Another Pharisee wants to hear more, see more, know more. That’s good. When anyone invites additional conversation, additional connection-building, let’s make the most of the opportunity. After all, when is…
Luke tells us that “the Pharisees and the experts in the law rejected God’s purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John” (7:30). So, it is possible…
Mark’s version, church tradition tells us, is based upon Peter’s recollection. Mark was secretary and personal assistant to Peter in his last years. Mark’s—Peter’s—account begins, not with a genealogy, nor…
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…
Child of the ‘70s that I am, Star Wars was a big event in my young life, especially the spectacular climax: how could those big, bright torpedoes go down those…
In Matthew’s account, Jesus tells John the Baptist that it’s good for John to baptize Jesus, in order to “fulfill all righteousness.” Jesus, who had no sin and did no…
Peter isn’t happy about what’s going to happen to Jesus. Neither are we. Suffer? Killed? Terrible! Let’s be followers without the suffering. In seminary, no one quite knew what…
Though it was not a Sunday and the church was not open, the grieving widow called the pastor, asking if he would open the church for her. She needed…
Bible Text: Matthew 4:1-11 | Preacher: Paul Kucera | Sometimes, to go forward, we have to go back. The first steps on the long journey to the cross, the tomb,…
Bible Text: Luke 14:1, 7-14 | Preacher: Paul Kucera | Jesus reminds us to be humble, to seek humility, to learn it and grow in it. We praise beauty; we…