Category Archives: Theology

The Call of Abraham (Genesis 12)

Posted on January 27, 2026 by salooper57

Abram is the beginning of the cure because he is the beginning of a line … The long line runs through a young woman – hardly more than a child – named Mary. Then the line becomes a point: a point of contention for some; a point of no return for others; but the point of it all for us who believe. Continue reading →

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When Adam Jumped into an Abyss (Genesis 3)

Posted on January 21, 2026 by salooper57

…part of the story is left out. It is not just from stone to iron, but from stone-headed axe to iron-tipped spear, from iron-tipped spear to lead bullet, from lead bullet to thermonuclear warhead. We jump, but we usually land further down, not further up. Continue reading →

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The Dull Point of the Apostolic Band

Posted on January 17, 2026 by salooper57

He was probably the apostle who said, “I don’t get it,” after a joke’s punchline had been delivered and St. Peter was laughing his head off. What could a guy like that bring to the apostolic band? What was he even doing there? Continue reading →

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In the Beginning

Posted on January 14, 2026 by salooper57

Every human composition is but a “Variation on a Theme by God.” He made birds and streams sing, waves and waterfalls crash. The wind croons; the oceans roar; the leaves on a billion trees dance, and all creation keep time to the music. Continue reading →

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The Story of the Bible (as told on the Emmaus Road)

Posted on January 7, 2026 by salooper57

God, apparently, is not satisfied to stuff Scripture into our heads. He wants to burn it into our hearts. Continue reading →

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Heads Up

Posted on January 5, 2026 by salooper57

Over the years, I have heard the refrain, “I can’t understand the Bible,” many times. This is an effort to help people – including me – understand the Bible in a way that helps us live in the light of the good news. Continue reading →

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Look Four Ways Before Crossing (Hebrews 12:1-3)

Posted on January 1, 2026 by salooper57

Sin clings; it won’t let go. We must be determined to get rid of it, or it will damage us. That damage, as the author of Hebrews points out again and again, takes the form – this is important to understand – of unbelief. Continue reading →

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The Telescoping Reality of Christmas

Posted on December 27, 2025 by salooper57

An hour or two ago, I left the hospital after reading the Christmas story to a man and his wife and praying with them. The man has been in the hospital for 18 days. Each time that it looks like he will be able to leave, something happens to extend his stay. Yesterday or the day before, he developed a pulmonary embolism Continue reading →

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Bedlam to Bethlehem

Posted on December 25, 2025 by salooper57

I started by speaking of “thin places,” where heaven and earth meet, but the barrier between heaven and earth is not permeable in a place; it is permeable in a person: Jesus. It is in a manger that heaven and earth meet and kiss. And it is at a cross that the gate of heaven opens. Continue reading →

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You Better Find Somebody to Love (4th Sunday of Advent)

Posted on December 21, 2025 by salooper57

You may say, “But I do know God. He takes care of me. He provides for my needs.” But because he cares for you does not mean that you know him in any way more meaningful than the golden retriever knows the owner who feeds him. Continue reading →

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