For there to be ashes at all – something has to burn. Schmearing ashes onto a person’s forehead might seem a little strange, at first, but it is a powerful reminder of what we will be one day – dust and ashes. What will you do when you must stand before your God? Thankfully we don’t need to wonder. Ash Wednesday begins our Lenten journey to the cross of Calvary where we find Jesus offering himself for us. We are forgiven in Jesus.
How do you never forget something? There is a science to memory. God created us so that it is possible to burn images, feelings, and events into our minds. Transfiguration was one of those events. For the Apostles who witnessed Jesus glory on this side of the grave they were never the same. This week we behold Jesus in all his glory before starting our journey to the cross during the season of Lent.
Happy Valentine’s Day! It might seem a little odd to have a day set aside for love. Should’ve we love everyone all the time? Well, let’s go with it. I am married to a beautiful woman – and I wrote her a card expressing my love. That really wasn’t that hard. But what I’m not sure about is what to get for the neighbor who is mean to me? What do I get for the guy who just cut me off on the interstate? How about that guy at work who’s spreading rumors about your work performance? Maybe this isn’t so easy after all. This Sunday we’re back in the Gospel of Matthew watching Jesus redirect our thoughts – this time on the topic of love.
In this sermon Jesus takes on common misunderstood areas of God’s law (myths) and busts them! He uses the phrases “you have heard it said…” “but I tell you…” repeatedly going through the law clarifying what was really meant.
We spend a lot of time talking about the differences and divisions that can arise in the church and in the home, but I wanted to take a little time to talk about how our church body seeks out like-minded Christians. This comes into the area of fellowship.
“Grace and peace to you!” I’ve said these words so many times in my life that when I’m testing a mic they replace – “testing, one, two, three, testing.” I start every sermon with these words too. When the Apostle Paul wrote “Grace and peace!” to the Christians in Corinth, was he just offering a cordial greeting? Or was he laying the stage for a powerful letter to God’s people full of God’s love and the new reality God’s people enjoy because of that love?