The readings for Pentecost 9 are taken from Deuteronomy 7:6-9; Romans 8:28-39; and Matthew 13:44-52. Deuteronomy records Moses reminding the Israelites of God’s reason for bringing them out of bondage and now to the Promised Land. God chose them according to His love, which is steadfast, and why and how He keeps His new testament with us. … Continue reading Sunday Summary: Pentecost 9

The readings for Pentecost 8 are taken from Isaiah 44:6-8; Romans 8:18-27; and Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43. The parable in the Gospel lesson reveals the intersection of the three lessons and answers a question that bothers a lot of people a lot of the time: Why doesn’t God do something about evil people? The short answer … Continue reading Sunday Summary: Pentecost 8

The readings for the seventh Sunday after Pentecost are taken from Isaiah 55:10-13; Romans 8:12-17; and Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23. The introit for this Sunday reminds us that God is merciful and patient. All three lessons have to do with God giving His Word generously to all.  That Word does not return void, but accomplishes His … Continue reading Sunday Summary: Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

The readings for the sixth Sunday after Pentecost are taken from Zechariah 9:9-12, Romans 7:14-25a, and Matthew 11:25-30.  They all address humility and knowledge—what you can and can’t know depending on your ego. Pride takes a lot of effort and makes us competitive, and that is exhausting. It takes a greater kind of strength to … Continue reading Sunday Summary: Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

The readings for the fifth Sunday after Pentecost are taken from Jeremiah 28:5-9, Romans 7:1-13, and Matthew 10:34-42.  The readings center on deception, and truth as antidote. Jeremiah explained that any false prophet could predict war because wars are frequent and inevitable. But prophets who predict peace and victory should not be trusted because they are … Continue reading Sunday Summary: Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

The readings for the fourth Sunday after Pentecost are taken from Jeremiah 20:7-13; Romans 6:12-23; and Matthew 10:5a, 21-33. Jeremiah suffered the contempt of the people who held the Word of the Lord that Jeremiah spoke in contempt. Yet the Word of the Lord was too powerful for Jeremiah to hold back. The Word of the Lord … Continue reading Sunday Summary: Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

The readings for the third Sunday after Pentecost are taken from Exodus 19:2-8, Romans 5:6-15, and Matthew 9:35—10:20. Still flowing from Pentecost (outpouring of the Holy Spirit) and Trinity Sunday (celebration of God’s nature), the lessons give us pause to think about how God keeps pursuing and meeting us with His regenerative Word and Spirit. … Continue reading Sunday Summary: Third Sunday after Pentecost

The readings for the second Sunday after Pentecost are taken from Hosea 5:15--6:6; Romans 4:13-25; and Matthew 9:9-13. “Let’s Go!!!!” Now that the half year of festivals that celebrate the essential/big events of Jesus’ life and redeeming work have been observed, it’s time to see how His redemption works out in the lives of people … Continue reading Sunday Summary: Second Sunday after Pentecost

The readings for Trinity Sunday are taken from Genesis 1:1—2:4a; Acts 2:14, 22-36; and Matthew 28:16-20. Moses recorded the history of creation in Genesis. This is a long reading, but not in comparison to what God accomplished. God’s creation of all things, climaxing in the creation of us in His image, is foundational and essential for … Continue reading Sunday Summary: Trinity Sunday