Leviticus 23:23-25 Making A Spiritual Transition to the New Year We are about to enter the new year of 2016. I once read of an Italian custom that as midnight on New Year’s Eve approaches, the streets are clear. There is no traffic; there are no pedestrians; even the policemen take cover. Then, at the stroke of 12, the windows of the houses fly open. To the sound of laughter, music and fireworks, each member of the family pitches out... Read more
Prologue to the Revelation of Jesus Christ January 1, 2016 Revelation 1:1-8 This section is called a prologue. A prologue is an introduction. In this case, one is being introduced to the last book of the Bible, and more important the final revelation of God in Jesus Christ. A revelation is an “unveiling.” Something which was hidden is now being opened. This is called the revelation of Jesus Christ about the future (Revelation 1:1). This revelation is passed on through... Read more
Jesus and the Inverted Bell Curve Attitude Jesus and the Inverted Bell Curve Attitude is a simple thought reflection for New Year’s Day from Philippians 2:5-11. January 1, 2016 Year C (New Years Day) Philippians 2:5-11 In math, I learned about the bell curve. The bell curve rises to a point and then comes back down. One could plot a graph that showed the normal distribution for a population. In my case, you could plot the grades for a test... Read more
What Are You Going to Ask God For This New Year? What Are You Going to Ask God For This New Year? is a simple thought reflection from 1 Kings 3:5-14. December 31, 2015 Year C 1 Kings 3:5-14 What are you going to ask God for this new year? God appeared to Solomon in a dream (1 Kings 3:5). Solomon had loved God, but he was also disobedient. He had sacrificed animals to other gods on the “high places.”... Read more
Be Ready Be Ready is a simple thought Lectionary reflection from Mark 13:33-37 about the fact that as Christians, we should be ready for Jesus to return today. December 30, 2015 Year C As we come to the close of 2015, we get a reminder to be prepared. Jesus challenges us to be ready for the next year. Jesus could return soon, even next year. Am I ready for Him to return? Since I don’t know when Jesus will return,... Read more
The UNKingdom of God by Mark Van Steenwyk The UNKingdom of God by Mark Van Steenwyk is a guide to a self-described Christian anarchy. Van Steenwyk questions the meaning of “American Christian fidelity. He claims that Christianity became Christiandom in America and makes the following argument (27): “The argument that Christianity is intrinsically oppressive is nothing new, but it persists. I believe that the dominant form of Christianity, as understood by the majority of Christians throughout the ages, is inherently... Read more
Healing Through The Dark Emotions by Miriam Greenspan Healing Through The Dark Emotions by Miriam Greenspan explores the way grief, fear, and despair can be used to heal a person who is in pain. The notion that she explores is the fact pain (whether it is physical or psychosomatic) is an indicator of a problem. She explores how expressing this pain emotionally through grief, fear, and despair is the natural way we heal. Greenspan draws from a variety of spiritual... Read more
December 28, 2015 Year C Revelation 21:1-7 The Bible is full of promises about eternity. Jesus promises that we will spend eternity with Him (John 14:1-6, John 3:16). In this visual explanation, John explains what that change from the present world to the afterlife will look like. The strange newness of this is explained in the first verse. There will be a heaven and an earth (Revelation 21:1). The reason I believe that there will be no more sea is... Read more
The Proper Development of a Christian Life Colossians 3:12-17 There’s a movement of new churches rising across the country, and guess what they all have in common? They all don’t believe in God! Yes, atheist churches and even atheist megachurches are becoming more and more popular as people want the warm feelings of a church experience they grew up with, just without God. Sanderson Jones, one of the leaders of Sunday Assembly in Los Angeles, said, “There was so much... Read more
The Heavenly Family Tree of Jesus The Heavenly Family Tree of Jesus is a simple thought Lectionary reflection for Christmas Day from John 1:1-14 that shows the heavenly family tree of Jesus. December 25, 2015 Year C – Christmas Day John 1:1-14 Today people will look at their Christmas tree and see presents underneath. Families will come together and open presents under the tree. Just as there are Christmas trees, there are family trees. Family trees are genealogies. A family... Read more
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