​Reflection10.13.20 Read, again: Matthew 6:19-34 I have a friend who named his real estate development and property management business the ‘633 Group.’  Although not part of his company’s public branding, if asked he will tell anyone that the name is derived from Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to […]

10.08.20Preparation Read: Matthew 6:19-34I remember, at the turn of the new year this past January, a certain televangelist touted 2020 as the “Year of New Vision.” 20/20 vision . . . get it?He clearly did not envision this. A few months into the pandemic this meme circulated: “Turns out nobody had 2020 vision.”In this part […]

ReflectionRead, again: Matthew 6:1-18​We sense Jesus’ disdain for “theatrical righteousness” (Dale Bruner) or the “pious performances” (that’s my description) of the religious leaders of his day. Their giving, praying and fasting were all designed to impress others; none of it impressed God. Jesus wants his followers to “keep it real,” to be authentic. I’m sure […]

PreparationRead: Psalms 120 and 130 (Matthew 6:1-18)We are not better than this. This is who we are. I’m writing on the day after the first Presidential Debate. It really doesn’t matter who you support in the upcoming election . . . this is a ‘none-of-the-above’ kind of day. The most charitable critics called the debate […]

ReflectionRead, again: Matthew 5:20-48 In Sunday’s message, I suggested (as noted by the brilliant commentator, Frederick Dale Bruner) that this part of the Sermon on the Mount is framed by six salt-and-light, surpassing–righteousness New Commands from Jesus. Each of the six follows a three-part formula: 1) “You have heard that it was said . . […]

PreparationRead: Matthew 5:20-48 This longish section of the Sermon on the Mount begins with a summons to a righteousness that surpasses that of the serious and saintly religious leaders (5:20) and concludes with a call to “be perfect . . . as your heavenly Father is perfect” (5:48).   Clearly, we’re going to need help with […]

Reflection Read, again: Matthew 5:13-20Out of the Saltshaker and Into the World is the title of a book by Rebecca Manley Pippert, first published in 1979 and re-released in 1999.  The book’s premise can be found in it’s title: In order to do our savory gospel task, we Christians need to get out of the church (both the […]

PreparationRead: Matthew 5:13-20 My children used to groan dramatically when I tried to be hip and use street slang. Now my grandchildren have joined them.  But I still think I can hang with them.  Do you know what it means when someone is described as being “pretty salty” …as in, “Better stay out of her […]

Tuesday, September 15, 2020Reflection Read, again: Matthew 5:1-12 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”  (Mt. 5:2)“Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.”  (Lk. 6:20) We must be careful not to romanticize poverty.  Have you ever heard an very-upper-middle class Christian friend returning […]

Thursday, September 10, 2020​Preparation Read: Matthew 5:1-12 Six months after COVID-19 completely changed the way we lived, we now know who the real heroes are.   We have been getting along quite well without those star athletes and glittery entertainers who so often are the objects of our hero worship! The real heroes through this pandemic have […]