“We love because he first loved us.” —1 John 4:19 This year, the beginning of Lent and Valentine’s Day coincided on Wednesday. That seemed so fitting to me, because Lent marks the moment in the traditional Christian calendar when we turn our attention to the cross and resurrection of Jesus. And as 1 … [Read More…] February 18, 2024
This Sunday we’re looking at the message John the Baptist proclaimed as the forerunner of the Messiah. And it’s all about repentance. Repentance is hard for us. We don’t like facing our shortcomings and failures. We don’t like the waves of shame and guilt that arise. We don’t enjoy the pain of contrition. Repentance … [Read More…] January 21, 2024
What kind of story are we living in? Is life a comedic story? Or is it a tragic story? We call those who see life as a comedy, optimists. Their cheery outlook drives innovation, entertainment, and hopefulness. As for those who see life as a tragic story, we call them pessimists. They are honest about … [Read More…] Light and Glory
In the business world, most of the time companies are competing in an established market, each trying to marginally outdo the others. But every so often, a market disruptor breaks in. Instead of competing in the existing market space, disruptors redefine the space altogether. Disruptors break in and upend everything, changing the world as … [Read More…] The Upending Begins
Dear Moody Church Family, And the angel said to the shepherds who were keeping watch over their flocks by night: “Fear not, for I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10). Does this good news bring you great joy this Christmas season? I hope so! … [Read More…] December 2023 Stewardship Letter
Dr. Luke is documenting for us the life and times of Jesus. But it’s interesting that he doesn’t start with Jesus. Instead, his gospel begins with a scene in the Temple, as an aged priest lights the incense, and an angel named Gabriel appears to him announcing that he and his wife of many childless … [Read More…] Conceiving Hope
This final sermon from the book of Malachi is about hope. Hope is something we can’t live without. Hope gives us reason to endure. Hope lifts our eyes beyond the shadows to the dawning of the light. And as the Book of Malachi draws to a close, it ends with a wonderous vision of … [Read More…] Awaiting the Dawn
Whenever the calendar turns from October to November, my heart shifts toward Thanksgiving. As a culture, we often rush past Thanksgiving to embrace the merriment of Christmas. As much as I love Christmas, I think that is a huge mistake. Spontaneous gratitude is one of the most obvious characteristics of a healthy soul. Gratitude … [Read More…] November 5, 2023
