Category Archives: Devotional Reflection

The Philippian Slave Woman casts Paul as the Unjust Judge of Luke 18

Posted on June 21, 2012 by PaulVK

Here Comes Trouble After Paul accepts Lydia’s benefaction and he and his party (Timothy, Silas and Luke) are received into her home in the city of Philippi.  As seems to be the case of Paul if he isn’t causing trouble … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Reflection, On the way to Sunday's sermon | 1 Comment

How the Resurrection Must Transform My Bucket List

Posted on May 25, 2012 by PaulVK

The Bucket List I’m 48 years old, 49 in a couple of months. Among many in my church I’m still young. Among many in the church plants around me I’m old. Some have commented that I’ve been in a mid-life … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Reflection | 1 Comment

Christ, Culture and the Age to Come

Posted on April 24, 2012 by PaulVK

Wrote this as a response to a conversation in the comment thread on Rachel Held Evan’s posting on NT Wright’s book. Trying to illuminate the relationship via prepositions (Niebuhr’s book “Christ and Culture”) is handy but limited as you noted. … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Reflection, Saved Blog Comments | Leave a comment

The New Jerusalem at Calvin College

Posted on April 24, 2012 by PaulVK

I spoke to my parents today about their trip to the Festival of Faith and Writing. Mom was still brimming over with excitement and enthusiasm from the trip. Dad of course enjoyed it. He likes everything like some 77 year … Continue reading →

Posted in CRC, Devotional Reflection, theological | 2 Comments

Loving One’s Enemy is Central to Basic Christianity

Posted on April 20, 2012 by PaulVK

The longer I ponder the miracle of the gospel, the more I see that love of enemy is not some optional merit badge in advanced, exceptional Christian practice, but rather the very basis itself. We made no greater enemy and … Continue reading →

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The Problem Trap

Posted on March 19, 2012 by PaulVK

Pete VB from Voices posted a lovely article on the Problem Trap from the Alban institute. Nice article. http://www.alban.org/conversation.aspx?id=9895 I posted this to Voices: I appreciate the comments and perspectives in this thread. When I was a seminary intern in the … Continue reading →

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Forgiveness and the Cry of Dereliction

Posted on March 14, 2012 by PaulVK

At Living Stones we’re going through the Seven Words from the Cross of Jesus. This week’s “word” is “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” It is also known as the cry of dereliction. It is the first verse … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Reflection, theological | 1 Comment

Conversation with an Atheist Facebook Friend

Posted on February 6, 2012 by PaulVK

Good points. 1. I’d segregate the points I make in a philisophical discussion from how I treat people in real life. You and I only know each other via FB and mostly via these conversations so point taken. Most of … Continue reading →

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Thoughts for a New Year

Posted on January 2, 2012 by PaulVK

I’ve long quietly grumbled about the new year marker, vestigial paganism. 🙂 It is good, however, to stop to ponder this journey that I walk often too mindlessly. I’ve been around the sun 48 times now, seems like not many, … Continue reading →

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The Central Challenge of Discipleship: Recognizing Jesus

Posted on April 25, 2011 by PaulVK

The four synoptic gospels all seem to assume: 1. the historical existence of Jesus of Nazareth 2. Jesus to be a great teacher 3. Jesus to be a miracle worker 4. Jesus to be a sort of a prophet. If … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional Reflection, Understanding the Bible | 1 Comment