SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 10:1-22 OBSERVATION: Paul uses OT Israel as an example for those who were too cocky and casual about dabbling in sinful, immoral practices. He warns them that just because they were baptized and share in Christ through the Lord’s Supper, that doesn’t mean they cannot fall – look how many OT followers fell into…
Feb 11 — 1 Corinthians 9:19-27
SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 9:19-27 OBSERVATION: Paul’s point is that though He is free in Christ from other peoples’ demands and expectations, he voluntarily becomes like others in order to win them to Christ. He illustrates this with the Jews (v.20), the non-Jews (v.21) and the weak (v.22). In relation to the law, Paul says that he is…
Feb 10 — Psalm 32:1-11
OBSERVATION: The truly blessed (happy) person is the person who knows God’s forgiveness and who has an honest, sincere heart (v.1-2) When we live in denial, life is hard, and God prevents us from experiencing joy and peace (v.3-4). When we are honest with God, God does forgive us; we should reach out to Him…
Name That Tune!!!
The answer to this musical mystery is… “Norman” sung by Sue Thompson, written by John D. Loudermilk. You can read the words to this classic! Or you can listen to a sample of the actual song online! Don’t ask me why, just thought you might like to hear the song my family used to tease…
Feb 9 — Psalm 30:1-12
OBSERVATION: A testimony of thanks to God for rescuing David from sickness and death. Used at the dedication of the temple as the place where they worshiped God, a call to worship. David acknowledges that ‘sickness and health’ do not come to us by chance but are directed by His fatherly hand. David (and his…
OOPS – Sermon on Ephesians 2:1-10
OOPS, this Sunday (Feb 11, 2007) is Cadet Sunday, so now I’m preaching on Ephesians 2:1-10. The theme for the service is “Shaped For Service” based on vv.8-10. 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…
Feb 8 — Mark 1:40-45
OBSERVATION: As with Naaman (1 Kings 5:1-27), it is the outcast (or outsider) who believes, while others who should believe don’t. Jesus is moved by compassion, this is the basis of all that He (and God) does. Jesus commands the man to fulfill the law of Moses because they are still under that covenant, and will be…
Feb 7 — 2 Kings 5:1-27
SCRIPTURE: 2 Kings 5:1-27 OBSERVATION: The Lord even gets the credit for the victories (and defeats) of Israel’s neighbours. A mighty man humbled by leprosy, yet still too proud to bathe in Jordan. The servant girl has a horrible life (taken from parents, enslaved) yet witnesses for God. The girl knew that God could heal, but the…
Feb 6 — Leviticus 13:38-46
SCRIPTURE: Leviticus 13:38-46 OBSERVATION: God’s attempt at containing infectious diseases, an early version of quarantine. We still do this today (meningitus!), but it seems harsher as its written here. As harsh as it seems, this is a sign of God’s mercy, seeing as how infectious diseases can decimate a population. It was human nature that turned…
Feb 5 — Mark 1:29-39
SCRIPTURE: Mark 1:29-39 OBSERVATION: Jesus performs a variety of miracles, but does not see healing as His primary purpose. Jesus made the time to be alone with the Father. Jesus silenced the demons, not because Jesus didn’t want people to know but because the demons could hinder His mission with popularity. Jesus rebukes the fever… as…