This is the first of two Sunday messages where we will focus on stewardship. Let’s begin with the scripture we heard read… This brief passage is known as the story of the Widow’s Mite.

Salvation is an important concept in faith. It’s about being saved. It’s not a destination word (someplace where you have arrived) – it’s a journey word (it’s about direction in life).

Some years ago I was in the midst of a novel when a character’s description got my attention. I like it when a writer comes out with some insight that particularly speaks to me.

Perhaps you have heard of a Chinese proverb that says, May you live in interesting times. Actually it is an English expression said to be the translation of a traditional Chinese curse.

Last week’s message finished with some thinking about how our experience of faith is shaped by expectation.

Have you ever tried to imagine what it was like to be with Jesus way back then? You know… walking. Going to towns and villages, listening to him preach and teach.

Our reading from the Gospel of Mark is a collection of Jesus’ sayings. They are warnings about maintaining good relationships with others. The centerpiece of the passage is this…

The Bible is a collection of writings about God. The many stories are ancient, the languages foreign, yet through them we can discern spiritual wisdom for our lives.

They call the city of Redlands, California the “jewel of the Inland Empire.” Karen and I think so, too. It is a wonderful city, and we were part of a wonderful congregation for six years which was, and still is, very dear to us