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Now to each one a manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:7). We're exploring what it means to be counter-cultural but to be counter-cultural in ways that serve the common good of both our church community and the world around us. Being counter-cultural doesn't mean that, whatever our culture does, we do the opposite. Rather, we must l...
Keep ReadingAs you come to Him (1 Peter 2:4). A while back my husband's car wouldn't start. The most common issues that would keep a car from starting weren't the cause, so he took it to a mechanic who ran all sorts of diagnostic tests. It was determined that there was a manufacturing defect, and the new part was, of course, back-ordered. Yay, supply chain issues! When my husband co...
Keep ReadingDear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us (I Peter 2:11-12). One thing that I understand well in this passage is what it means to be a foreigner. ...
Keep ReadingBut you are a chosen peopleto declare the praises of Him who called youinto His wonderful light(1 Peter 2:9). Breakaway Cafe, a favorite coffee spot near Briar Chapel, has delicious coffee, so one day I inquired about the brand, knowing they weren't sourcing and making their own. I learned they serve Counter Culture Coffee. Hmmm, Counter Cultureour Scripture theme. As C...
Keep ReadingSee, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame (1 Peter 2:6). In ancient times, cornerstones were critical to correctly orienting a structure. Today we have all the tools and technologies needed to build structure without the need for cornerstones. If a modern building has a cornerstone, it's purely ...
Keep Reading1 Peter 2:4-17 We're exploring how we are to be counter-cultural for the common good. This week's passage starts with a series of who-we-are statements, pivots to talking a bit about who-we-aren't, and finishes with several how-we-ought-to-live commands. (Please take a few minutes to read 1 Peter 2:4-17.) Who we are: Notice that Peter can't talk about who we are without ...
Keep ReadingYour attitude should be the kind that was shown us by Jesus Christ, who, though he was God, did not demand and cling to his rights as God, but laid aside his mighty power and glory, taking the disguise of a slave and becoming like men (Philippians 2:5-7 TLB). We in America hear and talk a lot about rights, and we're pretty keen to fight for the ones most important to us, ...
Keep ReadingWho, being in the very nature Godby taking the very nature of a servantAnd being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself (Philippians 2: 6-8). Our culture loves a good "win/win" scenario. You get what you want, and I get something I want. To get someone to do something, you must give them something. It's the contract our culture expects. On the surface this sound...
Keep ReadingDo nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself...
Keep ReadingDo nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others (Philippians 2:3-4). My first thought when I read this verse is that it's impossible to be so selfless! How can we "do nothing out of selfish ambition?" From the time we are young, we don't ...
Keep ReadingPhilippians 2:1-11 A new series begins this week: Counter-Culture for the Common Good. That's not just a mouthful; it's also a mindfull and a heartfull! Please take a moment or two now to read through this week's passage, Philippians 2:1-11. Take your time; I'll wait Thanks! There's a lot going on in this passage: exhortation, instruction, theology and a direct chal...
Keep ReadingLove from the center of who you are; don't fake it." Romans 12:9 MSG My family moved here in the summer of 2015, and one of the first church functions we participated in outside Sunday morning services was Chatham Serves. This was a new concept for us, and I remember thinking what a lovely idea it was to have a day of serving the community in place of the usual Sunday act...
Keep ReadingIf your gift is prophesying, use it in proportion to your faith. If it's serving, serve; if teaching, teach; if encouraging, encourage; if contributing to the financial needs of others, do it generously; if leadership, lead; if showing mercy, do it cheerfully (Romans 12:6-8, slightly adapted). God has made you good at some things. Things you think are "spiritual" and thin...
Keep ReadingLet love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. (Romans 12:9-13 ESV) Life ...
Keep Reading"Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." (Romans 16-17). The severe weather this season reminded me how important having electricity is for my daily life. When I get up in the morning, I'm dependent on the light of my lamp. I need hot water for ...
Keep ReadingHaving gifts that differ according to the grace given us, let us use them (Romans 12:6). You are gifted. And talented! No, not in the sense we use those terms in educational settings. You may not be "book smart" or "school smart" or "good at" math, science, music, art, whatever. But you? You are gifted. And talented! Those gifts and talents? Use them, in the service o...
Keep Reading"Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows" (Galatians 6:7). Sometimes my best insights into Jesus come from my kids. As they've gotten older, my wife and I have been giving them more responsibility around the house. Otherwise known as "chores". We try to impart not just the value of hard work, but the feeling of accomplishment and ownership that...
Keep ReadingMake a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don't be impressed with yourself. Don't compare yourself with others (Galatians 6:4 MSG). I recall a conversation among cousins back in the day when we debated which parts of the body we would be and why. I don't remember what everyone said or the reasoning given ...
Keep ReadingCarry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2). I used to serve in a ministry for orphans and widows called Mercy Ministry. Once I was part of a team bringing rice to a widow who was very poor and disabled. The elderly woman that we were visiting wanted to visit with her friend, but it was too difficult for her to walk due ...
Keep ReadingThe one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life (Galatians 2:8). The Group Project. Cue the groans. Whether in the classroom or the workplace, we don't enjoy being grouped with other students or coworkers we haven't chosen, then given an assignment or goals we didn't choose. I used to think such projects were the lazy way out for a teacher o...
Keep ReadingCarry each other's burdens each one must carry his own load let us do good to all (Galatians 6:2, 4, 7, 9-10) [Editor's Note: We have a special contributor this week, filling in for Bella, who is busy with school. Keep your eyes posted for that new name, and remember that writers are greatly encouraged to receive your comments!] Our Soar sermon series will culminate w...
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