What is Sin?

For the last couple of years, there has been a tug-of-war going on between the state of Texas and the court system. Texas instituted a law that mandated online porn…

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Epiphany

Over the centuries, this day has had a number of names: Little Christmas, Three Kings Day, Theophany, Twelfth Day – but on the church calendar, it is Epiphany. My Methodist…

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What Good is Shame?

I used to joke with my non-Protestant friends that Jews have shame, Catholics have guilt, and Protestants have regret – when we are caught. I think the truth is that…

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Renewal

When I was in Seminary, I came across John Wesley’s Covenant Service, meant to be used on New Year’s Eve. The service actually started with Richard Alleine, a Puritan who…

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Merry Christmas!

In my wanderings recently, I have had a lot of people say, “Merry Christmas!” I have responded, “To you also.” Someone yesterday said, “Merry Festivus!” To which I replied, “To…

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What’s Your Holy-Day Story?

What is your Holy-Day story? I am always jealous about – and also happy for – the stories I hear from friends and family who have so many beautiful memories…

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Tearing Each Other Down

I was born in New York City and grew up about 35 miles northwest of it in a town just above the NJ/NY state line. We always thought we were…

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Cherry Picking Scripture

Nobody lives 100% according to the Bible. Nobody. Jesus didn’t; in fact, He changed a number of laws because He understood that the Bible wasn’t perfect. If you don’t believe…

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When We Disagree

Back when I was in seminary, I made some really good friends, the kinds of people we all need in our lives. One day, one of them strongly disagreed with…

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