Reading the Bible intentionally takes work and dedication. Reading Scripture is only enjoyable if we are open to the changes it calls us to make. Try… [Read More] https://relevantmagazine.com/god/what-to-do-when-you-dont-like-reading-the-bible/
In his instructions to Timothy, Paul commands Christians to pray “for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2) But how?… [Read More] https://www.ministrymatters.com/all/entry/9061/praying-for-the-president
Even in the best environments we can get caught up in what we are doing and lose sight of the why behind it… [Read More] https://relevantmagazine.com/life5/5-books-to-read-if-youre-getting-burned-out-on-church/
What’s the point of designing your church to seem attractive to those to whom the gospel is unattractive? Is it just to get… [Read More] www.patheos.com/blogs/faithwalkers/2013/08/bill-blankschaen-why-i-left-your-seeker-friendly-church
According to the 2013 Conversation Project National Survey, 90 percent of people said that talking with their families or loved ones about end-of-life care is important, yet only 27 percent have had the conversation. Talking about end-of-life care with a family member is not just for the unforeseen accident.[…] http://www.relevantmagazine.com/life/conversation-every-millennial-needs-have-their-parents
“To expect God to pump prefabricated plastic moral people out of a religious factory is to neuter grace and chain it inside a gated community […] http://www.faithit.com/f-bombs-and-bikinis-what-it-really-means-to-be-a-christian/
My favorite cliche is “travel mercies”. What is that? Better gas mileage? Good bathrooms? First class upgrade? … http://www.relevantmagazine.com/node/127991#SXfEGy2cEZ3zlY4t.99
So I’ve slowly learned that going to church can be about something other than moral requirement, fear of punishment, social connection, getting spiritually fed, or even looking for likeminded people with whom to pursue justice in the world. Going to church can be about holding this space in which to experience the grace of God together, learn together, fail and forgive and stumble forward together… http://www.relevantmagazine.com/god/church/why-i-go-church-even-when-i-dont-feel-it
I believe in this passage Jesus is pointing to a reality that many of us are becoming familiar with: his teachings aren’t exactly popular. Following his teachings? Doing the things that Jesus did? Loving the way Jesus loved? Well, at a minimum that’s going to invite conflict into your closest relationships… http://www.patheos.com/blogs/formerlyfundie/what-jesus-meant-when-he-said-i-didnt-come-to-bring-peace-but-a-sword/
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) will support our European partners and members of ACT Alliance (Action by Churches Together) as they minister to the large influx of forced migrants from the Middle East (including Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq) and also from Northern and Middle Africa… http://pda.pcusa.org/situation/european-refugee-crisis/