”Why are you weeping?” is the question our Risen Lord asks Magdalene. (John 20). Dressed up in our fashionable Easter finery, it is easy to miss how Easter speaks to our grief. As we come to this unusual Easter, the Good News comes to us stripped down as it did to those earliest disciples […]
Author Archives: paulrpurdue
Luke 23:33-34 “When they arrived at the place called the Skull, they crucified him, along with the criminals, one on his right and the other on his left. Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.’ They drew lots as a way of dividing up his clothing.” John 19:25-27 “Jesus’ […]
On Wednesday, Amy Cooper and Christy Perky led the choristers in a Zoom call choir practice. These elementary schoolers were planning to debut a new musical The Truth About Ruth, for the Sunday after Easter. This musical by our own Christy and Amy will be great when we can once again sing together. Amy told […]
A few weeks ago, I saw a sincere portrait of Jesus in a church classroom. An enormous buff Jesus stood atop the entire earth. One massive foot touched down on the North Pole and descended over Canada. Was it Easter or maybe the Second Coming? This curly headed brunette Jesus wore a dazzling white robe […]
Twenty years ago I ran my first and only marathon. I have managed to mention it about 10,000 times. In order to run all 26 miles you have to stay hydrated. Even elite runners break their stride enough to slurp down a gel pack and pick up a sports drink. Around mile 14, I started […]
Welcome Holy God, help us to be present on this Lenten journey, even as you are present. Amen. Romans 5: 1-5 Therefore, since we have been made righteous through God’s faithfulness,we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We have access by faith into this grace in which we stand through him, […]
Amid a national disaster, Jeremiah writes to those unsettled by loss and transition, as Jerusalem was utterly destroyed: “The Lord, our God, proclaims to all those living in exile: Build houses and settle down. Cultivate new gardens and eat the produce. Get married. Have children and look forward to grandchildren. Don’t dwindle away! Promote the […]
A bestselling Christian author captures our American Civil religion promising: “You have the favor of Almighty God. He has lined up the perfect people and circumstances for your future. His favor is taking you where you could never have gone on your own.” How does prosperity fit into a season of self-denial and sacrifice? Will […]
Last week, I preached about how Jesus said: “If two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, then my Father who is in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I’m there with them.” I asked, if two or three of us here […]
Before the boys were born, someone gave us a 4” thick, 573 page guide to our baby’s first year. These days, I imagine someone has invented a parenting app, with location services that can gently chirp suggestions to help you coax a frightened toddler from the top of a McDonald’s playland, as you nurse a […]
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