Hey — We Get to Help!
August 4, 2021 DAILY READING Psalm 78:1-8, 17-29 Matthew 15:32-39 FIELD NOTES Imagine the scene — thousands of people gathered in the wilderness to listen to this amazing young preacher — Jesus. They’ve been with him, spellbound, for three days. But now the food they brought with them is beginning to run out. Jesus, ever…
Read MoreHow to Have a Church Without Really Trying
August 3, 2021 DAILY READING Psalm 78:1-8, 17-29 Acts 2:37-47 FIELD NOTES Our reading for today describes how the first Christian believers prioritized their lives together. Verse 42 says, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and the prayers.” This is a great template for our faith community today. …
Read MoreNatural Consequences
August 2, 2021 DAILY READING Psalm 78:1-8, 17-29 Deuteronomy 8:1-10 FIELD NOTES There is a parenting philosophy that asserts that children should be allowed to experience the natural consequences of their behavior. For example, if a child balks at putting on a jacket when he or she goes outside to play, he or she will…
Read MoreUnclean (Rev. Casey Orr)
This week’s preacher: Rev. Casey Orr. We wrap up our series on the criticisms that Jesus received during his earthly ministry from his own people called “Critiquing Jesus.” Our Scripture reading: Mark 7:1-8
Read MoreA Charitable Heart
July 31, 2021 DAILY READING Psalm 17:1-7, 15 Matthew 7:7-11 FIELD NOTES “Now, that which seems to be charity is oftentimes really sensuality, for man’s own inclination, his own will, his hope of reward, and his self-interest, are motives seldom absent. On the contrary, he who has true and perfect charity seeks self in nothing,…
Read MoreThe Nature of Covenant
July 30, 2021 DAILY READING Psalm 17:1-7, 15 Romans 9:6-13 FIELD NOTES One of the most important concepts in all of Biblical theology is the concept of “covenant.” Simply defined, a covenant is a promise made within the bounds of a relationship with God. There are a few important concepts to know about when it…
Read MoreA Different Theology of Giving
July 29, 2021 DAILY READING Psalm 17:1-7, 15 Philippians 4:10-15 FIELD NOTES “Jesus offers a particular theology. He tells those who follow him that everything is God’s. God is the creator of all things, the maker of all things, and the one who oversees all things. Jesus offers a radical vision of people who are…
Read MoreHearing and Believing
July 28, 2021 DAILY READING Psalm 65:8-13 Mark 4:30-34 FIELD NOTES Parables can be hard to understand, sometimes. The Gospel accounts note, on several occasions, that even those hearing them from Jesus, live and in person, had trouble understanding sometimes. And yet, this is how Jesus chose to teach the crowds—with stories and obscure examples,…
Read MoreThe Armor of God
July 27, 2021 DAILY READING Psalm 65:8-13 Ephesians 6:10-18 FIELD NOTES Today’s scripture from Ephesians is one of the most indelible images in all of scripture for preparing ourselves in the way of discipleship. It’s notable that Paul here uses battle imagery for the task of discipleship. We often shy away from using language that…
Read MoreFinding Water
July 26, 2021 DAILY READING Genesis 30:25-26 Psalm 65:8-13 FIELD NOTES Ask anyone that’s done any training in wilderness survival and they’ll tell you that there are a few essential things that any person stranded in the wilderness must quickly find if they are going to last very long—shelter and fire are essential, but even…
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