christianity

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The Holiness of Marriage

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

Jesus has strong words about divorce and remarriage. Does this situation apply to you? Rather than rationalize what Jesus teaches, let the Lord convict you where there was sin in your life in this regard. It does not mean that God wants you to return to a shattered or abusive relationship.

The Eastern Church sees marriage and divorce in the following way. There is a difference between a precious, ceramic vase that is cracked and can be fixed and one that is shattered into smithereens on the floor. In keeping with the analogy with marriage, both circumstances likely involve sin. In the one, effort needs to be made for repair. In the other, grief over the loss and moving on, humbled yet grateful for saving grace.

Mark 10:2-16

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Kingdom entered as a child v. 15

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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Reliving Sacred Events – Corrected

Listen to Pastor Nick read the “Firestarter” and Esther 9:18-23.

Birthdays and special anniversaries transform the feeling of those days by sacred remembrance. It is the same for Purim, celebrated the month before Passover. The sacred writer emphasizes repeatedly the importance of reliving this saving event by the way in which future generations re-enact it in the cycles of yearly returns. Here is the power of true celebrations: grace once poured forth is experienced again.

What are the saving events in your life that have brought you to the spiritual place where you are right now? Enter them once again, recall, and relive them until their timeless grace is released anew into your life. Beware of empty celebrations devoid of the Spirit. They tire the soul!

Esther 9—10

What are Bible Breaths? Learn More…
Example: From sorrow into gladness 9:22

Tuesdays are dedicated to the Old Testament books of history
and the Hebrew “Writings.”
In the season of Advent to Epiphany this year, we read Ruth, Esther and Proverbs 7 to 9.

 

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