"[John the Baptist’s message] is not good news in the sense that it will make everybody happy. It is not good news in the sense that whatever evil and injustice people have committed and still commit is no longer important. It is good news in the sense that a new reality is dawning. Thanks to the one whose coming John announces, evil and injustice will be undone...But it is not good news for those who thrive on injustice, whose power is oppressive and unjust. For them, the good news is first of all the possibility---and the need--- of what may well be a costly repentance.” Justo Gonzalez
Young Jesus in the Temple - 1.12.25 | Rev. Ryan McCormick
Spiritual transformation is not about behavior modification. It is about changing the sources of behavior, so the behavior will take care of itself. When the mind is right and the heart is right and the body and the soul and the relationships that we have in our social world are right, the whole person simply steps into the way of Christ and lives there with joy and strength. It is not a struggle. One of the lies about the spiritual life is that it is hard. No, no. It is not hard. It is the easy way. What's hard is the other way, and that is what you see when you look at the world. - Dallas Willard, Living in Christ's Presence
Epiphany - 1.5.25 | Dr. Cyndi Parker
That hidden thing calling me on to the chase is the very thing that puts me in my place. It is at once invitation and caution—a burning bush beckoning and a warning that I’ve ventured onto holy ground... - Joshua Stamper, "Proverb"