Barry covers a narrative in Matthew 16 where Simon receives two names. The first one is quite wonderful—Peter. The second one… not so much. The connection between this confession and rejection is undeniable: to accept Christ’s identity means to embrace (and follow) his purpose. Scripture: Matt 16:13-28  

While we think of worship as something going from us to God, it is also important because of how it moves between us, and how it prepares us to receive from Him. When we run out of thanks, He still has more to offer than we might find on our own.       Scriptures: […]

Barry talks about the things we do and don’t realize about the world in which we live, the relationships we have to others in that world, and the nature of the table to which Christ invites us.       Scripture: 1 Cor 11:28-34 Books: The Human Condition, Hannah Arendt, On Christian Doctrine Book III, […]

Barry walks through Psalm 80, utilizing a repeated phrase to evaluate our need and our provision. We bring two things to the equation of this relationship with God: need and willingness to remain under the weight of his glory. God brings absolutely everything else. Scripture: Psalm 80  

Barry concludes the conversation about what it means to both do and be human. It is humbling to realize that our mundane processes can provide for us and others, our work can shape the way people see and live in the world, and our presence and actions can make all of us together more like […]

Barry starts a conversation about being human, prompted by reading Hannah Arendt’s book, The Human Condition. In scripture there is an inherent relationship between our being and doing. To give everything back to God, it may help to know what the pieces of that “everything” are.       Book: The Human Condition, Hannah Arendt […]

Barry talks about Psalm 79 and the shift necessary to make the most of mistreatment. Yes, I said making the most of mistreatment. With all the natural evil in this world, God is most interested in working the evil out of his people. We never seek God’s help because we deserve it, but because we […]

Barry completes the series about a Christian’s moral and political obligations. Jesus, our example, is the only one who can safely traverse the land marks and mines, heading right to love of God and others in a way that shakes the foundation of the world to its core. Now it’s our turn.       […]

Barry finishes up the foundation for a conversation about the conjunction of ethical society and theological ends. Today focuses on the strengths and weaknesses of progressivism and conservatism and how both are inherently flawed. While that sounds pessimistic, it serves to get us where we need to be—seeing the world as Christ-followers. Scriptures: Mk 14:7 […]

Barry starts a series about how Christ’s life and ministry should inform our lives, defining the destination and the journey. Buckle your seat belts as we ride the emotional roller coaster of theological pessimism, political failure, and ethical obligation.       Scriptures: Matt 26:6-14 John 12:8 Mark 14:7