The opposite of cooperation with God is both lack of cooperation with God and cooperation with counterfeit gods
This letter’s for Rod Malloy, who runs a non-profit conservation center. Every horror story set in Europe features a gothic castle. It’s cliché, but it’s true. When I visited…
Our cooperative work with God is “city work”
I wrote this letter for Corey and Kendall Grazul, a godly young couple with a firm understanding of what it means to love God and love your city (in that…
Psalm 107.1-9
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your…
We employ complex metaphors for complex truths
Lance Veydt is my buddy. He loves math, and I hate it. The more I hate math, the harder it is for Lance to continue calling me his friend. I…
Heaven refers to God’s power and presence promised to us
I wrote this letter to Paul and Sally Dwyer, beautiful people who have often waded into the ugliness of others’ lives because they’re in love with Jesus. You’re well…
Hebrews 12.22-24a
You have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly city, and to countless thousands of angels in a joyful gathering. You have come to…
The City of God refers to our cooperation with God
I wrote this letter for Glenn Yamakawa, who thinks everything through to its furthest and fullest conclusion. You’re a thinker. You like to puzzle things out and see how…
The Kingdom of God refers to our authority with Christ
This letter was written to Ken Brewer, chair of the Religious Studies department at Spring Arbor University. Ken’s the guy who helps me get theologically un-stuck. The Bible is…
Psalm 128.1-6
How joyful are those who fear the Lord— all who follow his ways! You will enjoy the fruit of your labor. How joyful and prosperous you will be! Your wife…
The opposite of a godly city is not a godly farm, but a godless city
I wrote this letter for Nathan and Christy Randall, who are equal parts Google and granola. One of my favorite writers is Wendell Berry. He’s a poet and a…
Our work in the city now anticipates God’s work in the city later on
This letter is for the best bartender in America, whose kindness and steadfast constitution give every young man a healthy model of strength: Bill Burch. Our cities are messy,…
Psalm 87.4-10
I will count Egypt and Babylon among those who know me— also Philistia and Tyre, and even distant Ethiopia. They have all become citizens of my city! Regarding my city…