John

Word Made Flesh: “Reinstatement”

Similar to the first disciples of Jesus, we too can fail to live up to our calling. In these moments it is wonderful to know that God’s grace is greater than our failure. Even m...

Word Made Flesh: “See the Lord”

We long to hold onto the familiar. However, Jesus is raised into the new life of God, the unknown. He has been raised from the dead; not to the old life that is ruled by death b...

Word Made Flesh: “Cruci-Fiction”

Word Made Flesh: “Hosanna”

It is significant that the king of Israel—the Lord over all—comes to his city and his people riding a donkey’s colt rather than on a war horse. Let’s face it, Jesus doesn’t meet...

Word Made Flesh: “Raising the Dead”

There is little doubt that death is powerful. Anyone who has looked on the body of a loved one who has died has the overwhelming sense that they are ‘gone.’ With that death, the...

Word Made Flesh: “Good Shepherd”

The voice we follow matters. Jesus offers us an opportunity to discern between himself and the alternative(s). Only he is the Good Shepherd and this can be known because he lays...

Word Made Flesh: “Blind May See”

Spiritual arrogance is a problem. We can become so morally upright that we lose sight of God’s grace, both to ourselves and to others. This occurs when we become so entrenched i...

Word Made Flesh: “Sifting the Crowd”

Jesus is a figure that continues to divide people today. Who is he? Our answer to that question determines the level of authority we allow him, which determines our willingness ...

Word Made Flesh: “Hard Road”

As Wesleyans, we believe that a believer can choose to leave Jesus. This is essential for belief itself to be real. However, it is heartbreaking when this occurs because no one ...

Word Made Flesh: “Choosing Wellness”

The in-breaking of the Word is sudden and surprising, yet the event does not remake us without our consent or our participation. It is an extraordinary question, “do you want to...

Word Made Flesh: “Be Born Again”

The process of the old world passing away is a painful one. As humans we attempt to understand and, perhaps, even try to contain the event. Jesus cuts across all such attempts b...

Word Made Flesh: “New Temple for All People”

We often ask for renewal and pray for revival, but we seldom think of the cost. Renewal and revival are painful processes, especially to those who are committed to the status qu...

Word Made Flesh: “Dawn of New Creation”

These are familiar opening words “In the Beginning. . .,” but there is a sudden twist “. . . was the word.” John whipsaws our attention between the pages...

Made to Lead: “Ripples: A Drop Can Change Everything”

Even the smallest of stones can make ripples in the water. A trickle of “yesses” can create waves of influence. Mary of Bethany changes the atmosphere as she subverts the cultur...

Made to Lead: “Noticing the Nameless”

Not all leadership is “official.” However, God calls everyone—men and women—to play a part in extending the kingdom of God. We do this when we focus on who God has made us to be...

Made to Lead: a Mother Knows

Leadership is about positive influence. As Jesus steps into the public spot light he shows us the importance of openly listening to women and responding to their influence. Mary...

In Spirit & In Truth: “In the Spirit”

God’s original creative purpose for the world is for it to be His temple. As the gospel of Jesus moves out to the nations right to the ends of the earth, no longer is worship li...

Praying God: “Receiving God”

Too often we have reduced God to a cosmic Judge: we have violated his law, so we must make restitution. Without putting that completely aside, it is better to understand prayer ...

Praxis: “Submission for Service”

While Canada isn’t a class system type of culture, most of us want to be taken seriously and treated with respect. In order to have this we find it necessary to present ourselve...

The Least of These: We Will Always Have The Poor

Guest Speaker:  Seth Freeman Exploring Jesus’ interaction with Judas, we will explore our attitudes with the materially poor, confront our own God complexes, and look for ...