How long, O Lord? -Psalm 13:1 The Psalmist in Psalm 13, repeatedly cries out, “How long…?” Our patience and God’s time rarely coincide. When it comes to personal tragedy, time is always at a premium. In Mark’s Gospel time is noted for us in times of tragedy or trial. This keeps …
Tag: First Congregational Church
Jan 18
Spiritual Attention
Mark 4:1-20 We often make our spiritual lives more complicated than they need to be. It goes back to the time where the sisters Mary and Martha were hosting Jesus in their home. Martha was in a flurry and bothered by all that needed to be done, but Mary was at the feet of Jesus …
Jan 11
How to Stop the Legalist
When I was younger, we had a saying about our “Christian standards,” that I don’t drink, don’t smoke, don’t chew, and don’t go out with girls that do! Though it was a joking way to say it, it did also reinforce something we discussed in Pub Theology last Monday. We talked about “legalism.” Most of …
Jan 04
The Gospel of Mark, Demon Possession and Today
One thing that stands out in the earlier chapters of Mark is what is called “demon possession.” Many commentators shrink back at this term. They know the history of the mentally ill being called demon-possessed. They also know the excess in some parts of the church about exorcisms, coupled with the entertainment industry’s over-the-top use …
