Let’s All Get Left Behind

by Danielle Shroyer

Gospel Reading: Matthew 24:36-44

For Sunday, December 1, 2013:  Year A—Advent 1 

When I was a teenager, I saw this video from the 1970’s that depicted the “rapture.” It had all of...

In Advent, new testament, rapture, left behind, Danielle Shroyer, YearA, eschatology, Matthew

Bad Dad?

Is our "fear of the Lord" more philosophical, or more guttural?

by Mike Stavlund

Psalm Reading: Psalm 95:1-7a; Psalm 100

For Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011: Year A—Christ the King Sunday

Like most Psalms,...

In anger, Mike Stavlund, Old Testament, Father, Psalms, shepherd, Featured, fear, YearA, joy

Drawing Lines Between // "The Other"

Is our tendency toward selfishness and judgment by nature, or by design?

by Mike Stavlund

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 25:31-46

For Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011: Year A—Christ the King Sunday

This passage...

In new testament, sheep goats, Mike Stavlund, Featured, eternal, judgment, surprise, YearA, other, throne, Matthew

“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...

In prayer, russell rathbun, Old Testament, Psalms, mercy, Featured, king, YearA, sing

Reading the Text Abundantly or Protectively

What is the difference?

by Russell Rathbun

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 25:14-30

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

Jesus never comes right out and says “The Kingdom of Heaven is…” He says...

In new testament, russell rathbun, kingdom of heaven, kingdom, money, law, torah, talents, Featured, YearA, Kingdom of God, Matthew

The Parable of Five Catty, Hard-Hearted, Virgins?

We’re supposed to be thinking about the bridegroom.

by Lauren F. Winner

Gospel Reading: Matthew 25:1-13

For Sunday, November 6, 2011: Year A - Ordinary 32

If my biblical commentaries are any guide, I...

In new testament, Featured, YearA, Matthew

Thessalonian Comfort

Do Paul’s words still solace today?

by Lauren F. Winner

Epistle Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

For Sunday, November 6, 2011: Year A - Ordinary 32

Someone in the Thessalonian community died before...

In Grief, new testament, Comfort, Lauren Winner, Featured, 1 Thessalonians, death, YearA, Paul, consolation

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

...

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