John Flavel lived in tumultuous seventeenth century England. This Puritan was a preacher and a prolific writer. One of his works, available in digital form for a dollar and in paperback for under $10, is … Read More
The Man with a Shriveled Hand
Going on from that place, [Jesus] went into their synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Looking for a reason to bring charges against Jesus, they asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on … Read More
The Why and What Of Women’s Ministries
Why? Why do we have Women’s Ministries at SBCC? Why is there a women’s pastor? Why do we even bother staffing such a thing? SBCC hummed along for 27 years with no formalized commitment to … Read More
A Desolate Place Where We Can Rest Awhile
Having come home from a vacation in England two days ago, I write with a bit of jet lag tingling in my fingers. Lisa and I were, as the Brits say, on holiday. Why England? … Read More
Not Home Yet
After twenty-five years, raising two children, two dogs, countless homegroups, birthday parties, sleep-overs, BBQs, and re-modeling projects it seems strange to look out our front window and see the For Sale sign firmly planted on … Read More
Thoughts on Isla Vista
Last Friday a 22 year-old killed seven people in Isla Vista and injured another thirteen in a rage provoked by his failure to be accepted socially and sexually. What can we, as believers, say to … Read More
Book Review: Is God Anti-Gay?
Is God anti-gay? And other questions about homosexuality, the Bible and same-sex attraction by Sam Allberry When we listen to much of today’s public discourse about homosexual preference and practice, we might conclude that the … Read More
Encountering Homelessness: Engaging in Mercy
by Sarah Douglas As we live and work in our city, most of us encounter homelessness regularly. Whether we are driving through an intersection, walking into Trader Joe’s or down State Street, we see men, … Read More
Welcoming Messiness: “Doing Church” with Children
You might be reading this because you have little children and are learning the meaning of messy in real time. You are struggling, also, to understand how that can possibly effect your faith positively. Church … Read More
Heaven is Really for Real
First, a disclaimer: I have never been to heaven. But I plan to go, very soon, and I expect heaven to be spectacular. In heaven I will see the face of God. And don’t expect … Read More