13th Sunday after Pentecost August 27, 2023 Scripture readings: Exodus 1:8-2:10 & Matthew 16:13-20 Have you ever noticed that when God decides to change directions in whatever it is that is happening to His people, those people always get choices in the matter? No …
Scripture: Romans 12: 1 Theme: When renown Tony Campolo showed up to speak to thousands of youth at the 2010 Triennium, I didn’t expect the rousing speech he gave that included a quote from Romans 12. When he said it, …
12th Sunday after Pentecost August 20, 2023 Scripture readings: Genesis 45:1-15 & Matthew 15:21-28 During my early college years, my parents got divorced. My mother lived in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and my father moved to Washington D.C. for a new job. Recall that my family …
Scripture: Genesis 45: 1-15 Theme: When Joseph was sold into slavery by his own brothers, he spent years living in Egypt and reaching out to the Lord. When his brothers came to Pharaoh’s court and met with Joseph, by now …
Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost August 13, 2023 Scripture reading: 1st Kings 19: 9-18 Over the course of our 40-year marriage, my wife, Jeanne, and I have celebrated the great times, mourned the terrible times, and exerted our best efforts during …
Scripture: Matthew 14: 22-36 Theme: When Jesus walked on the water and told Peter to do the same, Peter faltered and began to sink. Jesus pulled him up and asked, “Why did you doubt, oh you of little faith?” If …
Tenth Sunday after Pentecost August 6, 2023 Scripture reading: Genesis 32:22-31 Many summers ago, I taught a very odd Sunday school class. It covered the weird, the gross, the unique, the unusual stories from the Bible. It resembles a holy version …
Scripture: Romans 8: 12-14 Theme: When my elderly aunt was diagnosed with a breast tumor at age 98, I was heartsick. But when I went to see her, she said something that completely changed my heart.
Scripture: Matthew 13: 1-50 Theme: Jesus often taught in parables. Why did he do this?