Posts with the category “pentecost-2025”

If you think about it, the disciples went out to proclaim the kingdom of God and heal the sick, demonstrating the reality of God’s power and love. I mean - c'mon - they could heal the sick. We'd have a cult following if we tried that out. But that was/is not the point.  Read More

In America, we have difficulty with the customs of other nations, such as when they are mandated by cultural laws to take care of a complete stranger. In the story today, it is important to understand that Hospitality was a cornerstone of Jewish culture.  Read More

In today’s world, where self-sufficiency and preparation are highly valued, the idea of relying entirely on God can feel foreign. Yet, the call to trust Him remains the same.  Read More

Every journey begins with a call. For the disciples, Jesus’ words to go and proclaim the kingdom of God were both an invitation and a challenge. They were being sent out with authority and power, yet without material preparation, to trust entirely in God’s provision and guidance.  Read More

In first-century Jewish thought, faith wasn’t just about belief; it was about action. To have faith in someone meant to trust them enough to act on their words. For the disciples, Jesus’ question wasn’t an accusation—it was an invitation to grow.  Read More

Do you believe in the power of God’s Word? Sometimes, we treat Scripture like a nice suggestion rather than the living, breathing Word of God. But the same voice that calmed the storm is the same voice that speaks into our lives today.  Read More

How often do we hesitate to cry out to God because we think we need to have it all together? Modern culture prizes self-reliance, but faith invites us to admit our need for help. The disciples’ cry wasn’t polished or eloquent—it was raw, messy, and   Read More

Sometimes, God “sleeps” in the storm—not because He’s unaware, but because He wants us to learn to trust Him. Today’s culture is obsessed with control; we want solutions, answers, and guarantees. But faith means believing that God is present, even when we can’t see Him working.   Read More

By asking His Jewish disciples to cross to the Gentile side, Jesus was challenging their cultural and religious boundaries. The command wasn’t just about crossing water; it was about crossing the invisible barriers of prejudice, fear, and comfort.  Read More

No matter where you are in the story, God never stops sowing His Word, patiently working to help you grow.  Read More

The beauty of this parable is that it offers hope. No matter how long the lamp has been hidden, it can always be placed back on the stand. God is ready to replenish your oil, reignite the flame, and use you to bring His light into the world.  Read More

Parables are not straightforward explanations—they’re subversive stories. According to scholars like John Dominic Crossan, parables are designed to disrupt conventional thinking. They aren’t meant to reinforce the status quo; instead, they challenge deeply held assumptions, flipping the listener’s worldview upside down.  Read More

What does it mean to break up unplowed ground? It means confronting the hardened, neglected, or overgrown areas of our lives—the parts of us that resist God’s work. It’s not easy, but it’s necessary if we want to experience the fullness of His love and truth.  Read More

First-century Judea wasn’t an easy place to live, especially if you were a woman. Society was deeply patriarchal, meaning men held most of the power—in politics, religion, and the home. Women were largely confined to domestic roles and had little public influence.  Read More

As we journey through the text, let’s ask ourselves: What does it mean to drink deeply of the living water Jesus offers? And the blog readers all say .... "What's That?"  Read More

Luke jumps right into this story - a grieving widow, a lifeless son, and a crowd mourning the loss. Into this moment of despair guess who walks in... (the right answer is always Jesus). Yup, in walks Jesus, who sees the pain, speaks life, and restores hope.  Read More

The story this week should make us stop in our tracks. Why? Because it made Jesus stop in His. Yes, you read that right.  Read More

God’s desire is clear: for us to be a missional people, living out His purpose in the world. The real question is whether we, as a church, are ready to embrace that calling fully.  Read More