This past week I watched my granddaughter twice, caught an infection (sinus and eye) that I'm trying to recover from today by staying in bed and not acting like I can ignore it, recorded a very good podcast (because of the guest), spoke at church to a small group, and lived, I hope, for Jesus. I also reviewed my upcoming book that will be out in the early fall and thought a lot about its launch and marketing. I made a lasagna, cared for a garden, talked with friends, and read about self-publishing for a presentation next month. This morning, thanks to YouTube, I listened to my pastor at Brainerd Baptist Church speak on Colossians 1:24-2:2. Colossians and Ephesians (which I used as a basis for the reflections on Lent) have a lot of parallels. In his sermon, Pastor Hill brought out the theme of what drives us. In this text (which starts a little hard to understand, see below*) Paul expresses how his motivation: Him we preach, warning every man and teac...
Alan Jacobs has a truthful and helpful essay in Dispatch Faith on "C & E Christians" (not to be confused with C of E - Church of England - Christians). I think he may be a little tongue in cheek, but he reminds us not to judge them since we all are in need of grace. Here is the link: https://thedispatch.com/newsletter/dispatch-faith/christianity-easter/ I think you'll get a free read. I want to add to it that maybe those C & E Christians are kept from attending for valid reasons. Many people have to work Sundays. Many are caregivers. Many can't get regular transportation. I know this is not the case for most people who only show up on Christmas and Easter. I'm not sure I would call all of them Christians. In the South, they might be showing up for "Momma" or "Grandma" before the big holiday meal and not have too much interest in the practice of worship the other 363 days per year. But then again . . . This morning I sat next to a y...