Christ is our wisdom, justice, purpose and freedom
April 19, 2022
On this Maundy Thursday we read 1 Corinthians 1:30: On the cross Jesus took upon himself what we are not and gave us what He is: wisdom, justice, purpose and freedom.
Can there be Peace?
April 13, 2022
Today is Palm Sunday - Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey. This story doesn't happen in a vacuum - all kinds of events immediately precede it. John quotes the prophet Zecharaiah in his commentary on the events of this day, who proclaims that peace will come to the nations. What do you think: does Jesus bring peace?
Chris Rock, Will Smith, Wordle and Consent
April 4, 2022
What do these have to do with Deuteronomy? You might be surprised. Today we finish our series on Deuteronomy by looking at chapter 30, the last part of Moses' sermon to Israel (the final chapters contain a song, some blessings and the report of Moses' death). What - or who - is our real life?
A Jesus-Centered Response to War
March 21, 2022
At the moment of this sermon series, Russia is waging a fierce, aggressive war in Ukraine. In the USA, the "culture wars" are waging. Group is pitted against group, each considering the other the "enemy". Does Deuteronomy offer us a way to respond to these and all wars? We will look at Deuteronomy 20 and ask ourselves that question.
Open Wide Your Hand to the Poor
March 14, 2022
Deuteronomy 15 presents an economy unlike ours. Redistribution of wealth and reparations are imperatives for Israel. What can we learn from that, without saying that we must emulate the Deuteronomic system? Are there echoes of this approach in the New Testament? And where does our final hope lie for our broken world?
Is Your Relationship with God Transactional?
March 9, 2022
Today we look at the blessings and curses that were to be spoken from the mountains Ebal and Gerizim. This ritual was to be done when Israel entered Canaan (and was done - read Joshua 8). The blessings and cursing were a direct result of whether Israel obeyed God or not. Which raises the question: is our relationship with God transactional? If so, doesn't that lead to all kinds of problems? Today we try to present another approach to this text.
Service of Prayer for Ukraine
March 1, 2022
In light of the attack on Ukraine by Vladimir Putin and his army, we are using our service time today (Feb. 27, 2022) as a time of prayer and reflection for Ukraine, Russia, Europe and our world. Please join us and dpray along with us.
Dealing with Hostility Between People
February 22, 2022
Deuteronomy contains a number of passages that state that God wanted Israel to engage in "holy war", which some have called genocide of the Canaanite people. What are we to make of that? And how can we deal with the hostility between people in our own time?
Being Home
February 14, 2022
Today we read Deuteronomy 6. This chapter includes the command to love God only and to teach our children to love and obey Him. One way to understand this chapter is with the image of being at home - home with God and home with each other. Join us!
What are the Ten Commandments About?
February 7, 2022
Today we read the Ten Commandments from Deuteronomy 5. How can we read them in a way that doesn't strike fear into us or load a burden on us that we cannot bear to carry?
