Authentic Christian spirituality is fully human, fully embodied. In our culture, human limitations are often perceived as obstacles to unhindered union with God. On the contrary, it is precisely in and through our humanity that we experience God. Christian spirituality is not an attempt to escape our humanity but to embrace God in and through it. »more
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Authentic Christian spirituality is fully human, fully embodied. In our culture, human limitations are often perceived as obstacles to unhindered union with God. On the contrary, it is precisely in and through our humanity that we experience God. Christian spirituality is not an attempt to escape our humanity but to embrace God in and through it. »more
When we think of a "perfect" or "sinless" person, we usually think of someone who is “holier-than-thou” and snobbish. But in Jesus we discover that the only one who is truly “holier-than-thou” is wholly for us. His holiness is that of otherly love – love of another kind! His perfection does not make him less-than-human, but rather, truly human. »more
Compassion is at the heart of God’s character, and this compassion is expressed is divine tenderness. We must not only believe this, but also enter into the experience of God’s compassion in our lives. Armed with a heart of tenderness, our every encounter with others becomes a visible sacrament of Jesus’ love for human beings. »more
“God is light” (1 John 1:5). This powerful metaphor is used throughout the Bible to portray God’s truth, character, and work. Even though all images and metaphors have inherent limitations they are helpful in pointing us to and connecting us with God. The metaphor of light provides a helpful way to understand how Christ’s light shines but remains hidden to some. »more
In conservative circles, the story of Jesus turning the water into wine never fails to raise eyebrows. They cannot quite grasp why Jesus would actually keep the party going – especially by bringing more wine… lots of it! You can almost hear their conscience pleading, “Jesus, please turn it back to water before someone gets hurt. Or, even worse… drunk!” »more
God’s greatest desire is that we would live all of life coram deo, that is, before the face of God. God is closer than we think, offering us access into the divine life. God furiously pursues us – in spite of our lethargy – and desires for us to awaken to his presence. “He is never farther than a prayer away. All it takes is the barest effort, the lift of a finger.” »more
Jesus was able to be compassionate precisely because he fully embraced and expressed joy, sorrow, anger, and fear. As one fully immersed in the human experience, Jesus was profoundly moved by the sufferings and troubles of others. His deep emotional experiences produced a tender heart of compassion. »more
Results tagged “Jesus”
Authentic Christian spirituality is fully human, fully embodied. In our culture, human limitations are often perceived as obstacles to unhindered union with God. On the contrary, it is precisely in and through our humanity that we experience God. Christian spirituality is not an attempt to escape our humanity but to embrace God in and through it. »more
When we think of a "perfect" or "sinless" person, we usually think of someone who is “holier-than-thou” and snobbish. But in Jesus we discover that the only one who is truly “holier-than-thou” is wholly for us. His holiness is that of otherly love – love of another kind! His perfection does not make him less-than-human, but rather, truly human. »more
Compassion is at the heart of God’s character, and this compassion is expressed is divine tenderness. We must not only believe this, but also enter into the experience of God’s compassion in our lives. Armed with a heart of tenderness, our every encounter with others becomes a visible sacrament of Jesus’ love for human beings. »more
“God is light” (1 John 1:5). This powerful metaphor is used throughout the Bible to portray God’s truth, character, and work. Even though all images and metaphors have inherent limitations they are helpful in pointing us to and connecting us with God. The metaphor of light provides a helpful way to understand how Christ’s light shines but remains hidden to some. »more
In conservative circles, the story of Jesus turning the water into wine never fails to raise eyebrows. They cannot quite grasp why Jesus would actually keep the party going – especially by bringing more wine… lots of it! You can almost hear their conscience pleading, “Jesus, please turn it back to water before someone gets hurt. Or, even worse… drunk!” »more
