While John's sermon may be a bit jarring (replete with fire, brimstone, & name-calling), it is indeed Good News. The Savior is bringing a new way of living that uplifts the marginalized and offers peace to all (vipers and non-vipers alike).

John the Forerunner calls from the wilderness for all to repent as we prepare ourselves for the entry of Christ once more. Christ's arrival doesn't depend on our actions, but our ability to repent opens us to the goodness he offers.

As we find ourselves in a new church year, we are eagerly seeking renewed hope in the face of all of our struggles. Hope is a gift that Christ offers throughout time (past/present/future).

We humbly admit our limits and ask God for support, like Pontius Pilate who asked Jesus "What is the truth?" The Holy Spirit will not only reveal the truth but be a transformative presence in our lives.

The Temple in Jerusalem is going to be crumbling down, but Jesus encourages us this is part of something new that will emerge. Change, especially through tearing down, is difficult, but necessary for new things to emerge.

We are living in a moment of deep division in our country, reflected once more in the recent election cycle. We, the church, must continue to move forward together in faith with our unchanging mission to love our neighbor as ourselves.

Jesus penetrates all barriers, and through His faith, removes the stones that separate us from God and one another, revealing a resurrected and eternal life together where all tears shall be wiped away.

Freedom in Christ is an invitation to be bound in an abiding relationship with God and the living of a life in service to others. There is no greater gift to share than that of God's grace!

James and John make a request to be given a place of honor, but Jesus lays out for them the terms and conditions of such a request, namely that "the first shall be last, and the last first." The greatest honor is to serve.

When people's suffering gets used by religious leaders and politicians to make points, Jesus reminds us of God's original intent and the necessity of remaining humble.