Category Archives: gospel of welcome

A better way to His heart

Posted on July 3, 2020 by jwfisch

“If you meet that poor wretch that thrust his spear into my side, tell him there is another way — a better way — to get at my heart. If he will repent, and look upon the one he has … Continue reading →

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Freedom train comin’

Posted on June 9, 2020 by jwfisch

Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow. Isaiah 1:17 Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity and politics, diversity, freedom, gospel of welcome, grace turned outward, politics, racism | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

‘ALL HAVE SINNED’

Posted on May 22, 2020 by jwfisch

The sign inside the historic Church of the Open Door, once in downtown Los Angeles, is remarkable if you think about how many churches would be willing to put “ALL HAVE SINNED” over the front of their church. Think of … Continue reading →

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Billy’s Cross

Posted on April 15, 2020 by jwfisch

This poem about Billy Graham was composed in 2013 by his brother-in-law, Leighton Ford, for Billy’s 95th birthday. Billy Graham died in February of 2018, nine months short of his 100th birthday. For almost a century, he was “America’s evangelist.” … Continue reading →

Posted in church, gospel of welcome | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Masked men (and women)

Posted on April 7, 2020 by jwfisch

I went to the grocery store yesterday and after hearing the recommendation to cover your face coming from a number of different sources, I tried to wear a scarf. If we had listened to our son Chandler, we would have … Continue reading →

Posted in community, gospel of welcome, pandemic | Tagged , | 5 Comments

Afraid of being well

Posted on March 30, 2020 by jwfisch

I scored twelve rolls of toilet paper yesterday morning. I was so happy. I had to go to two stores before 8am on a Sunday to find it, but I did. It’s a good thing because I refused to stockpile … Continue reading →

Posted in discipleship, gospel of welcome, grace turned outward, pandemic | Tagged , | 11 Comments

Heck with social distancing, we’re going ‘face-to-face!’

Posted on March 17, 2020 by jwfisch

Marti pointed out that my title yesterday might have been a bit misleading. “Germ-free community” sounds so sterile and so perfect. “Look at us; we’re all germ-free!” I can see that title might have given that impression. That, of course, … Continue reading →

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Fear not

Posted on March 10, 2020 by jwfisch

Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened, but in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. 1 Peter 3:14-15 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. … Continue reading →

Posted in gospel of welcome, grace turned outward | Tagged , , | 13 Comments

Welcome home; all is forgiven

Posted on March 6, 2020 by jwfisch

I have some really good news for everyone today It’s not just good news; it’s preposterously Good News. It’s an Old Testament statement of a New Testament reality. (You see, God’s been at this for a long time.) “I, the … Continue reading →

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Living bridges

Posted on March 5, 2020 by jwfisch

[Today Marti reminds us of our mission.] For as long as I have known John, which is more years than I care to admit, he has sought to create bridges among people within the church to those out beyond its … Continue reading →

Posted in diversity, gospel of welcome | Tagged , | 2 Comments