A sinful woman once knelt before Jesus and anointed him with a jar of expensive perfume. The apostles saw the act as wasteful, because the woman could have sold the perfume and given the money to the poor. Jesus tells his disciples to shut up, because the woman had done a beautiful thing. He also … Continue reading Should We Try to End Poverty?
Is the Church Eager to Remember the Poor?
Paul’s letter to the Galatians is one of the most important theological texts in history. He writes the letter to confront the Galatians for believing the legalistic lie that to follow Christ, they must also be circumcised. The letter is important because it clarifies that Christians are saved by faith rather than works of the … Continue reading Is the Church Eager to Remember the Poor?
Are Poor People Really Blessed?
Who is Jesus talking about in the gospel of Luke when he says, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” (Luke 6:20b, ESV)? When I talk to other Christians about Jesus and the poor, the conversation typically focuses on three demographics: The working poor — Men and women who … Continue reading Are Poor People Really Blessed?
Black Hole Jesus
For over a decade now, I’ve had the joy of interacting with men and women who are said to be on the “margins of society.” The word margin simply means “the edge or border of something.” When describing people, the word typically references those who don’t fit into the normal social structure of a community. … Continue reading Black Hole Jesus
Mike Spencer — Pt. 2
You can read Pt. 1 in this series here. There’s really no way around it — ministry to the poor is heart-wrenching. My friend Mike Spencer was making strides. He had repented of his sins and decided to follow Jesus with his whole life. But Mike was still homeless and had no clear path to … Continue reading Mike Spencer — Pt. 2
Mike Spencer — Pt. 1
My mentor Barry lives on a farm. He and his wife, Maria, invite people over for dinner at least once a week, sometimes more often than that. When Rachel and I visit the farm, we usually meet someone new — a caricature artist, a 90-year-old master farmer, a nuclear physicist — There are always interesting … Continue reading Mike Spencer — Pt. 1
Unwanted
One night in Knoxville’s Old City, our group ran into a homeless friend named Daytona. He was hungry, so we offered to buy him a slice of pizza at our favorite late night pizza joint. Daytona eagerly waited for us as we went in to buy his pizza. But when the owner of the shop … Continue reading Unwanted
Close Enough to Touch
Jesus’ first teaching was “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” I picture Jesus spending the first thirty years of his life deciding what he would say first, and this was it. I grew up thinking this phrase meant, “Be sorry, because God is coming to get you — and soon!” It scared … Continue reading Close Enough to Touch
Communion with the Saints – Episode 3
What can I say about Michael Weiss? He’s compassionate, wise, and he loves Jesus. He also laughs at all of my jokes, which makes me feel good about myself. Michael sees the Kingdom of God, and he talks about it all the time. I’m glad to call him a friend. Enjoy... "The weapons we fight … Continue reading Communion with the Saints – Episode 3
Front of the Line
Jimmy is one of the first neighbors I met in Midtown. He’s in his mid-forties but has the mental capacity of a child. I used to get voicemails from Jimmy on my office phone. “Preston… this is Jimmy… How’s it goin’?” (long pause) “Well, call me back.” He’s a lovable guy, but a little temperamental. … Continue reading Front of the Line
Preston Searcy 