Monthly Archives: February 2017

Under New Management

Posted on February 28, 2017 by Don Merritt

Luke 16:1-18 Jesus continues with the parables, this time the Parable of the Unwise Manager. A rich guy received accusations that his asset manager was wasting (or dispersing) his assets. He calls the manager in and tells him he is … Continue reading →

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The Prodigal Son

Posted on February 28, 2017 by Don Merritt

Luke 15:11-32 Jesus tells a third parable to the Pharisees and teachers of the law, this one is so familiar to us that I need not recount the details. Of course we know that the younger son who had taken … Continue reading →

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Like a Lost Coin

Posted on February 27, 2017 by Don Merritt

“Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it?  And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with … Continue reading →

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Lost Sheep

Posted on February 27, 2017 by Don Merritt

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Then Jesus told them this parable: “Suppose one of you has a … Continue reading →

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A Brief History of Progressivism, Episode 3

Posted on February 26, 2017 by Don Merritt

Woodrow Wilson Evolves “If any trait bubbles up in all one reads about Wilson it is this: He loved, craved and glorified power.” Walter McDougall As young Woodrow Wilson attended graduate school at Johns Hopkins University, his attitudes about the … Continue reading →

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Bonus Post: Salt

Posted on February 26, 2017 by Don Merritt

Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?  It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out. “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.” (13:34-35) … Continue reading →

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Random Ramblings: February 25, 2017

Posted on February 25, 2017 by Don Merritt

Over the last week or 10 days, we’ve been having unseasonably warm weather here in NW Illinois, in fact, we’ve set a couple of all-time records for high temperatures. It has been warm, often sunny; some days have seen temps … Continue reading →

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Discipleship Doesn’t Come Cheaply

Posted on February 25, 2017 by Don Merritt

Luke 14:25-35 Once again we are on the road with Jesus as He makes His way toward Jerusalem. There is quite a good-sized crowd travelling with Him along the way and at some point in their progress Jesus speaks to … Continue reading →

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The Parable of the Banquet

Posted on February 24, 2017 by Don Merritt

Luke 14:15-24 We left off earlier with the reaction of one of the guests at the Pharisee’s house where Jesus had been speaking to them about the Sabbath and the Kingdom after He had healed a man right in front … Continue reading →

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Jesus Visits a Pharisee’s House

Posted on February 24, 2017 by Don Merritt

Luke 14:1-15 I wonder if we can see Jesus pleading with the guests of this Pharisee to hear His Kingdom message in this scene. Oh, don’t look for melodrama, for tears and dramatics as you might find in a bad … Continue reading →

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