Month: February 2015
Hidden Heroes: The Anti-Hero Hero by Talbot Davis
February 28, 2015
And when you’re on death row, you’re not really concerned with trivial pursuits, are you? Paul wasn’t dwelling on trivialities; he was dialed into eternities. That’s why it was particularly devastating for Demas to desert him. Because look at what Demas did: he loved this present world – its comfort, safety, and reputation – and in so doing ignored the next one. And Paul, who because he is on death row is dwelling on eternities more than at any other time in his life, knows something deadly: Demas has sacrificed what is eternal on the altar of what is trivial.
Hope For The Future Of Methodism? by Kevin Watson
February 26, 2015
Our story can be one of experiencing God’s transforming presence in our lives as we recognize the depths of our need for Christ, and Jesus’s ability and willingness to meet that great need. We can move forward with confidence, knowing that the Lord will sustain the church one way or another. And as we move into the future, we will be sustained and guided from perilous missteps if we immerse ourselves in the deep wisdom of our tradition. And as we seek to follow Christ and become mature in our faith, we can invite others to come with us on this great adventure.
Wesleyans have a great story to share with one another and with the world…
Heaven, Hell, And Purgatory: Interview with Jerry Walls
February 25, 2015
Well, the Christian doctrine of the afterlife is simply integral to Christian doctrine, period, and indeed, the faith as a whole makes no sense if the life to come is ignored or trivialized. The heart of the Christian faith is the incarnation, death and resurrection of Christ, which provides salvation and redemption for God’s whole fallen creation.
I believe these Christian doctrines of the afterlife provide powerful resources to make sense of some of the perennial big questions like the problem of evil, the foundations of morality, and the very meaning of life. And again, insofar as we think Christianity is true because it makes sense of things, we also have reason to think the doctrines of the afterlife are true, since they are integral to Christianity.
“Calvary” Revealed by Cole Bodkin
February 23, 2015
Note from the Editor: This film is rated “R” and therefore is not advised for all audiences. You are encouraged…
Triumphant Grace by Jeff Rudy
February 21, 2015
The bells that tolled, according to John Donne, were a sign to those who heard that we are all mortal and meet the same end known as death; that when one dies a part of all of us dies. The stone that rolled, according to Matthew, was a sign to those who witness it that the end known as death is not, in fact, the end. And therefore, it is okay to send for whom the stone rolls. It rolls for thee! The stone rolls for us! And when we hear the sound of the stone rolling, it rings in our ears that the main thing that draws nearer to us is not death, but resurrection! Triumphant grace! Grace that declares death doesn’t have the final word. But that one day there will be no more crying, no more death…
The Persecutor by Elizabeth Glass Turner
February 19, 2015
“Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” On the road, an interesting question is posed. First of all, consider what…
Spirit-Led Discernment: The Quaker Clearness Committee by Danny Morris
February 16, 2015
The “clearness committee” was established by Quakers. Initially, focus persons were seeking clearness about marriage. Invited friends would gather to…
Under The Fig Tree by Claire Matheny
February 14, 2015
The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was…
On Guidance by Maxie Dunnam
February 12, 2015
Christ indwells us Christians; the Holy Spirit is his abiding presence in our lives. To the degree that we cultivate an awareness of and are responsive to his Spirit, Christ will guide us.
Taken & The Luxury Of A Call by Elizabeth Glass Turner
February 11, 2015
Though I’ve never seen the film “Taken,” I have seen some delightful reels of action star Liam Neeson’s intense phone…