Tag: church
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Gōdspel
Psalm 135; Daniel 6:1–28; 1 John 2:12–17 If all things were equal, it should be very easy to tell people about Jesus, and what Jesus did for them even when they opposed God (Romans 5:6–8). However, in the Western world, and especially in the US/Canada region, it has become difficult for a myriad of reasons.…
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How Far Do We Go
Psalm 135; Daniel 3:1–30; 1 John 2:3–11 The fiery furnace story with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Hebrew names: Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah) is one of those ever-present Sunday School stories. It is a great story of faith, trust, and most importantly…love. Love. Yes. Faith and trust really only go so far, especially when it comes…
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Community Essentials
Psalm 133; John 20:19–31; Acts 4:32–35; 1 John 1:1–2:2 Security is a very important thing. In many respects, a number of the high-profile political arguments are over what exactly is security. Differing opinions of what includes security and the perception of who is responsible for such security can really create the potential for discord. The…
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The New Communal
Psalm 133; Daniel 1:1–21; Acts 2:42–47 Most of us have at least one food dislike. I read this story of Daniel and I’m not sure how I would do living with Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Only vegetables? Eventually, I suppose, I would get accustomed to it, but…just ew. Vegetables. At this point in my…
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God’s Earthly Love
Psalm 118:1–2, 14–24; Song of Solomon 3:1–11 If there ever was a book of the Bible that was inappropriate for younger audiences it would be the Song of Solomon (or the Song of Songs). In some traditions, the Song of Solomon is not permitted to be read until adulthood. That should tell you something, indeed.…
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Can’t Wait to Wait
Job 14:1–14; Lamentations 3:1–9, 19–24; Psalm 31:1–4, 15–16 “Jesus, 33, son of Joseph and Mary, was crucified and died yesterday. Survived by mother Mary. Wandering prophet who proclaimed the Kingdom of God was near. Performed miracles. Challenged the status quo. Caused the leaders heartache.” Even in our days, dying in one’s 30s is sad, but…
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In the Shadows of Triumph
Isaiah 42:1–9; Psalm 36:5–11; Hebrews 9:11–15; John 12:1–11 Yesterday, we celebrated Palm Sunday. The Messiah, no, the King, no, God (!) entered Jerusalem! At churches around the world, children paraded waving palm branches. The triumphant entry is a big thing! I remember being part of a multi-church parade on Palm Sunday. We walked from one…