Psalm 86:11. “Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; knit my heart to you that I may fear your Name.” The palmist has named a truth about my life: I live with a divided heart. My heart is divided between who I am and who I want to be, what I say and what I do, my joys and … Continue reading The Antidote is Wholeheartedness
Romans 2:13. “For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but the doers of the law who will be justified.” There is more to doing the law than simply following the rules. When I think of following the rules, I think about being compliant, meeting the minimum requirements established by an authority. I don’t think that is what … Continue reading Doing the Law
Deuteronomy 11:18. “You shall put these words of mine in your heart and soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and fix them as an emblem on your forehead.” I’m not interested in joining the debates on the public display of the Ten Commandments, prayer in public schools, or “keeping Christ in Christmas.” I am concerned about whether the Ten … Continue reading Displaying the Ten Commandments
You have heard it said, “The Old Testament is a book of law and judgment.” You have heard it said, “The New Testament is a book of grace and love.” But I say to you, “Welcome to today’s gospel!” (Matthew 5:21-37, Epiphany 6A) Today’s gospel won’t let us make those simple and inaccurate distinctions. Jesus’ words show continuity and consistency between the Old and the … Continue reading Keeping the Rules or Keeping the Relationship? A Sermon on Matthew 5:21-37