God’s greatest desire is that we would live all of life coram deo, that is, before the face of God. God is closer than we think, offering us access into the divine life. God furiously pursues us – in spite of our lethargy – and desires for us to awaken to his presence. “He is never farther than a prayer away. All it takes is the barest effort, the lift of a finger.” »more
Jesus was able to be compassionate precisely because he fully embraced and expressed joy, sorrow, anger, and fear. As one fully immersed in the human experience, Jesus was profoundly moved by the sufferings and troubles of others. His deep emotional experiences produced a tender heart of compassion. »more
God's law is meant to guide expressions of love and compassion. Since love and mercy know no boundaries, often rules fail to completely define what must be done. Even more, sometimes rules get in the way of divine expressions of love and compassion. Religion is not meant to limit love and compassion. »more
"As the Father has sent me, so I send you." How can Jesus' disciples fulfill such a staggering commission? Just moments before receiving this commission, they were shaking in fear in a locked room hiding from authorities. What could possibly transform this cowardly bunch of failures into a bold, courageous group? »more
What's "good" about Good Friday? To the casual observer it seems odd. The adjective "good" hardly seems fitting to describe a day full of injustice, beatings, whippings, abuse, scorn, and the torture of crucifixion. »more
Contrary to everyone's expectations, Jesus declares that the blessed ones of the kingdom are the "spiritual zeroes," the "beautiful losers," the "peaceful revolutionaries." The "little flock" to whom God gladly chooses to give the kingdom is filled with "children," "babes," the "last" and the "least". These are definitely not the kind of people you want leading a revolution - unless your revolution is unlike any other! »more
"The Church is full of hypocrites!" For many, this accusation is one of the greatest obstacles to belief. This concern is valid - Jesus shared it! Jesus warned, "Beware of the leaven of hypocrisy." This warning was not given to the Pharisees but to his disciples. It is a danger for the most religious and respectable. »more
Religion can be liberating; it can also be oppressive. Religion can bring health and wholeness; it can also be toxic and destructive. True religion creates compassionate, loving, life-filled people. Toxic religion creates petty, demanding, legalistic people. Is your religion true, or toxic? »more
Are you tired, weak, troubled? Overloaded with the cares and concerns of life? Have you spent yourself to the point of exhaustion? Are you tired of carrying your burden alone? Jesus promises rest! What is it and how can we share it? »more
Evangelicals have succeeded in doing the impossible: we have domesticated Jesus. We have sanitized him and made him "safe." We have reduced him to a mascot for mere social etiquette. We have removed his edges and have censored his life in such a way that we are left with a respectable, nice, delicate, agreeable, presentable Jesus. But if we are not following the Jesus of the Gospels, who then are we following? »more
Simon had just enough religion to hate, but not enough to love. He had received just enough grace to taste God's goodness, but not enough to reflect it to others. He had experienced just enough forgiveness to remain judgmental of others. The odor that disgusted him was, to Jesus, a sweet savor of love! »more
The book of Psalms is filled with sad songs that express struggles, sufferings, and disappointments to God. No matter how bad the situation, they always ends with a little comfort or hope. Only one psalm breaks from this pattern - Psalm 88. It ends with misery, despair, terror, and loneliness. No light breaks through at the conclusion of the psalm. It simply fades into darkness! »more
"God is one; but God is not alone." No matter how powerful and fulfilling our personal experience of God is, we can never fully reflect God's life and love as an isolated individual. Only in community do we mirror the trinitarian glory. We must reflect the us-ness of God. »more
Without the humanity of Jesus - not just during his earthly ministry, but now in his heavenly ministry - there is no Christian salvation. Through the incarnation, God unites humanity to deity. This union is not temporary. It is permanent! Through Jesus' present glorified humanity we share in the life and love - the divine dance - of the Triune God. »more
Though we may feel at times that we are "lost in the cosmos" we are God's special creatures. God takes particular and passionate interest in us. Though we are not the center of the universe, for some reason, we are the center of God's universe. Why is God so interested in us? »more
