The problem in the West is not that most people have not heard the Gospel preached from a pulpit—it is that most people have not seen the way of Jesus lived on the streets.

A sword cannot create a ploughshare - it becomes a ploughshare only when it is surrendered and radically transformed into something wholly different. Violence cannot create something contrary to its own nature, it can only perpetuate itself. Violence can’t produce genuine peace.

“China first” is not a Christian value. “Nigeria first” is not a Christian value. “America first” is not a Christian value. “England first” is not a Christian value. Christians are members of a global, blood-bought, multi-ethnic kingdom. And our allegiance is to a global

Your story matters, so tell it with honesty and courage. Some may not appreciate it, and some may criticize or accuse. Tell it anyway. Someone out there needs to know they are not alone.

“The Word of God Himself assumed humanity that we might become God.” – Athansius, On the Incarnation “What God is by nature, Christ enables us to become by grace, that is perfected in love.” - Brian Zahnd

If we learn nothing else from the story of King Herod, let it be this: Whenever power and fear join together, the vulnerable always suffer. Always.

While we can debate and differ on the specifics of policies, one thing cannot be debated: the image of God in every person. No position we hold should violate justice, mercy, and compassion for bearers of the divine image.

.@JamesTalarico: The only minority destroying America is the billionaires. Trans people aren't taking away our healthcare. Muslims aren't defunding our schools. Immigrants aren't cutting taxes for themselves and their rich friends. We are focused on the wrong 1%.

I love the story of Zechariah in Luke 1. God’s promise to him isn’t thwarted by his lack of faith. The angel, Gabriel says: “you did not believe my words, *which will come true* at their appointed time.” God’s commitment to us is not connected to the size of our faith. #Advent

Peacekeeping leads to false peace. Peacemaking leads to true peace. Peacemaking is often an act of disruption while seeking to resist disconnection. Those who live in this way are called children of God. #Advent

Believing in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ draws us into a new family - one that leaves no room for nationalism, tribalism, or self-interest. @kaitlynschiess (🎙️Holy Post 655)

Jesus came to us as a vulnerable infant, born among those who were oppressed, impoverished, and marginalized. Perhaps we should think about that every time we hear someone dehumanize and diminish an entire group of people.

Living in the tension isn’t great for your brand and refusing to pick an ideological side is bad for business. BUT it makes way for finding Jesus that dwells beyond the culture wars.

The plan for tomorrow in 3 steps: 1. Talk about the food I’m going to eat. 2. Eat the food. 3. Talk about the food I just ate. #Thanksgiving

There are those who will, in arrogance or insecurity, make you feel like your voice and your story do not matter. Speak anyway. Those who do not want to listen do not lessen the value of your voice in the world.

“I used to think that prayer was talking to God, making a speech. But I’ve learned that prayer is usually more listening than talking.” - @perizahnd

“The evidence is mounting: unchecked social media exposure is shaping us, not toward Christlike love or holy attentiveness, but toward division, distraction, and chronic anxiety.” - @gpackiam Go read this! https://t.co/LiaZZurMHD

https://t.co/8eVXefXyPm

Do not feel defeated because you are not yet what you think you should be. The life of discipleship is not about the size of our steps, but the direction of our steps. Every movement in the right direction, no matter how small, should remind us we are not where we used to be.

One of the dark realities of social media is the way it slavishly forms us to believe that we can possess attributes unique to God: omnipresence, omniscience & omnipotence. It seduces us to believe that we can be in all places, know all things & use words to expand our power.