Archive for August 2025
August 26-31, 2025
In keeping with the Bible reading plan we are using, the last days of each month are designated as “free days.” August 26-31 then are intended to allow you to catch up on reading you may have missed or to study passages more in depth that intrigued you during the first 25 days of the month.…
Read MoreLuke 20:20-26: Render Unto Caesar
Esther 9-10, Proverbs 17:15-28, Luke 20:20-26, Philemon 12-25 Luke 20:20-26: Once more trying to trap Jesus, they send spies (Luke 20:20), pretending to be sincere, and ask him a cunning question. First of all, they start with flattery. Flattery is normally a trap (Proverbs 29:5), but here their flattery has a particular aim. They are encouraging him to…
Read MoreLuke 20:9-19: A Vineyard
Esther 7-8, Proverbs 17:1-14, Luke 20:9-19, Philemon 1-11 Luke 20:9-19: In response to the religious leaders’ unwillingness to be authentic in their response to Jesus and accept him as the Son of God, Jesus tells the people a parable. Note: when someone refuses the gospel, it is right to offer a warning, even if it is couched in…
Read MoreLuke 20:1-8: Questions and Answers
Esther 5-6, Proverbs 16:17-33, Luke 20:1-8, Titus 3:9-15 Luke 20:1-8: When people do not like what someone is saying or doing, they rarely actually change the words or the deeds themselves. It is easier, and often more effective, to instead challenge the right that the person has to do those things. If you can caricature that person as…
Read MoreThe Five Step Guide to How to Get Trained to Be a Pastor
by Dr. Josh Moody Those who watch the ministry training space will know that there appears to be something of a sea changing ongoing with relation to the functional practicality of how training is delivered. Some seminaries are closing—reasons various. Others thriving—reasons also various. Clearly technology is part of the story. Some kinds of training…
Read MoreLuke 19:39-48: A House of Prayer
Esther 3-4, Proverbs 16:1-16, Luke 19:39-48, Titus 3:1-8 Luke 19:39-48: (Luke 19:39-40) The Pharisees long for the people to stop praising Jesus. So it ever was thus: false religions and false religious leaders will strongly advocate against the praising of the name of Jesus. The word “God” or “providence” they may have less objection to. But the name…
Read MoreLuke 19:28-38: Blessed Is the King
Esther 2, Proverbs 15:18-33, Luke 19:28-38, Titus 2:11-15 Luke 19:28-38: The triumphal entry—famous for its celebration and praise—has a different flavor for those of us who know the opposition that is in wait for Jesus. Even in Luke 19:39-40, when the Pharisees object to the praise that Jesus is receiving, we sense the growing opposition and antipathy. But…
Read MoreLuke 19:11-27: Make the Most of Your Talents
Esther 1, Proverbs 15:1-17, Luke 19:11-27, Titus 2:1-10 Luke 19:11-27: Jesus tells this parable for those who suppose that the kingdom of God is to appear immediately. How we need this reminder often today. Too many times, well-meaning Christian people are confused by claims that the end times are about to come to an end, and Christ will…
Read MoreLuke 19:1-10: Seek and Save the Lost
Nehemiah 13, Proverbs 14:19-35, Luke 19:1-10, Titus 1:10-16 Luke 19:1–10: The famous story of Zacchaeus, a rich man, but also a “chief tax collector” (Luke 19:2). The story is not simply about a rich man who is saved and becomes generous. It is a story about a rich man who is a collaborator with the occupying Roman officials…
Read MoreLuke 18:31-43: Blind Man Sees
Nehemiah 12, Proverbs 14:1-18, Luke 18:31-43, Titus 1:1-9 Luke 18:31-43: (Luke 18:31-34) Jesus again predicts his death and resurrection. This is the very center of what he came to do, the highpoint, and focus of all. He wants those around him to understand the significance of the event, that it is planned and deliberate, and that it is…
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