Like Christmas, Easter is just beginning on Easter day. There are 49 days until Pentecost and this season is called EasterTIDE because the significance and benefits of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection continue to rise up in our hearts and minds. Like the tide coming in that lifts everything in its wake, so Jesus' resurrection … Continue reading EasterTIDE 2021
Author: wordwithoutwalls
You Can’t Have To
Jesus reminds us that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath and that it is perfectly lawful to do good on the Sabbath. What day is the Sabbath following Jesus’ fulfilling of all the law? Is it still Saturday? Is it Sunday? Is it no more … or is it everyday? … Continue reading You Can’t Have To
Owners or Stewards?
“Moreover it is required of a steward that one be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:3). What is the trouble with thinking of ourselves as owners and possessors: I – my – mine? It is hard and ill-advised to walk with your eyes focused on your own feet. I asked a student if she was the source … Continue reading Owners or Stewards?
Podcast: Matthew 8:16-20
Jesus healed everyone - not just some. Jesus healed with a Word; He is the cause of all healing and His Word conveys absolute, comprehensive, and permanent healing. Jesus healed by taking the infirmities, distresses, and trauma of others upon Himself, as prophecied in Isaiah. Though Jesus is Creator and Redeemer of the world, the … Continue reading Podcast: Matthew 8:16-20
Podcast: Matthew 8:1-15
Jesus heals to authenticate His identity and to demonstrate His will. Why does Matthew follow Jesus' proclaiming and teaching with a chapter on healing? Why does Matthew choose these three examples of healing since the text goes on to say that Jesus healed everyone, everywhere, all the time? https://wordwithoutwalls.libsyn.com/website/bible-study-matthew-81-15-jesus-heals-3-and-then-all
Third Sunday in Lent
This past Sunday was the third Sunday in Lent (the 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter, not counting Sundays). The gospel lesson for that Sunday records Jesus cleansing the temple at the beginning of John’s gospel, soon after we are told that the Word became flesh and tabernacle among us. What happens when the … Continue reading Third Sunday in Lent
Podcast: Matthew 7:24-29
Why would anyone build their house on sand? Because it is fast, easy, and most of all, because sand conforms to our plan. But does it last? Why not build on rock? Because it is hard work but most of all, your plan is determined by the Rock. Storms and floods are the consequences of … Continue reading Podcast: Matthew 7:24-29
Podcast: Matthew 7:15-23
How do we know if a person or minister or ministry is of God? Jesus said you know a tree from its fruit. Jesus warns against pretentiousness and self-deception. https://wordwithoutwalls.libsyn.com/website/bible-study-matthew-715-23-jesus-on-authenticity
Podcast: Matthew 7:13-14
Jesus said the path is narrow that leads to life and few find it. How can the path be narrow if God desires all to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth? What is it that makes the path to life infinite narrow? Is there something that makes the path singularly narrow … Continue reading Podcast: Matthew 7:13-14
Self-Righteousness?
After “functionally atheist,” what is likely the next most critical problem for Christians? How about self-righteousness? There are three main problems, dire threats, having to do with self-righteousness. One, self-righteousness is a determination of the corruption in our human nature; pride makes us self-righteous. Two, we are greedy because we have an intense sense that … Continue reading Self-Righteousness?