This is the video of the sermon I preached at Kristova Crkva Kušlanova on 5 November. https://youtu.be/2_kSm6QQvy4?si=CvO_8yiOhQy9S3Di

When Paul is urging his churches to commit to unity, he uses a word, ἀνέχομαι, which is usually translated "bear with", as in "bear with one another". This translation is rather bland and polite. ἀνέχομαι is a fairly strong word. It means "endure something unpleasant," "endure a trial." This is the word that is used … Continue reading “Bear with one another” (Ephesians 4.2)

From a letter to George Washington: When a man unprincipled in private life desperate in his fortune, bold in his temper, possessed of considerable talents, having the advantage of military habits—despotic in his ordinary demeanour—known to have scoffed in private at the principles of liberty—when such a man is seen to mount the hobby horse … Continue reading Alexander Hamilton re Demagogues

I started listening to the Texas Rangers in 1975 or 76. Gaylord Perry and Bert Blyleven were the pitchers I remember. Jim Sundberg and Tom Grieve, Toby Harrah (and then Buddy Bell.) They were awful. Reliably finished in 3rd or 4th place in the AL West. But they were on the radio every night, so … Continue reading World Series Champion Texas Rangers

Over the past 2-3 weeks, I’ve been shocked by the hatred aimed at Israel. I’ve always known that antisemitism existed, but this was new, widespread, illogical in context (no sympathy in light of the Hamas attacks?), and from circles not historically seen as antisemitic. I think I know why the young uberprogressives hate Israel. It’s … Continue reading Why They Hate Israel

BIZG had a full house for our Reformation Day event tonight (Tuesday night) in Zagreb. We thank God for the ways he has guided the history & development of the church & the faith to which we hold. Our history is as imperfect as we are. What of it? Faith is about clinging to God, … Continue reading Reformation Day

I love Michael Gungor, I really do. Fifteen years ago, he was among the most talented singer-songwriter-bandleaders in Christian and worship music. "Beautiful Things", "Be My Strength", etc., were amazing worship songs, true and deep. He is an amazing guitarist, layering parts worthy of Jimmy Page (the equal of Phil Wickham), and a great lyricist … Continue reading Missing the Point

A poem for Easter, from John Donne: Death, be not proud, though some have called theeMighty and dreadful, for thou art not so;For those whom thou think'st thou dost overthrowDie not, poor Death, nor yet canst thou kill me.From rest and sleep, which but thy pictures be,Much pleasure; then from thee much more must flow,And … Continue reading A Poem for Easter

Yesterday was Good Friday; what is today?  "Holy Saturday" seems somewhat nondescript for what must have been a difficult, dark day for Jesus' followers.  Everything they had ever hoped for, everything they thought had come true in Jesus, had come crashing to the ground, completely collapsed under the weight of a dead messiah. That sabbath … Continue reading The Day After Good Friday