The high and mighty of this world see no need for angels. After all, they have the money to hire their own protection. They can rely on their own, and what they can buy, to save and protect them. Why rely on what you aren’t sure of or what you can’t see or confirm? Walking […]
Exodus, Lesson 11: God Begins Formalizing His [Old] Covenant with His People
September 28, 2013 by
Last week, through Aaron and Hur holding up Moses’ arms and Jethro telling Moses that he couldn’t do everything, we learned that Moses needed assistants to help him. We now find the Israelites at Mt. Sinai where God is going to speak to Moses, and through him, to the Israelites. God speaks to Moses […]
Hosea, Lesson 2: 2:2-4:8
September 25, 2013 by
Last week, Hosea criticized Israel (the 10 northern tribes) because they had abandoned Yahweh, the true God. He smacked them with God’s Law and said they were no longer the people of God. But then, applying the Gospel Word, He wrote that God planted (“jezreeled”) those who are His. Hosea now continues to bring God’s […]
Luke 14:1-11: Is is Lawful to Heal on the Sabbath or not?
September 23, 2013 by
“Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?” Jesus asked a simple question in a simple, straightforward way. Jesus wasn’t using tricky language or imagery. “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?” Was it “yes” or was it “no”? The Pharisees, to whom Jesus directed this question, wouldn’t even answer. […]
Exodus, Lesson 10: God Begins to Formalize Structure
September 21, 2013 by
Last week, we learned how God rescued the Israelites time after time. He brought them through the waters of the “Reed Sea” (which may be the today’s Red Sea), turned rancid water into sweet, drinking water, and fed them with manna and quail. Yet, they still grumbled. Water from the Rock Read Exodus 17:1-4 – […]
Hosea, Lesson 1: Introduction, A Prophet and a Prostitute
September 18, 2013 by
Hosea is the first book of the 12 Minor Prophets in the Old Testament, often called “The Twelve.” The Old Testament Apocrypha book of Sirach says this about the Minor Prophets: “May the bones of the twelve prophets revive from where they lie, for they encouraged the people of Jacob and rescued them with steadfast […]
Exodus, Lesson 9: Rescue, Rescue, and Rescue
September 18, 2013 by
Last week, we finished with the Israelites hemmed in by the sea on one side, with Pharaoh and his army on the other. Moses then told the Israelites not to fear, for the LORD would fight for them. God Saves the Israelites Read Exodus 14:15-22 – What does God do to rescue the Israelites? […]
1 Kings 17:17-24: You Also Live
September 16, 2013 by
The local, evening news tells us of two shootings in a large city. We listen with half an ear to the first report. It involves a street corner, a drug deal gone badly, a gun, and a dead body. Later, another reporter tells us about a mother in her kitchen, her daughters at the table […]
Romans 7:15-25: Sermon for Niles Gappa’s Funeral
September 12, 2013 by
Niles could be a demanding man. This is no surprise to those who knew him. Donna knew and lived it since she married Niles in 2007. Yet, Donna also saw a softer and gentler side of Niles that many of you may have not seen. I even had a chance to experience such from Niles, […]
1st Maccabees, Lesson 14: Simon and John and their Maccabean Rule
September 12, 2013 by
In the last lesson, we learned how Jonathan was killed and how Simon then became ruler of Judea. We also read a section praising Simon, for Simon had achieved true independence for Judea. 1st Maccabees now delves into what was taking place diplomatically when Simon was ruler of Judea. Alliances with Rome and Sparta […]
