Alison and the whale

Genesis | Alt*red state: A text of terror offers good news 02.07.2023 12:21 ↓

The usual interpretation of the binding of Isaac is that God requires us to sacrifice everything, even, if asked, our own children. But could a contextual awareness reveal a more life-giving reading?

Romans | Practice resurrection 25.06.2023 15:33 ↓

In the face of sin, death and the injustice of empire, we are called to practice resurrection. A reflection on Romans, quoting also Wendell Berry's poem, Manifesto: The Mad Farmer Liberation Front. 

Genesis | Abram: Our ancestor-colonizer 11.06.2023 10:48 ↓

The story of Abram points to a more just settlement, paving the way to Voice and Treaty.

Pentecost | And they were all together in one place 28.05.2023 9:22 ↓

We here at Sanctuary used to gather 'all together in one place.' So what happened? And what comes next?

Acts | Just look around! 21.05.2023 11:52 ↓

If you want to encounter the Risen Christ, don't gaze into heaven. Just look around!

1,2 Peter | A humble, holy people 14.05.2023 13:09 ↓

A community founded on Christ will be humble, hospitable and loving.

Acts | The four devotions 07.05.2023 14:40 ↓

Followers of Jesus engage in four devotional practices, which lead to full and flourishing life.

Luke | The road to all things new 30.04.2023 10:01 ↓

Through stranger, scripture and a meal shared, all things are made new: even us!

Matthew | Walking with pride 02.04.2023 14:26 ↓

Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem resembles a pride parade, and our guy is a clown.

Ezekiel | Dem dry colonial bones 26.03.2023 16:34 ↓

Only a people divorced from Spirit, self and land, indeed, only a culture of dry bones, could engage in colonial violence. Yet even for them, there is hope.

John | Trans/forming 19.03.2023 10:11 ↓

To encounter Jesus is to invite change.

Matthew | So you’re God’s child. Now what? 26.02.2023 10:38 ↓

‘Since you’re the son of God,’ says the devilish examiner in Matthew’s story, ‘turn these stones to bread.’ Use your power for your own ends. Whip up a miracle, and feed yourself ... https://sanctuarybaptist.org/

Matthew | Kill them with kindness 19.02.2023 11:04 ↓

Jesus sets out a path of nonviolent resistance to state sanctioned domination and abuse.

Matthew | Self-regulation, the law and the prophets 12.02.2023 13:42 ↓

Jesus' new community calls for self-awareness, self-regulation and love.

Every place a God-story 05.02.2023 8:34 ↓

God-stories are anchored to place. So what are our God-stories and how can they charge the landscape? 

Matthew | Blessed discipleship 29.01.2023 16:07 ↓

What if the Beatitudes describe the school of discipleship? A back-to-school reflection

Matthew | Like a scandal 18.12.2022 11:58 ↓

God calls Joseph to wake up. God demands that he open his eyes to a deeper reality, where love takes priority over obedience to God’s law, and scandal forms the womb of grace.

Matthew | Like, are you serious? 11.12.2022 11:11 ↓

Christ’s incarnation is often underwhelming. It is up to us to look at the evidence, and decide if it’s the real deal.

Matthew | Like an arsonist 04.12.2022 19:00 ↓

Jesus is coming to burn away the rubbish: because he loves you, he’s coming for the harvest, and there’s a sweet kernel in you that he seeks. John the Baptizer has strong words for religious leaders; but for everyone else, he urges a turning to God because the kingdom of heaven is near, and for the vulnerable it's very good news.

Matthew | Like a thief 27.11.2022 12:06 ↓

Jesus may come looking poor, scruffy, untrustworthy, and vaguely threatening - and he'll take something precious away.

Luke | Paradise, parties, and the vastness of God’s love 20.11.2022 15:55 ↓

Two criminals, and the scandal of grace.

Isaiah | The city of joy 13.11.2022 11:31 ↓

Good health, good work, and good relationships come together to form a city of joy, and a people of delight.

Luke | Seven brothers, a hapless widow, a falling satellite - and what it means to truly live 06.11.2022 14:25 ↓

No need to wait! Resurrection life begins in the here and now.

Luke | Who’s more faithful? There’s no comparison! 23.10.2022 13:23 ↓

Literally. Competitive righteousness has no place in God's kingdom.

Jeremiah | Our fickleness, God’s faithfulness 16.10.2022 11:24 ↓

Even in our fickleness and faithlessness, God insists on renewing the relationship.