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2022-01-27T17:22:10-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

MLB’s Hall of Fame and the Relief of the Gospel

Last updated on: January 27, 2022 at 5:22 pm By Matt Pearson

As I watched my beloved Auburn Tigers almost lose their first game as the #1 basketball team in the nation Tuesday night, the ticker at the bottom of the screen informed me (repeatedly) of big news coming out of the Major League Baseball (MLB) world. Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds didn’t receive enough votes to enter the 2022 Hall of Fame (HOF) class and were blocked from ever getting in. According to the rules, after 10 years of voting, that’s... Read more

Devotions

General Challenge

2022-01-22T07:58:53-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Winter: A Letter to West Franklin

Last updated on: January 22, 2022 at 7:58 am By Matt Pearson

West Franklin Family, It’s Winter. Last Sunday we could not gather in person due to icy, snowy conditions. As I type (I started writing this on Wednesday), it is pouring rain – washing away the last remnants of last weekend’s snow. The weatherman said it’s supposed to drop into the 20’s tonight. There’s another chance of ice and snow. It’s muddy. It’s mushy. It’s nasty. The ground freezes, then thaws. You either step on a icy spot, or your shoe... Read more

Letters to West Franklin

2022-01-15T09:48:36-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Shedding the Messiah Complex: A Letter to West Franklin

Last updated on: January 15, 2022 at 9:48 am By Matt Pearson

West Franklin Family, The first thing out of John the Baptist’s mouth when asked who he was by religious leaders was, “I am not the Messiah” (John 1:20). Incredibly wise. Remarkably freeing. We would all do well to start responding in like manner. It’s not just that John knew who he was and who he wasn’t. He did and was very comfortable in his own skin. (I mean, think about it: anyone who eats bugs and wears camel hair clothes... Read more

Letters to West Franklin

2022-01-08T07:49:30-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

What Would YOU Write Down? A Letter to West Franklin

Last updated on: January 8, 2022 at 7:49 am By Matt Pearson

West Franklin Family, Tomorrow morning we will begin a four month journey through the Gospel of John. In the very last verse John writes: “Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.” (John 21:25) In other words, John was super choosy about what he included in the 21 chapters. John saw Jesus do so many... Read more

Letters to West Franklin

2022-01-05T09:54:39-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

That Time Tom Brady Took Me to Church

Last updated on: January 5, 2022 at 9:54 am By Matt Pearson

I consider myself a preacher of grace. It’s my life verse, after all. I feel I am pretty good at receiving it (Lord knows how bad I need it!). I feel I am pretty good at talking about it. And, though there is work to be done, I feel I am pretty good at giving grace. At least I did feel pretty good about myself in the grace-giving department. I felt good about myself until Tom Brady preached at me.... Read more

General Challenge

2022-01-01T08:37:32-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

What a Year! A Letter to West Franklin

Last updated on: January 1, 2022 at 8:37 am By Matt Pearson

West Franklin Family, 2021 began with a horrific insurrection on our nation’s capital. It ends with COVID-19 numbers skyrocketing once again. Sigh. If we keep our noses in the news, there will always be reason for panic and fear. We know, however, that our God does not give us a spirit of fear. We also know that, regardless of circumstances, Jesus promised to build His church. The gates of hell, or a pandemic, or insurrectionists will not overcome it. Despite... Read more

Letters to West Franklin

2021-12-25T07:13:03-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

I Love Long Lines: A Christmas Letter to West Franklin

Last updated on: December 25, 2021 at 7:13 am By Matt Pearson

West Franklin Family, Anyone who knows me knows that there is no way I could write the title to this letter a week ago. The opposite would have been the case. Prior to this week, I hated – despised – every single line I have ever had to stand or sit in. Grocery store lines. Traffic. Lines to order a meal. Lines to go the bathroom. Lines at the DMV. Lines to get my oil changed. Lines to pay for... Read more

Letters to West Franklin

2021-12-15T10:00:42-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Books I Hope to Read in 2022

Last updated on: December 15, 2021 at 10:00 am By Matt Pearson

Last week I linked to several books I recommend based on my reading in 2021. Below are several I hope to get to in the New Year. I linked them for your convenience, and if you are looking for any last second Christmas ideas for me (just kidding. . . sort of.) Below the link I have cut and pasted the description provided by Amazon. What are books you hope to get to in the next year? The Flourishing Pastor:... Read more

General Challenge

2021-12-18T07:22:37-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Don’t Dis Santa: A Letter to West Franklin

Last updated on: December 18, 2021 at 7:22 am By Matt Pearson

West Franklin Family, For a short season of my life, I was “that guy.” The doctrine police. The theological terror. The guy who would blast manger scenes that not only displayed the wise men – but only three of them! According to the Scriptures, the wise men showed up later – much later – post-birth. And nowhere does the Bible indicate there were only three. I believed it was my calling in life to show you how heretical you were... Read more

Letters to West Franklin

2021-12-14T10:23:46-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Favorite Books – 2021

Last updated on: December 14, 2021 at 10:23 am By Matt Pearson

Favorite Books I Read this Year A Burning in My Bones: The Authorized Biography of Eugene H. Peterson, Translator of the Message by Winn Collier I was most excited about this book entering 2021 and it did not disappoint. I enjoyed it so much I read it twice! Winn Collier is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. This book tells the story of one of the truest pastor’s I have ever read – Eugene Peterson. Collier writes with beauty... Read more

General Challenge

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