I have a Christmas story trick question for you. What were the shepherds commanded to do? They were commanded to do two things, and one was NOT to go and visit the Christ child. They did that on their own. Both commands are in Luke 2:10, which reads, “And the angel said to them, “FearContinue reading ““Behold, I bring you good news of GREAT JOY.””
Category Archives: Theological Reflection
The Gospel of Matthew’s Use of Prophecy to Describe the Messiah (Matthew 1-2)
Prophecy is often only viewed as an indicator or proof of Jesus being the Christ. The unique way Matthew uses prophecy also shows us what it means for Jesus to be the Christ. This study aims to look at the four prophecies that Matthew quotes as a means of understanding the meaning of Jesus’ Birth.
The Three Miracles of Christmas that Changed the World (Luke 1:26-38).
Why is Christmas so important? The Christmas season points to a historical event that has changed our world, the birth of Christ. Surrounding this birth are three miracles that define why Christmas is so important. These miracles point us to God’s remarkable work for you and me.
Longing for a Better World and the Meaning of Christmas
The year 2020 has been a year of great pain and distress. In our hurt, we long for a better world. The Christmas season is a reminder that it is into this world of hurt Christ was born and not only shares our heartache, but he also exchanges it with his joy.
The Identifying Marks of False and Faithful Teachers. (Galatians 5:7-12)
This morning, the passage that we come to in our study of Galatians is chapter 5, verses 7-12. Throughout the letter to the Galatians, Paul has talked about the false teachers who have come preaching a false gospel, a gospel that is Jesus plus. Jesus plus the law. Jesus plus your own righteousness. Jesus plusContinue reading “The Identifying Marks of False and Faithful Teachers. (Galatians 5:7-12)”
Looking at the immensity of creation, do you matter? (Psalm 8)
Who are we? What does it mean to be a human? This is a question that is asked in Psalm 8 by the writer. Looking at the immensity of creation, do we matter? Psalm 8 begins by observing the majesty of God. It says “1 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all theContinue reading “Looking at the immensity of creation, do you matter? (Psalm 8)”
When We Hide Behind A Mask
I hate wearing a mask to church. From the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, people attending church are required to wear a mask and keep socially distant. There were a few weeks that we thought the pandemic was getting better, and we rolled back the second service requirement on the masks only to return it after virusContinue reading “When We Hide Behind A Mask”
A Soul Strengthened in the Midst of Trouble
What do you do when you are anxious or discouraged about life in general? During this Covid-19 pandemic a lot of attention has been devoted to help people deal with stress and anxiousness that the shutdown has caused. The things I have seen have included activities like increased binge watching tv, yoga meditation, and variousContinue reading “A Soul Strengthened in the Midst of Trouble”
A Covid-19 Gravesite
I think I broke the law today, but I am not sure. A son recently lost his mother, and he asked me to come and speak at her grave today. The cemetery was in Ohio and thus I am not sure if the stay-at-home order given by Ohio’s governor included me, a pastor, in a cemetery. Regardless, itContinue reading “A Covid-19 Gravesite”
Near to the Brokenhearted
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ – As you know, I am not a user of social media. During this time of social isolation though, I feel that words of theological reflection may be helpful as you seek to make sense of the sickness, the panic, and the world at this time. My purpose is not toContinue reading “Near to the Brokenhearted”
Concerning the Word of Life 