SCRIPTURE: 1 John 3:1-10 OBSERVATION: John reminds believers of their new identity: much loved children of God. This identity encourages us when persecuted, but also affects how we live. John assures them that Jesus came to restore His followers and destroy the devil’s work. When Jesus is finished, we shall see Him as He is, we shall…
Bible Readings (May)
This month we are reading through complete books of the Bible: 1 Peter, Ruth, Ephesians and Joel. 1 1 Peter 1:1-12 2 1 Peter 1:13-2:3 3 1 Peter 2:4-17 4 1 Peter 2:18-25 5 1 Peter 3:1-12 6 1 Peter 3:13-4:6 7 1 Peter 4:7-19 8 1 Peter 5:1-14 9 Ruth 1:1-22 10 Ruth 2:1-23 11 Ruth 3:1-18 12 Ruth 4:1-22 13 Ephesians 1:1-14…
Apr 27 — Acts 3:17-26
SCRIPTURE: Acts 3:17-26 OBSERVATION: Peter appeals to Jews/Jewish leaders to accept Jesus as the promised messiah (‘Christ’ is Greek for Hebrew ‘Messiah’), claiming that He is the fulfillment of all the OT prophecies. The call is to change their minds (repent) regarding Jesus. Note the two levels, what the Jewish leaders did in ignorance, and God’s…
Apr 26 — Acts 3:1-16
SCRIPTURE: Acts 3:1-16 OBSERVATION: Peter is not surprised that this man is healed. I would be… unless I had already experienced a greater miracle, i.e. Jesus resurrection! Compared to that, healing a cripple is not amazing! Peter calls Jesus the author of life, yet says they killed Him (can the author of life be killed?), and…
Apr 25 — Mark 16:9-20
SCRIPTURE: Mark 16:9-20 OBSERVATION: This passage should be read as supportive of other more reliable passages. Most of it echoes what we read elsewhere. It was probably added later to fix the abrupt ending and fill in the missing details. There is no other reference to handling snakes and drinking poison, so it is not accepted…
Sermon on Matthew 6:25-34
This Sunday (April 29, 2007) I hope to speak on the subject of environmental stewardship. I think I’ll call the sermon “It’s Not Easy Being Green” (does anyone else remember Kermit’s song?). I am hoping for some feedback at my “Should We Celebrate Earth Day?” The message will be based on Matthew 6:25-34 where Jesus reminds…
Apr 24 — Isaiah 52:1-12
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 52:1-12 OBSERVATION: Isaiah is speaking to the captives in Babylon, reminding them of their past trials (Egypt, Assyria), but urges them to “wake up” from their depressed slumber and anticipate the Lord’s power and salvation on their behalf. The Lord is predicting that He will come to rescue and restore His covenant people. A…
Should we celebrate Earth Day?
How did I miss it? Yesterday was Earth Day, and I made no mention of it at all in our Sunday gathering. Come to think of it, I have never mentioned it. How can this be? Should I as a Christ-follower be aware of – even supportive of – efforts to be better stewards of…
Apr 23 — John 20:19-31
SCRIPTURE: John 20:19-31 OBSERVATION: Here we see the disciples before they encounter the risen Jesus – hiding behind locked doors, afraid for the Jews. What a contrast to what would happen after Pentecost (see Acts 4:1-27). Jesus lets them know here that they are going to be sent into the world to speak for God, just as…
Apr 22 — Acts 4:18-27
SCRIPTURE: Acts 4:18-37 OBSERVATION: Peter and John cannot be silent because what they have seen and heard is so overwhelming and powerful. While in the past they had been afraid, now they are confident witnesses – nothing will silence them! Interestingly the believers do not pray for protection from their enemies but for greater boldness and…