When you set out to comment on a centuries-old document, sometimes your topic is at the heart of your passions. Sometimes, not so much. You just have to deal with each bit, even if it is outside the range of your interests. Or your confidence. Or whatever. I know this: I’ve been blogging my way through […]
Archives for June 2015
Letters to a Young Pastor: Get Ready. Get Set. THEN Go.
Dear ______: Thanks for writing back. I’m very glad to be able to talk more about your growing sense of being called to ministry. You had a great insight when you said that you are actually feeling called to seminary. You are right: you still have plenty of time to think about whether you want to […]
Cooking, Wrath, and the Suffering of Christ (Heidelberg Catechism Q37)
Yesterday I made a batch of strawberry jam. (Those who follow me on Facebook know jam making is something of an obsession.) Well, I walked away at the wrong moment and the jam burned. The bottom layer went beyond “carmelized” to “carbonized.” Charred black, fused to the stainless steel bottom of the pan. I just hate […]
Letters to a Young Pastor: Are You Called to Ministry?
Dear _______: I was so glad to get your email. Seeing your faith develop has been a highlight of these last two years. It has been a great privilege, actually. And now you tell me that you are feeling called to the ministry, or wondering if you are. You ask whether I think this could possibly […]
Knowing Christ, Knowing Mystery: (Heidelberg Catechism Q35)
Listen to what Christians say about Jesus and we often fall into two groups: Some want to focus on his humanity, encouraged that God sent us someone who can really identify with our problems — like by being one of us. Others want to focus on his divinity, encouraged that he is big enough to help in […]