Jesus’ protest in the temple got him killed. In these chapters we see him as the powerful Messiah, coming into the seat of power triumphant yet humble and then standing up to corruption in the holiest most powerful institution of his day. These powerful actions drive home Jesus’ teachings that we should align our principles… Continue Reading
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Most of our stories have to do with relationships, usually relationships that end “happily ever after”. In reality, marriage is much more complicated! This episode explores the idea, ideal, and history of marriage, as well as what makes a good marriage on earth as it is in heaven. And yes, I have a compelling answer… Continue Reading
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In these chapters we have shepherds going to rescue the lost sheep, and a Priest and Levite who avoid the potentially dead man. In John, Jesus declares himself the water of life, the light of the world, and the Good Shepherd. Taken together, Jesus’ teachings challenge our insider/outsider tribal thinking. Class Reading: Matthew 18; Luke… Continue Reading
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In this bonus episode I read Carol Lynn Pearson’s Easter short story, “Holy Week”. I hope you find it as moving as I did. http://carollynnpearson.com/short-writings The return address said “Your Friend Jesus.” I’d never heard from him this directly before, and my hand shook as I opened the envelope. You are invited to join me… Continue Reading
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The idea that we humans are “enemies to God” is disturbing, but the deeper and equally troubling truth is that we are mostly just disappointing. Paradoxically, it is by fully acknowledging our humanness that we redeem it through humble orientation toward grace, God, and goodness. You can access the text of my talk here (or… Continue Reading
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I think the most significant thing about Holy Week is that it fosters a holistic approach to Easter. It is not cheap celebration; it is full priced, high cost joy. It does not just celebrate life. It celebrates new, glorious, unexpected life after the agony of disappointment, betrayal, loss, rejection, and the death of everything… Continue Reading
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What would we think of ourselves transfigured? Are we prepared for the effort and pain that experiencing our better selves would require? These chapters teach us about cooperating with those who have common goals, transformation, and ask the provocative question: What are we purchasing with the currency of our soul? This episode follows the Come… Continue Reading
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Jesus teaches that greater than the miracle of feeding the multitudes or even healing the body is feeding and healing the soul. And one key to feeding the soul is to nurture our personal relationship with the Bread of Life. Reading: Mark 6-7; Matthew 14-15; John 5-6 You can access my Lesson Notes here (or… Continue Reading
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Jesus teaches about priorities and virtuous and vicious cycles. In other words, if we make good use of what we have we will gain more; if we make poor use of what we have we will lose “even what we seem to have” (Luke 8:18). Once again, Jesus clearly emphasizes that we must pay attention… Continue Reading
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Jesus told the apostles to preach that the kingdom of God was near… and then make that happen with their deeds. And as always, Jesus warns that we must live the word rather than merely think ourselves righteous. Reading: Mark 2, 8; Matthew 10-12; Luke 7, 11. You can access my Lesson Notes here.
Engaging Gospel Doctrine 