Sermons
The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit
The pride and self-worship of the people who built the Tower of Babel prompted God to send confusion of languages that divided the nations. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost was a reversal of that fracture, a coming together by people from many languages and cultures.
The Passion of Jesus
John begins his Gospel with the amazing description of the Word which was with God and was God. Then he writes, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have sen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). He then declares, "No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known" (John 1:18).
The Ministry of Jesus
Luke begins his gospel account this way: "Since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught" (Luke 1:3-4).
The Parables of Jesus
The Book of Mark begins with a quote from Isaiah 40:3, one of the "Servant Songs" of Isaiah. It tells about a messenger who will go ahead to "prepare the way for the Lord" (Mark 1:3). This role of John the Baptist as one who prepares the way for Jesus is emphasized in Mark.
The Sermons of Jesus
The Book of Matthew begins with "the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David" (Matthew 1:1). It moves immediately to the birth narrative, including the Magi from the east, asking, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?" (Matthew 2:2).
The Final Word
The end of a book is very important. Sometimes I will read the conclusion before I read anything else just to see what the author is truly concerned about.
He Will Be Their Peace
The prophet Micah makes an amazing prediction: But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, our of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient time (Micah 5:2).
God Loves the Lost
Jonah is the most reluctant prophet of all--even more reluctant than Moses! When God calls Jonah, he does not hesitate or cogitate. He immediately takes off in the opposite direction. Why is Jonah so ready to run from God?
Let Justice Roll Down
Prophets are people who predict the future. At least, that is what many people think. But prophets do more than forecast events. All of the prophets were engaged in their world, speaking to God's people, and wrestling with the issues that grieved the heart of God.
The Unfaithful Wife
Hosea the prophet is instructed by God to marry a promiscuous woman. Hosea loves Gomer, and they have a family together. Their relationship is difficult, and she deserts him and their boys. The heartbreak of Hosea illustrates the heartbreak of God.