Jesus’s favorite method of teaching was telling stories — stories that have the possibility to disarm us, inspire us, and transform us if we are willing to “dig deep” into them. In today’s story, sometimes called “The Parable of the Four Soils,” sometimes called “The Parable of the Sower”, and sometimes called “The Parable of the Hundredfold Harvest”, we learn important truths…
After five chapters defending his apostolic legitimacy, Paul concludes by listing all the tragedies and triumphs of his ministry and pleading for the Corinthians to open their hearts wide to him – to return his love and commitment with their love and commitment. This is a beautiful passage with much to teach us about encouragement, integrity, love, and purity. Join us for…
In this message, we reflect upon one of Jesus’ most precious sayings, an invitation to the weak, weary, wounded, and burdened to “yoke up” with Jesus, so that he may both help in carrying the load as well as teach us how to learn the gentleness and humility to help others with their burdens. Opening Hymn: Oh, For a Thousand Tongues to…
In this section of Paul’s letter, he communicates his new way of seeing by faith – through the loving eyes of God – and how it impacts his view of himself, others, and the world, and also how it motivates his ministry. As “ambassadors for God” we are called to selflessly and faithfully communicate and live God’s message of reconciliation. By God’s…
What we do with our painful feelings, frustrations with circumstances, or disappointments with God? The people of Israel possessed a worship manual full of prayers and hymns – the book of Psalms – that guided them in embracing and expressing all of their feelings to God, both good and bad, despairing and hopeful, protesting and praising. The reason: It is impossible to…
In this story, believers behave badly and the collateral damage of their actions harms others. Yet, God remains committed to bless all – those within the Abrahamic covenant, and those outside of it. In this story, God blesses the outsider who is rejected by the believers, thus demonstrating God’s love for all. We may be recipients of God’s gracious covenant, but there…
For those obsessed with external manifestations of power and glory, Paul demonstrates how the Gospel is communicated in and through our weaknesses, frailties, flaws, and cracks. God hides the “treasure” of the Gospel in common, ordinary, fragile “clay jars”. With this awareness, Paul encourages the Corinthians by speaking of the extraordinary power of God revealed in very ordinary people. Join us for…
In today’s lectionary reading, Jesus sends out the Twelve to expand his ministry. He gives them instructions that remain relevant for all of us who are “sent out” into the world to join the risen Christ in his mission. It is Jesus’s heart that drives the mission, for he looks upon the “harassed and helpless” crowds and refuses to condemn or berate,…
Wednesday’s Through the Bible Study is now live and streaming. The passage we are studying includes my favorite verse in Scripture: “And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit”…