Seeking Salvation : Christianity, Faith, Methodism

 According to CNN, an “Oklahoma lawsuit seeks to block opening of first publicly funded religious charter school in the US”. [1] This false narrative is that religion and public schools should not be separate but interwoven. The question is which religion, even if we assume Christianity, there are hundreds of variations within the US alone!  The truth is that God is present and doesn’t need human endorsement or funding. God was there before the staff and kids arrived. God is there through how our children and staff treat each other. As kids seek to love their neighbors as themselves, and teacher and staff seek to show patience, perseverance, and excellence, in all of this, God is present.  God doesn’t need human approval to act, so what is really driving this push? Let me argue that families desire to get a parochial education at taxpayer expense. The Constitution, though, is clear in the First Amendment “Congress make no law respecting an establishment of religion or pro...

 Florida recently shifted their curriculum in order to change the perception of slavery. Slavery is physical, social, sexual, and financial violence against a person's will. Slavery existed (and still exists in the form of migrant and sexual exploitation of women) for 400 years in this country. The new curriculum indicates that children will be taught that, “slavery benefitted some Black people because they learned skills while being enslaved”. Their goal apparently is not to tinge the White children with the legacy of slavery. It is yet another movement towards a “color-blind” society. If they can soften the historical narrative, they can shift thinking in both the Black and White communities, and we can move on as a country with history, one culture and a defined race hierarchy. As a Black man, I feel erased as a human and threatened as an American. As a pastor, I teach that God asks for two things from humanity. To love God and love neighbors as ourselves. By negating who one i...

Difficult things happen to all of us. It’s part of the creation that God orders for us. Pain is part of life; you can’t avoid it. The United Methodist Church teaches that “suffering begets holiness”. The founder of the Methodist movement, John Wesley, added a little more nuance when he argued that: · Suffering keeps the believer humble, even as a little child. [27] [1] · Suffering alters the believer’s focus, from this world and toward God. [28] [2] · Suffering teaches the believer obedience, just as it did for Christ. [29] [3] · Suffering cultivates an attitude of full submission toward God. [30] [4] · Suffering increases our earnestness for pure love. [31] [5] · Suffering prepares the believer to fight temptation. [32] [6] Ultimately, “Whatever raises the mind to God is good; whatever draws the heart from its center is evil [7] This is great to know; however, Pain, Suffering, and illness seem to contradict what many know about God’s nature that: o God is all-powerful. o God is all-kn...

 If you are like me, your attention was on your phone screens this past weekend as Russia experienced the closest thing to a real coup since 1917. The Wagner Group, a private military company, marched on Moscow because of working conditions. They were speeding towards their objective, a mere 123 miles from Moscow when their leader turned his troops around and went home. Hundreds of miles were conquered in hours, with public support, yet when the goal was in sight...the inability to capitalize. What happened? Before I answer that, let's contrast this with Jesus. Jesus started a movement in the first century focused on simplifying humanity's relationship with God. He actively protested against the religious powers, demanding a complex religion and living standards. Jesus slowly and methodically healed, taught, and challenged authority all the way into Jerusalem. Yet, when facing death by crucifixion, he finished the last mile. He poured out his life for everyone now and going for...

           Have you ever experienced a disconnect between how you appear externally and how you feel internally? Do acts of kindness become tainted by guilt, shame, and anger, robbing you of the joy they should bring? Do you struggle with feelings of worthiness, questioning whether you deserve happiness, fulfilment, love, a rewarding career, or a fulfilling relationship? The concept at the core of all these experiences is worthiness. Jesus once remarked, "You can be a clean cup on the outside but dirty inside." Feeling unworthy has the power to tarnish a person's inner being. So, what causes this feeling, and is there a way to overcome it?      Throughout my life, I have grappled with feelings of unworthiness. I constantly felt like an outsider, never truly belonging. This sentiment was amplified by public rejection, such as unsuccessful political campaigns, missed opportunities for promotions, and failed relationships. For some individu...

  Photo by Precious Plastic Melbourne on Unsplash In our fast-paced lives, finding peace and tranquility can be a challenge. God desires peace for us, not only in our relationships and work but also in the sanctuary we call home. A cluttered and messy house can disrupt our peace, fueling feelings of depression and anxiety. A dirty and cluttered living space can demoralize us even if we excel in other areas of life. This blog post will explore practical tips to help you clean your house fast and create an environment that fosters inner peace. Set a Timer: To stay focused and avoid getting sidetracked, start by setting a timer. This simple technique will help you allocate specific time blocks for cleaning tasks and prevent procrastination. Start from the Top: Begin cleaning from the highest points in your house, such as ceilings, light fixtures, and fans, and work your way down. Doing so prevents dirt and dust from falling onto surfaces you’ve already cleaned, saving you time and ef...

       In today’s rapidly changing society, the church faces a significant challenge in engaging with young people. Research from the book Unchristian reveals alarming statistics about how young adults perceive Christians, with negative associations ranging from judgmental and hypocritical to anti-LGBTQ. These perceptions indicate a branding problem that contradicts the fruits of the Spirit we should be known for. Rev Adam Hamilton and his team at the Church of the Resurrection have identified five key areas that turn young adults away from the church, highlighting the need for introspection and reform. In this blog post, we will explore these issues and discuss potential ways to bridge the gap and reestablish meaningful connections with young people. Evolving from a Habit to a Movement: In the past, attending church was viewed as a positive habit, much like working, buying a home, or voting. However, to effectively engage with young people, the church needs to tr...