simply, Christian

denying our self-centered selves

Lent with Bruggemann

"He called the crowd and his disciples together and said to them, 'If anyone wants to follow me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it. But whoever loses his life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. After all, what good is it for a man to gain . . .

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Posted in: lentreflections

March 03, 2021

old truths and new truths

Lent with Bruggemann

Writing on Jesus' healing of the blind man in John 9, Bruggemann rightly highlights the showdown between the Pharisees and Jesus. He describes this encounter as "a contrast between old established truth that keeps everything in place, that has all the answers, that keeps everything under control and assures certain entitlements, and . . .

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Posted in: lentreflections

March 02, 2021

reflection for the second Sunday in Lent (2021)

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(Note: this is an updated version of an essay first posted in 2019)

Let me start today by listing a few folks to get you thinking about Lent--Hulk Hogan, The Rock, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, Jesse Ventura, Ric Flair, and "The Hustler" Rip Rogers. No doubt you've heard of all these guys who were all . . .

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Posted in: lentreflections

February 28, 2021

second Sunday in Lent (2021)

contemplating collects

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O GOD, Who seest that of ourselves we have no strength; Keep us both outwardly and inwardly; that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, . . .

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Posted in: collectslent

February 28, 2021

Israel's sin and ours

Lent with Bruggemann

"Seek the LORD while he may be found! Call on him while he is near! Let the wicked man abandon his way. Let an evil man abandon his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD, and he will show him mercy. Let him turn to our God, because he will abundantly pardon" (Isaiah 55.6-7 EHV).

Time and time again, the Old Testament prophets . . .

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Posted in: lentreflections

February 23, 2021

on worrying and faith

Lent with Bruggemann

"Which of you can add a single moment to his lifespan by worrying?" -- Matthew 6.27 (EHV)

I find that a biting, embarrassing question, because of course, it is true. Being defensive and frightened and coveting has never really resulted in any gains. Partly we do it because we don't know any better way and partly . . .

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Posted in: lentreflections

February 22, 2021

reflection for the first Sunday in Lent (2021)

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(Note: this is an updated version of an essay first posted in 2019)

How is your Lenten journey going so far? I hope you have decided to make this a season of intentionally drawing closer to Christ as we prepare to remember his Passion and celebrate his Resurrection. Encourage each other as you seek Christ this week!

. . .

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Posted in: lent

February 21, 2021

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