King Solomon was legendary for his wisdom and yet he was not wise enough to see how his own actions would lead to the disintegration of his kingdom under the rule of his son. The division of the kingdom led to two separate realms: Israel and Judah and it was hundreds of years later that Jesus set about rebuilding the people of God into one body with one mission.
King Solomon was legendary for his wisdom and yet he was not wise enough to see how his own actions would lead to the disintegration of his kingdom under the rule of his son. The division of the kingdom led to two separate realms: Israel and Judah and it was hundreds of years later that Jesus set about rebuilding the people of God into one body with one mission.
Following Saul's descent into mental illness, David becomes king and the 40+ years of his leadership become thought of as "the good old days" in the years to come. But David, a master at making good choices as a king, make many terrible choices in his personal and family life. Somehow the tendency to divide life into slices and see the hand of God in some but not all continues to this day.
Following Saul's descent into mental illness, David becomes king and the 40+ years of his leadership become thought of as "the good old days" in the years to come. But David, a master at making good choices as a king, make many terrible choices in his personal and family life. Somehow the tendency to divide life into slices and see the hand of God in some but not all continues to this day.
The people of Israel - a group set apart to live directly under the kingship of God - choose instead to have a human king so they can be like everyone else. Unfortunately for them, things turn out badly! It is only with Jesus that we can have both a human king and also live directly under the kingship of God.
The people of Israel - a group set apart to live directly under the kingship of God - choose instead to have a human king so they can be like everyone else. Unfortunately for them, things turn out badly! It is only with Jesus that we can have both a human king and also live directly under the kingship of God.
After the death of Joshua, God raises up Judges to lead the people. A cycle of behavior begins: when life is good, the people forget God and behave badly. God responds by delivering them to their enemies and subsequently raising up a Judge who leads them out of trouble into peace and tranquility whereupon they again forget God and re-enter the cycle. Such destructive cycles of behavior continue today and God again provides a way to break out of these cycles.
After the death of Joshua, God raises up Judges to lead the people. A cycle of behavior begins: when life is good, the people forget God and behave badly. God responds by delivering them to their enemies and subsequently raising up a Judge who leads them out of trouble into peace and tranquility whereupon they again forget God and re-enter the cycle. Such destructive cycles of behavior continue today and God again provides a way to break out of these cycles.
As the people of God gather on the banks of the River Jordan, ready to enter the Promised Land, they are told repeatedly to have strength and to be courageous. When we have the strength and courage to step into unknown waters, we can move the world ever closer to God's Kingdom.
As the people of God gather on the banks of the River Jordan, ready to enter the Promised Land, they are told repeatedly to have strength and to be courageous. When we have the strength and courage to step into unknown waters, we can move the world ever closer to God's Kingdom.
To whom do we turn when we find ourselves in the desert? Despite a continuous demonstration of the Presence of God among the wandering people of Israel in this account they choose to turn to a golden calf!
To whom do we turn when we find ourselves in the desert? Despite a continuous demonstration of the Presence of God among the wandering people of Israel in this account they choose to turn to a golden calf!
We encounter Moses who encounters God through the agency of a burning bush! In this theophany/call narrative, we see the primary message of Exodus: Presence! The Presence of God is inextricably linked to freedom and freedom is inextricably linked to the Presence of God.
We encounter Moses who encounters God through the agency of a burning bush! In this theophany/call narrative, we see the primary message of Exodus: Presence! The Presence of God is inextricably linked to freedom and freedom is inextricably linked to the Presence of God.
Pharaoh lays out a nine-point plan for the enslavement of an entire people - a plan that has been used many times over the intervening centuries and is still employed today.
Pharaoh lays out a nine-point plan for the enslavement of an entire people - a plan that has been used many times over the intervening centuries and is still employed today.
When Joseph is sold into slavery by his brothers, God opens pathways that enable him to save his people from famine. In retrospect, it is possible to see the hand of God working in Joseph's life.
When Joseph is sold into slavery by his brothers, God opens pathways that enable him to save his people from famine. In retrospect, it is possible to see the hand of God working in Joseph's life.
We explore the call of Abram as detailed in Genesis 12 and expounded upon in Acts 3. How does the call of this patriarch shape our own call as Christians working to usher in the Kingdom of God?
We explore the call of Abram as detailed in Genesis 12 and expounded upon in Acts 3. How does the call of this patriarch shape our own call as Christians working to usher in the Kingdom of God?
The familiar story of Noah and the flood is a favorite of children's authors for coloring books and yet the narrative is actually one of serious and thoughtful content. What happens when the earth itself cries out about injustice?
The familiar story of Noah and the flood is a favorite of children's authors for coloring books and yet the narrative is actually one of serious and thoughtful content. What happens when the earth itself cries out about injustice?
In this series, we look at the Biblical narrative from start to finish, locating the various accounts in chronological order. We start, of course, in the beginning!
On this Trinity Sunday, we look at the question of how we :find God" in a secular world.
On this Pentecost Sunday we explore what it means to be "Sent With The Spirit".
On this Pentecost Sunday we explore what it means to be "Sent With The Spirit".
On Ascension Sunday we look at the brief description of "the ascension" provided by Luke. How might we understand this event within the worldview of those who witnessed it and what is its significance for us today?
On Ascension Sunday we look at the brief description of "the ascension" provided by Luke. How might we understand this event within the worldview of those who witnessed it and what is its significance for us today?
Today we anticipate the coming of Pentecost with the words of Jesus in the farewell discourse of the Gospel of John. How are we to be guided and shaped in our lives? The Paraclete/Advocate is the agent by which this is accomplished.
Today we anticipate the coming of Pentecost with the words of Jesus in the farewell discourse of the Gospel of John. How are we to be guided and shaped in our lives? The Paraclete/Advocate is the agent by which this is accomplished.
