Reading through the New Bible Commentary in preparation for writing my sermon I came across a couple of sentences which got me thinking. I read: Partnership is the usual New Testament word for fellowship, but fellowship is not just the … Read more
Luke is careful throughout his gospel to place Jesus in history. That was important back then because there were so many "mystery" and "fertility" religions which claimed to have miraculous births and gods who died and rose again. So Luke … Read more
We have started an intercessory prayer group in our church. We are small in number, but we spend much time praying for the concerns of our largely senior citizen congregation. The other day, as we went down the list of … Read more
From the corner of my eye, I first glimpsed him. Loosely fitting clothes, well worn and soiled. I walked purposefully toward my Ford Explorer. Wool-suited, suede-shoed, paycheque cashed. Confidently, I walked. Head held high. He staggered. Eyes downcast. Grasping first … Read more
I have a friend who had lived life flying by the seat of her pants. She recently had a massive heart attack, nearly dying. Angrily she complained to the doctor that she had done all he required of her and … Read more
As we flick the channel, nightmarish wreckage of mangled bodies assaults our senses. The news anchor person speaks of violent death. This time three suicide bombers have taken seven lives with them in Ben Jehuda Street – Jerusalem's seemingly safe, … Read more
The mingled images of the crash-mangled limousine still haunt the evening news as the inquiry into the death of a princess continues. We are reminded of the vision of two young princes following behind the flag draped caisson carrying their … Read more
My first call to the ministry was as assistant pastor to a large suburban congregation. It was not uncommon for us to have 500 people in church on a Sunday morning. Even the gallery was packed. Our Senior Pastor was … Read more
Their goals were to live simply, truly, and lovingly. Noble goals. What started well, ended tragically. Thirty nine dead. The questions: How? Why? Where did they go wrong? Noble goals aren't enough. According to St. Paul, what is needed is … Read more
How did the Serpent, the crafty one, get the human to even consider eating? First, it accosted Eve where she was vulnerable. It simply got Eve to consider questioning God. All it did was ask a subtle question. "Did God … Read more