Scripture: Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20; Psalm 19; and Matthew 21:33-46 (N.B. Isaiah 5:1-7; Psalm 80: 7-15; and Philippians 3:4b-14 – Proper 22 Year A) Context. Today’s scripture is: The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20); Praise for how God has made Himself gloriously known in nature, in the word and in history (Psalm 19); and Jesus gives …
Category Archives: Matthew
And Now for Something Completely Different
Scripture: Matthew 20:1-16 (N.B. Exodus 16:2-15; Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45; Jonah 3:10 – 4:11; Psalm 145: 1-8; and Philippians 1:21-30- Proper 20 Year A) Introduction. We’ve heard ‘The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard’. In Matthew’s Gospel it comes right after Jesus meeting the rich young man, and just before Jesus reminding his followers that he …
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There’s a Time and a Place
Scripture: Matthew 16:13-20 (N.B. Exodus 1:8-2:10; Psalm 124; Isaiah 51:1-6; Psalm 138; and Romans 12:1-8 – Proper 16 Year A) Introduction. Private worship, evangelism or service? Scripture (Matthew 16:13-20). ‘Who do people say I am?’; they say a precursor of the Christ. ‘Who do you say I am?’; Peter says ‘You are the Christ’. Meaning at the Time: Jesus tells Peter that …
The Son of Man is Now Christ the King
Scripture: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 and Matthew 25:31-46 (N.B. Psalm 100; Psalm 95:1-7a; and Ephesians 1:15-23 – also on Year A Ordinary 34/Proper 29) Introduction. The ‘Credit Crunch’ worrying everyone, but terrible things happening to poor people in the Congo put our worries in perspective. It’s a good time to think about helping the poor: but …
Remembrance for the Future
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18 and Matthew 25:1-13 (N.B. Joshua 24:1-3a; Psalm 78:1-7; Wisdom of Solomon 6:12-16; Amos 5:18-24; Wisdom of Solomon 6:17-20; and Psalm 70 – also on Year A Ordinary 32/Proper 27) Scripture Thessalonians: Probably Paul’s earliest letter, Sent in haste to deal with a specific issue. Paul is eager to help and …
Christian Leadership
Scripture: Matthew 23:1-12 and 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 (N.B. Joshua 3:7-17; Pslam 107:1-7, 33-37; Micah 3:5-12; and Pslam 43 – also on this day) Jesus words on Leadership Jesus acknowledges that the Pharisees have authority but says not to follow their example. He lambasts them for 4 crimes. First, they failed to practice what they preached. …
You Are Good Soil- What’s Your Harvest?
Scripture: Matthew 13: 1-9, 18-23. (N.B. Genesis 25: 19-34; Pslam 119: 105-112; Isaiah 55: 10-13; Psalm 65: (1-8), 9-13; and Romans 8: 1-11 also this day – Year A Proper 10.) Introduction It’s good to be back, after our COVID lockdown! The Parable of the Sower I have heard this parable explained in two ways: …
The Rock of the Church, the Keys of the Kingdom
Scripture: Exodus 1:8-2:10 and Matthew 16:13-20 (N.B. Psalm 124; Isaiah 51:1-6; Psalm 138; and Romans 12:1-8 – also on this day Proper 16 Year A) Introduction While I was thinking about what to say today, riots swept across Britain. Afterwards, I saw the PM talking about people selfishly destroying their communities. My first thought was …
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Life Changing Experiences
Scripture: Matthew 17: 1-9. (N.B. Psalm 2 and 2 Peter 1:16-21 also this day – Last Epiphany A.) Introduction 1. I heard a famous preacher say “you only see my mountain top-experiences!” > True: he is famous, speaks at conferences, writes books & presents TV shows. > I read one of his books & understood; …
Life Changing Experiences
Scripture: Matthew 17: 1-9. (N.B. Psalm 2 and 2 Peter 1:16-21 also this day.) Part 1. I heard a famous preacher say “you only see my mountain top-experiences!” True: he is famous, speaks at conferences, writes books & presents TV shows. I read one of his books & understood; it was about turning around a …
Preacher & Veteran 