Paul has been talking about requirements. We’re used to requirements, to apply for a job, get a driver’s license, a passport, a loan. To do just about anything there are…
Oh, don’t you just hate to have to admit that you were wrong? We hear a lot about privilege these days, being privileged. Privilege isn’t just gets more; it is…
We’re told Jesus goes up the mountain to pray (9:28). How often we read that Jesus prayed. Do we? Why did Jesus, the well-beloved Son of God, God incarnate, need…
The sermon on the mount—Matthew tells us that Jesus spoke to the people on a mount, a big, high hill. Maybe that would remind Jewish listeners of Moses on the…
Prestige, status, honor, respect, deference—marks of power and authority. The authority comes by virtue of the office, the position. We tend to show respect and deference to a police officer…
But we’ve always done it that way. What is that tried-and-true definition of insanity: repeating the same actions while expecting a different result? Because Jesus did not do the things…
What characteristic makes a Christian Christian? Faith? Love? Hope? Obedience? Humility? I believe—I hope—that I speak with you often about these virtues, these qualities. These are what give distinctive flavor…
Oh, be careful, little eyes, what you see, little ears, what you hear. Oh, be careful, little tongue, what you say, little hands, what you do. Oh, be careful, little…
Mercy forgives. Forgiveness does not undo the consequences of our sin; this is why you and I must struggle, continually, against those impulses to sin that come and knock, like…
“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. …