Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A
Frank Ramirez
John Fitzgerald
Contents
"Spilled Milk" by Frank Ramirez
"God's Silent Witness" by John Fitzgerald
* * * * * * *
Spilled Milk
by Frank Ramirez
Philippians 3:4b-14
Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ…
-- Philippians 3:8, KJV
Perhaps you remember the old saying: "It's no use crying over spilled milk." But did you know it's possible to use spilled milk to faithfully guide you on your way?
"Spilled Milk" by Frank Ramirez
"God's Silent Witness" by John Fitzgerald
* * * * * * *
Spilled Milk
by Frank Ramirez
Philippians 3:4b-14
Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ…
-- Philippians 3:8, KJV
Perhaps you remember the old saying: "It's no use crying over spilled milk." But did you know it's possible to use spilled milk to faithfully guide you on your way?
C. David Mckirachan
Frank Ramirez
Contents
“Confronting Injustice” by C. David McKirachan
“Get Back!” by Frank Ramirez
Confronting Injustice
by C. David McKirachan
Matthew 21:33-46
This parable is interesting. It’s a layout of a phenomenon of some of the socio-economic dynamics around absentee landlords, the payment of rent, and …. anybody awake? The preceding statement is true. But all of that is scenery, stage setting for a gut punch delivered to the church leaders, the cultural poo baa’s, and the rulers of the nation that surrounded Jesus.
“Confronting Injustice” by C. David McKirachan
“Get Back!” by Frank Ramirez
Confronting Injustice
by C. David McKirachan
Matthew 21:33-46
This parable is interesting. It’s a layout of a phenomenon of some of the socio-economic dynamics around absentee landlords, the payment of rent, and …. anybody awake? The preceding statement is true. But all of that is scenery, stage setting for a gut punch delivered to the church leaders, the cultural poo baa’s, and the rulers of the nation that surrounded Jesus.
Peter Andrew Smith
Teddy thought for a moment and then shook his head. “I appreciate you asking but no thanks.”
“Are you sure?” Paula asked. “The new pastor is a great speaker I think you would like him.”
“No, I don’t like to go to church because I fine church really negative.” Teddy tapped his chin with his finger. “Plus with the exception of you, I find I don’t think I have anything in common with people who go to church.”
“Really? You do realize that all the other people you hang out with go to church.” Paula tilted her head to one side. “Todd and Silvie sing in the choir, Lewis is on the board, and Derek teaches youth group.”
“Huh. Well I guess you guys are okay.” Teddy rubbed his chin. “You guys are okay but that doesn’t change the fact that I find church kind of negative with all sorts of rules about what I can and cannot do. You know all the ‘thou shalt not’ commands.”
“Ah, you mean the ten commandments?”
“Are you sure?” Paula asked. “The new pastor is a great speaker I think you would like him.”
“No, I don’t like to go to church because I fine church really negative.” Teddy tapped his chin with his finger. “Plus with the exception of you, I find I don’t think I have anything in common with people who go to church.”
“Really? You do realize that all the other people you hang out with go to church.” Paula tilted her head to one side. “Todd and Silvie sing in the choir, Lewis is on the board, and Derek teaches youth group.”
“Huh. Well I guess you guys are okay.” Teddy rubbed his chin. “You guys are okay but that doesn’t change the fact that I find church kind of negative with all sorts of rules about what I can and cannot do. You know all the ‘thou shalt not’ commands.”
“Ah, you mean the ten commandments?”
Frank Ramirez
For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the people of Judah are his pleasant planting; he expected justice, but saw bloodshed; righteousness, but heard a cry! (Isaiah 5:1-7)
We’re probably all aware that in books, plays, television shows, and movies, a character may stand for something more than themselves. That makes them a symbol. Or maybe they do something symbolic. But the character is not always a symbol, or perhaps not always the same symbol.
Sometimes everything is symbolic, and the the symbolism is consistent from begining to end of the story. That’s called an allegory.
We’re probably all aware that in books, plays, television shows, and movies, a character may stand for something more than themselves. That makes them a symbol. Or maybe they do something symbolic. But the character is not always a symbol, or perhaps not always the same symbol.
Sometimes everything is symbolic, and the the symbolism is consistent from begining to end of the story. That’s called an allegory.
C. David Mckirachan
Larry Winebrenner
Sandra Herrmann
Contents
"Gentlemen's Game" by C. David McKirachan
"The Power of Story" by Larry Winebrenner
"The Insane Tenants" by Sandra Herrmann
* * * * * * * *
Gentlemen's Game
by C. David McKirachan
Exodus 20
In my freshman year of college I signed up for the Rugby team. It seemed like a good idea at the time. I'd always enjoyed playing in the dirt. No lack of that when you run around with a football, with no one to block, with 15 large beasts chasing you. When you get tackled, it's a loose ball and it starts all over again. No pads, no time outs, and no substitutions. I woke up the morning after the first practice feeling like I'd spent the afternoon under a medium sized herd of water buffalo. Plenty of dirt.
"Gentlemen's Game" by C. David McKirachan
"The Power of Story" by Larry Winebrenner
"The Insane Tenants" by Sandra Herrmann
* * * * * * * *
Gentlemen's Game
by C. David McKirachan
Exodus 20
In my freshman year of college I signed up for the Rugby team. It seemed like a good idea at the time. I'd always enjoyed playing in the dirt. No lack of that when you run around with a football, with no one to block, with 15 large beasts chasing you. When you get tackled, it's a loose ball and it starts all over again. No pads, no time outs, and no substitutions. I woke up the morning after the first practice feeling like I'd spent the afternoon under a medium sized herd of water buffalo. Plenty of dirt.
What is StoryShare?
StoryShare is a treasure house with hundreds of good stories to share, stories which relate authentic, life-changing experiences that demonstrate the Lord's power and presence. Many are intensely personal accounts that concern visions, healing, or answers to prayers, but all bear witness to the indescribable joy, comfort and peace that come from a personal encounter with the divine. Our "Good Stories" section includes short fiction, parables much like those Jesus told.
Can I share stories that I have?
Yes, you can. You have good stories to share too, probably more than you know: personal stories, and stories from others that you have used over the years. StoryShare is always looking for stories involving personal experiences of the presence of God. Have you or someone you know heard the voice of God or been healed as a direct answer to prayer? If you have a story that you can share send it to StoryShare for review. Simply click here (storyshare@sermonsuite.com) and email your story to us.
