Recent sermonsIf you hear a news story and they mention a “Good Samaritan”, everybody knows what they mean. This is just one of the many biblical words and phrases that have passed into our common language. Studies show that fewer and fewer people actually know the story of the Good Samaritan or the Prodigal Son, but certainly many more are familiar with them than other teaching of Jesus. People, after all, do like stories From childhood to old age people are far more likely to say “Tell me a story” than “Teach me some doctrine”. So Jesus told stories. Stories that taught doctrine and ethics and revealed sin and grace.
The section of Matthew’s Gospel we are moving into now is a section often referred to as “Parables of the Kingdom”. We often pray, “Thy Kingdom come”. But, what do we mean by that? What is God’s Kingdom? Jesus explains it by telling some stories. The first one starts, “The sower went out to sow…”. We’ll explore that one together this week.
For the last several Sunday evenings we have been observing the tense, damaged relationship of Paul and the Corinthians. This week we continue listening in as he explains why he changed his plans, but are really hearing him trying to make corrections in their thinking and behavior while at the same time working not to cause further damage their relationship. Surely only grace can find that delicate balance. We’ll see if we can glean some tips from Paul as we pray for grace from God.
I took my mother to see the New Hope building yesterday. She was having trouble imagining where it was. She said she was sure she could tell others how to get there now. Not bad for a woman with advanced macular degeneration. Hope you all can see your way clear to join us there as we worship our wonderful Savior.
Jack
