August 26, 2017 Daily Reading (Click to read each Scripture)Genesis 50:15-26This week’s sermon text: Romans 3:9-26 Field NotesI worked with inner-city youth for several years. One day we were studying the story of Joseph. When we arrived at this scene in Genesis, where Joseph forgives his brothers, several of the students were absolutely confounded. Joseph’s…

August 25, 2017 Daily Reading (Click to read each Scripture)Psalm 138This week’s sermon text: Romans 3:9-26 Field NotesWhat a beautiful vision of prayer we find in Psalm 138! The Psalmist writes, “I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise…On the day I called, you answered me,…

August 24, 2017 Daily Reading (Click to read each Scripture)1 Corinthians 6:1-11This week’s sermon text: Romans 3:9-26 Field NotesFor me, the passage today from 1 Corinthians is in many ways about forgiveness. Paul is challenging the early church on their practice of taking lawsuits to the state instead of settling matters within the church community.…

August 23, 2017 Daily Reading (Click to read each Scripture)Matthew 8:1-13This week’s sermon text: Romans 3:9-26 Field NotesThis passage in Matthew is a riveting story of power dynamics at play. The Centurion is a powerful leader in the Roman government. He points out that people do whatever he says whenever he says it. His presence…

August 22, 2017 Daily Reading (Click to read each Scripture)Romans 11:13-29This week’s sermon text: Romans 3:9-26 Field NotesIn today’s passage, Paul is asking the Gentile Christians in Rome not to “boast” over the Jews. He says to remember that salvation comes not from a certain congregation or church, but from Christ. I love that Paul…

August 21, 2017 Daily Reading (Click to read each Scripture)Psalm 130This week’s sermon text: Romans 3:9-26 Field NotesI was having coffee this morning with a pastor from the Korean United Methodist Church. We were discussing our beliefs and experiences of the Holy Spirit when our conversation led to a discussion on styles of worship. He…

August 19, 2017 Daily Reading (Click to read each Scripture)Genesis 42:1-28Matthew 14:34-36Psalm 133 This week’s sermon text: Romans 2:1-7, 11-16 Field NotesIf you heard that a holy man was in your neighborhood, what would be your first reaction? Would your first thought be for your sick family member or for a neighbor? Perhaps you are…

August 18, 2017 Daily Reading (Click to read each Scripture)Genesis 41:37-57Acts 14:19-28Psalm 133This week’s sermon text: Romans 2:17-29 Field NotesPaul in our text from Acts preaches the Good News as he journeys throughout Asia Minor (approx. 1100 miles). When he is received, both Jews and Gentiles came to faith. When he is persecuted and basically,…