living ⁽¹³³⁾

Isaiah 1:10–18, Psalm 50, Romans 5:20–6:11 The problem with the Law was the human ability to think out the payment schedule, particularly the wealthy. What the wealthy did, it seems, was to commit the sin, then pay the penalty. In other words, the payment for…

Ezekiel 47:1–12, 2 Corinthians 3:17–4:1, Matthew 28:16–20 This image of the River of Life spreading out into the world provides us something to reflect upon. The further the river gets from the presence of God, the wider and deeper it gets. Eventually, it takes the…

Luke 23:50–24:12, John 19:38–42, Matthew 10:32–33 Joseph of Arimathea is described differently by Luke and John. Luke describes him as good, righteous, and looking forward to the kingdom of God. John describes him as a secret disciple of Jesus. On the surface, these appear to…

1 Timothy 4:6–16, Colossians 2:1–23 myth: usually a traditional story of ostensibly historical events that serves to unfold part of the world view of a people or explain a practice, belief, or natural phenomenon. Myths are powerful. Often the struggle of myths is their competition…

Psalm 127, Matthew 25:14–30, Luke 22:35–38 The question is often asked, “when you get to Heaven, what do you want to hear?” The common answer is, “well done, good and faithful servant.” It is a feel-good statement. Truthfully, we would all like to hear that…