More Things I Think I Think

A few months ago, one of my Wednesday blogs was written in the same spirit of a section from Peter King’s old Monday Morning Quarterback column from Sports Illustrated. He had a section called “things I think I think” – and they were quick hitting, not-fully-developed thoughts that were worth sharing. So in the spirit of that,

 
Here’s some things I think I think…

I think John’s first letter is amazing. His way of thinking, writing, reasoning, and speaking is just so unique in the New Testament. If you haven’t read it (or aren’t reading it as part of our 2025 bible reading plan), give it a read today. It won’t take very long. Your head might be spinning afterwards, but you will read some of the most brilliant and beautiful things the New Testament has to offer. I mean, it’s where the words “God is love” were first penned. Those three words might be the second biggest game-changer in the entire bible (only after “he is risen”). When you read and sit with First John, and allow it to read you, you can’t help but walk away convicted, comforted, and confused (at least a little bit). The conviction should lead you to love one another better. The comfort should lead you to rest easy tonight because God “first loved us”. The confusion should lead you to open up his letter – or his Gospel – again and give it another read. Amazing.

I think we – myself included – need to learn more about how to discern Jesus’ active presence in this broken world, and how to follow him there, and how to serve him there, and how to point others there to his presence. He is there ahead of us, and there we will see him.

I think I’m excited about the new Mexican place in Atlantic Highlands. Can’t wait to try it. I’ve been saying that (downtown) Atlantic Highlands is missing two essentials: a cheap Mexican place and a sushi place. One down, one to go.  (author’s note: I just realized I mentioned this in the last things I think I think!)

I think “The Best Kept Secret of Christian Mission” by John Dickson is a fantastic, reader friendly, relatable look at the mission of the church and evangelism from a place of robust biblical theology. I can’t recommend it enough. Give it a read. It’ll pop up in future sermons, I’m sure.

I think the Gospel of Mark is just the best. I mean, so is Matthew, Luke, and John, but Mark is just awesome. I thoroughly enjoyed diving back into Mark for the last few weeks. The guy was a genius. I just read somewhere that there’s a theory about Mark that he was more or less Peter’s personal assistant, and what the Gospel of Mark really is is Mark’s organizing and reproduction of the stories about Jesus that Peter told during his ministry. I think it sounds like there’s some truth to that.  Actually, I think I read that in the above-mentioned Dickson book! I think. I think you should take some time this week and re-read the Gospel of Mark.

I think when Christians come together to reconcile conflict, talk honestly, take accountability, and move forward together, the Kingdom of God comes near. When Christians don’t, we push away what God means to do. I think Jesus kind of said as much in Matt. 5:23-24.

I think I’m in love with John Van Deusen’s newworshipalbum. If you’re not into most worship stuff, you might really like this. If you like most worship stuff, you might strongly dislike it!  For me, it speaks to me.

I think I’m excited for the Christmas season. Are you in need of peace? We all are. Jesus is it. I don’t think that; I know it.

I think – even more – that Jaxson Dart is the goods, but I am bummed about Skattebo.
I think I was right about the Yankees being toast, but just not about the timing or the means.
I think Ohtani is not human. 9 times on base! 9 for 9!
I think the basement looks great.
I think I love the fall, but just not anything pumpkin and/or autumnal spiced.
I think Lost was a little disappointing (I know I’m like 20 years late). Not just the ending.
I think the Bible Project is the most important biblical-understanding-thing happening today. And it’s totally free. I think that’s great.

I think that’s it for now.