Growing Deeper Into the Soil of God's Word to Bear Fruit For His Kingdom
The Lord smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: "Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done. (Genesis 8:21) The opening two chapters of the flood story... Continue Reading →
When Kenan was 70 years old, he became the father of Mahalalel. And after he became the father of Mahalalel, Kenan lived 840 years and had other sons and daughters. Altogether, Kenan lived 910 years, and then he died. (Genesis 5:12-14) There are few more daunting parts of the Bible to read than a genealogy.... Continue Reading →
Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.” (Mt. 18:21-22) Forgive and Forget Forgiveness can be difficult in the best of circumstances. Even... Continue Reading →
For Moses has been preached in every city since the earliest times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath. (Acts 15:21) Acts 15 begins with the church in conflict about entrance in the community. The members of the party of the Pharisees believed that the Jewish rite of circumcision should be required of... Continue Reading →
But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name." (Acts 9:15-16) Jesus never said it would be easy to follow him. He said... Continue Reading →
A continuation of the monologues our congregation has been hearing through the season of Lent. See also “Nicodemus”, “Samaritan Woman", and "Man Born Blind" I’m the type of person who likes to have everything in order. I enjoy keeping up with household chores; the cooking, the cleaning. Some may call me overly particular but, I... Continue Reading →
Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: "Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It's only nine in the morning! No, this is what was... Continue Reading →
Then the disciples went back to their homes, but Mary stayed outside the tomb crying. (John 20:10-11a) There was very little celebration that first Easter morning. As Christians around the globe prepare to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus in a few days time, I was struck by the contrast with that first Easter morning. We... Continue Reading →
“Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.” - John 12:15 The account of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on what is now known as "Palm Sunday" is quite familiar to many. As familiar as it is, I'm not sure I noticed the "do not fear" portion before.... Continue Reading →
"Go," he told him, "wash in the Pool of Siloam." (This word means Sent). John 9:7 The ninth chapter of John tells the story of a healing and its aftermath. Jesus is traveling with his disciples when they come upon a man who has been blind from birth. The disciples inquire whether there is some... Continue Reading →
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