Surprised by Salvation

Surprised by Salvation

Matthew 1 (NRSVue) 18 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be pregnant from the Holy Spirit. 19 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and...
What Are We Waiting For?

What Are We Waiting For?

Matthew 11 (NRSVue) 2 When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples 3 and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” 4 Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind...
Preparations for Peace

Preparations for Peace

Matthew 3 (NRSVue) 1 In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, 2 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” 3 This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, “The voice of one crying out in the...
The Flavor of Worship

The Flavor of Worship

John 4 (NRSVue) 19 The woman said to him, “Sir, I see that you are a prophet. 20 Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you say that the place where people must worship is in Jerusalem.” 21 Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when you will...
Can You Feel It?

Can You Feel It?

Isaiah 43 (NRSVue) 19 I am about to do a new thing;     now it springs forth; do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness     and rivers in the desert. We must not lose our capacity for hope. Here are some questions for discussion: 1. Isaiah 43:19...