Monthly Archives: May 2022

Christ: Christ is All #2

Posted on May 31, 2022 by Steve Harper

“Christ in Everyone & Everything” Continuing our look at Paul’s first three words about Christ, it is important to make clear he was not trying to impose Christianity on any other religion. Rather, he was recognizing the presence of Christ … Continue reading →

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Engage: What Do We Do with Evil? #1

Posted on May 30, 2022 by Steve Harper

Read: Introduction Today we begin our common reading of Richard Rohr’s book, ‘What Do We Do with Evil?’ I join with you in praying that our experience will be a means of grace. I have heard from a few of … Continue reading →

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New UMC: Normal New

Posted on May 26, 2022 by Steve Harper

Not long after the pandemic began, and church changed in all sorts of ways, people began to ask, “How long before we get back to normal?” The question morphed into the sense that some things have changed permanently, and that … Continue reading →

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Christ: Christ Is All #1

Posted on May 24, 2022 by Steve Harper

“Jesus is Lord” The earliest Christian statement of faith was, “Jesus is Lord.” Paul’s words, “Chris is all” are another way of saying the same thing No matter how the first Christians said it, it was a radical affirmation, announcing … Continue reading →

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Engage: The Transformation Pattern

Posted on May 23, 2022 by Steve Harper

Next week, we begin our common reading of Richard Rohr’s book, ‘What Do We Do With Evil?” Next week’s post (and each Monday thereafter) will serve as a guide for our group. But before we get into the details given … Continue reading →

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Along the Way: Another Inquisition

Posted on May 21, 2022 by Steve Harper

Jeannie and I have stood in the Plaza Mayor in Madrid. I imagine some of you reading this have as well. It was one of the main locations (there were many others across Europe) for the Inquisition. [1] Alleged infidels … Continue reading →

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Site Update: New LGBTQ+ Resource

Posted on May 20, 2022 by Steve Harper

On the Oboedire home page, you will find the “LGBTQ+ Resources” icon at the top of the page. I have added an outline entitled, “All Means All: A Wesleyan Theology of LGBTQ+ Affirmation.” It utilizes the Wesleyan quadrilateral as the … Continue reading →

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Christ: All Means All

Posted on May 20, 2022 by Steve Harper

[Note: As this series unfolds, just a reminder that I am writing it because I believe that Christology is not an abstract theologizing, but rather is at the heart of the new Awakening. This series will, over time, develop a … Continue reading →

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Along the Way: Now More Than Ever

Posted on May 19, 2022 by Steve Harper

Recently on a phone call with a former student who is struggling spiritually, I said to him, “I am more in love with Christ than I have ever been.” I spoke the words as an encouragement to him; the words … Continue reading →

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Engage: A New Awakening

Posted on May 16, 2022 by Steve Harper

Last week I stated my conviction that we are living in a new Awakening. [1] I also refer to our time as “living in a Micah moment” (Micah 6:8.) It is a time of global crisis brought on by imperialism … Continue reading →

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Christ: The Universal Christ

Posted on May 11, 2022 by Steve Harper

Revelation 1:8, 22:13 We begin our look at Christ using the most expansive words he spoke about himself. From these words we derive our belief in the cosmic Christ, universal in his excarnate and incarnate person and work. The words … Continue reading →

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Engage: Heading Toward the Light

Posted on May 9, 2022 by Steve Harper

Without reminding you about things you already know, I begin by saying we are likely in for hard times. I expect this will occur on multiple fronts…all at once. We are living in trying and dangerous times. I do not … Continue reading →

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Christ: An Amazing Revelation

Posted on May 5, 2022 by Steve Harper

John 20:30, 21:25 Writings about Christ begin in various ways. I choose to begin this series using the word ‘amazing.’ I take my cue from John, who gathered up his experience of Christ with this sentiment and testimony. I say … Continue reading →

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Engage: Introduction

Posted on May 4, 2022 by Steve Harper

Living in a New Awakening means living in a time of disorder. [1] The twisting and turning leaves us hopeful some days, and discouraged on other days. It helps explain the two aspects of faith the writer of Hebrews wrote … Continue reading →

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