I want to begin my introductory editorial comments with the expression of much gratitude to all my predecessors, especially the most immediate, Rev. Dr. Jin Hee Han whose calm yet compelling call to me to …
Read the full story »
By Johannes Unsok Ro
The Bible offers a common thread related to caring for marginalized individuals in human society. However, there is another essential area of care in the Bible that goes beyond relationships among humans–Environmental Care. Through specific biblical quotes, the author builds a substantial case for the need to change our attitudes about our planet.
By Donald L. Odom
Caregivers are often guilty of not practicing what they preach. They make sure appointments are kept; and point out the little things that could be overlooked to ensure everything is in order. We ministers as caregivers and may find our plates overflowing and yet unable to say no, or to ask for help. To achieve maximum efficiency, we need to take care of ourselves beyond our responsibilities to the church and ministry
By Jin H. Han, Old Testament; Efrain Agosto, New Testament Epistles; Jerry Reisig, New Testament Gospel
These lectionary notes serve the Sundays and feasts in July-September 2012.
Reviewed by Robert W. Gunn
The Breath of God by Jeffrey Small (San Francisco: West Hills Press, 2011).
Compiled by Darla Turlington and her research team
Quotations about Caring for one another.
By Jin Hee Han
On behalf of the editorial and production team of The Living Pulpit, I send you peace and grace through our Lord. Our April-June 2012 issue on the raising of Jesus Christ received an enthusiastic reception, adding to the celebration of the hope of resurrection. It seems the spirit of Easter never wears out, for each Sunday brings a testimony to the everlasting life in the Lord.
By Stephen Reed
In a dialogue between Jesus and the Sadducees we learn that they did not believe in the resurrection. One might think that we should use only the New Testament when we want to preach and teach about resurrection. Still, New Testament writers do use resurrection language from Old Testament texts.
By Michael Gorman
Whether we think of the first century or the twenty-first, the resurrection is both a central and a controversial part of Christian theology and experience. Today, however, we often hear about those who challenge the possibility of resurrection—whether Christ’s or ours—both outside and inside the Christian church.
By Jo David
A first century C.E. rabbi reflects a deep skepticism about messianism, which serves as an illustration of how resurrection is still viewed within the Jewish world. To understand the historical and current view of resurrection in Judaism, a knowledge of how Jews process theology is essential.
By Deok-Weon Ahn
The shout: “Christ is risen today!” is the most basic tool of the missionary and the minister. The general consensus tends to view it as a command, but it gives ministers a question for self-reflection–a vital tool for preachers preparing sermons on resurrection.
By Kimberly S. Credit
While we tell the intricate details of the Christmas story about the birth of Christ, when it comes to Resurrection Sunday, we only shout about Jesus being raised from the tomb, hardly ever explaining just what that means for humanity.
By Harold Dean Trulear
When Jesus Christ died on the cross, he was an inmate. Incarceration in America carries more than the punishment of “doing time.” Shame and stigmatization plague an inmate his or her whole life. Those twin maladies spread like a virus to relatives left behind.
Title: Fish on Fire
Artist: Piety Choi
Size: 40"x40"
Mixed Media on Wooden Panel
This painting is based on the story at the end of the gospel of John in which the risen Christ came to his disciples on the morning of his resurrection and broiled the fish for them. To the wooden panel I attached the actual pieces of burnt burlap fabric and used acryl paint to reproduce a scene of broiling. While the Johannine passage is commonly understood as the risen Christ telling the world that he has risen and has returned to provide hope as well as hope-filled nourishment, I remember that fire also has the cleansing power of the fire of the Holy Spirit. According to other gospel traditions, Peter had denied Jesus three times. Jesus’ feeding of his disciples with the fish by the sea of Tiberias, however, has no trace of condemnation. In this scene, Jesus said to Peter, “Do you love me?” Jesus then asked Peter to tend his sheep. Divine justice might call to mind fire as punishment, but I cherish the power of the Lord’s fire that cleanses our soul from the stains of sin. There I see the path to renewal and new life.
If you would like to submit an article or book review for The Living Pulpit, email us at editor@pulpit.org.
The Living Pulpit (eISSN 1946-1771) is published quarterly by The Living Pulpit, Inc., 475 Riverside Drive Suite 500, New York, NY 10115, USA. Copyright © by The Living Pulpit, Inc. All rights reserved.
