A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then [Jesus] called his disciples and said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance,…
For we hold that a person is justified by faith apart from works prescribed by the law. Romans 3:28 These words from Paul’s Letter to the Romans were the rallying cry of Martin Luther and his fellow reformers 500 years ago. They fought for these words, and in some cases died for them. With these…
Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son. Hebrews 1:1-2 God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways. And I believe that God still does – God still speaks to us, and in…
War broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels fought against the dragon. The dragon and his angels fought back, but they were defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. Revelation 12:7-8 A war broke out in heaven, we are told in today’s passage from Revelation. The archangel, Michael, and…
Looking up to heaven, [Jesus] sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” 35 And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. Mark 7:34-35 This Sunday’s gospel reading (Mark 7:24-37) offers us two well-known miracle stories. And I want to look at them in the reverse order, starting…
The Pharisees and the scribes asked [Jesus], “Why do your disciples not live according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?” Mark 7:5 I am sure that we have all been told to wash our hands before coming to dinner. Maybe we were even taught to sing “Happy Birthday” while washing…
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power; put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6:10-11 This is the last in my sermon series on Paul's letter to the Ephesians. I have been looking at…
Be careful, then, how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16 Live wisely, Paul reminds us in this passage from Ephesians. In challenging times – and aren’t all times challenging? – it is important to make the most of the…
Be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us. Ephesians 5:1 What a challenging statement from Paul! “Be imitators of God, as beloved children.” But also a great reminder of the good news of the gospel. We are God’s beloved children, loved by…
I, therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called. Ephesians 4:1 Today, as I continue my sermon series on Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians, my focus turns to Chapter 4, and especially to its opening words, quoted above. That is…
My Pastoral Ponderings 