God doesn't always work in the ways that we think he is going to.  This week we see a showdown between a false prophet and a real prophet of God.  Paul tells us why the law isn't such a bad thing after all.  And Jesus has some radical words about conflict because of him.

Old Testament: Jeremiah 28:5--9
Epistle Reading: Romans 7:1--13
Gospel: Matthew 10:34--42

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This week we move into the second half of the church year and see the theme of trust weave it's way through our readings!

Easter has arrived! What a joyous day of celebration. This week we'll hear Peter preach the good news about Jesus to a Roman soldier. Paul writes about the new life that we live in Christ because of his resurrection. Finally, we'll hear Matthew's account of Jesus' resurrection.

First Reading: Acts 10:34--43
Epistle Reading: Colossians 3:1--4
Gospel Reading: Matthew 28:1--10

Our journey through Lent is quickly coming to a close. This Sunday we celebrate Palm Sunday and remember Jesus' entry into Jerusalem as he heads towards the cross!

Readings:
Palm Sunday Processional Gospel: John 12:12–19

Old Testament: Isaiah 50:4–9a
Epistle: Philippians 2:5–11
Gospel: Matthew 26:1—27:66 or Matthew 27:11–66 or John 12:20–43

This week we get to celebrate another special Sunday in the church year -- Transfiguration Sunday.  We hear about Moses and the Elders sharing a special meal with God on Mt. Sinai, Peter, James and John see Jesus changed before their eyes, and Peter recounts this experience later as the foundation for what he preaches and teaches!

Old Testament Reading: Exodus 24:8–18
Epistle Reading: 2 Peter 1:16–21
Gospel Reading: Matthew 17:1–9

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This week we hear more about how God's people live in light of being chosen as God's people.  The Old Testament reading describes a life for the children of Israel that is different than Egypt, where they came from and Canaan, where they are going. Paul continues his letter to the Corinthians talking about building carefully on the foundation that is Christ and instructing them not to put their hope and trust in people and things that are temporary but rather in the one that continues forever.  Finally, in our gospel reading Jesus shows us how to live our lives as the salt and light of the world. 

Old Testament: Leviticus 19:1--2, 9--18
Epistle Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:10--23
Gospel Reading: Matthew 5:38--48

This week we're hit with some difficult readings assigned to us through the lectionary.  In Deuteronomy Moses is giving the Israelites the choice between walking in God's ways and receiving life, or turning toward other gods and facing death.  Paul continues to sort out the conflict in the Corinthian church and Jesus takes the commandments and shares their true meaning.  When he's done there  is no one left who is guiltless. Check it out!

This week's video is coming out a little late because I was stuck at home for part of the day due to snow.  I'm thankful for nice neighbors with tractors who were able to come and plow my drive.  I was able to do all the filming and editing here at home, but my internet isn't fast enough to get it uploaded very quickly, hence the delayed release.  

Last week we took a little side trip back in time to see another example of Jesus fulfilling all parts of the law.  We're back on track with our normally scheduled readings this week.  We'll hear God speaking in Isaiah about how his people are to live because they are his people.  Paul addresses the wise debaters of his time and reminds us where true wisdom comes from.  And Jesus calls his disciples salty lights.  Ok, maybe not quite like that, but he gives them their new identity which is meant to draw all people to him.

This week we see another promise from the Old Testament fulfilled in the New Testament.  We also hear Jesus preach in public for the first time and call his first disciples from fishing on boats to fishing for people. In our Epistle reading we hear Paul call on the Christians from Corinth to avoid divisions and focus on the power of the Cross.