Month: October 2024

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Is It Worth It?

Listen to Pastor Nick read the “Firestarter” and the Gospel.

[From the version for families with children]

Stand in the middle of your room and slowly turn around.  There are likely a T.V., video games, stereos, perhaps a computer…lots of good stuff that you are very important to you.  Now consider this: suppose you could have a life of peace, happiness and love, and a sense by faith of God’s presence and love, but it would mean that you would have to let go of the things that you possess.  Would you be willing to let go of them?  Suppose there was a very poor child in school with you who had nothing: would you be willing to give one of the things you enjoy so that he or she could have them?

This is the kind of challenge that Jesus puts to a rich man in today’s Gospel. The way of life that Jesus offers, called “The Kingdom,” is one in which the welfare and salvation of someone else is more important than your own.  It means sacrifice and a willingness to let go of things, for so often these get between us and God.  Is there anything in the world that is worth it, if it means that it blocks your way to God and God’s love?   

  Mark 10:17-31

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: For God, all things possible v. 27

Sundays are dedicated to the Gospels from the Revised Common Lectionary.
In year B, we read from the Gospel of Mark

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.

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The Day of Atonement – With Recording

Listen to Pastor Nick read the “Firestarter” and Jonah 4:2-11.

In the course of the years of seminary, God blessed me with the friendship of a cantor in the Reformed tradition, the late Sidney Venetianer. Along with his family, Sid became my life-long, devoted friend until his death in 1993. One Yom Kippur, I joined him in a complete fast of twenty-four hours, prescribed by the Torah for this day. That day sealed for me what has become a love for Judaism and a desire that we rediscover its profound rhythms for prayer, devotion to the Lord and openness to the ongoing flow of God into our lives.

The essence of the day is prayer and repentance, with the assurance that God is listening and merciful. It is a day of closeness in the Jewish Community, both those on earth and those beyond the grave, as remembrances of names of the community rise forth at the service on this day. It is a fitting day to visit a synagogue. As Christians, we bring the assurance of God’s forgiveness and atonement in Jesus Christ.

The Book of Jonah is read in its entirety on this day. (You will find Firestarters for this book in the Eighth and Ninth Weeks of Pentecost, Year C.)

Jonah 1-4

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Sifting till anger is gone. Jonah 4:10-11

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

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Living for God Alone

Listen to Pastor Nick read the “Firestarter” and Mark 12:38-44.

[From the original version]

The 1990s saw an increase of Christians converting to the religion of Islam in the United States; some even saw it then as the fastest growing religion. Film clips show large groups bowing in the direction of Mecca as they paused for prayer various times in the day.

Christians often fail to present a truly distinct way of life, an orderly and timely way to pray, and an authentic, public witness to Christ. What we believe and what we do is often much too private.

An observant Jew prays this verse every morning and evening: “Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one” (Deut. 6:4–5). May you and your loved ones embrace the spiritual disciplines suggested yesterday.

Mark 12:28–44

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Widow giving all she had v. 44

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels. This year, we generally read
from the Gospel of Mark, this season, chapters 10 to 16.

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.