We still “point fingers.” And we still try to “place blame.” In that, we are not much different than our predecessors. Many human beings have similar hidden prejudices – we believe that illness – is a consequence of “sinful behavior.” Sometimes it is true. Sometimes it is not. Sometimes we are right…and sometimes we are […]
Sermons by PJ Mortenson
661 – 670 of 844 items
Despite the “mix of nationalities” in Samaria, the Samaritans considered themselves to be “descendents of the tribes” of Ephraim and Manassah. “This” gave them a “direct line” to Jacob and to Joseph. Somewhat ironically, the Samaritans actually held to a more “conservative form” of “Israelite religion” than did the Judeans. And, certainly more so – […]
John 14. 1-42
Jesus’ “one-on-one encounters” with people provide some of the best illustrations we have of “who” Jesus was…and how he affected people. It is John’s gospel that gives us much of this added insight. Often times these relationships are “unusual.” Like Nicodemus’ late night call – from last weekend. This one – occurred one day around […]
Most people do not realize that the Sanhedrin – the name for the Jewish high courts of ancient Judea were located in every city. Most of us assume there was but one Sanhedrin and that it met in Jerusalem. The truth of the matter is that there was a “Great Sanhedrin” (The Highest Court or […]
This whole Nick story comes off as being rather “odd” right from the “get go.” You don’t make “house calls” in the middle of the night! You don’t hide around in the shadows… It just doesn’t look or sound legit! We also get it – that Nicodemus comes quite literally in a “state of darkness” […]
Lent is meant to be a kind of challenging season of the church year. It is at its best if it makes us all feel a little bit uncomfortable. Maybe even a little bit nervous… It is relatively easy to slide through Lent and not have it faze or affect you at all. It can […]
Matthew 6. 1-6, 16-21
From their earliest days, followers of Jesus have set aside 40 days before Easter Sunday as a “special time” called – “Lent.” It is “borrowed time,” actually! But then, it’s all borrowed time! Historically, it was all about catechizing “the soon to be – baptized.” They would be taught the scriptures and have constant discussions […]
Matthew 17. 1-9
I feel like teaching you a little Greek tonight / today… There is this word…that I have been playing around with. The word is doxa. It is a Greek word – originating in the 1300’s or the fourteen century. Unfortunately, we cannot go back further than that – for its meaning earlier. The word was […]
Matthew 5.38-48
Our Gospel text for tonight is about – “the privileged” … abusing “the poor.” It is nothing new…It happens all the time. It happens every day! The “privileged” are the ones who sue. “Peasants” and people who are “dirt poor” – do not (as a rule) sue one another. You cannot get nothing from nothing. […]
Cain hated Abel for “standing higher” in “God’s esteem” than he felt – he himself did – so he killed his “only” brother… King Saul of Old, hated David, the young shepherd boy – for stealing the hearts of the people with his winning ways – so he tried to kill him at every conceivable […]