Genesis 4 could be a Lifetime movie. Often we refer to that chapter as “The Story of Cain and Abel.” But if we look at the broader narrative, we see a whole family experiencing jealousy, guilt, murder, grief, loss, and estrangement. If we read the story from the perspective of Cain (which is easy, since he’s …
Author Archives: Pastor Melissa
Why Names Matter
What is your name? The name that your parents decided should represent you for the rest of your life? And what do people call you? When they see your face, what is the word they say to catch your attention? I remember discussing names a lot before my wedding. I have a strong, four-syllable, …
The Calling of Genesis 3
Yesterday we began exploring Genesis 3, and looked closely at how curses factored into The Fall. Genesis 3 is such a complex text that we didn’t have a chance to get into the details of the punishments that God dealt to the man and the woman for eating from the tree. We have used these punishments to …
Were We Ever Cursed?
It’s not easy being human. We face challenges every day, and have to use our resiliency and tenacity to figure out how we’re going to get through them. And while we’re striving to be great partners, children, parents, workers, siblings, and citizens, it can be easy to look back and ask, “Why?” Why did that happen? Why this …
The First Woman
This is the first post in our “Biblical Women” series. I am thrilled to walk with you through the Bible, studying our Scriptural women who lived incredible lives, led their families and whole nations, and pushed the story of this world forward through their compassion and strength. Today we start with the first woman to enter …
Announcement: New Series
Over past forty days we have traveled on an incredible journey through the gospels, from the birth of Christ through his death and resurrection. In these few weeks, over a thousand people have visited the site and read about the deep insights and love that Christ came to show the world. I am overjoyed …
Mary, Let Go Of Me
When was the last time you mourned? Some of us have only a few distant moments we can remember, while for others, mourning seems all too familiar. Mourning is an honest and raw expression of grief, sadness, and loss. It can hit us square in the chest, in the most unexpected moments, and from those periods of mourning onward, our …
“It Is Finished…” But What About The Resurrection?
A few months ago I attended the filming of Adam Hamilton’s study of John. I sat in the audience, smiling and holding a coffee mug, while a camera crew filmed a series of six devotional presentations. After each devotional, Adam opened the floor for questions from the audience members. Toward the end of the day I raised my hand …
Continue reading ““It Is Finished…” But What About The Resurrection?”
What Jesus Said About The Afterlife
As a chaplain and a pastor I get a lot of questions about the afterlife. People want to know what happens in the moments after we die. I have heard a variety of answers from other pastors about this weighty and pertinent topic. Some of them use what I call Chutes & Ladders imagery, claiming …
Slowing Down
It struck me yesterday how busy Holy Week is. Especially for pastors and lay members in the church — we have so many services that hold such importance, all squished into a very small window of time. With so many events taking place, it seems easy to lose sight of each movement of Holy Week. …
Pastor Melissa 