Author Archives: Corey Sharpe

About Corey Sharpe

Where do we get our beliefs? Three theological perspectives have significantly shaped my Christian identity: Evangelicalism, the early Methodist tradition and liberation theology. From my coming to faith in a Baptist church and throughout my education in a Baptist school and college, I was nurtured by convictions that emphasized a spiritual rebirth, a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and the centrality of the Bible. Even when I disagree with certain aspects of evangelicalism, it has deeply influenced my sense of what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. My seminary studies spawned my interest in early Methodism, particularly its approach to spiritual formation. Its leaders were convinced that only a foundation of doctrine and discipline would lead to a meaningful transformation of the heart and mind. In other words, having the mind of Christ enables me to be more like Christ. Life in a suburban culture obscures the increasing gap between the poor and rich, as well as the Bible’s close identification with the poor. My doctoral work in socio-cultural context exposed me to liberation theology, which helps me see redemptive history as a history of oppressed groups, written from the perspective of the powerless, about a God who is actively involved with the poor in their struggles. I am now the pastor at Huntingtown United Methodist Church in Calvert County, Maryland. Together my wife and I are raising 4 young theologians.

Why Do We Avoid Silence?

Posted on November 3, 2021 by Corey Sharpe

The prophet urges us, “The Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him.” (Habakkuk 2:20).  The Psalmist invites us to “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). The Lord showed Elijah and … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Should We Complain to God?

Posted on October 29, 2021 by Corey Sharpe

Then Moses returned to the Lord and said, “O Lord, why have You brought harm to this people? Why did You ever send me? Exodus 5:22 We live in a world that breeds discontent. We are bombarded with the message … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

God Burns Without Burning Us Up

Posted on October 20, 2021 by Corey Sharpe

“Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. 3 So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up” (Exodus 3:2–3). At the end of last week’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Hollywood Moses v. The Real Moses

Posted on October 15, 2021 by Corey Sharpe

By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.  He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. – Hebrews 11:24-25 … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Waking Up: Reflections on The Matrix

Posted on October 8, 2021 by Corey Sharpe

“Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you” (Ephesians 5:14]. Even if you have not seen The Matrix, hopefully you will still understand the point of this post: We are adjusting to a world of … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Sin, Forgiveness and Transformation in a Conflicted Church

Posted on September 30, 2021 by Corey Sharpe

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Matthew 5:9 We are all unique, We have different perspectives, desires, and priorities. These can be beneficial to us, our congregation and our ministry teams. They can stimulate … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

80 Year Old Methodist Rules That Can Save Churches 

Posted on September 23, 2021 by Corey Sharpe

“…doing no harm, avoiding evil of every kind…” “…doing good of every possible sort, and as far as possible to all.”  The early Methodists were well known for small groups of people who helped one another grow in Christ, by … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Embarrasing Texts, Careless Speech

Posted on September 9, 2021 by Corey Sharpe

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. – Ephesians 4:29 This Sunday I am continuing a … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Vincent van Gogh, Joseph and Living in Contrast

Posted on September 3, 2021 by Corey Sharpe

Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Isaiah 40:26 People have experienced Van Gogh’s Starry Night … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Do Pets Go to Heaven?

Posted on August 27, 2021 by Corey Sharpe

The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them (Isaiah 11:6). This may not be the most essential … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments