In evangelism, we often feel like we must reason someone into the kingdom of God, removing nearly all their doubts. Barry recounts what did lead him to faith, what did not, and what has kept him there.         Scripture: 1 Tim 2:10-13 Referenced Episode: Ep 86 Belonging via Rejection  

Barry walks us through Psalm 44, the journey of someone who is feeling the physical and emotional strain of suffering. At the start of the episode Barry asks us what one thing convinces us that we are loved by God. By the end of the episode, we receive a beautiful but uncomfortable invitation to follow […]

Barry finishes this series pointing out what should be the main focus of ministry: people. Not simply the minister, the conflict, the moralism, or the popularity, but the people. That was Christ’s focus and it should be ours.   Scriptures: Eph 4:11-12 Micah 6:8 Matt 22:37-39            

Barry continues his trip down memory lane to share some things he has learned the hard way through his many (many!) years in ministry and teaching scripture. Some of the surprising juxtapositions include balance over simplicity, patience over victory, and tension over resolution.         Scriptures: John 14:23 Luke 11:37-52 Micah 6:8 Matt […]

Barry takes a trip down memory lane prompted by his recent 60th birthday to highlight an important issue. In sharing his experience of race relations growing up in Texas he hopes that people younger than him will learn what he did not—until he was much older than he should have been. Article: Gov. Greg Abbott […]

Because every person is made in the image of God, we should admit that others are valuable regardless of what they can offer us. Some of the most significant contributions to society may bring the least economic gain. And sometimes the greatest test of how much we value others is actually how much we deny […]

We normally think of God as a dwelling place for us, a place of safety and a fortress, and He is. But Barry reminds us, from Psalm 43, that even though God was hesitant to live in a beautiful temple, he is eager to dwell in the somewhat rickety tabernacle of our praise.     […]

Barry talks about the power of presence and populations disadvantaged by being out of sight and out of mind. That’s why the unborn need us to speak for them. But it’s also why we have to see the humanity in those we speak to, including those who have forgotten the unborn.       Referenced […]

We walk through Psalm 42, surrounded by desert, crying out in thirst. As we do, Barry reminds us that there are actually no deserts with God and what we must do is open our eyes to his provision. Hope is strong enough to quench our thirst here and now.         Scriptures: Psalm […]

What do the Chupacabra, the return of JFK Jr., and the resurrection have in common, Barry asks. Hopefully, nothing. Barry reminds us that the strength or passion of our faith isn’t as important as its object. A believer’s devotedness to both the return of Elvis and the resurrection isn’t doing us any favors.     […]