Scripture on Sunday – James 3:14
James 3:14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. The juxtaposition of and sudden shift from verse 13 to verse 14 indicates that James is contrasting some others with those who are …
Scripture on Sunday – James 3:13
James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. James 3:13 begins a new little section in this epistle, following a long teaching on the power of the tongue which …
Quotable: Marilynne Robinson – Gilead, take 2
Last week we looked at some quotes from Marilynne Robinson’s Pulitzer prize winning novel Gilead. The book is a fictional series of reflections by dying clergyman, John Ames, to his seven year old son. It is filled with wisdom, and is a …
Scripture on Sunday – Luke 24:44-46
There is much in Luke 24 that we could speak about: Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, the discovery of the empty tomb by the women, the failure of the disciples to believe the women, the revelation of Jesus to the disciples at Emmaus, …
Quotable: Marilynne Robinson – Gilead
American novelist Marilynne Robinson (1943- ) won the 2005 Pulitzer Prize (for fiction) with her novel Gilead. It is the fictional autobiography of aging Congregationalist minister John Ames, who, aware that his serious heart condition means his death is imminent, wants to …
Scripture on Sunday – Luke 13:22-27
Only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better (Luke 10:41-42) Of the many good things that one can do, only one is necessary; only one is better. Mary received this commendation from Jesus because she had sat at his …
Quotable: With Frederick Buechner – Take 2
This is a second take on Frederick Buechner (1926-), an ordained Presbyterian minister, who is a notable novelist, preacher and theologian. I recently read one of his memoirs, Telling Secrets, and it led me to track down some insights from his thirty plus …
Scripture on Sunday: Luke 10:28
At the end of Luke 10, the evangelist records Jesus’ visit to Martha and Mary’s house in which Mary sat at the Lord’s feet and ‘listened to his Word’ (NASB). Jesus commended Mary saying that “only one thing is necessary” and that …
Quotable: With Frederick Buechner
Frederick Buechner (1926-), an ordained Presbyterian minister, is a notable novelist, preacher and theologian. I’m currently enjoying reading one of his memoirs, Telling Secrets, and it has led me to track down some insights from his thirty plus published works. His novel, Godric, was …
Scripture on Sunday – Luke 10:38-42
The story of Martha and Mary is well known. Jesus visits their village and Martha welcomes him into her home. With Jesus, of course, comes his whole entourage: disciples and other followers. Martha gets busy making preparations for meals and other hospitality. …