NEWS

by Grace Outlaw Matthew 22-23 One thing I think many Christians tend to forget, is that Jesus saved his harshest words not for the prostitutes or tax collectors, but for the Jewish religious leaders! To the Sadducees who challenged him, he responded, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God” (Matthew 22:29). To the Pharisees who tested him, wanting to trap him by his own words, Jesus called them out directly, saying, “You hypocrites! W

by Grace Outlaw Matthew 21; Amos 5 In the bustling courts of the Jerusalem temple, a scene of chaos unfolds. Money changers haggle over exchange rates, merchants hawk their wares, and the cacophony of commerce drowns out the whispers of prayer. Into this din steps Jesus, his eyes blazing with righteous anger. I don’t know about you, but that mental image terrifies me a bit. I am not a confrontational person, and the idea of seeing our loving, kind, gentle-hearted, forgiving

by David Dale Mark 11:1-11; Zechariah 9:9 Today when you hear of a triumphant entry you might think of the latest big sporting event you may have attended. We’ve been to Penn State games with a stadium full of 110,000 rabid fans, all on their feet, with smoke, fireworks, and blaring music as the team proudly enters the stadium. It’s an inspiring, exciting moment. I suspect the crowd in Jesus’ day, as he entered Jerusalem, were expecting just that spectacular moment. But what

by Grace Outlaw John 12:1-8 If I’m being honest, there are certain scenes in the Bible that don’t make a lot of sense to me unless I go back and look into the historical and cultural context that surrounds them — and this is one of them. In John 12, we see Jesus at a dinner in Bethany, six days before Passover. I’m imagining the room alive with conversation as Jesus relaxes at the table with Lazarus (who was dead just a little while ago, so we already find ourselves in an u

by Jane McAfee Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4 As the scene opens, Jesus takes a seat where he has a view of the temple’s treasury. He observes the crowds and he watches them put in their money. Lots of people. Lots of money, especially from the rich. Then a widow enters, and makes her way through the crowds and offers two small coins. And Jesus sees her. We turn to look at her too, and realize she is noticeable because she is different from the others. But she is also not wort

by Kelsey Phillips Matthew 19:14 "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." – Matthew 19:14 As we continue our journey through Lent, a season of reflection and renewal, Jesus’ words remind us of the childlike faith we are called to embrace. The disciples, thinking they were protecting Jesus from interruptions and distractions, tried to keep the children away. But Jesus, in his love and tenderness, welcome