In the Bible, are the Pharisees the good guys, or the bad guys? This past Sunday, we saw that the Pharisees in Luke, and the Gospels, are spoken of pretty harshly. At various points, Jesus condemns their “greed and wickedness” (Luke 11:39). He pulls no punches when confronting hypocrites who claim to represent God and […]
“Pharisees Revisited and Redeemed” Read More »
I’ve always been fascinated with the story in Luke 17: 11-19 where Jesus heals 10 lepers and only one comes back to praise and thank him. The event describes Jesus coming into a village where 10 lepers are standing at a distance crying out,” Jesus, Master, have mercy on us”. Leprosy was extremely contagious and
“Lack of Gratitude” Read More »
What do you think of when you hear the term “Holy War”? What images come to mind? What historical events? You’d probably think of the medieval crusades. You might think of an Islamic Jihad. Or maybe the “wars of religion” that emerged around the time of the protestant reformation. In any case, the image of
As Luke brings us to Jesus’ instruction on prayer, and his giving of what is usually called “The Lord’s Prayer” or the “Our Father” (which we’ll be hearing this weekend), we’re given two snapshots of what it looks like to be a disciple of Christ (Luke 10:25-37). The Good Samaritan is perhaps the most famous
Neighbor Love, Mercy, and True Discipleship Read More »
The ancient father of the church, Augustine, once said, “If you try to understand the Trinity, you will lose your mind. If you deny the Trinity you will lose your soul”. Augustine seems to capture the age old complexity and frustration of trying to define, explain and understand this foundational truth of “One God who