Scripture
Divine testimony in our hearts (1 John 5:9-13)
According to 1 John, we have received more than mere mortal attestation.
Jesus in the clouds (Acts 1:1-11; Ephesians 1:15-23)
Is there anything more embarrassing than believing in a three-story universe?
May 12, Easter 7B (Psalm 1; John 17:6–19)
In meditating on the words of scripture, I discover a Word who meditates on me.
An imperative to praise (Psalm 98)
The psalmist is bossy: “Sing to the Lord a new song.”
May 9, Ascension (Luke 24:44–53)
In his final moments on earth, Jesus delivers a last lecture—with footnotes.
Where are the children in liberation theologies?
Child advocate R. L. Stollar seeks to help people read the Bible in ways that protect and honor children.
May 5, Easter 6
(1 John 5:1–6; John 15:9–17)
(1 John 5:1–6; John 15:9–17)
The Christian faith often gives friendship short shrift.
On watch (Acts 8:26-40; Psalm 22:25-31; 1 John 4:7-21; John 15:1-8)
Fruitful ministry becomes sustainable when it is shared, person to person and generation to generation.
April 28, Easter 5B (John 15:1–8; 1 John 4:7–21)
In biblical Greek, the word we translate as “abide” is active rather than passive.
Psalm 23 in conversation (Acts 4:5-12; Psalm 23; 1 John 3:16-24; John 10:11-18)
This familiar text takes on new dimensions when read in tandem with this week’s epistle and gospel texts.
Centering Chloe and decentering Paul
Womanist scholar Mitzi Smith offers resources for understanding the reception of 1 Corinthians among Black readers.
April 21, Easter 4B (Psalm 23; John 10:11–18)
A dead shepherd isn’t helpful to anyone, least of all to the sheep left behind.
Early Christianity, fragment by fragment
A new published volume of ancient papyri contains sayings, attributed to Jesus, that were previously unknown—including a dialogue with a disciple named Mary.
Marilynne Robinson goes deep on Genesis
Her new book is a single essay of 230 pages that probes beautifully into the mind and heart of God.
April 14, Easter 3B (Luke 24:36b–48)
Why doesn’t Jesus just remind the disciples of a story or an inside joke they shared before he died?
Why I came back to the lectionary
My job as a preacher isn’t to change the game. It’s to run the plays well.
Bearing the scars
Years ago, at a barbecue in Argentina, I realized I was the only person present who wasn’t a survivor of torture.