Joe Burkhardt
@joeburkhardt.bsky.social
UMC pastor. Blessed with a big family. D.Min.-Wesleyan Practices. Do justice. Love mercy. Walk humbly with God. Work for peace and flourishing for all people. ❤️
Fellas. I see some weirdo put the “beige test” out there. But here’s one that is MUCH BETTER. And quicker!
It’s simple. Ask yourself: Do I love her with the same total commitment & self-sacrifice as Jesus?
It won’t show whether she’s the one.
It’ll show whether YOU’RE THE ONE.
It’s simple. Ask yourself: Do I love her with the same total commitment & self-sacrifice as Jesus?
It won’t show whether she’s the one.
It’ll show whether YOU’RE THE ONE.
December 2, 2025 at 12:23 AM
Fellas. I see some weirdo put the “beige test” out there. But here’s one that is MUCH BETTER. And quicker!
It’s simple. Ask yourself: Do I love her with the same total commitment & self-sacrifice as Jesus?
It won’t show whether she’s the one.
It’ll show whether YOU’RE THE ONE.
It’s simple. Ask yourself: Do I love her with the same total commitment & self-sacrifice as Jesus?
It won’t show whether she’s the one.
It’ll show whether YOU’RE THE ONE.
I love the Bible. But I rarely say “biblical”.
The apostles invariably interpreted the Hebrew scriptures (OT) & their own writings (NT) thru the lens of Jesus’ way of life, Jesus’ death & resurrection.
Now “biblical” refers to random verses a reader can weaponize. As Satan did.
The apostles invariably interpreted the Hebrew scriptures (OT) & their own writings (NT) thru the lens of Jesus’ way of life, Jesus’ death & resurrection.
Now “biblical” refers to random verses a reader can weaponize. As Satan did.
October 30, 2025 at 9:59 AM
I love the Bible. But I rarely say “biblical”.
The apostles invariably interpreted the Hebrew scriptures (OT) & their own writings (NT) thru the lens of Jesus’ way of life, Jesus’ death & resurrection.
Now “biblical” refers to random verses a reader can weaponize. As Satan did.
The apostles invariably interpreted the Hebrew scriptures (OT) & their own writings (NT) thru the lens of Jesus’ way of life, Jesus’ death & resurrection.
Now “biblical” refers to random verses a reader can weaponize. As Satan did.
As wickedness & mockery are increasingly normalized by many Christians, know this:
Choosing to walk in the way of God—to align ourselves with those who are being harmed & ignored—may seem upside-down, but it is blessed.
In us & thru us, God is setting the world right-side-up.
Choosing to walk in the way of God—to align ourselves with those who are being harmed & ignored—may seem upside-down, but it is blessed.
In us & thru us, God is setting the world right-side-up.
October 21, 2025 at 9:59 AM
As wickedness & mockery are increasingly normalized by many Christians, know this:
Choosing to walk in the way of God—to align ourselves with those who are being harmed & ignored—may seem upside-down, but it is blessed.
In us & thru us, God is setting the world right-side-up.
Choosing to walk in the way of God—to align ourselves with those who are being harmed & ignored—may seem upside-down, but it is blessed.
In us & thru us, God is setting the world right-side-up.
Lord, have mercy.
September 10, 2025 at 8:16 PM
Lord, have mercy.
Speaking as pastor & pastoral mentor:
1. Matchmaking is NOT part of pastoring.
2. Marriage DOESN’T insulate you from sexual sins.
3. Pastors CAN’T solve other’s problems.
4. Being single is a gift, NOT a curse.
5. NONE of this dude’s plans—NOT ONE—contribute to Christ-likeness.
1. Matchmaking is NOT part of pastoring.
2. Marriage DOESN’T insulate you from sexual sins.
3. Pastors CAN’T solve other’s problems.
4. Being single is a gift, NOT a curse.
5. NONE of this dude’s plans—NOT ONE—contribute to Christ-likeness.
August 21, 2025 at 6:35 PM
Speaking as pastor & pastoral mentor:
1. Matchmaking is NOT part of pastoring.
2. Marriage DOESN’T insulate you from sexual sins.
3. Pastors CAN’T solve other’s problems.
4. Being single is a gift, NOT a curse.
5. NONE of this dude’s plans—NOT ONE—contribute to Christ-likeness.
1. Matchmaking is NOT part of pastoring.
2. Marriage DOESN’T insulate you from sexual sins.
3. Pastors CAN’T solve other’s problems.
4. Being single is a gift, NOT a curse.
5. NONE of this dude’s plans—NOT ONE—contribute to Christ-likeness.
Christian: You can (for now) resist the God’s will—salvation, healing, justice, reconciliation, unity & peace for people of every nation, tribe, people and language. But just know…
You’re gonna’ hate eternity.
