Bethel Megachurch Advocates Abusive Conversion Therapy - Patheos

Bethel megachurch in California is facing backlash after promoting “gay conversion” therapy on Instagram. Bethel posted the question “Can a person leave homosexuality behind?” as if the answer might actually be yes. The post also suggested that some people might only think they’re LGBTQ:” “[Jesus] knows us better than we know ourselves and wants to lead us into His vision for humanity. Sometimes, that is countercultural.”

The full article is available here

Trump Is The Source Of Much Of Chaos Gripping The Nation - Minister Robert P Sellers, Baptist News

The president is correct that together we are experiencing a frightening dis-ease. What he doesn’t seem to recognize is that he is the source of much of the chaos.

President Donald Trump has publicly blamed mental illness for mass shootings and other gun violence. 

I agree that there does exist an insanity, a moral pathology, that is endangering all of us – and many have already become victims.

On the other hand, I do not understand the threat in the same way he does. Indeed, I believe Trump himself is the foundational problem for many of the dangers our nation now faces. 


I write as a Christian and lifelong minister and seminary professor. My Christian faith dictates how I should live and requires that I do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God. To be a silent witness to the troubling words and deeds of our nation’s leader would present a false testimony to my neighbors.

I view the president’s character as wildly contrary to the portrait of God in Christ; the polar opposite of the One to whom I am committed.

The president is correct that together we are experiencing a frightening dis-ease. What he doesn’t seem to recognize is that he is the source of much of the chaos.

The full article is available here

Nationalism Is Anathema To Christian Faith - Religion News

“A true culture of life welcomes the stranger, embraces the orphan, and binds the wounds of all who are our neighbor — all who lie lifeless on the road, as the self-righteous walk silently past.”

The full article is available here

Benediction: The Divine Dance Within Us and Around Us (based on Zephaniah 3:17)

As we go now, may we have God’s eyes so that we can to continue to seek out all of the everyday grace available to us in God's world. May Christ's example of sacrificial and inclusive love be our guide. May God's Spirit help us to surrender our egos and pride so that we can join in the work of bringing out the best in everyone and everything in God's creation.

Reflection and Renewal: Moving with the Divine Flow (based on Matthew 11:28-30)

God, you work to make all things new. To help us to be a part of that work, you call us to follow new paths where we can grow into wider understanding, more selfless love, and deeper compassion.

To prevent us from becoming stunted spiritually, you call us to continually surrender our ego to the flow of your divine love and grace.  Yet we so often cling tightly to what we've known so far.  The unknown often elicits feelings of fear and anxiety in us, because we worry that we won't be able to control what we aren't familiar with yet.

And others of us prefer to charge ahead at our own pace or down whichever path we come across  without a second thought because need to be the one in control.

So God, help us to trust that the flow of your mercy, wisdom, and love is where we need to live. May we willing to allow it move us along and guide us.  When we're hesitant and afraid, give us courage and  strength. When we're impatient and foolhardy, slow us down. Give us calm and clarity.

Help us to move in sync with the unforced rhythms of your grace.

Call To Worship: Power In Weakness, Wisdom In Foolishness (based on 1 Corinthians 1:18-31)

God, we are grateful that you continually restore and renew our minds so that we can follow your way of love. You show us power in what initially seems like weakness, wisdom in what seems like foolishness to our cynical and calculating minds, and hope for wholeness in the midst of brokenness.

So often, our culture wants to be dazzled by what is showy and what glitters. God, help us to live more  fully than that by reminding us to seek out all of the everyday ways that your grace flows to us.

In gratitude, may we come simply and honestly now to give you praise.

Jesus Subverts Nationalism - Beth Moore

God's Kingdom Is Love - Anthony de Mello