“So then it was not you who sent me here, but God.” – Gen. 45:8
We can’t see the whole picture until we have all the pieces and discern how they fit together. My dad loves doing puzzles, and occasionally the urge reaches through my genetics and grabs me, too. Then we break out a puzzle, reveal the pieces, create the border, and fill in the middle. But some puzzles don’t show you the whole picture – you have to put it together blindly until the picture is revealed. Read more
The bible is filled with these “little gems” like today’s reading. But that’s one of the things I love about the bible; it doesn’t try to put a pretty face on our history (as God’s people, this is OUR history!) In fact, it seems to relish in revealing the ugly side of characters, from Cain’s murderous anger to Noah’s drunkenness to Abraham’s lies to Jacob’s shiftiness to Joseph’s arrogance. And that allows me to identify so much better with these people than if they were spotless ideals. Read more
Welcome to the Pastor’s blog. Check back here often for comments on our Bible In A Year readings.
As we enter the new year together, it’s Time to Grow! As disciples, as a church, and as the Kingdom of God, we are called to grow again and again. How do we grow deeper in our relationship with God? How do we grow stronger as a church body? How do we grow wider in our impact on our community? Our Winter preaching series will look at these and other questions of growth by looking at Jesus’ parables in the gospels. So whether it is fig trees or wheat stalks, lost sons or talented workers, the Bible tells us, “It’s Time to Grow!”
Sunday, January 4
Time to Grow, “Parable of the Mustard Seed”
Mark 4:26-34
Sunday, January 11
How Do We Grow?, “Parable of the 10 Bridesmaids”
Matthew 25:1-13
Sunday, January 18
How Do We Grow Together?, “Parable of the Wheat and Weeds”
Matthew 13:24-43
Sunday, January 25
How Do I Grow?, “Parable of the Fig Tree and Fruit”
Luke 12:6-9
Guest Preacher: Paul Couleur
This year, we have been challenged to read the bible through from cover to cover together. We’re using the chronological reading plan, meaning that we will read the passages as they happen in time. This means that while we are reading about the prophets stories, we will also be reading their writings. Putting the stories in their historical context gives a slightly different view of the bible Story. Read more