Right now, there are roughly 320,000 churches in the United States. If each one hosts just a single sermon every week, that means that there are around 16.6 million sermons every year in that context. Multiply that over the last 50 years, and you’re looking at more than 832 million sermons—nearly a billion sermons preached in…
Author: Norm
Are we badly mistaken too!?
The Sadducees were the social (religious, political) elites in Jerusalem.They controlled the temple, and the Sanhedrin (the Jewish high court).They were strict literalists, only following the Books of Moses (Torah).The Pharisees also followed the oral Torah (their ‘creeds and confessions’).Each claimed to know the Scriptures and the power of God.They were religious opponents, though they…
Whose image am I?
For the Jews, the Roman taxes were a burdensome and detestable offense.Not only was it crushing them in poverty, it was a religious abomination.On the coin was a ‘graven image’ of Caesar.And on it was inscribed two unacceptable phrases:— Pontifex Maximus, meaning high priest.— Tiberius Caesar, Son of the Divine Augustus.The religious leaders refused to…
How are we treating Jesus?
This parable is a simple and clear picture of what is happening.The religious leaders know exactly what Jesus is saying.Israel is God’s vineyard, and they are the leaders of the tenants.Jesus is the son, but who are these other servants? The usual answer is that they are other prophets.Jesus himself talks about this to the…
Jesus doesn’t answer all our questions!
Yesterday we saw how Jesus answered their question with a question.Now Jesus refuses to answer their question at all.Does Jesus still do this, not answer our questions?Yesterday we also saw why Jesus first answered with a question.It was because of their selfish motives; they would not believe His answer.Is this also a reason why Jesus…
Being questioned by Jesus?!
The religious leaders are interrogating Him.But Jesus answers their question with a question.They are challenging Him, but now He challenges them. I have had this experience many times.In my journal praying, I often write down questions.I ask about this situation, or that problem, or this confusion.Sometimes possible answers come to mind, which I write down.More…
I do not have faith in the power of prayer!
Peter sees the withered fig tree Jesus cursed, and is surprised.Jesus responds to Peter’s surprise by talking about prayer.Prayer itself is not a thing, it is a label for things we do.Prayer is opening our heart to God – our praise, our hopes, our gratitude, our requests.It is the expression of a heart that hopes…
The Lord excludes the excluders!
At one time Jesus says, “whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” (John 6:37)And yet here Jesus drives away people from the temple (v.15).He is driving away those who were driving away others.These temple merchants, with the temple permission, were making it hard for others.They charged excessive prices for the sacrificial animals. The words…
Are there signs of good fruit?
This story seems odd and somewhat unsettling.Is Jesus losing His temper because He is ‘hangry’?How could He expect figs if it was not the season for figs? Figs were a were a staple in the Middle East during Jesus’ time.They were considered a symbol of prosperity.They were one of the fruit listed as produce in…
The good news of the kingdom!
What would cause people to erupt in joyful praise like this?They were rejoicing in the good news, the gospel of the kingdom. “Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.” “After John was put in prison, Jesus went into…