faith and culture
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God Is Not Far
Paul walked through Athens and saw a city full of idols — and instead of writing those people off, he found the longing underneath and named it. That’s a very different approach than the one much of American Christianity has… Continue reading
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Life Has the Final Word
Mary Magdalene didn’t go to the tomb expecting good news. She went because she loved someone who was dead and she didn’t know what else to do. John is very deliberate about telling us it’s still dark when she arrives.… Continue reading
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You Are Special
One of the quiet lies implanted into American culture is that people are only as valuable as what they produce. We rarely say it out loud, but we live like it’s true. Your worth is tied to your job title,… Continue reading
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It’s You I Like
One of the quiet assumptions of American culture is that worth must be earned. We may not say it out loud, but we live like it’s true. You matter if you produce something. You matter if you succeed. You matter… Continue reading
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Who Is My Neighbor—Really?
“Won’t you be my neighbor?” For many of us, that phrase immediately brings to mind cardigans, puppets, and a gentle voice reminding us that kindness matters. It sounds warm. Safe. Non-threatening. But when Jesus talks about neighbors, the question is… Continue reading
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The American Idol of “Optimization” (And Why Jesus Wants No Part of It)
Let’s be honest: January in America is exhausting. Before the Christmas tree is even at the curb, the cultural machine shifts gears from “Joy to the World” to “Fix Yourself.” The ads are relentless. Hack your metabolism. 10x your income.… Continue reading
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Spend Less. Give More.
Every December I tell myself that I’m going to keep Christmas simple this year. I imagine quiet nights at home with Christmas movies and hot chocolate. Fewer errands and trips to the store. Less presents and more presence. I tell… Continue reading
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Worship Fully: Turning Our Hearts Toward What Matters
We are well enough into December now that the holiday machine is running at full speed. Amazon trucks are everywhere, parties and programs fill our evenings, and the to-do list is getting to the point of urgency. And in the… Continue reading
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A Different Kind of Christmas
Every year when Advent rolls around, I find myself feeling two things at the same time: excitement and exhaustion. Excitement because I genuinely love this season—the lights, the music, the food, the traditions. And exhaustion because somewhere along the way,… Continue reading
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Christ the King in a World Full of Counterfeits
Every year, right before Advent begins and we start talking about mangers and angels and silent nights, the Church pauses for one Sunday to ask a bold question: Who is your King? Not what do you say is your king.Not what does your… Continue reading
The Rest of the Sermon 