As I have been mentioning in the previous posts in this series, the meanings of the cross in the New Testament writings are many. They form a prism with all of the facets focusing on what God is doing through Jesus for the world. I believe that there are many meanings of the cross beyond
Read MoreIn the first four posts in this series, I discussed various understandings of the cross and its meanings—as 1) an ugly symbol of power and oppression, 2) a moment of Jesus’ extreme faithfulness and the unleashing God’s love for him, 3) an act of “chesed” (stubborn, committed love) for the world, and 4) as God’s victory over the abyss
Read MoreTo give you a refresher on the first few blogs in the series, before starting on part four, here’s what I emphasized: 1 – The cross was a very ugly symbol of power, oppression, and torture much like a lynching noose, an electric chair, a water board, or a gas chamber. We do not do justice
Read MoreIn the first two blog posts in this series, the emphasis has been on these two points: 1 – The cross was a very ugly symbol of power, oppression, and torture much like a lynching noose, an electric chair, a water board, or a gas chamber. We do not do justice to Jesus, to God, nor
Read MoreThe New Testament writers look at Jesus, his relationship with God, and his relationship with us from various points of view, but they all agree on one claim that is staggering. In some amazing way, the ugliness of a Roman cross was caught up in: God’s love for the world God’s love for Jesus Jesus’
Read More“Ron, you are a pastor, why don’t you wear a cross like many other pastors and priests do?” That is a question that comes along to me in some form or another once in a while. More often someone asks, “Ron, why have you insisted that the New Covenant Fellowship building not be filled with
Read MoreJust as it is a huge and unforgiveable mistake for followers of Jesus to buy the “racism is a thing of the past” mantra, it is also a tragic mistake to think that gender oppression is a thing of the past in American culture. Are most American women better off than many women in Egypt
Read MoreOne of our brothers, Brian M., recently asked me to read this over. I always enjoy being challenged to think more carefully theologically and biblically. I appreciate Brian being willing to share his insights and thoughts with the rest of us. Hope you enjoy! — Ron Simkins —————– Is God within time or outside of
Read MoreOne of our sisters shared this personal story during our worship service the Sunday before Lent began. She agreed to allow me to post it so long as I didn’t use her name. It touched me deeply at many levels. I hope you enjoy it and are inspired, too! – Ron Simkins ——- I love
Read MoreHas God ever guided you when you didn’t know that you were being led? Apparently this happened to Jesus, and he only figured it out after the fact. Listen: Mark 5:21-34 (NRSV) When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered around him; and he was by the
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