The various religions of the world show us that there are different ways to relate to God (or for some, gods). Many operate under the assumption that human beings must do the things that God wants in order for God to respond favorably in their lives. Whether that is participating in religious ceremonies or how…
Jim worked for the railroad in South Africa in late 1800’s. James “Jumper” Wide had been known for jumping between railcars until an accident where he fell and lost both of his legs. During his recovery, Jim met Jack and they became the best of friends. Devoted. Inseparable. Jack did everything he could to help…
Last year an anti-lynching bill passed on the floor of the United States Senate by voice vote. Meaning, it was not controversial and it passed easily. This bill intends to make the lynching of another human being a “hate crime.” This bill was sponsored by senators on both sides of the political aisle. If you…
During the “Christmas break” there is always increased traffic by our home. I live in a national park by one of the most scenic and iconic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco. Therefore at every holiday (and I do mean every holiday) there are literally thousands more people trying to enter the…
Have you ever heard about the Christmas truce that occurred during World War I? The fields of Flanders were no place to be on Christmas Eve in 1914. The air was cold and frosty, of course, because it was winter, and things were very quiet. Thousands of British, French, Belgian and German troops were dug-in…
Maybe you have seen this before and maybe you haven’t. Either way, this video is precious and heartwarming. I hope this puts you into the mood for Christmas! God bless you! Pr. Ben
“But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way. Paul writes to the conflicted church in Corinth that he “planted” several years earlier… If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal….
I believe in love. I believe in the end that love wins. No matter what may or may not happen to us in this life, love has the final word and love is the final and eternal Word. I have committed my adult life and career to this truth. As a human, I forget that…
I am not an expert in most things. However, I am a theologian. You may even question my expertise in that field of study, yet that is what I am. I look at everything through the lens of God’s word as found in the scripture and through the filter of the living Word of God…
This is the text of my Thanksgiving Eve sermon at Bethel… I don’t know if you saw the tragic news this morning but a Lutheran pastor in San Francisco was arrested for having many pornographic images of children on his computer. It is just unbelievable and it is sad. It is just another thing in…
