Unworthy or Ungrateful Recipients? (Luke 7:36-52)

Jesus dines at Pharisee Simon's house. A sinful woman anoints Jesus' feet with perfume. Jesus responds to the shock of this woman’s attention with a parable about forgiveness and love. Jesus contrasts woman's love with Simon's judgment. Jesus emphasizes grace, forgiveness, and humility. The pharisees respond by judging Jesus rather than submitting to his kingdom.

Do I Steal? (LD 42; Luke 16:1-13)

We an always redefine the Lord's law to be very easy. We will find that in our definition of the law we are doing pretty well at keeping it out of gratitude. The truth is that we struggle, we fail, and we are called to continually grow in our conformity to God's standard. There are also things that we are called to do in light of God's standard.

#stealing #obeyingGod #godsstandard #livingingrace

A Significant Kingdom (Matthew 13:36-44)

It is tempting for the world to think that because the weeds continue to grow and flourish that the wheat has little hope.  The serpent seed has always thought that it will rise up and be victorious, but will Satan be victorious?  What does covenant history teach us about our destiny? 

Mysterious Knowledge Revealed (Matthew 13:17-30)

We sit with the disciples to hear about the parable of the sower.  Christ then continues with this theme to talk about a false sower. Does this mean that Satan has equal power and authority?  Can we be sure that the Lord really will accomplish His goal?  How do we know that the Lord is really capable to finish what He starts? 

A Mysterious Knowledge (Matthew 13:10-16)

One would think that as Christ enters history that his desire is to start a movement.  He is the one who is bringing in the kingdom, and so one who brings in the kingdom will need citizens to be part of the kingdom.  It would seem wise to make the kingdom accessible.  However, Christ speaks in cryptic language, and seems to do more to drive people away rather than the bring them near.  Why does Christ speak in parables?