Jesus set the pattern for his followers. "The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." He had given the new commandment. "Love one another as I have loved you." In his agony, and out of love for the Father, he prayed in the garden of Gethsemane for assurance that the cross was truly the …
The key to a planetary spiritual renaissance
Love
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- With all our strengthI’ve been on a quest to live–and write about–loving God with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength. Yesterday I sent to my editor friend a revised section on strength. She discovered weaknesses in it. It didn’t take long for me to realize (this is a pattern) that she had uncovered a fresh, hungry need […]
- Faith childThe faith of a little child not only enables us to join the kingdom family of God, it also continues to guide us as we progress. Jesus’s teachings and interactions on this theme are marked by a wonderful simplicity. And the variety of these teachings touches on several concepts that are part of the whole […]
- Sean finds GodA 21-year-old computer whiz embraced the concept of the wonderfulness within, but rejected the idea of the spirit of God within–until two weeks ago. How did philosophy help? Watch the 9-minute video or listen to the podcast episode. For the video, I simplified the philosophy so much it’s hardly recognizable. I have organized some ideas […]
- Falling across the Pentecost finish lineAfter acknowledging the failure of an experiment in the last class meeting (falling across the finish line), I summarize a five-week class, "The Journey from Easter to Pentecost." Then I distinguish garden-variety spiritual experience from the taste-and-see variety.
- The Journey from Easter to Pentecost"Lazarus, come forth!" Imagine Jesus saying this to you, and you saying this to others. Here's class that has embarked on that venture.
- Composting the uglyComposting, a process of transformation, a metaphor of a seven-step process of growth.
- Happy Mourning“Happy mourning” sounds like a paradox. Let's probe Jesus’ beatitude: mourning for past, present, future, for self and others, extreme affliction and daily sensitivity and responsiveness to human need.
- A leader’s legacyJesus was the model for leaders who know they are not going to stay on the planet forever. Jesus made provision for continuing what he had begun. His legacy would sustain the inspiration, make it possible for people to stay true to the mission, and provide for further growth and new developments to come.
- Militant action, mission of peaceComing into Jerusalem for the last time, Jesus communicated a mission of peace and also acted militantly on some occasions. How can we understand this combination?
- Jesus triedWhen Peter said to Jesus, "You are the Messiah, the Son of God," Jesus affirmed his insight--and then commanded the apostles not to tell this to anyone. Why not?