Parables – Apprentice 2 Jesus

The narrow door

The entrance to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem is interesting. Everyone has to enter through a very small door. Once in, you come into this massive worship space.

The shallow soil of the American church

The church in America simply is not a soil capable of growing deep roots.

The serious problem of the “good” Samaritan

The parable of the Samaritan in Luke 10 isn’t about figuring out who is “qualified” to help. It is about a radical love for God and others that is so deep, the first inclination is to help. It’s risky. It’s dangerous. It puts us in hard situations. And through all of it we find theContinue reading “The serious problem of the “good” Samaritan”

The “soil” of the American Church

The church in America simply is not a soil capable of growing deep roots.

The curse of abundance

When we allow the deceitfulness of riches to distract us, we create something that looks good but isn’t bearing fruit. We need fruit in the American Church.

The bus and the kingdom of God

I ride the bus a lot and the other day was reminded once again of what is possible in the Kingdom of God. Things don’t always run on time. And you take a little extra time to help people who need the extra time to get on board.

Greed isn’t about being rich

Then Jesus said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourself against all kinds of greed. After all, one’s life isn’t determined by one’s possessions, even when someone is very wealthy.” (Luke 12:15) If we could easily identify “greed” as just a dollar amount, it would be so much easier. We often try to put a dollar amount on greed…Continue reading “Greed isn’t about being rich”

Sheep and Goats

Tackling the parable of the sheep and the goats hasn’t been easy. I still don’t have this one working very well in my mind. Yet, when I think of this passage with “the least of these” being Jesus’ disciples (the Sent Ones), I reflect on those who have gone before. I think of those whoContinue reading “Sheep and Goats”

The Parable of the Sower

This week I begin prep for next Sunday’s message on Parables in Matthew 13. I love Matthew 13 because it gives the opportunity to reflect on the use of parables in the ministry of Jesus. The biggest section is the parable of the sower. It is not the very top of my list for favoritesContinue reading “The Parable of the Sower”

The Calling of God and the Call of Distractions

Luke 10 tells three distinct stories, all of which combine for great reminders of ministry. Years ago I remember a minister talking about how he wanted to live in the spirit of Luke 10. The first story is the sending out of the 72. It’s about the call. Ministers called of God can relate. ThereContinue reading “The Calling of God and the Call of Distractions”