I just finished reading Brian McLaren’s The Secret Message of Jesus – highly recommended – and he quotes a poem by Archbishop Oscar Romero which I found very helpful, a healthy dose of perspective!!!
Author: Norm
Apr 19 — 1 John 1:1-2:6
SCRIPTURE: 1 John 1:1-2:6 OBSERVATION: John uses mysterious language to describe Jesus, first describing Him as an object (‘that which’) rather than as a person. The Word of life refers to what Jesus is eternally, His original nature (essence, being) prior to His coming in the flesh (seen, touched, heard, appeared to us). This being (named Jesus)…
Apr 18 — Psalm 133:1-3
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 133:1-3 OBSERVATION: ‘Song of ascents’, was sung by religious pilgrims as they ascended the hilly roads to Jerusalem, preparing for the religious festival. An obvious, simple point, how nice (good and pleasant) when people get along, live in harmony. Compares it to the anointing of Aaron (the first priest, Moses’ brother) as priest, a…
Loneliness can be deadly!
“The gunman in the deadliest shooting rampage in U.S. history was a loner who wouldn’t even speak to his roommate.” (Toronto Star) What goes on in the heart and mind of the loner who becomes a killer? I have no idea what the story behind Cho Seung-Hui was. No doubt there were many contributing factors….
Apr 17 — 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 OBSERVATION: A simple source for the Apostles’ Creed: Christ died, was buried, rose on the third day. Paul suggests that many witnesses to the resurrected Jesus remain alive at the time of writing; in other words, see and hear for yourself if you have doubts. The believers ‘took their stand’ (v.1) on this…
Sermon on Mark 10:13-16
This Sunday we will celebrate the baptism of two newborn members in the Hope family. The message is based on Mark 10:13-16 where the children (Luke mentions ‘babies’, Luke 18:15-17) are brought to Jesus for a blessing. Hmm, can babies and children brought to Jesus without their own choice actually receive a blessing? What kind of blessing…
Church Library opens this Sunday (Apr 22)!!!
Library Grand Re-Opening This coming Sunday (April 22, 2007) after months of hard work, the Library Team is having an official opening for the new and improved Church Library. New books have been added! A computer system now manages the sign out process. Find out more this coming Sunday. Join us for cake and door…
Apr 16 — Mark 16:1-8
SCRIPTURE: Mark 16:1-8 OBSERVATION: The disciples were not expecting Jesus to come back to life, as far as they were concerned their dream had died. Surprise! The heavy stone is rolled away, someone is sitting in the tomb, Jesus’ body is not there, Jesus is alive and will meet them in Galilee – not your typical…
Apr 15 — Mark 15:40-47
SCRIPTURE: Mark 15:40-47 OBSERVATION: Jesus identified with society’s second class citizens – women, children, tax collectors, prostitutes, Samaritans – and they identified with Him, here we see the women who followed Jesus. ”Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council”, shows the remarkable impact that Jesus had, not just for society’s outcasts. Joseph was a…
Apr 14 — Mark 15:21-39
SCRIPTURE: Mark 15:21-39 OBSERVATION: That Mark mentions Alexander and Rufus suggests that he knew of them, possibly that they became Christ followers. ”Wine mixed with myrrh” was like a pain killer, this is why Jesus declined it. ”Cast lots”, probably a joke, was there much left of the clothes after his trial? Those who mocked Jesus…