In Pursuit of Jesus

Your Moment to Shine

How do Jesus followers respond to radical changes in government policy--like eliminating a great deal of long-standing foreign aid? We return to the calling we have in Christ to sacrifice self in order to bless others and seek the good of the wider world around us.

Don't Worry, Be . . . Reoriented

Jesus' teaching on worry reveals that we continually let the demands of this world distract us from our central calling. Use the warning signal of worry to remember your membership and mission in the kingdom of God.

The Parable of the Statue

Ever wonder what it might be like to be Jesus' student in terms of composing parables?

Just a Pointer

John the Baptist didn't mind that Jesus was taking his disciples. That's why he came, after all: to point to Jesus and then fade from view. At some point or another, we all decrease as the presence of Christ increases.

Power in Weakness

Paul reflects on a weakness given to him as a gift from God. How might we begin to view this paradox of the Christian life?

Sexuality and Grace

A deep dive into Paul's condemnation of same-sex eroticism in ancient Rome, and thoughts about how to interpret it for our life together today.

Interview: Imagining the Things of God

In this conversation with Pastor Dave Stene, we explore our experience of two attempts to depict stories from the bible in film and novel forms. Through that experience we try to understand the power of imagination and how it can make the life of faith more real and robust.

Unfinished Business

Moses never got to set foot in Israel's promised future. We must often relinquish the completion of things that have taken much of our love and energy. But we need not despair of the future of our efforts. We trust someone greater is at work.

Speaking of Barnabas III: Out of the Swamp

Barnabas plays a key role--maybe the definitive one--in Saul's calling as apostle. Perhaps we, too, may serve as Barnabas to others who sit in the dark places of doubt and rejection.

Speaking of Barnabas II: Opening the Door

It appears that without Barnabas, Saul would never have even met the apostles in Jerusalem. Barnabas opens the door to a ministry that has become essential for the last 1,800 years of church history.