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The Seven Last Words of Christ
Who was crucified? “Crucifixion was the standard Roman mode of punishment for capital offenses against Rome, and hence was practiced on a large scale in Judea under the Roman occupation. All acts of rebellion against Rome were a capital offense.” Slaves could be crucified for less crimes but free men only for capital offenses. However, Roman citizens were not crucified at all. They were beheaded, which is why Paul was not crucified but Peter was. The four gospels collectively report seven “words” (phrases) that Christ spoke from the cross. The words differ between the four gospels, but this is neither surprising nor alarming: if you get four people to watch…
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Mary at Christmastime
This is the script of a monologue I did as an older Mary looking back on her life as Jesus’ mother. Please note that the part where Jesus’ family thinks He’s crazy is true. I didn’t make it up. You’ll find it in Mark 3. You’ll also read in John 6 that Jesus’ brothers didn’t believe in him at first, although later James and Jude became believers and leaders of the church. Hello. My name is Mary. You may or may not know who I am, since I’m afraid I told Peter in no uncertain terms that he was not to announce me by striding ahead of me in the streets…
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Adventures with Christ
The Christian life is a grand adventure! The Holy One who saved you calls you to a life of abundance AND obedience — and together they spell “adventure.” “‘I have come to give them abundant life.'” / “‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.'” Jesus said both things! He calls us to a mighty life of trusting Him and doing His will, of courage and passion, of seeking and finding. These things are obedience. They are the part where we go out the door to meet our holy destiny in spite of hardship, enemies, and uncertainty. And abundance is…