Jesus’ famous parable of the prodigal son is loved by Christians and non-Christians alike. It is a message of all-inclusive love that has touched the hearts of millions for generations. What was Jesus teaching in this parable 2000 years ago? Whom was he trying to reach? Does the parable still…
Given September 13, 2002 Ecclesiasticus 27:30-28:7 Psalm 103 or Psalm 103:1-14 Romans 14:5-12 Matthew 18:21-35 Introduction Our Gospel reading today is from the book of Matthew. It is towards the end of one of Jesus discourses where Jesus deals with sin and how we should treat one another. Before our…
Given August 23, 2020 Lessons: Isaiah 51:1-6 Psalm 138 Romans 11:25-36 Matthew 16:13-20 It is not often you hear a sermon from the Old Testament. Fleming Rutledge is an American Episcopal priest, author, theologian, and preacher. She laments, “in many churches, the Gospel reading is usually the sermon text of…
Given June 14, 2020 Lessons: Exodus 19:1-8 Psalm 100 Romans 5:1-11 Matthew 9:35-10:15 Bad news fills our media today. It seems to be getting worse, almost like the evil in this world has increased, that the world is growing more evil every day. Pandemics, murder, riots, wars, and rumors of…
Westboro Baptist Church has not been in the national news lately. However, I am sure you remember the pictures of their people holding up signs listing all the things that God hates. “GOD HATES FAGS” “GOD HATES YOUR FEELINGS” “GOD HATES OBAMA” “GOD HATES AMERICA” “GOD HATES YOU” Is it…
I’ve written an article for Medium. Here is an excerpt: Black Lives Matter (#BLM) is an organization that was founded in 2013. The inspiration for #BLM was the death of a black teenager Trayvon Martin. Protests were started throughout the country that year. Now I have to be honest, as…
Black & White: How Unity & Reconciliation Can Save America By: Myron Pierce Myron Pierce is a tired black man. Tired of seeing black men die at the hands of the police. Tired of experiencing systemic racism. He says he is “Tired. Tired. Tired.” But, he calls for unity. He…
“The coronavirus was sent… by God. This is not a season for sentimental views of God. It is a bitter season. And God ordained it. God governs it. He will end it.” ~ John Piper, Coronavirus and Christ, pg. 42 I received an unsolicited copy of John Piper’s Coronavirus and…
Individualists have a philosophy based on liberty and freedom. They argue freedom is the ability to live your life without any outside interference from anyone. Essentially they believe each person is their own boss, the king of their own domain, completely sovereign over their self and property. Some even promote…
Here in Michigan, the police arrested a man for assaulting a store clerk with his nose. Yes, you read that right. The store clerk asked the man to wear a mask while in the store. The man walked over to the clerk, grabbed the clerk’s shirt sleeve, and said, “Here,…
