Listen to Pastor Nick read the Firestarter and the reading.

Women were closest to the cross and therefore, closest to the resurrection. They did not come to the “front row” to see Jesus rise, but rather as the least and the last to linger near the One they loved whom they lost. They come to anoint the body with oil, which they could not do on Friday. Instead, they become the ones anointed as the glory of the resurrection is visited upon them.

Walk along with them to the tomb. Feel their overwhelming sadness, so that you can get in touch with their overwhelming joy.

Jesus goes to Galilee to meet with his disciples. Galilee was a region of many ethnic groups, “rough and ready” types, if you will, people on the margin of life. This is where ministry began for Jesus and where it is to begin for the disciples. Join Jesus there.

Mark 16:1–8

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Amazement rising within v. 8

Sundays are dedicated to the Gospels from the Revised Common Lectionary.

For all the Firestarters I recommend the ebook.  You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or tablet. Check the menu options at the site for more information.

Listen to Pastor Nick read the Firestarter and Leviticus 7:37-38.

Details are given for making peace offerings. The sons of Aaron are the priests who may eat of this offering. While the full importance of the details may escape us, the message of Leviticus is clear: You are called to holiness.

Holiness, in Hebrew qadosh, means, “To be set apart.” When the Lord created you, God set you apart in a special way. There is a life-call upon you, some special gift to life that you have been created to offer. This is the deepest aspect of God’s will. Your peace is at stake if you do not complete it.

Original Hebrew peace offerings were celebrations. What can you do that would increase your joy in the unique call of God upon your life? Pray over this. Take a walk alone; find an object that “speaks” to you about this call.

Leviticus 7:11–38

This is the second of three parts of the Torah Portion Tzav (Command) 
Conservative and Reform Jewish congregations read only this part this year,
as also in this Bible plan.
Here is the entire portion in all three parts.

Leviticus 6:1—8:36

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Mercy and not sacrifice Matt 9:13

The Saturday passages follow the reading list that Jewish people use in their synagogue worship
throughout the world. They are taken from
“The Torah,” the first five books of the Bible from Genesis to Deuteronomy
that are read each year beginning with autumn.

For all the Firestarters I recommend the ebook.  You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or tablet. Check the menu options at the site for more information

Listen to Pastor Nick read the Firestarter and John 19:13-16.

 I am indebted to my theology professor, Edward Mally, for showing us a point in the Passion Narrative of John that I have never seen explained elsewhere. It has to do with a point of grammar, but it will illumine for you the entire approach that John has to the death of Jesus.

We are in the court called the Praetorium with Jesus and Pilate. Jesus is clothed with the purple cloak, bearing the crown of thorns. In chapter 19, verse 13, translations have Pilate coming out with Jesus and sitting down in the judgment seat. Do you remember transitive and intransitive verbs? The transitive ones take an object; the intransitive ones do not. The verb used by John about “sitting down” is transitive. It means that Pilate came out “and sat Jesus down in the judgment seat.” When Pilate is apparently judging Jesus, Jesus is passing judgment on him and on the Jewish leaders! Jesus is completely in charge of the movement of his death, because it moves to LIFE!

John 18:1—19:42

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Breathing his last: the Spirit v. 27

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels.
In the Seasons of Lent and Easter this year we read the Gospel of John.

For all the Firestarters I recommend the ebook.  You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or tablet. Check the menu options at the site for more information.