Scripture: Luke 13:6-9 Topic: In the vineyard was a tree which bore no fruit. This parable is an allegory with God being the man looking for fruit and wanting to cut down the tree and Jesus being the gardener wanting nurture. All leads to the conclusion that in our faith and discipleship we need to bearing fruit with Jesus’ help.
Scripture: Genesis 3:1-13 Topic: The story about Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden is the original lost innocence story. And while we marvel at their lack of self-control to temptation, are we really any better?
Scripture: Matthew 17:1-9 and Exodus 24:12-18 Topic: On this Transfiguration Sunday we have this story of Jesus, Moses, and Elijah being “seen” by Peter. Peter’s response to this extraordinary witness is to offer to build three dwellings. Why would he do such a thing? How do we try to deal with the unexplainable?
Scripture: Matthew 5:21-37 Topic: In this passage from the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addresses issues that were everyday issues for his culture. He basically teaches that to live a righteous life you don’t have to follow what “you have heard” but can choose to be different.
Scripture: Micah 6:1-8 and Matthew 5:1-12 Topic: When you think about it, we are surrounded by expectations. We have expectations of others, we have expectations for ourselves, and we have expectations cast upon us by others. Today we hear that God also has expectations of us.