SCRIPTURE: Romans 16:1-16 OBSERVATION: Paul lists the many Christians he knows in Rome, including Priscilla and Aquilla, and Phoebe, a female deacon (servantess)? Paul is very affirming, he sees people as partners, as fellow workers in Christ. The work of the church is not limited to the hands of a few (not just men, not just…
Author: Norm
Jan 13, 2007 — 1 Samuel 3:1-21
SCRIPTURE: 1 Samuel 3:1-21 OBSERVATION: This passage contrasts Eli (and his sons) with Samuel. The word of the Lord is rare while Eli is priest (v.1), while He regularly reveals His Word to Samuel (vv.19-21). It is because Eli refused to discipline his sons, who were making a mockery of God as immoral priests (see 1 Samuel 2:12-17, 22-25) and…
How Does God Speak To Us?
Recently I’ve been preaching about how God speaks to us. But in talking with people, I realize that many do not know what I mean when I say “God speaks to me”. Does God speak to you, and if so, how? I look forward to hearing your thoughts, but one word of advice: KEEP IT…
Jan 12, 2007 — Jeremiah 31:1-20
SCRIPTURE: Jeremiah 31:1-20 OBSERVATION: This passage (v.15) is quoted by Matthew (Matthew 2:17-18) in regards to the good news for ‘Rachel’ weeping. Jesus is God’s answer to the weeping of God’s people. God is promising to step in and restore blessing, joy, prosperity, celebration, as well as the loved ones (children) lost in the crisis. God reaffirms…
Jan 11, 2007 — Matthew 2:13-23
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 2:13-23 OBSERVATION: The angel is busy speaking through dreams, warning to go to Egypt, then back to Israel, then to Nazareth, plus directing the wise men not to go to Herod. Matthew quotes 3 prophecies (Hosea 11:1, Jeremiah 31:15, 3rd unknown). Both OT prophecies speak of God’s passionate love for His suffering people, and His plan to…
Jan 10, 2007 — Isaiah 39:1-8
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 39:1-8 OBSERVATION: Interesting that the king of Babylon sent a gift to Hezekiah because he was ill. Sounds like he was “networking”, making friends for future plans against Assyria. Hezekiah probably should have seen through this, but instead he gladly welcomes the envoys, letting them see EVERYTHING! Was Hezekiah showing off? Perhaps he was…
Jan 9, 2007 — Isaiah 38:1-22
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 38:1-22 OBSERVATION: Hezekiah prays to God on the basis of his faithful and wholehearted devotion, with bitter weeping. God responds to his tearful prayer by granting him an extra 15 years, and protection from Assyria. God offers a miraculous sign – the shadow of the sun moves back 10 steps. Did the earth stop…
Jan 8, 2007 — Mark 1:1-13
SCRIPTURE: Mark 1:1-13 OBSERVATION: Mark begins the ‘gospel’ (message of good news) with Jesus as an adult, not as baby. ‘Son of God’ is a presumptuous title, unless its true. Either Jesus is a liar, a lunatic or He really is Lord, the Son of God! Our hearts need to be prepared to receive this good…
Sermon on 1 Samuel 3:1-21
Hey, I’m planning on preaching on 1 Samuel 3:1-21 this coming Sunday (Jan 14, 2007). Its the reading scheduled for this Saturday (Jan 13). If you get a chance, I would be interested in hearing from you as to what jumps out at you in this passage. What questions does it raise? What do you hear God saying to you…
Jan 7, 2007 — Isaiah 60:1-22
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 60:1-22 OBSERVATION: God’s coming is described as light shining in darkness. Jesus fulfills this, but those in darkness do not understand His coming (see John 1:1-5). God promises to His oppressed people that one day tables will be turned, nations will honour God and Israel. It was God’s just anger that allowed them to suffer…