For the final essay in this series, I want to step back from the Davidic narratives to consider David’s ancestor, Judah, in the book of Genesis. As you may recall, the patriarch Jacob had twelve sons, each representing a future tribe of Israel. Judah, the fourth son, holds particular significance
1 Peter was written to believers learning how to follow Jesus in a world that no longer felt like home. In this opening episode of the Chosen Exiles series, Jay Strother and Brian Ball set the stage by exploring the letter’s historical context, pastoral heart, and enduring relevance. Written to
First, the Babylonians gave the ancient Jews the experience of an apocalypse, and then, after their liberation, the Persians gave them the language with which to understand that apocalypse. For almost two generations during the seventh century BCE, following the Babylonian invasion of the kingdom of Judea and the destruction
Pastors should use Christmas as an opportunity to communicate and explain truths about the Trinity and Jesus’ birth and divine nature. By Aaron Earls Christmas celebrates Jesus’ birth, but most Americans, including many in your church, may be confused about what exactly that means. More than half of Americans (55%)
Lectionary blog for Nov 28, 2021 First Sunday of Advent Jeremiah 33:14-16, Psalm 25 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13; Luke 21:25-36 Advent is the start of the liturgical year, but in many ways, it feels like anything but the beginning. We look forward to Christmas. At least in the States, you are