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“No need to talk about what is past …” A great short article in Christianity Today.

Watch the dates of news stories shared on social media. Some “events” are making the rounds multiple times as though the news was new, giving the impression of more of the same.

The perfect is the enemy of the good. Friends frequently remind me of this and I agree. But lowered standards are also the enemy of the good.

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1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

By henry
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1Brothers and sisters, you don’t need me to write to you about the times and the seasons, 2because you yourselves are well aware that the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night.  3When people are saying “Peace and security,” then destruction will come on them suddenly, like  labor pains on…

Questions on Judges 4:1-7

By henry
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Here are some questions that came to mind as I studied Judges 4:1-7. 1.  Why does the lectionary reading end where it does?  Would the passage bring a different lesson if one read on to where Barak requires Deborah to accompany him before he’ll go? 2.  Does this passage provide a universal justification for women…

What Did They Cry?

By henry
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In Judges 4:1-7, when the Israelites cried out, what did they have to say?  With Psalm 123 included along with Judges 4:1-7 in Proper 28 / Ordinary 33 / Pentecost +27, I think we have an interesting possibility for preaching on prayer in trouble. My basic starting point would be to suggest to the congregation…

Judges 4:1-7

By henry
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1After Ehud died, the Israelites again did what was evil in YHWH’s eyes. 2So YHWH sold them into the hand of Jabin, King of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor. The commander of his army was Sisera who lived in Harosheth of the Nations. 3Then the Israelites cried out to YHWH, because Jabin had 900 iron…

3rd Sunday of Easter 2005

By henry
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Acts 2:14a, 22-32 Peter opens the proclamation of the gospel. Psalm 16 Celebration of deliverance. 1 Peter 1:3-9 The outcome of the testing of our faith. John 20:19-31 Jesus appears to the disciples and the doubting of Thomas.

A Correct Prayer Attitude

By henry
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Reading:  Psalm 123 (From proper A28) Is there a correct attitude for prayer? Many people have rigid standards for how to pray, the type of language, the attitude one must have toward God, things that one must ask for–or not.  Who must be addressed (Jesus, Father, Holy Spirit), and how much praise and thankfulness is…

Psalm 123 – Had Enough!

By henry
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Psalm 123, Proper 28A/Ordinary 33A/Pentecost +27 November 16, 2008 (Note that I always use Text Week for my  lectionary study) A song of ascents. 1To you we lift up our eyes,You who live in heaven.2As the eyes of slaves turn to the hand of their master,As the eyes of a maid looks to the hand…

Easter Sunday 2004

By henry
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Easter Sunday offers us an opportunity to meditate on the joy hope of restoration and renewal.  Not only do we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus in the past (John 20:1-18, Luke 24:1-12), and look forward to the resurrection in the future (1 Corinthians 15:19-26), but we can also celebrate the current renewal of salvation in…

All Saints Sunday 2003

By henry
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(Nov. 2, 2003 ? All Saints Sunday) Ruth 1:1-18 and Psalm 146             Or Deuteronomy 6:1-9 and Psalm 119:1-8 Hebrews 9:11-14 Mark 12:28-34