SCRIPTURE: 3 John 1:1-14 OBSERVATION: A personal letter because the church leader (Diotrephes) wouldn’t allow the letter to get to the members (v.9). Walking in the truth (not just believing it) equals demonstrating love (doing good, showing hospitality, offering help). By doing this we work together for the truth (ie Jesus). John speaks quite boldly when he…
Author: Norm
Sermon Discussion: John 13:1-17
OK, here’s your chance. Please help me write my sermon! Feel free to respond to one of the following: (1) What speaks to you in this passage — John 13:1-17? (2) Should we practice foot-washing as a symbolic act, maybe even as a sacrament (Jesus didn’t say “do this in remembrance of me” but He does…
A friendly church?
I have a question. What makes a church a friendly church? Is a friendly church the same as a loving church? Are people friendly (or loving) to you when you attend a church service? Are you friendly (or loving) to others when you attend a church service? Do you talk to the people you know,…
Aug 30 — 2 John 1:1-13
SCRIPTURE: 2 John 1:1-13 OBSERVATION: John is writing to a specific church (symbolically the “chosen lady and her children”), and gives greetings from a sister church (v.13). He summarizes the message as believing in Jesus as God’s Son in the flesh, and obeying the love of Jesus by loving and serving others. He warns against those who…
Aug 29 — Psalm 10:1-18
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 10:1-18 OBSERVATION: David faces head on the troubling question as to why God seems distant, silent, while the wicked seem to prosper and succeed. His faith is being tested through fire, but he affirms God’s goodness despite what He sees. He declares his confidence in God, then appeals to Him for action. This is…
Aug 28 — Psalm 9:1-20
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 9:1-20 OBSERVATION: In the context of volatile political and personal crises, David affirms that the Lord is God (in control, sovereign) and is good (just, helps the oppressed). Can we even understand the world in which David lived, more like the instability of the Sudan, eastern Europe in the 90s, Afganistan, Palestine, Iraq, most of…
Aug 27 — Psalm 8:1-9
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 8:1-9 OBSERVATION: David is overwhelmed by the greatness of God, the smallness of humanity, and the wonder that God has chosen us to rule this world for Him. David marvels that God uses the meek (children and infants) to humble the proud and mighty (foe and avenger, v.2). God is greater than everything in…
Aug 26 — Psalm 7:1-17
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 7:1-17 OBSERVATION: David has been cruelly treated by Cush, a Benjamite, perhaps a supporter of the previous king Saul (also a Benjamite). Maybe at the same time as previous Psalm when David was fleeing Absalom’s coup, and he was cursed by Shimei, also a Benjamite (2 Samuel 16:5-12). Here David claims innocence, and we know that…
Aug 25 — Psalm 6:1-10
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 6:1-10 OBSERVATION: David is in physical and emotional/spiritual crisis, possible nearing death. His enemies are attacking him, perhaps like Job’s friends, blaming him for his own suffering. David is in agony, and pleads for mercy. He concludes his prayer with an expression of confidence, “the Lord has heard”. APPLICATION: This is a very graphic…
Aug 24 — Psalm 5:1-12
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 5:1-12 OBSERVATION: David is going through a tough time. He is pleading for the Lord to help him. In this time of waiting, he reminds himself Who the Lord is, what He is like, and that He can be trusted. The Lord will not tolerate wickedness forever, and those who cling to Him and…