-Revelation 7:9-10
You’re gonna’ hate eternity.
-Revelation 7:9-10
July 18, 2025 at 8:44 PM
Christian: You can (for now) resist the God’s will—salvation, healing, justice, reconciliation, unity & peace for people of every nation, tribe, people and language. But just know…
You’re gonna’ hate eternity.
-Revelation 7:9-10
You’re gonna’ hate eternity.
-Revelation 7:9-10
Used to think this was one of the weirder stories in the Bible.
Doesn’t feel weird anymore.
Doesn’t feel weird anymore.
July 16, 2025 at 1:13 PM
Used to think this was one of the weirder stories in the Bible.
Doesn’t feel weird anymore.
Doesn’t feel weird anymore.
People in power
who, to reinforce their power & influence,
flaunt “Jesus” imagery—
performing public prayers for cameras,
sporting gaudy crosses,
defending injustices with out-of-context Bible verses—
wouldn’t have liked the actual Jesus.
who, to reinforce their power & influence,
flaunt “Jesus” imagery—
performing public prayers for cameras,
sporting gaudy crosses,
defending injustices with out-of-context Bible verses—
wouldn’t have liked the actual Jesus.
July 8, 2025 at 9:09 AM
People in power
who, to reinforce their power & influence,
flaunt “Jesus” imagery—
performing public prayers for cameras,
sporting gaudy crosses,
defending injustices with out-of-context Bible verses—
wouldn’t have liked the actual Jesus.
who, to reinforce their power & influence,
flaunt “Jesus” imagery—
performing public prayers for cameras,
sporting gaudy crosses,
defending injustices with out-of-context Bible verses—
wouldn’t have liked the actual Jesus.
ICE is about to boast the #16 highest military budget on the planet.
July 3, 2025 at 10:56 PM
ICE is about to boast the #16 highest military budget on the planet.
THIS IS WHY books like “The Sin of Empathy” are a waste of time.
Doesn’t matter how many words they write. They have nothing to say. Their purpose isn’t to inform. It’s to inflame.
Fundamentalism/Fascism 101:
-Create a boogeyman (empathy)
-Call anything you don’t like “empathy”
Doesn’t matter how many words they write. They have nothing to say. Their purpose isn’t to inform. It’s to inflame.
Fundamentalism/Fascism 101:
-Create a boogeyman (empathy)
-Call anything you don’t like “empathy”
June 9, 2025 at 8:12 PM
THIS IS WHY books like “The Sin of Empathy” are a waste of time.
Doesn’t matter how many words they write. They have nothing to say. Their purpose isn’t to inform. It’s to inflame.
Fundamentalism/Fascism 101:
-Create a boogeyman (empathy)
-Call anything you don’t like “empathy”
Doesn’t matter how many words they write. They have nothing to say. Their purpose isn’t to inform. It’s to inflame.
Fundamentalism/Fascism 101:
-Create a boogeyman (empathy)
-Call anything you don’t like “empathy”
Texting with one of my kids just now…
May 22, 2025 at 8:08 PM
Texting with one of my kids just now…
Who exactly is US?
Is that, like, a ‘royal we’ thing?
Is that, like, a ‘royal we’ thing?
May 21, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Who exactly is US?
Is that, like, a ‘royal we’ thing?
Is that, like, a ‘royal we’ thing?
Christ is risen!
April 20, 2025 at 11:10 AM
Christ is risen!
Jesus warned us that if we took His words & His way of life seriously, we’d be insulted, persecuted & falsely accused.
It is lamentable that the people doing the insulting, persecuting & falsely accusing are mostly other Christians.
Do not be dismayed. Rejoice & be glad!
It is lamentable that the people doing the insulting, persecuting & falsely accusing are mostly other Christians.
Do not be dismayed. Rejoice & be glad!
April 7, 2025 at 1:32 PM
Jesus warned us that if we took His words & His way of life seriously, we’d be insulted, persecuted & falsely accused.
It is lamentable that the people doing the insulting, persecuting & falsely accusing are mostly other Christians.
Do not be dismayed. Rejoice & be glad!
It is lamentable that the people doing the insulting, persecuting & falsely accusing are mostly other Christians.
Do not be dismayed. Rejoice & be glad!
Jeremiah (chapter 22) spitting fire! 🔥
Good thing he was only talking about King Jehoiakim.
I mean, how could these verses written in the BC have any relevance to Christians in power today?!
Good thing he was only talking about King Jehoiakim.
I mean, how could these verses written in the BC have any relevance to Christians in power today?!
April 3, 2025 at 10:55 AM
Jeremiah (chapter 22) spitting fire! 🔥
Good thing he was only talking about King Jehoiakim.
