10102020 – Matthew 22. 1-14 This is an amazing parable. An amazing story. You gotta love it. There are so many nuances, so many twists, and turns, so many different ways that you COULD go with it. So, TODAY, I see it THIS WAY… By Wednesday, I will surely see it […]
10072020 – Matthew 21. Oh, he could be “a button pusher” alright…but then, can’t we all? I am sure, you have probably done your share of “pushing those buttons…” in your lifetime. Sometimes we know just “WHAT to say.” And, “HOW to say it.” And, with “WHAT” kind of a voice.” And, even “WHEN” to […]
10032020 – Matthew 21. 33-46 There is a “background” and – an “important context” to our texts… Jesus ENTERED the Holy City (of Jerusalem) to a great deal of popular acclaim and fanfare! Talk about your “riding’ high…moments!” He also “dropped in” on the Temple, where he kind of “FREAKED OUT”…when he […]
0926a2020 – Matthew 21. 23-32 EZEKIEL was so good. He was so right on. Very typical of your Hebraic prophet. “Turn around”…he would have yelled. “REPENT”…he would have screamed… “Change your ways…NOW!” “You have choices to make.” “Lots of choices.” “MAKE only good choices.” “You already KNOW what to do.” “Think BEFORE you act. “Be […]
09262020 – Matthew 21. 23-32 You gotta love Jesus’ parables. He is the master storyteller… as a matter of fact, some have said, he is the original creator of “the short story.” Jesus could tell ‘em, alright! He grabbed your attention! People listened! You never quite knew “what kind of a spin” he would […]
Readers’ Theatre – A Play in One Act – based on Matthew 20. 1-16 Parts: Joseph (Father), Rebecca (Mother), Elizabeth (daughter), and the part of the narrator. Setting: Three chairs, socially distanced (Covid 19 Pandemic) – facing the congregation. [NARRATOR: It is starting to get dark outside it is more than obvious that […]
09162020 – The Churches Biggest Downfall is “US” You know OTHERS are WATCHING. Others are LISTENING. Others are OBSERVING. They SEE, they HEAR, they WATCH…and they do not like “what it IS” they are SEEING. The church IS hypocritical. We SAY one thing. We do ANOTHER. We think NO ONE notices. We think we […]
09122020 – Matthew 18. 21-35 Jesus was on a ROLL. This is POWERFUL stuff. It has to do with “forgiveness” and “forgiving others.” Last week, WHEN we gathered together for prayer we talked about WHEN someone hurts you, or sins against you. WHAT is the Christian supposed TO DO? Just HOW, are you […]
09062020 – Matthew 18. 15-20 Disputes are probably the most UNCOMFORTABLE of all social situations. Whether private or public, disputes can define a person’s style: CONFRONTATION or AVOIDANCE? BLUNT HONESTY or FACE-SAVING LIES? “Fight for the right?” Or “Peace, at all costs?” Grace under this “kind of fire” can be impossible at […]
08292020 – Matthew 16. 21-28 How ADAPTABLE are you? How flexible are you? These are not bad questions to ask, ANYTIME, but perhaps especially TODAY. In today’s culture, it is “a key question” NOT just for individuals, BUT for businesses too! Are you able to ADAPT to our culture’s changing landscape? To CALAMITIES that […]