BCNE News
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Filled with hope
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Romans 15:13) Hope. It is a weighty word that carries deep meaning, but it is also a word that is thrown around in everyday language without the true meaning attached to it. “Hope you have a nice day!” “Hope you feel better.” “Hope it doesn’t rain tomorrow!” We find ourselves saying these phrases without much thought and primarily as pleasantries.
Through faith and patience
“...that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Hebrews 6:12
On June 19th, 2021 our country declared Juneteenth a national holiday. The original date in 1866 marked the end of 250 years of enslavement for people of African descent with the ratification of the 13th Amendment. As I remember my slave ancestors, I am inspired by their resilience as they endured unimaginable suffering and unfair treatment; they held fast to a promise that one day their children and grandchildren would be free.
When spiritual leaders hurt others
Looking at humanity, I tend to expect bad news. I know I’m a mess; I’m capable of absolute darkness. But when I look at the church I expect unity, humility, righteousness. In light of the #metoo movement, the #churchtoo movement, and recent allegations of hidden sexual abuse and scandal from large Christian organizations and respected leaders, it is clear that the church is not above the same corrupting evil that is in the world. Power and money talk, and out of fear or disbelief people listen.
Strange baggage but confident hope
My wife and I often joke about how different we are when it comes to packing for a trip. Days before we leave she meticulously makes a list of everything that will be needed on the trip, while I start to pack an hour or so before we are supposed to depart. Neither of us understands how the other one operates, but it works for us.
Yet, for as strange as we both think the other one is when it comes to packing, there’s something nestled at the very end of Genesis that would strike both of us (and probably you!) as very odd about what the people of Israel would need to pack and take with them when they leave Egypt in the exodus.
The birds of the air and the hope of your heart
As I sat down to write this article, I looked at the computer for a few moments and wondered how to start. I typed a few words, hit backspace, then tried again.
Writer’s block is part of life. Whether you are writing a paper for school or a report for work, there are often times where you stare at the computer screen and feel as if your mind is stuck in quicksand. Though our minds might struggle to find words to write, our minds rarely struggle to muster things to worry about.
God’s judgment is our hope
One evening eight years ago myself and a few others sat down for dinner with a woman who was about to cross a lifeless border, pass through a foreboding customs office, board a worn-out city bus, and take a journey that would likely end in death.
Dispatch from the COVID front
Editor’s Note: Josh Abetti is a registered nurse and pastor of Concord Community Church in Concord, VT. He is temporarily working with COVID patients in a Bronx ICU.
Many people have asked me, "What's it like to work with COVID patients?" This is my attempt to answer that question from my limited experience. It’s long but I ask you to read the whole thing. In this post I attempt to share my observations and those of other coworkers. I’ve tried to restrain myself from making definitive conclusions because there is still so much about this disease we don’t understand. I’ve also written this from the perspective of a nurse.