My sermon for Palm Sunday, Year A. The Liturgy of the Palms Matthew 21:1-11 Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 The Liturgy of the Word Isaiah 50:4-9a Philippians 2:5-11 Matthew 26:14- 27:66 or Matthew 27-11-54 Psalm 31:9-16 In the unlikely event that you have just returned from a two-year expedition into the canyons […]
Devotional
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Two days ago I discussed, from a devotional perspective, Ruth’s decision to follow Naomi and I commented that I think it is reasonable to question whether the author is presenting a “conversion” to Israel’s God or Ruth’s faithfulness to Naomi, that in its historical context would have included accepting the […]
For the Fifth Sunday in Lent: Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there […]
Ruth 1.15 So [Naomi] said, “See, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law.” 16 But Ruth said,“Do not press me to leave youor to turn back from following you!Where you go, I will go;Where you lodge, I will lodge;your people shall […]
14 Pursue peace with everyone, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble, and through it many become defiled. (Heb. 12:14-15) After encouraging […]
4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as children— “My child, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, or lose heart when you are punished by him; […]
Heb. 12.1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of […]
John posted a thought provoking comment on my previous post regarding Heb. 11 and the conception of faith as inspiring works and deeds (or being evidenced by such works and deeds). As I was replying I realized it might be best to put this in a post instead. First, let’s […]
1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. (Heb. 11:1-2) The title does not, of course, refer to the song by George Michael, I will allow someone else to exegete that text. Instead it refers […]
1 Therefore let us go on toward perfection, leaving behind the basic teaching about Christ, and not laying again the foundation: repentance from dead works and faith toward God, 2 instruction about baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. (Heb. 6:1-2) The Episcopal church is […]