Proclaiming What?

What is the good news Jesus proclaims?

by Russell Rathbun

Gospel Reading: Mark 1:14-20

For Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012: Epiphany 3

I have spent a lot of time with Mark.

Its absence of a birth narrative,...

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Cosmic Crossing

By placing the opening scene of his book at the Jordan River, who is Mark’s author alluding to?

by Russell Rathbun

Gospel Reading: Mark 1:4-11

For Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012: Year B—Baptism of Our Lord

...

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Writing the Back Story

In what ways are the writings of an ancient people and their perception of God relevant to us?

by Russell Rathbun

Old Testament Reading: Genesis 1:1-5

For Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012: Year B—Baptism of Our...

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The Word Before the Baby Jesus

Why does Word that is God nearly completely disappear from the rest of the scriptures?

by Russell Rathbun

Gospel Reading: John 1:1-14

For Sunday, Dec. 25 , 2011: Year B—Christmas Day

Abandon the...

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No Kings (or heirs to the throne)

Isn’t the narrative of a venerable God enough?

by Russell Rathbun

Epistle Reading:  Hebrews 1:1-4

For Sunday, Dec. 25 , 2011: Year B—Christmas Day

The first four verses of Hebrews, tells of the...

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Repurposing the Promise of Release

How long can we continue to push God’s promise of justice into the future? 

by Russell Rathbun

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11

For Sunday, Dec. 11 , 2011: Year B—Advent 3

Jesus quotes...

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Delegitimizing the Witness

Why doesn’t he point out Jesus, who is standing among them?

by Russell Rathbun

Gospel Reading:  John 1:6-28

For Sunday, Dec. 11 , 2011: Year B—Advent 3

John 1 is always a lot of fun for an exegete....

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Christmas, Apocalypse, Rebels and Bell Choirs

How are we to interrupt this call to follow Jesus from our place of privilege?

by Russell Rathbun

Gospel Reading:  Mark 13:24-37

For Sunday, Nov. 27 , 2011: Year B—Advent 1

The Legions are forming on...

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Begging for God’s Presence

How long are we supposed to wait for God to show God’s face around here again?

by Russell Rathbun

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 64:1-9

For Sunday, Nov. 27 , 2011: Year B—Advent 1

The Second Advent...

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“A, B, C, as easy as 1, 2, 3...”

Does the King God in the sky rain down blessings if we ask long enough?

by Russell Rathbun

Psalm Reading: Psalm 123

For Sunday, Nov. 13 , 2011: Year A—Ordinary 33

I like early Jackson 5 as much as...

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