RezBlog
"I’m ‘Spiritual’ but Not ‘Religious’”—Part 2
Right on the heels of Peter’s amazing spiritual insight about Jesus (“You are the Christ”), Matthew shares another story about Peter’s botched attempt to follow Jesus. Apparently Peter got fed up with all this talk about a suffering Christ, so Peter performed an intervention on Jesus. He basically tells Jesus, “Get a grip and stop this incessant and negative self-talk. You’re the Messiah; now act like one!
Right on the heels of Peter’s amazing spiritual insight about Jesus (“You are the Christ”), Matthew shares another story about Peter’s botched attempt to follow Jesus. Apparently Peter got fed up with all this talk about a suffering Christ, so Peter performed an intervention on Jesus. He basically tells Jesus, “Get a grip and stop this incessant and negative ...Continue Reading
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Meet Your New Staff Members
We are in an exciting season at Church of the Resurrection. Though we are sad to say goodbye to some great staff members who are transitioning to other things, it's our joy to welcome some wonderful new staff members. Please greet them when you see them on Sunday or stop by the office. They'd love to connect with you.
Karen Miller
Executive Pastor
We are in an exciting season at Church of the Resurrection. Though we are sad to say goodbye to some great staff members who are transitioning to other things, it's our joy to welcome some wonderful new staff members. Please greet them when you see them on Sunday or stop by the office. They'd love to connect with you. Karen MillerExecutive ...Continue Reading
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"I’m 'Spiritual' but Not 'Religious'" - Part 1: Matthew 16:13-28
I meet many people who say they like Jesus but then they’re quick to add, “I guess I’m spiritual but not religious.” Before the 20th century we used the words “spiritual” and “religious” almost interchangeably, but now many people prefer the “spiritual but not religious” (or SNR) label.
Unfortunately, this SNR trend often implies that ...Continue Reading Posted In: Devotional Series | Comments (0)
I meet many people who say they like Jesus but then they’re quick to add, “I guess I’m spiritual but not religious.” Before the 20th century we used the words “spiritual” and “religious” almost interchangeably, but now many people prefer the “spiritual but not religious” (or SNR) label.
Unfortunately, this SNR trend often implies that the church is optional to one’s spiritual journey. But according to Jesus, this SNR penchant for “church-free” or “church-lite” discipleship isn’t just an innocent difference of opinion; it’s a colossal rejection of Jesus’ plan for the world. Jesus restores the world through a new community, a specific, concrete group of real human beings who live with him.
A Letter to Mary
Dearest Mary, handmaid of the Lord, may we continue to learn from your example what it looks like to obey in love. (“Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your will”)
Holy Mary, mother of God, we are grateful that, aided by grace, you not only rejoiced in what the Father would do through you, but that you fully accepted your role—your place—not only in history, but in all eternity—as one glorious piece of the great puzzle—the fulfillment of God’s promise to His people.
Dearest Mary, handmaid of the Lord, may we continue to learn from your example what it looks like to obey in love. (“Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your will”) Holy Mary, mother of God, we are grateful that, aided by grace, you not only rejoiced in what the Father would do through you, but that you fully accepted your role—your ...Continue Reading
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Food Matters
I used to love Hot Pockets. O, the tasty, juicy, greasy goodness stuffed into that magical baking sleeve! But ever since I read Michael Pollan’s book In Defense of Food I haven’t been able to wolf down a single Hot Pocket. According to Pollan, a Hot Pocket isn’t “real food” (just grab your magnifying glass and chemistry textbook and read the ingredients).
I used to love Hot Pockets. O, the tasty, juicy, greasy goodness stuffed into that magical baking sleeve! But ever since I read Michael Pollan’s book In Defense of Food I haven’t been able to wolf down a single Hot Pocket. According to Pollan, a Hot Pocket isn’t “real food” (just grab your magnifying glass and chemistry textbook and read the ...Continue Reading
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Getting in the House: Matthew 15:21-28
Throughout Matthew’s very Jewish Gospel we’ve seen hints (see Mt 1:2-17; 2:1-12; 8:5-13; 15:1-20) that Jesus’ kingdom will reflect his multiethnic creation. But this story doesn’t seem like a good place for Jesus to launch his multi-ethnic ministry. A woman with a need, raw and vulnerable, approaches Jesus and starts screaming for help, and Jesus seems to give her a cold shoulder. Why doesn’t Jesus seem to act like the Jesus we know and love?
Throughout Matthew’s very Jewish Gospel we’ve seen hints (see Mt 1:2-17; 2:1-12; 8:5-13; 15:1-20) that Jesus’ kingdom will reflect his multiethnic creation. But this story doesn’t seem like a good place for Jesus to launch his multi-ethnic ministry. A woman with a need, raw and vulnerable, approaches Jesus and starts screaming for help, and Jesus seems to give her a cold ...Continue Reading
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Beautiful Flops: Matthew 14:22-33
R.O. Blechman is often hailed as the most famous illustrator in the world. But for every successful work, Blechman claims that most people would be shocked by his string of failures. In a series of letters to a young protégé, Blechman shares his ongoing struggle with artistic flops:
R.O. Blechman is often hailed as the most famous illustrator in the world. But for every successful work, Blechman claims that most people would be shocked by his string of failures. In a series of letters to a young protégé, Blechman shares his ongoing struggle with artistic ...Continue Reading
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