In 2012, Pastor Jon challenged the congregation to take part in the E100 challenge. E100 is a Bible reading program created by Scripture Union. This “big picture” approach is designed to help people read through the major themes of scripture without getting bogged down or frustrated. E100 features 50 scripture readings from the Hebrew Scriptures and another 50 readings from the New Testament. Most readings are only one to two chapters long, and can be read in 10 minutes.
In addition to the daily readings, Pastor Jon wrote a devotional that was sent through e-mail. The devotions have been collected and presented here.
Lost and Found – Luke 15:1-32 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents. – Luke 15:10 A lost sheep. A lost coin. A lost son. These stories all have in common the idea that something was lost, but now…
The Good Samaritan – Luke 10:25-37 “…and who is my neighbor?” – Expert “…which of these three was a neighbor?” – Jesus There’s a lengthy story between these two quotes, so it’s easy to miss the fact that Jesus doesn’t answer the expert’s question. In true rabbinical fashion, he responds to the question with another…
The Kingdom of Heaven – Matthew 13:1-58 And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith. – Matthew 13:58 This chapter is full of images about the Kingdom of Heaven – it’s like a pearl of great price… or like a mustard seed… or like a little yeast. We read…
Sermon on the Mount – Part 2 – Matthew 6:5-7:29 Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Three times in the beginning of Matthew 6, Jesus uses this particular phrase. When you give… when you pray… when you fast… do it in secret… “then your Father, who sees what…
Sermon on the Mount – Part 1 – Matthew 5:1-6:4 You are the light of the world – Jesus But wait a minute! I thought that Jesus was the “Light of the World.” After all, last week we read John’s words where he said that Jesus was the true light that gives light to every…
Baptism and Temptation – Matthew 3:13-4:17 They seem like such small things – commanding stones to become bread… or jumping off a high point. In fact, this first temptation doesn’t seem all that different from the temptation given to Adam and Eve–that was a pretty simple thing, right? Just eat this fruit from the tree,…
John the Baptist – Luke 3:1-20 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. – Luke 3:8a When Luke introduces John the Baptist to us, we meet a prophet who boldly speaks the truth without fear of offending anyone. Calling your audience a “brood of vipers” is not exactly at the top of the list of ways…
The Birth of Jesus – Luke 2:1-40 Merry Christmas! Angels, shepherds, mangers and swaddling clothes – the Christmas story is full of images that fill us with joy as we consider the “old, old story!” Carols, bells, candles and presents – our celebrations of Christmas are full of nostalgia as we remember the old-fashioned Christmases…
Gabriel’s Message – Luke 1:1-80 May it be to me as you have said. – Luke 1:38b In the middle of this familiar Christmas story, we find this one sentence, the importance of which cannot be overstated. Mary has just been given unbelievable and unimaginable news… she has no idea exactly how this will come…
The Word Became Flesh – John 1:1-18 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. – John 1:1 These beautiful words are the opening to the Gospel according to John–and the beginning to a sequence of verses that are powerful, poetic, and full of meaning! John…