On Jan 27, Liturgical churches remember the great saint John Chrysostom, a great fourth century preacher, leader, and defender of the Christian faith.  Chrysostom's sermons from his service in Antioch are still fresh and relevant for today, but he is most famed for his tenure as archbishop of Constantinople.  During that office, Chrysostom preached against … Continue reading 2016 Bible in a Year Challenge – week 5

On January 18, liturgical churches commemorate the confession of Peter's faith in Christ as the Messiah (see Matthew 16:13-20).  Protestant churches look to the confession itself as a key element of Christian unity.  The witness of the apostles is a foundation upon which the whole church is built, as it says in Ephesians 2: 19-22: … Continue reading 2016 Bible in a Year Challenge – week 4

This Sunday, liturgical churches across the world commemorate the Baptism of Christ.  This is a time to recognize Christ's humility and submission to the Father.  The One who had no need to repent submitted to a penitent's ritual;  the One who was perfectly clean humbled himself to receive a sinner's bath.  As we go through this … Continue reading 2016 Bible in a Year Challenge – week 3

This week, we enjoy the classic church holiday of Epiphany (January 6).  Traditionally observed as the end of the 12 days of Christmas, Epiphany is a celebration of God's appearance with us in the person of Christ.  Many traditions associate the Magi's visitation of the Holy Family (Matthew 2:1-12) with this holiday.  However the Big Idea … Continue reading 2016 Bible in a Year Challenge – week 2

Avid readers are curve-busters. I’m sure you’ve seen the anxiety laden news articles bemoaning the decline of American reading.  Some pundits wail that “the average American reads only one book per year!” The data from the Pew Research center reveals a more complex picture and sets the average at about 12 per year. Yet, no matter … Continue reading Take the 52 Book Challenge in 2016

This month at Covenant-First Pres, we're flying international flags in our sanctuary.  Here's the text of my September newsletter article that explains why: Every month, when we partake in the Lord’s Supper, we remember that just as we receive the bread which is Christ’s body, so are we made together into the living body of … Continue reading International Flags In Our Church?