23 But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me, for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things. Matthew 16:23 NRSVUE The above verse comes from a story in which Peter, in a flash of fear, tries to stop Jesus …
Category: Matthew
Jan 12
Where Does God Dwell?
John 2:13–25, 1 Corinthians 3:16–17, Matthew 15:18–20 This week’s scriptures invite us into a profound and searching question: Where does God dwell? For generations, people looked to temples, sanctuaries, and sacred spaces to locate the presence of the Holy. But our readings challenge us to look closer—much closer. In John’s Gospel, Jesus enters the Jerusalem temple …
Oct 09
You Don’t Apply to be a Prophet
1 Sam 3:1-14 In the opening of 1 Samuel, God is doing a new thing. Until this time the people of Israel were led by judges. Men and Women that could discern God’s will in a specific situation that usually provided deliverance from the enemies. The judges spoke condemnation to the enemies of Israel. Samuel …
Nov 08
When God is too Gracious
Jonah 3 This is the third sermon dealing with God’s acceptance of those beyond Israel. Human conflict is often fueled by a fear of “the other.” And it was easy for the ancient Israelites to assume that God approved only of them. Yet, over and over again, God breaks the barriers down that keep God’s …