I mean, how could these verses written in the BC have any relevance to Christians in power today?!
Good thing he was only talking about King Jehoiakim.
I mean, how could these verses written in the BC have any relevance to Christians in power today?!
Just Jesus warning us that when we cheer on the destruction of people’s lives or when deceptive words make us hoot-n-holler approvingly cuz “owning” our enemies gives us a buzz, we are declaring wholeheartedly that we’ve rejected our Heavenly Father for an infernal sugar daddy.
March 28, 2025 at 11:21 AM
Just Jesus warning us that when we cheer on the destruction of people’s lives or when deceptive words make us hoot-n-holler approvingly cuz “owning” our enemies gives us a buzz, we are declaring wholeheartedly that we’ve rejected our Heavenly Father for an infernal sugar daddy.
Cereal box putting me in mind of the Stones for some reason…
March 24, 2025 at 11:07 AM
Cereal box putting me in mind of the Stones for some reason…
Why is it always 2 Chronicles 7
and never Jeremiah 7?
and never Jeremiah 7?
March 24, 2025 at 10:39 AM
Why is it always 2 Chronicles 7
and never Jeremiah 7?
and never Jeremiah 7?
How’re those cisterns holding up, Christians?
March 18, 2025 at 10:51 AM
How’re those cisterns holding up, Christians?
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
…
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
…
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
…
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.”
-Jesus, Matthew 5
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
…
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
…
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
…
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.”
-Jesus, Matthew 5
March 17, 2025 at 9:58 AM
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
…
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
…
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
…
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.”
-Jesus, Matthew 5
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
…
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
…
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
…
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.”
-Jesus, Matthew 5
This verse ought to humble all of us as we seek understand God. God is higher than our ideas of God.
Note, however, that God’s accusation here is specifically to those who “recite my laws” and “take my covenant on your lips,” but who speak evil, deceit, lies, and slander. 😳
Note, however, that God’s accusation here is specifically to those who “recite my laws” and “take my covenant on your lips,” but who speak evil, deceit, lies, and slander. 😳
March 13, 2025 at 11:15 AM
This verse ought to humble all of us as we seek understand God. God is higher than our ideas of God.
Note, however, that God’s accusation here is specifically to those who “recite my laws” and “take my covenant on your lips,” but who speak evil, deceit, lies, and slander. 😳
Note, however, that God’s accusation here is specifically to those who “recite my laws” and “take my covenant on your lips,” but who speak evil, deceit, lies, and slander. 😳
Christians:
There is freedom & new life in Jesus.
Lay down your religious weapons, words that wound rather than heal.
Place your burdens on Him.
Sit at Jesus’ feet and learn.
Take up His burdens.
Gentleness, humility, rest will be yours.
In abundance.
Jesus’ kingdom is at hand.
There is freedom & new life in Jesus.
Lay down your religious weapons, words that wound rather than heal.
Place your burdens on Him.
Sit at Jesus’ feet and learn.
Take up His burdens.
Gentleness, humility, rest will be yours.
In abundance.
Jesus’ kingdom is at hand.
March 8, 2025 at 12:54 PM
Christians:
There is freedom & new life in Jesus.
Lay down your religious weapons, words that wound rather than heal.
Place your burdens on Him.
Sit at Jesus’ feet and learn.
Take up His burdens.
Gentleness, humility, rest will be yours.
In abundance.
Jesus’ kingdom is at hand.
There is freedom & new life in Jesus.
Lay down your religious weapons, words that wound rather than heal.
Place your burdens on Him.
Sit at Jesus’ feet and learn.
Take up His burdens.
Gentleness, humility, rest will be yours.
In abundance.
Jesus’ kingdom is at hand.
This 💩 is ideological pornography.
Idolatrous Christians expose their depraved thinking to titillate. Not to inform. Not to sharpen minds. Not to honor Christ.
As with all porn, diminished thrill means the pornographers must constantly one-up each other with shocking garbage.
Idolatrous Christians expose their depraved thinking to titillate. Not to inform. Not to sharpen minds. Not to honor Christ.
As with all porn, diminished thrill means the pornographers must constantly one-up each other with shocking garbage.
March 7, 2025 at 11:57 AM
This 💩 is ideological pornography.
Idolatrous Christians expose their depraved thinking to titillate. Not to inform. Not to sharpen minds. Not to honor Christ.
As with all porn, diminished thrill means the pornographers must constantly one-up each other with shocking garbage.
Idolatrous Christians expose their depraved thinking to titillate. Not to inform. Not to sharpen minds. Not to honor Christ.
As with all porn, diminished thrill means the pornographers must constantly one-up each other with shocking garbage.