“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me and has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. God is sending me to proclaim release to the captives, new sight to the blind, freedom for those who are oppressed, and forgiveness of debt!”—Jesus in Luke 4:18-19, reading from Isaiah 61:1-2

Friends, now as much as ever, our neighbors, our country, and the world need us to be the very best and most Godly version of ourselves.

The 20th century Swiss theologian Carl Barth once advised us to read the newspaper right alongside the Bible if we want to understand what is happening in the world. That is good advice for us who are living through a radical deconstruction of our American democracy. As a Christian, are you paying attention to what’s happening in the world? Do you know where you can get honest, truthful information?

Since 1909, The Society of Professional Journalists has set the standard for journalism around the world. They emphasize accuracy, context, citing sources, publicly correcting errors, accountability for the powerful, giving voice to the marginalized, and never distorting facts or context. They also emphasize independence, transparency, and minimizing harm. You can learn more about journalistic ethics and standards at the Society of Professional Journalists website (https://www.spj.org/spj-code-of-ethics/)

My favorite sources of information begin with our excellent local newspaper The Seattle Times. I also rely on Reuters fact driven reporting, the Associated Press’ neutral wire service, National Public Radio/Television and British Broadcasting Corporation for their broad international perspectives, and The Christian Science Monitor for in-depth, solutions-focused reporting. I hope you’ll share with me your favorite sources of news, too.

In addition to knowing what’s happening in the world, Christian engagement requires that we also understand what the Bible does and does not say. You will need to know how Jesus engaged with the powers of this world, and how he intends for us to live with God and our neighbors. If we really believe that God is serious about mercy, compassion, being slow to anger, abounding in steadfast faithfulness, loyal love, justice, generosity, forgiveness, reconciliation, shared power, and putting others first – then how do you think we should with live with our neighbors, use our resources of time and money, vote, and organize our life together?

I really do believe that if you want to know who God is, look at Jesus. If you want to know what it means to be truly human, look at Jesus. If you want to know what love and mercy and justice and honor are, look at Jesus. However, please know that looking at Jesus was only meant to be the first step of our Christan faith. Christianity is what happens AFTER you begin to really see Jesus and really understand the pain and need and brokenness of this world. Christianity is every thought you have, every word you speak, every step you take following Jesus to build God’s kingdom here on earth.

Friends, now as much as ever, our neighbors, our country, and the world need us to be the very best and most Godly version of ourselves. Great faith meets great citizenship when we show-up and stand-up and speak-up and act-up for what is right and good and loving and just.

I’m humbled to be a part of a church that believes that we should live our lives where the Bible and the newspaper are allowed to make significant and sacrificial claims on our calendars and our checkbooks because, in the end, it’s all about our relationships with God and our neighbors.

Pastor Jim

Character Matters: A Study in Biblical Virtues and Practices

If you’ve ever thought that you were meant for something more, that there’s a better version of your life that you’d like to live, then the Bible was written for you. In it you’ll find God’s vision and values for a beautiful, whole, and purposeful life. Join Pastor Jim as we finish up a summer of learning everyday habits that will make you more the person you’ve always wanted to be. Learn to follow Jesus to the best version of you. Remember, your character really matters!

August 3, 2025
Praying for Character
Matthew 6:5-15

August 10, 2025
You Are a Royal Priesthood
1 Peter 2:1-10

August 17, 2025
Guest Preacher—
Rev. Dr. Brian Grassley

August 24, 2025
Go and Do Likewise
Luke 10:25-37

August 31, 2025
Guest Preacher —
Rev. Rand O’Donnell