2026
A Look at “God’s Wonderful Plan” Theology
Let me start by saying this isn’t an attack on anyone’s faith or church style because we are passionately multi-faith. What’s also important to understand about Bridging Austin is that we believe God’s plan for us and the church is rooted in spirituality first, even when that means setting aside other pursuits. Another motivation for this article is to challenge the increasingly popular idea that Christianity is about self-improvement or personal comfort. In our community, it’s more about shaping how we live together in ways that create harmony and justice, and through that, we reveal the love and grace God has extended towards us.
2026
The Invisible Bridge: Linking Spiritual Realms and Spiritual Dimensions
Today, when pastors talk about spiritual realms, they typically draw a distinction between the natural and the spiritual worlds. By contrast, discussing spiritual dimensions is different because it is about how much one is tuned into God’s presence and how much one notices it in the world around them. Just think, Psalm 139, 7-10 says, “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”
2025
Yielding to God’s Ecumenical Embrace
British cosmologist and astrophysicist Martin Rees’ book, Just Six Numbers, explains how six basic values may define the universe and make life possible. Here is something I often say when meeting someone for the first time: “I’d love to hear your story.” Those six words frequently reveal surprising facts about someone, and, like Rees’ mathematical values, they can make connecting with someone in a meaningful way possible.
For Julaine and me, our story has included embracing Roman Catholicism, the Calvary Chapel Movement, Vineyard Churches, Foursquare/Hope Chapel Churches, American Baptist Churches, Non-denominationalism, and Anglicanism, before a brief stint in Methodism.