Listen to Pastor Nick read the Firestarter and the Gospel.

The evening of the first day of the new creation finds Jesus breathing peace into the chaotic clay of the disciples and making them new creatures. John recalls the time when God created Adam by forming a nose and breathing God’s life into it. Some have found liturgical traces in this reading—the kiss of peace offered to one another from ancient services of worship. Thomas missed the kiss of peace and joy, left only to his own devices and prerequisites for him to know if Jesus was alive. He too needs a touch—however, one more radical than the one he demands. When Jesus does come, I do not imagine that Thomas needed to feel the wounds of Jesus; the presence of the Lord was enough for him.

Is the presence of Jesus by faith enough for you? Jesus said such ones are more blessed than the Thomases who have seen.

John 20:19–31

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Jesus breathing the Spirit v. 22

Sundays are dedicated to the Gospels from the Revised Common Lectionary.
During Lent and Easter, we read from 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.

Listen to Pastor Nick read the Firestarter and Leviticus 9:22-24.

Here is one of the principal places in the Bible that describes ordination to ministry. Again, the presence of God is described as fire. While consuming the offering of Aaron, the fire elevates it to heaven. On the other hand, the profane offering of Nadab and Abihu is simply reduced to ashes; nothing ascends. Idol worship has contaminated their offering.

You and I are to live immersed in Jesus, one with his offering in the fire of his love on the cross. We are one with him as priest, prophet, and king. Whether or not you are an ordained deacon, priest or elder, you still have a call to ministry placed upon your life. May there be nothing frivolous or contaminated with other “gods” in what you bring—nothing less than the offering of your self in service to the Lord.

Leviticus 9:1—10:11

This is the first of three parts of the Torah Portion Shemini (Eighth)
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 9:1—11:47

Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: My heart, a burnt offering 9:1ff

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 3:16-21.

Adam was the firstborn; Jesus is the New Adam born again. Adam was born of the barrenness of the earth. The Spirit of Godhovered over it and breathed into the clay of the earth so that Adam might live with the breath of God. Jesus was born in the barrenness of Mary’s womb. The Holy Spirit hovered over that abyss until she conceived the flesh of the New Adam. From her womb and from the tomb, Jesus lives.

Are you ready for the funeral of the old self so that from its ashes, the new you can be born? Die to the old Adam-self and live the very life of God through the Holy Spirit.

John 3:1–21

Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: God loving the world so much v. 16

Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels.
In the seasons of Lent and Easter 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.