Philippians 1:3-5, 21-30 Philippians is one of my favorite books in the bible.  It’s a letter from a pastor to a community he loves – a community that despite social and legal challenges as a religious and cultural minority is keeping the faith and living out the gospel. A community like South Congregational Church in this…

(James 3:1-10; 5:13-16) When Matt was a young boy, he took piano lessons with a lovely and prim and proper Christian woman, Sylvia Swisher.  One day, she reported an interaction during a piano lesson. When Matt hit a wrong note, he said “Jesus Christ” under this breath.  To which Mrs. Swisher responded, “I hope that was a…

 (James 1:22-25; 2:1-7; 2:14-26) My home state California is a paradise for bumper sticker watchers. Nothing is off limits in the point-counterpoint battle of bumper stickers, even religion.  Years ago, there was a popular bumper sticker that exclaimed, “Honk, if you love Jesus.” Not to be outdone, a counter bumper sticker emerged with an equally ardent…