Pastor Tom's Community

Powered by
WordPress
Powered by
WordPress

  • Quit the Futily!

    Stop living like “everybody else.”Paul’s challenge in Ephesians 4 is still painfully relevant today. Don’t drift through life in futility, outrage, fear, or empty noise. Be rooted and grounded in love. Live with purpose. Live in Christ. Join the conversation at Fellowship of Joy:https://www.facebook.com/groups/fellowshipofjoy/posts/10167553815729409 #Ephesians4 #BibleChat #FellowshipOfJoy #ChristianLiving #Faith #Grace #Purpose #Truth #SpiritualGrowth #PastorTomSims #BibleStudy…

  • Who Told You That You Were Naked?

    A Theological Reflection on Genesis 3 There are questions in scripture that echo through the entire human story. This is one of them: “Who told you that you were naked?” — Genesis 3:11 Not merely:What have you done? But:Who told you? That question cuts deeper than behavior. It probes awareness, identity, shame, vulnerability, alienation, and…

  • Two Perspectives and One Truth

    Believe the Son Reflections on John 3:31–36 “The one who comes from above is above all…” — John 3:31 (NRSVUE) Sometimes we say, “There are two sides to every story.”John 3 reminds us that there are also two perspectives from which reality may be viewed. One perspective rises from the earth.The other comes from heaven.…

  • The People Jesus Was Not Condemning

    Religious Scrupulosity, OCD, and the Fear of the “Unpardonable Sin” Recently, I recorded a sermon and companion reflections around Matthew 12 and Jesus’ strong words about loyalty, neutrality, resistance, and decision. In that passage, Jesus says startling things: That second statement has troubled sensitive believers for generations. And because I addressed it in the sermon…

  • Music Keeps Speaking

    Music, the universal language speaks to hearts, awakens senses, and illuminates the darkness so that we can behold truth. “That’s the name of that tune” – was a catchphrase frequently used by detective Tony Baretta (Robert Blake), a streetwise undercover police detective in the fictional world of television. But, what and who is the name…

  • Ephesians 2:1–7 — From Death to Life

    Paul begins this passage with a shocking statement: “You were dead through the trespasses and sins…” — Ephesians 2:1 Dead people walking. That is Paul’s image. Not physically dead. Spiritually dead. Alive biologically, active socially, functioning outwardly — but separated from the life of God. Your reflection and illustration around the James River captures this…

  • Who Is Your Mother?

    “The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.”— 1 Timothy 5:2 Just who is your mother? Timothy had his own mother and grandmother, but as a pastor, he was taught to set an example for the entire church: to treat older women as mothers. They were to be respected, honored, cherished,…

  • Stand Firm in a Confused World

    II Thessalonians 2:1–17 In 2 Thessalonians 2:1–17, Paul addresses fear, confusion, deception, and endurance. Some believers had become alarmed by claims that “the day of the Lord” had already arrived. Rumors, teachings, and perhaps even letters falsely attributed to Paul were circulating among the churches, disturbing people and shaking their confidence. Paul’s response is pastoral…

  • The Goat That Walks Away

    Bible Chat – Leviticus 16:20–34 There is a moment in this ritual that invites us to stop and watch. Aaron has spoken the words.Hands pressed firmly on the head of the goat.Every category of failure named—iniquities, transgressions, sins. And now… the goat begins to walk. Away from the camp.Away from the people.Away from the presence…