There is a tendency for Christians to think that the church in Acts was the model for all churches. There are some things to imitate. The generosity of the church where everyone sold what they possessed, and no one went without. The church devotes itself to prayer for the release of Peter from prison. The …
Tag: First Congregational Church
Apr 21
How Inclusive is God?
Acts 10-11 When God gives a vision, everyone gets uncomfortable.This Sunday’s text is the account of the conversion of Cornelius. It is such a significant event that it takes up a large portion of the book. The central person is Peter and how he has to come to terms with God’s vision. Peter has been taught …
Apr 13
The Never Ending Story
Matthew 28:16-20 When we come to the end of most stories we hear a “The End.” Matthew makes sure you realize that this is not the end. It is the last few verses of his Gospel, but the story, the work of Christ, and Christ’s interaction with people does not end with the Gospel. Matthew makes sure we …
Apr 08
Is the Tomb that important?
Matthew 28:1-10 As I look at Matthew’s recounting of the story of Resurrection morning, I am interested in the references to place. The women—the two Mary’s—came to the tomb where they had laid Jesus. As they approached, there was an earthquake seemingly caused by an angel that also rolled back the stone that covered …
