“Long ago.” These are the words to the dramatic opening of the letter to the Hebrews, words that invoke the drama of creation, the drama of worlds, the drama of the relationship between God and humanity, the sort of “once upon a time” that indices a hush in the listener. Because whether fantasy or history,... The post Long Ago appeared first on Thirty Seconds or Less.

You are discouraged and weary, says the writer of Hebrews. You are carrying the burden of whole worlds, new worlds, new ways of being. You are traveling on a road that seems to stretch out to a horizon that never gets closer, a road that sometimes feels closed in and dark. But you are not... The post You Are Not Alone appeared first on Thirty Seconds or Less.

What’s the book of James? It’s a letter to those who feel scattered, two-faced, pushed-down, or taken in by empty promises… It’s a warning to succumb to these forces, that divide and entice, at your own peril… It’s a plea to live out your faith. Be generous and compassionate to the poor. Tear down every... The post A Letter, A Warning, A Plea appeared first on Thirty Seconds or Less.

Sorry Reformers, but the distinction between faith and works is a false one. Faith is an active participation in the Reign of God, a tree firmly planted in the vitalizing ground of grace, that then grows out into the world through grace-imbued words and actions. Words and actions do not merely reflect the heart; they... The post Agents Of A New Age appeared first on Thirty Seconds or Less.

The epistle to Titus is the Donald Trump of of Holy Scripture, full of brash insults, dehumanization, and ethnic slurs. It is authoritarian, demanding obedience and submission. It forbids civil disobedience and speaking truth to power — the very way of Jesus. It even endorses slavery. Titus has done great harm. It is an epistle... The post A Wound Of Scripture appeared first on Thirty Seconds or Less.

Paul writes this teeny tiny letter to Onesimous, who is characterized by slave language. But! Then Paul writes the following in verse 14 of the letter: “But I preferred to do nothing without your consent, in order that your good deed might be voluntary and not something forced.” In a world where we are all... The post The Emancipation For All appeared first on Thirty Seconds or Less.

One could say that 2 Timothy is the final word from Paul in Scripture. Sensing his end drawing near, Paul writes to Timothy, his spiritual son, with some final instructions and encouragements: Be strong in grace. Teach others to teach others the good news of Jesus. Pursue justice, faith, love, and peace. Always speak gently... The post This Letter Is For Us appeared first on Thirty Seconds or Less.

The Messiah Jesus, David’s descendant, was raised from the dead – this is Paul’s gospel. But, the gospel is more than simple orthodoxy, isn’t it? The gospel is orthodoxy alongside orthopraxy. The gospel brings life, and the gospel life is characterized by grace. It seeks justice. It pursues peace across lines of difference. It lives... The post More Than Simple Orthodoxy appeared first on Thirty Seconds or Less.

Paul as an apostle writes young Timothy who is leading a church and is way in over his head. He gives him instruction on where he failed early in his ministry and advice on how Timothy can succeed with the church that he has been entrusted. He tells him to always remember the love of... The post Dear Timothy appeared first on Thirty Seconds or Less.

Don’t be a dick. You aren’t going to be perfect. But the love of Jesus is perfect. Always error on the side of love. Love everyone in the Church like Christ loves them. He loves old men and young men, widows and orphans, the crazy rich and the crippling poor. The love of God is... The post The Side Of Love appeared first on Thirty Seconds or Less.