Isaiah 6:1-7

Dorothy Sayers wrote of “the drama of dogma,” and this passage is a fine example of biblical drama that affirms important dogma, or teaching.

Isaiah 44:6-8

This passage from the book of Isaiah seemed appropriate for a New Year’s Day worship service.

Isaiah 9:1-7

There is an exciting back story to this wonderful text, and an after story as well!

Isaiah 9:6, Prince of Peace

With this message, we come to the fourth and climactic name for this son who is given: Prince of Peace. As was the case with the three other names, this name is rich in meaning.

Isaiah 9:6, Everlasting Father

Remarkably, Isaiah prophesies that the Anointed One is named “Father Forever.”

Isaiah 9:6, Mighty God

The child born and the son given is God the Mighty One who exercises his might on behalf of his people.

Isaiah 9:6, Wonderful Counselor

This sermon considers the first of four names for Jesus that reveal his divine nature.

Psalm 107

We used a responsive reading of Psalm 107 in our Thanksgiving Eve worship service.

Matthew 12:46-50

In this text, Jesus reveals to us his eternal family.

Matthew 12:38-45

We return to the Gospel of Matthew and Jesus’ reference to the book of Jonah in a telling exchange with scribes and Pharisees.

Jonah 4

The final scene of the book of Jonah includes key terms seen earlier and leads to an unusual ending.

Jonah 3

The narrative of the book resumes, with a remarkable turn of events.

Jonah 1:17-2:10

A cursory reading of Jonah’s prayer notices many similarities with typical thanksgiving psalms, but a consideration of the context and more careful consideration raise some questions.

Jonah 1:1-16

The book of Jonah is a masterful literary work inspired by the Holy Spirit to reveal important spiritual truths.

Matthew 12:22-37

In this narrative section, the Pharisees’ animosity towards Jesus intensifies with their accusation that he is in league with Satan. Jesus’ response includes one of his most sober warnings.

Matthew 12:15-21

This passage includes the longest quotation from the Hebrew Scriptures that is found in the book of Matthew. It comes from one of the four “Servant Songs” of the prophet: Isaiah 42:1-1-9, Isaiah 49:1-13, Isaiah 50:4-9, and Isaiah 52:13-53:12.

Matthew 12:9-14

These verses continue to address the theme of Sabbath observance, providing an opportunity for us to consider Jesus’ fulfillment of the law on behalf of his people.

Matthew 12:1-8

The narratives of chapter twelve follow logically on the wonderful invitation given by Jesus at the end of chapter eleven.

Matthew 11:16-30

These verses carry forward Jesus’ thoughts that began with his response to John the Baptist’s question.

Matthew 11:7-15

Jesus makes a most remarkable declaration following his exchange with John’s disciples.