Author Archives: Jacob Sahms

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About Jacob Sahms

I like hearing people's stories, and telling a few of my own. You can find me at Bethia United Methodist Church in Chesterfield, Va., coaching on the soccer field or basketball court, or digging into the deep stack of graphic novels, thrillers, and theological books that's been growing for years.

Father’s Day: A Letter To My Sons circa 2012

Posted on June 12, 2014 by Jacob Sahms

On Father’s Day 2012, I shared the following letter to my sons, for them when they turned eighteen. It was one of my favorite sermons, but it was six months before I’d launch this blog. So, I share it with you … Continue reading →

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Ten Words #7: From Fickle To Faithful (Sunday’s Sermon Today)

Posted on June 11, 2014 by Jacob Sahms

“You shall not commit adultery.”–Exodus 20:14 The joke goes something like this.  Moses comes down the mountain to the people who are waiting to hear a word from God. “Well,” says Moses, “the good news is I got him down … Continue reading →

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Edge of Tomorrow: Dying To Live (Movie Review)

Posted on June 6, 2014 by Jacob Sahms

Doug Liman knows a thing or two about directing an action flick. Having served behind the camera for The Bourne Identity (the best of the series), Mr. & Mrs. Smith, and Jumper, he has that under his belt (he’s up for the Tom … Continue reading →

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Ten Words #6: To The Dark Side… (Sunday’s Sermon Today)

Posted on June 5, 2014 by Jacob Sahms

“You shall not murder.”- Exodus 20:13 The ways that different translations express Exodus 20:13 are fascinating. At the root of them are the ways we’ve taken the ancient Hebrew text and wrapped it around how we want to hear it. … Continue reading →

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Laura McBride’s We Are Called To Rise: Facing Tragedy (Book Review)

Posted on June 4, 2014 by Jacob Sahms

Call it Crash with housewives and PTSD. Call it melodrama with politics and family dynamics mixed in. Call it whatever you want: Laura McBride delivers a stunning, compelling, soul-search-invoking debut about four disparate stories that collide in one explosive moment. First, we meet … Continue reading →

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Jonathan Holt’s The Abduction: The Rules Of War (Book Review)

Posted on June 3, 2014 by Jacob Sahms

Finishing a novel about a kidnapping, I found it disturbing to see the news stories play out about President Obama’s involvement in the trade of an American P.O.W. for Taliban prisoners, and the potential for Gitmo’s closing. A novel that … Continue reading →

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@JohnePattison and @ERBKs Slow Church: Practice Sabbath In Church @Slowchurches

Posted on June 2, 2014 by Jacob Sahms

“Slow is the opposite [of fast, etc.]: calm, careful, receptive, still, intuitive, unhurried, patient, reflective, quality-over-quantity”– C. Christopher Smith and John Pattison Fighting what George Ritzer called the “McDonaldization” of society and church, pastors C. Christopher Smith and John Pattison … Continue reading →

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Maleficent: Man Is Evil (Movie Review)

Posted on May 30, 2014 by Jacob Sahms

Angelina Jolie is spectacular as the misunderstood fairy/witch, Maleficent, and the special effects provide some dazzling visuals, but the overall package fails to replace or even compete with the original Walt Disney film Sleeping Beauty (1959). To be fair, the original is … Continue reading →

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A Million Ways To Die In The West: UndaunTED McFarlane Goes West

Posted on May 30, 2014 by Jacob Sahms

Seth McFarlane is a highly intelligent, clever, and often hilarious comedian, creator, and artist. Sure, he’s also crude, profane, and, at times, socially unacceptable, but if you’ve seen Ted (about Mark Wahlberg’s talking teddy bear friend) or the cartoon Family Guy, you’re aware. … Continue reading →

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Ten Words #5: Family Matters

Posted on May 28, 2014 by Jacob Sahms

“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”–Exodus 20:12 “All stories come back to fathers and sons.” I read the quote somewhere in an exploration of … Continue reading →

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