Change. None of us likes it. But change comes nonetheless, even though we often resist it. Institutions are especially resistant to change. Churches, for instance, can often be quite resistant to change. Particularly when much around us is changing so rapidly, we often want to cling to the familiar, to the comfortable, to that which …
Continue reading Churches, Change, and the New Wine of the Gospel
Here’s the link to Acts 21. Paul is warned by a prophet named Agabus who, having bound himself symbolically with Paul’s belt, prophesies that when he gets to Jerusalem he will be bound and handed over to the Gentiles. And we soon see what happens, because he insists on going to Jerusalem anyway, declaring his …
Continue reading Reflections on the Book of Acts #21: Gentiles
Here's the link to Acts 6. The disciples were increasing in number, we're told in our passage. More people were coming to faith in Jesus through the preaching ministry of the apostles and the witness of the church. We might think today of a growing church congregation. All good and wonderful, to see people experience …
Continue reading Reflections on the Book of Acts #6: Seven Men
O Gracious God, by your Son, Jesus Christ, you call us forth from sin and into the baptism of new life. Help us work out our salvation with the fear and trembling necessary for any genuine disciple. Forgive us when we imagine you are done with your re-creative work in us.Common Prayer: A Liturgy for …
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