Shame and guilt

by | Dec 12, 2020 | Uncategorized

Both the Bible and our contemporary, western culture have much to say about human identity. And central to both the Bible’s and our culture’s understanding of identity are the issues of guilt and shame, and specifically how to overcome guilt and shame. But the ways...

Prioritizing the gospel, because of the gospel

by | Dec 2, 2020 | Uncategorized

This past Sunday, I preached from Mark 13, where Jesus is warning his disciples of suffering and persecution to come. At one point, he tells them, But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will...

Dependent on God’s word

by | Nov 18, 2020 | Uncategorized

But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4) This past Sunday I preached on Mark 12:35-37, and briefly pointed out something Jesus says almost as an aside, but something that...

Navigating new restrictions

by | Nov 18, 2020 | Uncategorized

As you likely know, Governor Inslee issued a host of new restrictions Sunday (11/15). The context for these is a surge in coronavirus cases around the state. Locally, cases are also surging, with another outbreak at Josephine Caring Community. The restrictions are,...

The discipline of difficulty

by | Nov 11, 2020 | Uncategorized

Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. 4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses...