The readings for the first Sunday in Lent are taken from Genesis 3:1-21; Romans 5:12-19; and Matthew 4:1-11. Genesis records the catastrophe of Adam’s rebellion against God and the wreckage that caused with Eve and everyone to follow. In Romans, Paul plainly holds Adam responsible for all that is wrong BUT also shows us the second Adam, the Seed promised … Continue reading Sunday Summary: First Sunday in Lent

The readings for the Transfiguration of our Lord are taken from Exodus 24:8-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21, and Matthew 17:1-9. According to Exodus, Moses and others went up on Mount Sinai to meet God, and God gave Moses the Ten Commandments written on two stone tablets. God appeared to Moses in cloud and fire. Moses was with God forty … Continue reading Sunday Summary: Transfiguration

The readings for the fifth Sunday after the Epiphany are taken from Isaiah 58:3-9, 1 Corinthians 2:1-12, and Matthew 5:13-20. Epiphany concentrates on people and things that appear—angels, stars, shepherds, wise men, John the Baptizer, and most of all, Jesus Himself, THE morning Star. But Epiphany is also interested in things that God’s Word makes … Continue reading Sunday Summary: Fifth Sunday after Epiphany

The readings for the fourth Sunday after the Epiphany are taken from Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, and Matthew 5:1-12. There are two kinds of power: power to take from others for self, which is self-defeating OR power to give from oneself to others, which is a benefit to all. What is the one thing that … Continue reading Sunday Summary

The readings for the third Sunday after the Epiphany are taken from Isaiah 9:1-4; 1 Corinthians 1:10-18; and Matthew 4:12-25. Isaiah makes mention of the Gentiles (“islands,” “peoples,” “nations”) in many, many places. Essential to Epiphany and to the revelatory work of Jesus is to remind everyone that God is the Creator and Redeemer of everyone; that … Continue reading Sunday Summary: Third Sunday after Epiphany

The readings for the second Sunday after the Epiphany are taken from Isaiah 49:1-7; 1 Corinthians 1:1-9; and John 1:29-42. The physics are simple: the Word of God comes to us and draws us along so that we follow.  Isaiah has much to reveal about the promised Savior. He is the Redeemer of all people, Gentiles … Continue reading Sunday Summary: Second Sunday after Epiphany

The readings for the Baptism of our Lord are taken from Isaiah 42:1-9, Romans 6:1-11, and Matthew 3:13-17. Central to the Epiphany season is the reminder that God has always had all people in mind and saves all people through the incarnation of His Son. Isaiah foretold that the manner of Jesus was consistent with the … Continue reading Sunday Summary: The Baptism of Our Lord