things i write
go ahead, pick a topic
my book
by Brian Niece
Something Beyond Nothing?
The God We Don’t Yet Know
most recent posts
They Kill the Prophets
Jesus is recorded as having said, "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you ..." (Luke 13.34). It's not too hard to see why prophets are rejected, even killed. We prophets are hard to tolerate for too long. [featured-image...
Big Question :: Do You Need to Go to Church to Follow Jesus?
BIG QUESTIONS are short video talks on life, God, faith, theology, discipleship, and walking with Jesus. Short Video Talk Big Question #3 :: Do You Have to Go to Church to Follow Jesus? from Brian Niece on Vimeo.
The God Who Takes Risks
The God who takes risks has no fear of surprises. It’s God’s own riskiness that leads to his creation unravelling.
A Covenant to Serve God, and Only God
There's a song I've revisited over the years, when I need reminding of the call God has placed on my life. It's a song written to be used when celebrating Holy Communion. These lyrics continually haunt me: [featured-image single_newwindow="false"] Eat this bread,...
The World Doesn’t Exist to Not Offend You
The title of this post could alternately be ... I Do Not Exist to Not Offend You ... or ... The Church Doesn't Exist to Not Offend You ... or ... That Political Group Does Not Exist to Not Offend You ... or ... Unicorns Do Not Exist to Not Offend You ... or ... "We"...
1 Reason Jesus Should Offend Us: Power
There are numerous reasons why Jesus is offensive. It always amuses me when Christ-followers and non-believers alike say things like, "I really like Jesus." No you don't! If you really listened to him and examined how he lived, you'd be offended more often than not....
What Does the Trinity Say about Forgiveness?
The Triune God gives us an audacious picture of forgiveness.
A Prayer for Those of Us Who Struggle with Pride
For those of us who endeavor to follow Jesus, pride is sin. If you are like me and struggle with pride, I offer this prayer. [featured-image single_newwindow="false"] Father, I have spoken of things beyond my understanding, things too wonderful for me to know. I have...
On the Living Word and the Written Word
I love God’s Story, Scripture, the Bible. I do believe that this text holds divinely inspired words. I’ve devoted the majority of my adult years to the study and interpretation of this text (and will continue to do so). But God’s Story is not my final authority;...
Choosing Kindness Over Proving I’m Right
I like to be right. Confidence in my knowledge and skills comes naturally (perhaps, too easily). Being kind on the other hand ... Yeah, I'm not good at choosing kindness. It took a piece of children's fiction to show me that. [featured-image single_newwindow="false"]...
Big Question :: Is God In Control?
BIG QUESTIONS are 2-minute video talks on life, God, faith, theology, discipleship, and walking with Jesus. 2-minute Video Talk Big Question #2 :: Is God In Control? from Brian Niece on Vimeo.
Thoughts on Following Jesus
This week will mark 17 years that I've been married to my life-mate. Reflecting on the perspective changes that 17 years has brought, reminds me of the perspective changes I've experienced while following Jesus. The Naiveté of Youth In 1998, I had no idea what I was...