdom: “You are a light unto yourself. Seek not any external refuge. Salvation is found in no other place than yourself.” I’ve been taking the advice of a good friend, and dabbling … More Jesus, Buddha & the Light of Salvation

Christmas Lights 1: The Saga of God’s Flickering Lights

December 19, 2017

From the DI archives. -JB There is a scene in the classic National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation where Clark Griswald (Chevy Chase) is ready to show off his creativity and hard put into decorating the house with thousands of lights. After the drum roll he plugs in his precious lights only to find….nothing. They refuse to shine. … More Christmas Lights 1: The Saga of God’s Flickering Lights

Total Eclipse of the Son

August 22, 2017

“Why do you stand here looking into the sky?” Acts 1:10 Yesterday was the highly anticipated Total Eclipse across the United States, and many found themselves staring up into the sky expecting to be dazzled. Millions of people interrupted their normal routines, stepped out of their places of work, and looked up at the sky. … More Total Eclipse of the Son

Quotables: St. Thomas Aquinas

December 4, 2015

Light of lights! All gloom dispelling, Thou didst come to make thy dwelling Here within our world of sight. Lord, in pity and in power, Thou didst in our darkest hour Rend the clouds and how thy light. Praise to thee in earth and heaven Now and evermore be given, Christ, who art our sun … More Quotables: St. Thomas Aquinas

Church Under a Bowl

April 13, 2015

Reposted from April 2011. -JB In my experience, the church has tended to adopt a “come to us” posture toward a lost and hurting world. We prefer the “light house” image of church where the church is a sanctuary that houses the light of the gospel. Our mission then becomes inviting others to “come to … More Church Under a Bowl

“Get Out of the Way” Theology

August 6, 2014

When I meet Christians who are infatuated with their own depravity because it supposedly puts God on display, I often wonder what they do with certain Bible passages. You’ve met them often enough. They have a “Get out of the Way” theology. They appropriately fear self-righteousness and pride in their faith. They rightly want to … More “Get Out of the Way” Theology

‘Ye are the Light of Mound’

April 11, 2011

Jesus is quite clear about the purpose his disciples are supposed to serve as they follow Jesus’ unique way of life together as described in the Sermon on the Mount. They are supposed to be salt and light to those around them. The task becomes all that much clearer and challenging when we personalize this … More ‘Ye are the Light of Mound’

Cruciform Justice 3: Light Has Dawned

August 18, 2009

The New Testament announces the arrival of The Light. “The Word became flesh and, full of grace and truth, lived among us. We saw his glory, the glory which he received as the Father’s only Son” (John 1:14). The Kingdom of God was at hand and the blessings of the future Messianic Age were being … More Cruciform Justice 3: Light Has Dawned