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Paul sees idleness as a threat: He cautions the Thessalonians to keep away from those believers who are living in idleness. “Idle Hands” by Will Barnet 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 November 16, 2025 Dr. Todd R. Wright Ninety years ago, in 1935, Bertrand Russell wrote an essay, “In Praise of Idleness”. In it he argues against the glorification of work and for a four-hour workday. (Can you imagine?) He believed less work would mean more time for leisure, creativity, and reflection.

I wonder if Zacchaeus was weary of the tangle of his life. I wonder if he was stung by his neighbors’ low opinion of him, their hostile whispers. [1] “Zacchaeus” by Rev. Lauren Wright Pittman, A Sanctified Art, LLC Luke 19:1-10 November 9, 2025 Dr. Todd R. Wright We all know the story of Zacchaeus, thanks to a song many of us learned as children. The basic facts of the story are simple: Zacchaeus, a tax collector, climbs a tree to see Jesus. Jesus notices him and invites hims

...we believe in the possibility of change and in the necessity of reform, not just of institutions, but of people – because churches, schools, businesses, and governments are made up of people – and as they change, the institutions they create and sustain, change too. [1] by Nelly Bube of Kazakhstan Joel 2:23-32 and Luke 18:9-14 October 26, 2025 Dr. Todd R. Wright Can people change? It’s an important question to be asking on Reformation Sunday – the day when Presbyterians al

When Jesus saw that his followers were in danger of losing heart, Luke remembers him telling a parable about praying always and not losing heart. [1] “The persistent Widow” by James B. Janknegt, 2017 Luke 18:1-8 October 19, 2025 Dr. Todd R. Wright It seemed like a simple question. The Pharisees asked when the Kingdom of God was coming, and Jesus gave a dark answer. He talked about upcoming days of suffering – like in the time of Noah – people were eating and drinking, marryin

This is the thought that captured my imagination. Our praise is not the marching step of duty, it is the dance of joy; it is not the settled and predictable phrase that we can repeat without emotion, it is the giggle of delight; our praise is like jazz! [1] “Ten Lepers” by James Christensen Luke 17:11-19 October 12, 2025 Dr. Todd R. Wright I thought this was just another healing story … and then, as I was doing my research this past week, I ran across a comment that sent my i

He is reminding them that they are called to do their work – to lead little ones to faith and forgive habitually – and not expect gold...

How then, can he advise Timothy to pray for the very people who threaten their ministries, their freedom, and their very lives?...

Paul’s confession is not casual or calculated, coerced or false; instead, it is an unexpected, vulnerable, complete confession of his own...

I think Moses had a full, rich vision of what happens when people choose life.   Navigational rock cairn at Zion National Park...

... let’s dig in and try to figure out what truth a passage about seven bowls of wrath contains. Revelation 16:1-21 August 24, 2025 Dr....

But what if Paul is speaking to a specific group of women in Ephesus... 1 Timothy 2:8-15 and Galatians 3:27-28 August 17, 2025 Dr. Todd...

What are we to make of a man who was called by Jesus like all the other 12; who was sent out with power over unclean spirits and the...

It is difficult to reconcile the God of love with the use of violence, either directly by God (in cases like the flood or the killing of...

So scripture is unique... It is authoritative... It is God’s word to us... and finally, scripture leads us to believe and do particular...

Naaman was told to wash in the Jordan seven times. I’ll bet he was tempted to stop after three or four. Continuing required faith. [1]...

Elijah was being asked to hand over his power to a replacement. That’s not easy! “The Call of Elisha” a ceramic frieze, by Adam Kossowski...

Just turbulence? Tell that to anyone who has experienced it at 30,000 feet, when it felt like you were being shaken like a rag doll by...

Jesus refused to lose focus. His heart must have been breaking over Judas. Most would have responded with hate, but he commanded love....

Jesus refused to lose focus. His heart must have been breaking over Judas. Most would have responded with hate, but he commanded love. ...

Do you know anybody like Tabitha? People described as “devoted to good works and acts of charity”? People welcome in many parts of...