The Burden of Context

Are there some texts that are so divorced from our context that they should not be preached?

by Russell Rathbun

Epistle Reading: 1 Thessalonians 2:9-20

For Sunday, Oct.30 , 2011: Year A—Ordinary 31

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In new testament, russell rathbun, Featured, 1 Thessalonians, context, YearA

The Yoke of the Law

What burden is it that the Pharisees refuse to lift a finger to move?

by Russell Rathbun

Gospel Reading: Matthew 23:1-12

For Sunday, Oct.30 , 2011: Year A—Ordinary 31

Things are about to get ugly,...

In new testament, russell rathbun, Pharisees, kingdom, burden, Featured, power, woe, YearA, Matthew

Shutting Down the Smart Kids?

Jesus' intellectual smackdown.

by Danielle Shroyer

Gospel Reading: Matthew 22:34-46

For Sunday, October 23, 2011:  Year A—Ordinary 30

Jesus is the master of responding to questions with another...

In faith, new testament, Pharisees, Columbo, riddle, question, Trinity, Featured, Danielle Shroyer, trick, YearA, logic, Sadducees, Matthew

The Empire Cannot Love You

What belongs to Caesar?

by Russell Rathbun

Gospel Reading: Matthew 22:15-22

For Sunday, Oct.16 , 2011: Year A—Ordinary 29

In the first chapter of Genesis, the Torah teaches that God made Adam, and...

In new testament, russell rathbun, love, consume, Featured, creation reconcile, YearA, pledge, Matthew, empire, coin

Murder and Mayhem

Giving up the whole God-is-a-bastard thing.

By Debbie Blue

Gospel Reading: Matthew 22: 1-14

For Sunday, October 9, 2011: Year A—Ordinary 28

This parable is scary and violent. The king is petty,...

In new testament, Kings, resistance, evil, Debbie Blue, Featured, Boycott, Brutal, parable, party, YearA, Matthew, Bastards

What Good Does This Parable Do?

Where do we find the Good News here?

 by Russell Rathbun

Gospel Reading: Matthew 21:33-46

For Sunday, October 2, 2011: Year A-Ordinary 27

Matthew is on a rampage, or Matthew’s Jesus is on a rampage....

In new testament, russell rathbun, Jesus, Featured, judgment, parable, YearA, Matthew

Glorifying Suffering?

The dark side of preaching the cross of Christ.

by Carol Howard Merritt

Epistle Reading: Philippians 2:1-13

For Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011: Year A−Ordinary 26

I have a friend whose life was shattered by...

In new testament, Solidarity, suffering, cross, Featured, kenosis, Philippians, oppression, YearA, carol howard merritt

Who Gives Us the Authority?

The question of power echoes throughout history.

 by Carol Howard Merritt

Gospel Reading: Matthew 21:23-32

For Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011: Year A−Ordinary 26

As a high school senior, I attended a large,...

In new testament, empowerment, authority, discernment, Ordination, Featured, power, YearA, Matthew, carol howard merritt

That’s Not Fair!

Does Jesus want to undermine Capitalism?

by Russell Rathbun

Gospel Reading: Matthew 20:1-16

For Sunday, Sept. 18 , 2011: Year A—Ordinary 25

There are a lot of gaps in this text, blanks in the...

In new testament, russell rathbun, capitalism, society, kingdom of heaven, labor, kingdom, economy, vineyard, Featured, fair, YearA, Matthew, just

Kinda Dark in There

 There are so many disturbing questions to choose from.

by Nadia Bolz-Weber

Gospel Reading: Matthew 18:21-35

For Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011 Year A—Ordinary 24

Let’s be honest. The hardest thing about...

In new testament, kingdom of heaven, forgiveness, nadia bolz-weber, September 11, Featured, king, seventy-seven, YearA, seven, Matthew, 9/11, forgive