Gratitude—it does us all so much good. All sorts of studies confirm it, but we probably already know or believe. Sharing gratitude—this does so much to build friendship, fellowship. It…
Most Bible translations soften what Paul says in the opening line of Romans: “Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus” (1:1). That sounds okay. Jesus came to serve, and we like…
The lectionary that several denominations use—the order of Scripture readings for the year—is organized in such a way that, around this time of year each year, we hear Jesus speaking…
When I began attending church twenty-two years ago, I’m not sure I knew what I was expecting. I just had this inner sense—whispering, nudging—that God wanted me to go to…
The Offering of Common Kindness—Mt 25:31-46 In the age of cellphones, it’s even easier to pass by people who may be in need. Surely, they have phones too. Surely, there’s…
“One in heart and mind” (4:32) is how we speak of people close as can be. We tend to reserve that sort of talk for those very much in love. …
I suppose we each have a picture of how the church ought to be, including this little congregation of it. No one’s picture looks just like the church as it…
The world seemed awfully vast and rather hostile to those eleven men on their way to Galilee. What did Jesus want to say to them there? What did he want…
The church, the fellowship of Christ, is called out of Corinth. The church is in Corinth. That’s a sure formula for confusion and conflict. We can tolerate disagreement in church. …
Over these next few weeks, we’ll be listening to what Paul is saying in the early part of his letter. There are a few things to keep in mind about…