Author Archives: faith623

Let’s Talk Resurrection Hope

When the Sadducees encounter Jesus with a technical question in Luke 20:27-38, he responds by humanizing and placing divine value upon each character in the Sadducees’ hypothetical scenario. Jesus’ response is about resurrection and about naming people as children of God and of light. The answer Jesus gives the Sadducees is about God, whose presence meansContinue reading “Let’s Talk Resurrection Hope”

HOLY HOSPITALITY

In Luke 19:1-10, Zacchaeus joyfully welcomed Jesus into his home, where Jesus prompts a changed heart and mind in his host and proclaims salvation. All this reveals an undercurrent of hospitality and welcome that propels much of the narrative of the Bible. As in other instances of practiced hospitality, something important changes. Salvation is revealed inContinue reading “HOLY HOSPITALITY”

On the Solid Rock We Stand

Yesterday we focused mainly on 2 Timothy 3:14–4:5. Written probably in the late first century by Paul, 2 Timothy is concerned that the community is being attracted by false and misleading teachings that conflict with the truth of the gospel. The sacred writings of Timothy’s childhood were the Hebrew Scriptures, which early Christians understood as leadingContinue reading “On the Solid Rock We Stand”

Blessings and Miracles

This past Saturday and Sunday was a time of unexpected blessings and miracles, signs of how God is active and alive and present in our world and in our lives when we are open and receptive to the possibilities. We celebrated a 25th anniversary renewing of vows ceremony, several children receiving their first communion and aContinue reading “Blessings and Miracles”

The Righteous Live by Faith

Faith was the theme for yesterday’s worship, but not just any faith. It is a life-transforming faith, one that demonstrates the very presence of God moving, alive, and active in God’s people. In response to Habakkuk’s (Hab. 1:1-4, 2:1-4) oracle, the Lord answered him that “the righteous live by their faith” (Hab. 2:4b). But just what does itContinue reading “The Righteous Live by Faith”

Place Sharing?

Luke 16:19-31 evokes our sympathy. It opens the possibility—described as an impossibility—of place-sharing, trading or sharing places with each other. It also echoes a common theme: the pursuit of wealth in this world can lead us into idolatry and away from faith in Christ. Instead, as the reading from 1 Timothy 6:6-19 reminds us, we should pursue righteousness,Continue reading “Place Sharing?”

Back to Church

 This past Sunday we observed and celebrated “National Back to Church Sunday“. A day observed by thousands of churches across the country. In it we discussed the importance and effects of it. In Acts 2:42-47 we are given a beautiful picture of what it means to be the church. But we must ask ourselves: Are we engaged in the lifeContinue reading “Back to Church”

Freedom

Freedom flows through all the readings the readings below. Moses reminds us in Deuteronomy 30:15-20  that the people of Israel have the freedom to choose between life and prosperity or death and adversity. Ironically, this freedom to choose life comes through the freedom to choose obedience to the commands of God. In other words, Moses tells theContinue reading “Freedom”