As we complete our examination of the makarisms (beatitudes) of Jesus, we see the interconnectedness of his teaching and his focus on bringing shalom to the world. The goal of shalom is laid before us as we each live our daily lives, recalling the extent to which Jesus went to ensure that his message to us is taken seriously.
As we complete our examination of the makarisms (beatitudes) of Jesus, we see the interconnectedness of his teaching and his focus on bringing shalom to the world. The goal of shalom is laid before us as we each live our daily lives, recalling the extent to which Jesus went to ensure that his message to us is taken seriously.
As we continue to explore the makarisms (beatitudes) of Jesus, we discover his message to the oppressed, marginalized and impoverished people of his day. How could they cope and retain their dignity under conditions of brutal oppression?
As we continue to explore the makarisms (beatitudes) of Jesus, we discover his message to the oppressed, marginalized and impoverished people of his day. How could they cope and retain their dignity under conditions of brutal oppression?
We follow Jesus up a mountain, to the place where heaven and earth meet, and explore the strange world of the beatitudes. Does being "poor in spirit" sound like a blessing? How about being in mourning? Only in the upside down, inside out world of the beatitudes.
We follow Jesus up a mountain, to the place where heaven and earth meet, and explore the strange world of the beatitudes. Does being "poor in spirit" sound like a blessing? How about being in mourning? Only in the upside down, inside out world of the beatitudes.
Last week we looked at the first part of the great commandment. This week, we look at the second part, loving your neighbor as yourself.
Taking a look at a likely well-known section of scripture from Matthew.
In the fifth chapter of the Epistle of James, we see the author take to task the rich who exploit the poor and who use illegal means for the unfettered pursuit of wealth. Such exploitation continues today and the quest for social holiness calls us into action.
In the fifth chapter of the Epistle of James, we see the author take to task the rich who exploit the poor and who use illegal means for the unfettered pursuit of wealth. Such exploitation continues today and the quest for social holiness calls us into action.
In his challenge to the plans of his audience for today and tomorrow, James reminds us that we are not only responsible for what we do, we are also responsible for what we don't do. When we don't act, when we don't speak up, when we don't do what we know is right then we fail to live the way we ought.
In his challenge to the plans of his audience for today and tomorrow, James reminds us that we are not only responsible for what we do, we are also responsible for what we don't do. When we don't act, when we don't speak up, when we don't do what we know is right then we fail to live the way we ought.
In the third chapter of the Epistle of James, we find the author showing us how tricky words can be! He shows us how teachers can teach badly; individuals can praise God and then bully each other, using words to do both! If words can be so difficult to use, how should we teach each other? Perhaps by deeds, linked inseparably to words, and by showing instead of speaking. The combination of word and deed is important to James, as it is in the world today.
In the third chapter of the Epistle of James, we find the author showing us how tricky words can be! He shows us how teachers can teach badly; individuals can praise God and then bully each other, using words to do both! If words can be so difficult to use, how should we teach each other? Perhaps by deeds, linked inseparably to words, and by showing instead of speaking. The combination of word and deed is important to James, as it is in the world today.
Do the messages of James and Paul on faith and works really differ? We consider a Wesleyan perspective on Faith and works, seeking be better understand how we might have a faith that works today.
Do the messages of James and Paul on faith and works really differ? We consider a Wesleyan perspective on Faith and works, seeking be better understand how we might have a faith that works today.
Søren Kierkegaard, in 1851, published “For Self Examination” in which he asked the question,“What is required in order to look at oneself with true blessing in the mirror of the Word?” In this extended meditation on James 1:22-27, Kierkegaard lays out a 5-point plan for linking faith and works in accord with Scripture such that the Kingdom of God benefits!
Søren Kierkegaard, in 1851, published “For Self Examination” in which he asked the question,“What is required in order to look at oneself with true blessing in the mirror of the Word?” In this extended meditation on James 1:22-27, Kierkegaard lays out a 5-point plan for linking faith and works in accord with Scripture such that the Kingdom of God benefits!
On this Pentecost Sunday we complete our series on the Holy Spirit by thinking about the Pentecost events in the light of the Jewish festivals of Passover, the Counting of the Omer, and Shavuot. We come to see the events of Pentecost in their place within the narrative framework and as an integral part of the story, looking back as far as the early Genesis accounts.
On this Pentecost Sunday we complete our series on the Holy Spirit by thinking about the Pentecost events in the light of the Jewish festivals of Passover, the Counting of the Omer, and Shavuot. We come to see the events of Pentecost in their place within the narrative framework and as an integral part of the story, looking back as far as the early Genesis accounts.
Understanding the gifts that we have been given to use for the good of the community in building the Kingdom takes on a journey through some of Paul's and Peter's writings. Between us we have the gifts we need to advance the Kingdom.
Understanding the gifts that we have been given to use for the good of the community in building the Kingdom takes on a journey through some of Paul's and Peter's writings. Between us we have the gifts we need to advance the Kingdom.
Some people seem compelled to stand up for the Gospel and are driven to make changes in the world. Many such characters are described in the Biblical narrative and some we can identify throughout history. Interestingly, it is us who are called to be driven this same way in bringing forth God's Kingdom here on earth.
Some people seem compelled to stand up for the Gospel and are driven to make changes in the world. Many such characters are described in the Biblical narrative and some we can identify throughout history. Interestingly, it is us who are called to be driven this same way in bringing forth God's Kingdom here on earth.
Being "filled with the Spirit" is something that John Wesley saw as central to the concept of "Scriptural Christianity." In the New Testament, being "filled with the Spirit" is laid alongside being drunk and the two are compared, with being drunk coming out on the losing side of the comparison. What does being "filled with the Spirit" mean? What does it look like? Why does it matter? These questions we take up today and see the importance of this idea in the spread of the Gospel.
Being "filled with the Spirit" is something that John Wesley saw as central to the concept of "Scriptural Christianity." In the New Testament, being "filled with the Spirit" is laid alongside being drunk and the two are compared, with being drunk coming out on the losing side of the comparison. What does being "filled with the Spirit" mean? What does it look like? Why does it matter? These questions we take up today and see the importance of this idea in the spread of the Gospel.
Can we know - with certainty - that we are children of God? How might such assurance shape how we live our lives in the world today? These are the questions we examine as we look at the witness of our own spirits with that of the Holy Spirit.
Can we know - with certainty - that we are children of God? How might such assurance shape how we live our lives in the world today? These are the questions we examine as we look at the witness of our own spirits with that of the Holy Spirit.
When Jesus talks of being "born of water and Spirit" what does he have in mind? His words to Nicodemus in John's Gospel suggest that the clues lie in Hebrew Scripture and are captured in images of birth, water and wind. We explore these images and attempt to capture the essence of what Jesus had in mind when he spoke of being "born again."
When Jesus talks of being "born of water and Spirit" what does he have in mind? His words to Nicodemus in John's Gospel suggest that the clues lie in Hebrew Scripture and are captured in images of birth, water and wind. We explore these images and attempt to capture the essence of what Jesus had in mind when he spoke of being "born again."
