What do you do if you want to increase something in your life? If you want to increase the amount of money you have or the number of friends you have or your skill on an instrument or at a craft, in a sport or in another endeavor? What do you do if you want…
Web sites and newspapers frequently tell a familiar tale. A person with power and authority exploits his position to steal or cheat and through his corruption enriches himself while failing his boss and organization, workers and stockholders and betrays the public trust. This is happening right now in a number of places as you may…
How does it feel to lose something, like your car keys or worse, a child? What emotions do you feel (anger, fear, frustration, anxiety, panic)? What emotions do you feel when you find something or someone that was lost (relief, exhilaration, joy)? Today’s Gospel passage is about the emotions we feel when people are lost…
In the 21st century most of us are familiar with terms such as “entourage,” “paparazzi,” “hangers on,” and “fans.” In the first century, Jesus often found himself surrounded by many people like these; folks who wanted a free meal or healing, wanted to be in on the latest thing, but who weren’t as interested in…
On Friday, Jill brought Nathan back to Swarthmore College for his sophomore year. Meanwhile, I was at my family’s cottage in Maine with Greg because he hadn’t been able to get there this year because of his summer schedule. When Nathan went to college a year ago, one of the things I missed the most…
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to…
Our Guest Speaker—Dr. Gilbert Bilezikian Dr. B, as he is affectionately called, is a native of Paris, France, and is Professor of Biblical Studies Emeritus at Wheaton College (Illinois). Dr. Bilezikian is co-founder with Bill Hybels of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois. In addition to numerous articles, Dr. Bilezikian is the author…
I have a question for you, and it may seem like a “Bible Trivia” question, but it’s not a trivial question. So here it is: Who is the person that Jesus had the longest conversation with in all the four gospels? Who do you think was so important, and the content of their conversation so…
The setting for today’s scripture is the city of Jericho, one of the oldest cities in the world. Jericho is east, northeast of Jerusalem. The Gospels of Luke and Mark have Jesus passing through Jericho on the way to Jerusalem where he will be crucified. Just before today’s Gospel reading, Jesus tells his disciples for…