2 Corinthians 1:3-7 In these opening verses, Paul introduces the key theme of “God’s redemption of suffering,”[1] how our suffering can result in good for ourselves and others. Paul doesn’t…
2 Corinthians 1:1-2 In this sermon, we look at the opening of Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. It is a normal letter opening in Paul’s day but shaped to reflect…
1 John 5:1-12 John develops one of the central messages of his letter: the importance of the object of our faith. He first discusses faith itself and its fruits (vv.…
Matthew 25:31-46 This passage depicts Jesus in the role of the judge exercising authority over the nations.[1] Like the previous parables, this vision expresses a division between those who are…
Matthew 25:1-30 In this sermon we continue to look at the theme: being prepared for “the imminent arrival of an authority figure”.[1] Therefore, let’s examine how Jesus describes his return…
Matthew 24:36-51 Having completed his detailed description of the fall of Jerusalem, Jesus now answers the disciples’ second question, “What will be the sign of your coming and of the…
Matthew 24:3-51 In this sermon, we continue to look at Jesus’s detailed description of the coming judgment on Jerusalem.
Matthew 24:3-51 Jesus warns of a coming judgment for the covenant unfaithfulness of Israel’s religious leaders (e.g, 23:35, 38). When the disciples inquire further about the certainty and nature of…
Matthew 23:29-39 In this sermon, we look at the seventh woe. The seventh woe brings the denunciation to its climax with the charge of complicity in the murder of God’s…
Matthew 23:13-28 Jesus directly addresses the religious leaders, and his tone is much sharper.[1] Seven woes occupy this section. There are “three pairs with matching themes” (2, 2, 2), and…