Secular - A $50 bill and a $1 bill met on the conveyor belt at the Federal Reserve, both about to be retired and shredded. As they moved down the line, they started chatting about their lives in circulation. The $50 bill puffed out his chest and bragged, "I have had the most amazing life! I’ve been to…

Secular - A pastor was finishing up his sermon on Sunday morning and said, "Next week, I'm going to preach on the sin of lying. To help you prepare, I want everyone to read chapter 17 of the Gospel of Mark." The following Sunday, the pastor asked the congregation, "How many of you read chapter 17 of…

Secular - A woman was worried about her husband who had recently joined the church. She told the pastor, "He's becoming too religious. He wants me to give away my jewelry, sell my expensive car, and donate all our savings to the church!" The pastor paused and asked, "Are you sure he's praying, or is…

Secular - Pastor David loved two things almost as much as his congregation: catchy church signs and golf. One Saturday, he was out on the local course enjoying a beautiful day when he realized he was going to be slightly late getting back to church to change the weekly sign. He rushed over to the church…

Secular - Mrs. Henderson, a pillar of the community and known for her incredibly large, wide-brimmed Sunday hats, arrived at service one morning a bit late. The sanctuary was packed, and the only available seat was next to Mr. Peterson, who was notoriously grumpy and easily distracted. Mrs. Henderson…

Secular - After the Sunday service, Pastor James stood at the door shaking hands as everyone left. Little Noah came up, clutching a dollar bill. He looked serious. “Pastor,” he said, “I want to give this to you.” Pastor James replied. “Why, thank you, Noah! But what’s this for?” Noah shrugged and said,…

Secular - It was a bright Sunday morning, and the kids in Sunday school were unusually restless. Miss Carol, the teacher, was doing her best to keep everyone focused as she started her lesson on the Ten Commandments. She wrote “THOU SHALT NOT” in big letters on the whiteboard and said, “Now, class, these…

Secular - Historical/Cultural Context - This Gospel is written by Matthew, also known as Levi who was a former tax collector. It was most likely written between AD 50-60. Matthew left everything behind to follow Jesus. Matthew wrote primarily to Jewish believers—people who knew the Old Testament well.…

Secular - An elderly lady was walking out of church one Sunday when the pastor stopped her at the door. He smiled and said, “Ma’am, don’t you think it’s about time you joined the Army of the Lord?” She looked at him and whispered back, “Pastor… I’m already in the Army of the Lord.” He raised an eyebrow…