Sunday, July 9, 2017
Saturday, February 25, 2017
The Parable of Lazarus and the Compassion of Jesus
An mp3 file of a teaching on the Compassion of Jesus as shown through the Parable of Lazarus is linked here (small file size), and a larger downloadable file size is here. (These files may also be played directly from host site without being downloaded.)
Luke 16:19-31English Standard Version (ESV)
The Rich Man and Lazarus
19 “There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 20 And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, 21 who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side.[a] The rich man also died and was buried, 23 and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. 24 And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.’ 25 But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. 26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’ 27 And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house— 28 for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’ 29 But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ 30 And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ 31 He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’”Footnotes:
- Luke 16:22 Greek bosom; also verse 23
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
Journaling through the Psalms
This version of the Psalms comes from the Psalter of the 1979 Book of Common Prayer. The psalms are printed on the left page and are faced on the right page with blank unruled paper for notes. The Table of Contents is divided up into 60 segments for those who follow the Benedictine method of praying through the entire Psalter each month.
The Psalms Journal is available through Saint Austin's Press for $10.55 each, plus shipping. Bulk pricing is available. The Psalms Journal is available for $13.55 on CreateSpace and Amazon.
Wisdom for men
My son, don’t forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commands; for they will bring you many days, a full life, and well-being. Never let loyalty and faithfulness leave you. Tie them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will find favor and high regard in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths. Proverbs 3:1-6 [HCSB]
Monday, October 24, 2016
Gossip and Verification
The following words of wisdom remind us of the admonition from James chapter 3 about the danger of an ungoverened tongue. We are also reminded of the direction from Jesus to talk directly with the person who may have offended you. This gives him the opportunity to repent or correct a misunderstanding.
Below, the teacher is warning us that a rumor we have heard may not be true. We must verify it with the source. Along with James, the teacher reminds us of the destructive nature of gossip, and our weakness in keeping secrets.
Christian leaders especially must be faithful in holding words shared with them in confidence. Priests are bound by their vows to keep confessions in absolute confidence.
Gossip is corrosive. We know this from personal experience as well, don't we? So, why do we participate in it? The teacher tells us, the one who hates gossip reduces evil!
Ecclesiasticus 19:4-17
4 One who trusts others too quickly is lightminded, and one who sins does wrong to himself. 5 One who rejoices in wickedness will be condemned, 6 and for one who hates gossip evil is lessened. 7 Never repeat a conversation, and you will lose nothing at all. 8 With friend or foe do not report it, and unless it would be a sin for you, do not disclose it; 9for some one has heard you and watched you, and when the time comes he will hate you. 10 Have you heard a word? Let it die with you. Be brave! It will not make you burst! 11With such a word a fool will suffer pangs like a woman in labor with a child. 12 Like an arrow stuck in the flesh of the thigh, so is a word inside a fool. 13 Question a friend, perhaps he did not do it; but if he did anything, so that he may do it no more. 14 Question a neighbor, perhaps he did not say it; but if he said it, so that he may not say it again.15 Question a friend, for often it is slander; so do not believe everything you hear. 16 A person may make a slip without intending it. Who has never sinned with his tongue? 17Question your neighbor before you threaten him; and let the law of the Most High take its course. -- RSV
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Grace in Pilgrim's Progress
“God's grace is the most incredible and insurmountable truth ever to be
revealed to the human heart, which is why God has given us His Holy
Spirit to superintend the process of more fully revealing the majesty of
the work done on our behalf by our Savior. He teaches us to first cling
to, and then enables us to adore with the faith He so graciously
supplies, the mercy of God. This mercy has its cause and effect in the
work of Jesus on the cross."
- John Bunyan: Pilgrim's Progress
- John Bunyan: Pilgrim's Progress
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