Lies can get people in to a bunch of trouble. Remember what happened when someone told you, “Go ahead and do it, no one will find out.” You did it and everyone found out. There are those times when we tell ourselves and others, “Relax, I’ve got everything under control.” We usually say this […]
Author: Kevin Ruffcorn
Stations of the Cosmic Christ Offers New Perspectives
Meditating on the Stations of the Cross is an ancient Christian practice. The stations focus on the suffering and death of Jesus. By reflecting on them Christians are able to experience the depth and breadth of God’s love. The stations’ focus is limited, however, and its use often limited to the season of Lent. Matthew […]
Book Offers New Perspective on Atonement
The penal substitution theory on the atonement—that Jesus died as a sacrifice for our sins—has long been criticized. Even though it has been highlighted by the Church as the reason why Jesus had to die on the cross, the penal substitution theory misunderstands the meaning and purpose of a sacrifice and portrays God as […]
Book on Bodily Pleasure Describes Christian and Jewish Origins and Their Relevance
Book on Bodily Pleasure Describes Christian and Jewish Origins and Their Relevance The Roman Catholic Church has historically placed a great deal of importance on celibacy. Men and women joined monastic communities that taught that the absence of sexual pleasure was essential if one was to nurture his or her relationship with God. Even today, […]
The Seventh Story Offers an Alternative Path
“Cory and the Seventh Story” is a children’s book that is to be enjoyed, by children, families and adults. This book by Brian D. McLaren, Gareth Higgins and illustrated by Heather Lynn Harris contains a vital message for all to read, to ponder and to incorporate into our lives. Cory is a young raccoon who […]
Devotions on Matthew 16:24-17:8–Transfiguration of Jesus
February 25-March 3, 2019 Monday–Transfiguration of Jesus “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross” (Matthew 16:24). Denying oneself is not an American tradition. American’s have accumulated the greatest personal debt in the world largely because when we see something we want we purchase it immediately. Americans […]
Intersectional Theology Leads to New Path
I recently finished a fascinating book entitled, Intersectional Theology: An Introductory Guide, by Grace Ji-Sun Kim and Susan M. Shaw (Augsburg Fortress, Minneapolis, 2018). I found the book both enlightening and intriguing. One of my favorite musical productions is the Christmas Eve service of Nine Lessons and Carols. I’m in full worship mode the moment […]
Devotions on Matthew 14:13-33–Feeding of the Five Thousand
February 18-24, 2019–Feeding of the Five Thousand Monday –Feeding of the Five Thousand “Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him” (14:13). In everything else Jesus is a role model, but I don’t think he is […]
The Book of Joy is a Joy to Read
I can’t say enough good things about this book, “The Book of Joy.” It is a wonderful book—a book that I think everyone needs to read. This is one of the books that I think has the potential to transform lives and even change the world—at least a little bit. The book that I’m gushing […]
Apology
I apologize. There will be no daily devotional thoughts this week on Matthew 7:1-14, 24-29. Devotional thoughts will continue next week.