Few words in our culture carry as much tension as   woke.  For many, this word might be considered a topic to be avoided for the sake of unity or to prevent division. Ironically, it is this avoidance and misrepresentation of its true meaning that is causing the division we are witnessing. I am proud to identify as woke because I truly believe that  being woke reflects a deep biblical call to awaken to God’s heart for the marginalized, overlooked, wounded, and oppressed . The original idea behind “wokeness” is not foreign to the Gospel; it is central to it. Prophets, like Isaiah, called Israel to “seek justice, correct oppression” (Isaiah 1:17). Jesus launched His earthly ministry by announcing good news to the poor and liberty to the oppressed (Luke 4:18). The early church had a reputation of caring for widows, orphans, foreigners, and the vulnerable. To be spiritually awake means noticing what God notices.  Being awake allows us to see the beauty & dignity of ev...

  Why I strive to say Happy Holidays to people, while still sometimes saying Merry Christmas too.   Saying   “Happy Holidays”   isn’t about watering anything down nor is it an attack on the meaning found in our Christian tradition known as Christmas. According to the Online Etymology Dictionary (  https://www.etymonline.com/word/holiday ) the word holiday comes from the old english (haligdaeg) or Holy Day. The word refers to consecrated religious observance, a religious anniversary, or Sabbath.  When I say Happy Holidays, I am ensuring acknowledgement of a sacred season. As a bonus I show that I honor the traditions of my neighbors that may be different than me in a way that aligns us with the heart of Jesus.. Jesus consistently moved toward people with compassion, dignity, & welcome. When I use language that includes those who don’t share my faith, I am reflecting His heart: a Savior who came for the whole world, not just one group. As a Christian, I...

  On a recent Sunday I preached a message from Revelation 21. This is a brief summary created from the transcript of that sermon. The focus of this blog is to show how m this passage challenges us to love and stand with our LGBTQ siblings. You can watch the Message here (starts at 23 Minutes): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gr3kyacqDRo&t=3802s Revelation 21 offers one of the most breathtaking visions in all of Scripture. John sees a new heaven and a new earth—creation restored, humanity redeemed, and God making His home among us. The tears, grief, and pain that have marked our world are wiped away. Everything bent is made straight. Everything broken is made whole. This picture is more than a promise for someday; it is a calling for how we live today. Revelation was written to real believers walking through real challenges, encouraging them not with fear, but with hope. Hope that God is moving the story toward restoration. Hope that Christ reigns. Hope that love, not fear,...