The Pharisees ask a question that prompts Jesus’ teaching about his return: “When is the kingdom of God coming?” Without extensive study, it is difficult to know precisely how the Pharisees processed the kingdom of God. While we often think of the “kingdom” as a New Testament concept, its roots are deeply embedded in the … Continue reading Kingdom Coming (Luke 17:20-37)
Jesus begins with a severe warning: “Woe to the one who causes others to stumble. It would be better for him to have a millstone hung around his neck and be thrown into the sea.” He immediately follows with a demanding command: “If your brother sins, rebuke him. If he repents, forgive him.” At first … Continue reading The Mulberry Tree Parable (Luke 17)
Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath day and healed a woman. A synagogue during the time of Jesus was a place of worship, torah reading, prayer and community life. These houses of worship were not the Temple where sacrifices were made instead they were like houses which people gathered on … Continue reading The Synagogue Official (Luke 13:10)
A man in the crowd asks Jesus, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” Instead of arbitrating, Jesus uses the moment to expose a deeper issue: not merely greed, but a profound lack of trust in God’s provision. Jesus warns, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life … Continue reading A Call to Trust (Luke 12:15)
It’s no secret that the Bible instructs us to love one another. This may be one of the most quoted and well-known teachings in all of Scripture. Perhaps that’s why Luke 12:1 caught my attention: “Under these circumstances, after so many thousands of the multitude had gathered together that they were stepping on one another, … Continue reading Stepping on One Another (Luke 12:1)
Where does lasting significance come from ?
What are the rocks in your life? Maybe God calls us to work at removing obstacles in life like rocks in a garden and he wants us to do it ourselves; maybe He wants us to fight against things that are buried in our hearts and past, which prevent growth and life from springing up.
Peter is using a Lamp as a metaphor for God's words which are in fact prophetic and illuminate our way, until Christ returns, at which time the substance, being Christ himself will replace every lamp, light and luminary in this dark world, for he himself is the light of the world from the beginning of time.
I like to start here in the beginning the place where we always forget to start. And I like to see God as the One who made all the beauty around me. And just sit there for a while.
My Faith Place 