Sitting in Caffe Trieste in San Francisco wrapping up the “How (Not) to Be A Christian” book. Interesting cafe opened in 1956 where beat poet Jack Kerouac and that gang would hang out and Francis Ford Coppola wrote most of The Godfather screenplay sitting in here.

Subtitle ideas tweaking while in Arkansas sharing with publisher. The title is “How (Not) to be a Christian” with subtitle “Why we urgently need church in an anti-organized religion, individualistic, spiritual-but-not-religious world”….. this will be coming out in 2026 and working on this summer.

A graphic showing hyper-extremes of how “church” is experienced - working on next book which addresses how wrong understandings of church drastically can impact our spiritual growth. - Any feedback appreciated.

On Saturday we had the “Tik Tok Theology” ReGeneration Project training event in Portland. Looked at tough questions about Christian faith - questions are important to be asking and never discouraged. ReGen is a ministry of Western Seminary.

Judgmental legalism fundamentalism ~~~ Buddy pal casual —- Aladdin genie magic tricks —- part of today’s last week teaching on the Trinity. Theology matters.

Taught this morning at Reality Church. The worship music, song selection and arrangements was the sweetest non-pop rock refreshing approach for a local church. Been thinking on the drive home about what we have created with the pop rock concert model vs what it was today.

Preparing for a Memphis trip in June.

In Portland hotel it takes 5 of their mini-sized coffee cups to equal normal coffee drinking portion while Bible reading and sermon prep this morning.

Amy Orr-Ewing speaking at Vintage Faith Church tonight - on “Can We Trust The Bible?” - been a big appreciator of her writings and ministry for many years and so great to have her here. A wonderful example of a deep thinking Christian and great teacher.

Drummer Stewart Copeland of The Police and Dan Levitin author of “This Is Your Brain On Music” gave a really fascinating presentation and Q and A last night and a fun night out with Becky.

Becky calculated a 17:1 male to female ratio in attendance at Dream Theater 40th anniversary show. Prog rock night to see drummer Mike Portnoy.

Walking into The Abbey and seeing Bibles open with a group of guys and master theologian David leading the way is an encouraging and fine site to see on a cold Tuesday night.

Combination of favorite things Slim Jim Phantom drummer and drums, skulls (which always remind me of the brevity of life and to use each day well) and rockabilly wearing shirt for seminary meetings.

Showed this 10+ year old video from atheist Penn Jillette about reasons to share about Jesus and gospel to people this morning in both gatherings. Uncomfortable topic but it’s in Scripture.

The coffee cups are larger at Homewood Suites in Portland, so only 3 cups are needed instead of 5.

New year closet Converse purge by Becky.

“The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.” - Proverbs 14:15

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. - Ephesians 4:32

5 hotel cups of coffee equals one normal one size at home for adequate Bible reading supplement.

2 years ago our neighbor accidentally caught our carport on fire which caught my 1966 Mustang on fire. Insurance finally came through and the Mustang is entering the tomb of the body shop and sometime soon will be resurrected. #66mustang #vintagemustang

My friend Tim Mackie from the Bible Project is coming back to Bay Area for a special preacher/teacher training retreat June 2-6, 2025. We have partnered with Didasko Seminars and Transform the Bay and having John Ortberg join us for part to give us his best preaching insights.

Theology discussion on cessasionism, fire tunnels, angel feathers and things in between today with our church staff. Theological thinking matters. (Graphic was adapted from one Michael Patton created).

Bible and donut.

Give a man or woman a sermon and you feed them for a day. Teach a man or woman how to study the Bible and you feed them for a lifetime.

I very much love our new Sea Island Classic Lawn Chairs.

“Visit many good books, but live in the Bible.” - Charles Spurgeon

Devo and Moses from the church office.

“The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.” - Proverbs 14:15

“We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.” - 2 Chronicles 20:12

Not afraid of having the Bible on timeline but can be embarrassed how some people can incorrectly use it and cause confusion.

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. - Ephesians 4:32