I’m currently unemployed. The last time I was unemployed, I decided to work on my art skills. I borrowed a book called Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain and got to work. I used to be a pretty good artist, but had lost some skill over the years and couldn’t figure out why. … Continue reading Drawing On Jesus
Bible
Should We Try to End Poverty?
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?
The Missing Phrase
Christians are people who believe Jesus. This simple identity goes beyond believing facts about Jesus. That he is the Son of God, that he died for the sins of humanity, that he conquered death. Believing Jesus means that when Jesus opens his mouth to teach us, we listen and obey. The most succinct way to … Continue reading The Missing Phrase
Good News to the Poor – No Condemnation
After years of working with the poor, one of the things that has infuriated me the most is the untruth being propagated by people claiming the authority of God. Bad news proclaimed to the poor. John is a man I have known since Rachel and I moved to New Albany. He is 87 years old … Continue reading Good News to the Poor – No Condemnation
Good News to the Poor – Usefulness for All
Linda is off the hook crazy. I first met her when my pastor friend Brian responded to a call FROM THE POLICE to assist in a domestic situation. Brian and I drove down an ally to find a woman ranting and raving in front of what looked like a yard sale. It wasn’t a yard … Continue reading Good News to the Poor – Usefulness for All
Good News to the Poor – A Different Strategy
Every Thursday morning at Midtown Commons, we set up a folding table and top it with bagels, cereal, and fresh fruit. We brew numerous pots of coffee and click on the open sign. Just before 8:00 am, we open the doors and our beloved neighbors, many of whom are homeless, join us for breakfast and … Continue reading Good News to the Poor – A Different Strategy
Simplicity
I am called to live a simple life. This is my most difficult value to live out. I could take the easy way out and blame our consumeristic culture for my personal failures at pursuing a truly simple life. But I know that the root of my greed and desire to accumulate more stuff comes … Continue reading Simplicity
Bearing With
I am to bear with the failings of the weak. Paul, the Apostle, writes, “We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.” (Romans 15:1-2, ESV) People are weak. But … Continue reading Bearing With
Preston Searcy 