Lent
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As a Pentecostal, I am encouraged by hearing about more and more Pentecostals/Charismatics who actually observe Lent in some way. I also understand there are vast numbers who still don’t observe. More problematic to me, however, are those who almost laugh off Lent and especially Good Friday. They claim some superiority of spirituality by saying… Read more
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Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday. Our church will remember this event for the first time. It’s my first time overseeing this type of service. It is time for Lent. It is time for preparing our hearts and lives. 23 Examine me, God! Look at my heart! Put me to the test! Know my anxious thoughts! 24 Look to… Read more
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17 That evening, Jesus arrived with the Twelve. 18 During the meal, Jesus said, “I assure you that one of you will betray me—someone eating with me.” 19 Deeply saddened, they asked him, one by one, “It’s not me, is it?” (Mark 14:17-19, CEB) Jesus prepares this meal on this night among chaos. He prepares a meal in love knowing… Read more
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No better time than tax season to have a story on taxes from Mark 12. And it’s always a great question in our culture. Just bring up TAXES and see what kind of response we get! 13 They sent some of the Pharisees and supporters of Herod to trap him in his words. 14They came to him… Read more
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Yesterday the news was all over the internet in what I consider “main sources.” It was the first thing you saw when the news page would come up. When newspapers were actually printed, it would be called “above the fold.” It was front and center. I thought there was yet another shooting at yet another… Read more
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Mark 12 gives a contrast in true greatness. There is the greatness we aspire to (even if we may not admit it at times). For the Jews in that day there was an admiration for the religious leaders. They had places of position. They had esteem. They looked smart. But all that glitters is not gold.… Read more
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7 Mighty gates: lift up your heads! Ancient doors: rise up high! So the glorious king can enter! 8 Who is this glorious king? The LORD—strong and powerful! The LORD—powerful in battle! 9 Mighty gates: lift up your heads! Ancient doors: rise up high! So the glorious king can enter! 10 Who is this glorious king? The LORD of… Read more
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This Sunday is Palm Sunday. The journey into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday was one of high expectation. Everyone had their view of what Jesus’ coming meant. That entry had implications for everyone… yet not in a way any of them expected. 8 Many people spread out their clothes on the road while others spread branches cut from… Read more
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15 They came into Jerusalem. After entering the temple, he threw out those who were selling and buying there. He pushed over the tables used for currency exchange and the chairs of those who sold doves. 16 He didn’t allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. 17 He taught them, “Hasn’t it been written, My house will be called a house… Read more
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This coming Sunday is Palm Sunday. We celebrate the entrance of Christ into Jerusalem. It is remembering his triumphal entry, then entering a week of reflection as we head toward the Cross. The expectation when Jesus entered Jerusalem was probably enormous. There was a lot of talk and a lot of hope. But when Jesus… Read more
Apprentice 2 Jesus 