One of the most common beliefs in the world is the idea of karma—the notion that if you do something bad, eventually something bad will happen to you, and if you do something good, good things will come your way. It’s a neat and satisfying way to think about justice. But here’s the problem: Jesus...
When I was a Lead Pastor, I had a memorable conversation with a church member who loved the Old Testament but found my approach to it troubling. They couldn’t understand why I didn’t hold its teachings at the same level as the New Testament. That moment set the stage for countless conversations a...
When I became more vocal about some of my evolving beliefs, I stopped getting invited to preach in many of the places where I was a regular guest speaker. I don't regret this, but it's a somewhat depressing reality. Many of you have experienced similar feelings in your church communities as you've f...
A few years ago, I posted a short video on YouTube—a quick, three-minute reflection about the theologian A.W. Tozer. Little did I know that video would spark debates and continue to garner social media comments even years later. Something in those few words struck a nerve. It revealed a complex a...
In the latest "Cabernet and Pray" podcast episode, I explored a nontraditional interpretation of a familiar parable in Luke 19. If you attended Sunday school or have any church background, you likely know this story well.Â
Here’s a quick recap of the parable: A nobleman leaves for a distant empi...
This past weekend, I preached on the idea of Christianity as a story for us to tell. Ever since I got awarded the "Best Storyteller" award in kindergarten, it's been clear to me how much I love a good story. And apparently, so does Jesus. That's why many of his teachings were in story format thro...
In the latest episode of my podcast, I tackled the topic of the "Word of God." Most people instinctively equate this term with the Bible. However, I propose a different angle—what if the "Word of God" actually refers to Jesus? This idea stems from the Gospel of John: "In the beginning was the Wor...
Anxiety creeps up on us, often in ways we don't expect. However, one area of our lives where we do expect it is our finances. Just the very topic can usually create a physical response in us. Is this just the way it is?
This weekend, I taught about anxiety in our finances and explored Jesus' tea...
Batman and Robin.
Peanut butter and jelly.
Mario and Luigi.
Fear and Christianity.
It seems some things just go together.
And it's not just the fear of hell (although that's the big one). It turns out we've found ways to weave fear into much of how we make sense of Christianity. It could be ...
This weekend I explored a widely recognized and often misunderstood verse: Philippians 4:13. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." You’ve probably seen it everywhere—on athletes' gear, social media posts, and even memes. It’s been called the "Superman verse," a kind of divine b...
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