Every week, our pastor writes a short piece about the gospel reading prescribed by Revised Common Lectionary.
The intent of the article is to give you something to contemplate. Maybe even a new way of looking at the reading. Perhaps you might make a new connection to Jesus and his word of life.
These are designed to enhance or add to your experience from a sermon, by our pastor, or your pastor.
Engage in the word of God manifested in the Son.
04/02/23 Palm Sunday (John 12:12-16) Gospel Message from Pastor William Jesus comes into Jerusalem and the people shout; “Save us we pray” (Hosanna) and try to make him their king; a king who will go to war. But Jesus is a self-sacrificing loving king who wants people to emulate him. Unfortunately, the people were […]
03/26/23 Fifth Sunday in Lent (John 11:1-45) Gospel Message from Pastor William Why did Jesus begin to weep (v35)? In a prior verse (v33) we are told that when Jesus saw how Mary and those who came with her were weeping, he was greatly disturbed and deeply moved. Perhaps the Son of God wept […]
03/19/23 Fourth Sunday in Lent (John 9:1-41) Gospel Message from Pastor William Jesus gives a blind man sight. Oh, that’s good. No; Jesus worked on the Sabbath. Oh, that’s bad. No; the Sabbath is for connecting to God, and the man connected with Jesus. Oh, that’s good. No; the man was a sinner, so […]
03/12/23 Third Sunday in Lent (John 4:5-42) Gospel Message from Pastor William Jesus meets a Samaritan woman at the well and they dialogue. Many aspects of this encounter are important. Perhaps most often missed is what happens because of the woman. “Many Samaritans from that city believed in (Jesus) because of the woman’s testimony.” […]
03/05/23 Second Sunday in Lent (John 3:1-17) Gospel Message from Pastor William Jesus tells Nicodemus that one must be born of the Spirit (breath) of God. This isn’t some “get it done” kind of baptism, or some adult “my choice” kind of baptism. Rather, it is a life changing baptism. A drowning of the […]
02/26/23 First Sunday in Lent (Matthew 4:1-11) Gospel Message from Pastor William At Jesus’ baptism (3:13-17) God claims Jesus as Beloved Son. Immediately following this, the devil seeks to shake that identity by tempting Jesus. So too, the devil seeks to shake our identity as God’s child. “Buy this” we’re told. Listen to this, […]
02/19/23 Transfiguration of Our Lord (Matthew 17:1-9) Gospel Message from Pastor William Jesus instructs Peter, James and John to tell no one about his transfiguration on the mountain until after he has been raised from the dead. Ok, Jesus, got it; we won’t tell anybody. Wait a minute! What do you mean; after you […]
02/12/23 6th Sunday after Epiphany (Matthew 5:21-37) Gospel Message from Pastor William Jesus continues (refer to the last two week’s Gospel Message) teaching his disciples (students) about what the kingdom of God looks like. Here Jesus teaches about many things. Some of our Bibles give headings to these teachings, consider these headings instead: Verses […]
02/05/23 5th Sunday after Epiphany (Matthew 5:13-20) Gospel Message from Pastor William Jesus continues (refer to last week’s Gospel Message) teaching his disciples (students) about what the kingdom of God looks like. Here Jesus teaches us with words used at our baptism: let your good works be seen so others will give God glory. […]
01/29/23 4th Sunday after Epiphany (Matthew 5:1-12) Gospel Message from Pastor William Jesus teaches his disciples (students) about what the kingdom of God looks like. It can be summed up in his opening statement; blessed are the poor in spirit – those who have no life beyond themselves. For the kingdom of heaven is […]
