Parables As A Device To Make You Question Something You Think You Already Understand

Gary Ware

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October 14, 2021

I’m currently looking at what I hope will prove to be a three series exploration of the parables of Jesus. (Ten or so sermons each in 2022, 2023, 2024 (!!))

There are a lot of thoughts on the parables of Jesus; my understanding is that Jesus intentionally uses them as teaching device that, rather than making things clear, causes the listener to question their that which they already thought they understood, and in that pause and consideration come to a clearer understanding about the nature of God’s kingdom, about the nature of God’s grace, and about the nature of the his ultimate gathering of people into the fulfilment of his purpose.

“With Jesus, however, the device of parabolic utterance is used not to explain things to people’s satisfaction but to call attention to the unsatisfactoriness of all their previous explanations and understandings.” – Robert Farrar Capon.

“Sweet Ever After” by Ellie Holcomb featuring Bear Rinehart

Gary Ware

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October 13, 2021

Sweet Ever After is a track from Ellie Holcomb’s album Canyon, and features Bear Rinehart (who I’ve never heard of, but has a very cool name) on vocals.

Got a lotta bad days still comin’ our way, but a sweet ever after
Wind and waves breaking over our walls, but the ship, it don’t shatter
the real life lesson bout a life well lived, is you lose what don’t matter
But the sun’s coming up on the stairway to heaven,
in the sweet ever after, in the sweet ever after

The Role Of A Shepherd Is To Lead To Grass And Water, Not To Be The Grass And Water (via Ron Edmondson)

Gary Ware

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October 12, 2021

A somewhat contextless quote from Ron Edmondson that expresses a helpful reminder that pastors continually need to have brought to mind.

…the role of a shepherd is to lead sheep to the source of provision, not be the provision.
Shepherds point people to truth and grace, but you can (and should) trust God with people’s hearts.
The job of a shepherd is not to make grass or water. It’s to lead the sheep to quality grass and water.
You can’t change another person’s heart, so don’t be too frustrated when people don’t seem to change.
That’s God’s job.

source

Unto The Almighty – Sunday Songs

Gary Ware

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October 11, 2021

Unto The Almighty from Matt Boswell and Matt Papa.
A track from Almost Home – The Hymns Of Matt Boswell And Matt Papa Vol. 2.

The lyrics:
1.
Unto the Almighty now bring all praise
Let highest of honors adorn his name
His throne is immortal, his wisdom stands
The holy omnipotent great I am
Chorus
All blessing, all honor, and glory
To him who is worthy
All praises unto the almighty
2.
Creator of beauty the lord of life
Who dawned into darkness the sourceless light
Exalted the mountains and carved the seas
The maker of earth and its mysteries
Chorus
3.
Come gaze on the crown of the highest King,
Enthroned in unspeakable majesty;
His power unrivaled, his kingdom reigns,
Who conquers his foes, and his people saves
Chorus
4.
O see at the center of all, our God
Whom angels encircle with fear and awe;
Your/God’s people with gladness our voices lend,
Creation resounds with one great Amen

Words and Music: Matt Boswell and Matt Papa
© 2021 Getty Music Publishing (BMI), Messenger Hymns (BMI), Getty Music Hymns and Songs (ASCAP), and Love Your Enemies (ASCAP) (all admin by musicservices.org)

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