Reflections on Jesus' two parables involving seeds as metaphors for the kingdom of God, found in Mark 4:26-34.

The Video is available (After the Sunday service) at the YouTube channel of the Central Presbyterian Church in Ft. Smith, AR.

The text is at my blogsite.

If Jesus just taught love and forgiveness, why did have so many conflicts: with his family (why?), with religious leaders, and with the government (again, why?) -- what if we are going to face a coalition of those same sources of conflict all wrapped into one?  What if Christian Nationalism becomes the new normal?  Would the Tulsa massacre possibly happen again?  The text is at my blog site.  The video is at the YouTube channel of the Central Presbyterian Church, Fort Smith, AR.

The famous story (and famously mis-read) of Nicodemus coming to Jesus at night in which Jesus says he must be born again is meant to be read mystically (like all of the Gospel of John is meant to be read).  It is a story about going from religion (morals, duty, rituals) to a truly transformed state of selflessness.  

Reflections on what it means that the Spirit is present always and everywhere -- but though it should produce unity across racial and ethnic lines, often doesn't.  The Spirit can be resisted.  Nevertheless if we are willing, the Spirit can bridge chasms of race and ethnicity.  The video is up at the Central Presbyterian Church, Fort Smith Youtube channel.  The text is at my blog. 

Reflections on the idea that we humans could really be one with God and one with another -- an insight most mystics share (but can be hard to experience or even believe.  Based on the very mystical Gospel of John which depicts Jesus in prayer to God.  The video is at the Youtube channel of the Central Presbyterian Church in Fort Smith, AR.  The text is at my blog site.

Reflections on John 15:9-17 in which Jesus commands his followers to love -- but not with sentimentality, but AS he showed love -- by action; public (even political) actions - which is what got Jesus killed, but he did it out of love -- because love, in the public sphere, is justice. 

The text is at my blog site: Steven Kurtz's Blog.  

A video version can be found at the Youtube channel of the Central Presbyterian Church in Fort Smith, AR. 

Reflections on the question: Why are we here?  Provoked by John 15:1-8 in which the metaphor of a branch being connected to a grapevine stands for our union with God which is the source of fruitfulness.  Then, an illustration of good fruit, in the life of abolitionist John Ranken whose hard work, in spite of great opposition, helped many people escape slavery.

A reflection on the modern day implications of John 10:11–18 in which Jesus calls himself the "Good Shepherd" -- which seems benign enough, but then he talks about wolves and willingness to die -- so it's about danger.  But it's also about activism, because Jesus' strategy was radical and unexpected fo his time.  Much to chew on and learn from him about.  The text is at my Wordpress blogsite.  The video set at the Central Presbyterian Church in Fort Smith, AR, is uploaded usually late Saturday evening to be available by Sunday morning. 

This is on John 20:19-31, the story of "doubting Thomas" -- which I take to be a parable (not literal history); a story of the post-crucifixion Jesus appearing (twice) in a locked room to the disciples, first when Thomas was not there, and the second time when he was present.  In between, they had reported the first appearance to Thomas who famously said he would not believe without seeing and touching Jesus' wounds.  This is a parable about how to have faith that the message of Jesus -- that the Kingdom of God was present --- could be believed, even in his absence.  But it brings up the issue of pain, evil and suffering, which are perpetual challenges to faith.  In fact, even to Jesus' faith.  Jesus too doubted. 

Sermon for March 28, 2021, Palm Sunday, Year B

Jesus rode a donkey into his country's capital city on the day they celebrated National Independance (from slavery in Egypt, centuries ago) while being subjects of the Roman Empire's domination and oppression.  The donkey ride was intentional mockery of Roman Governor Pilate's entry into Jerusalem with troops to tamp down any new independence movements.  

That is what we celebrate on Palm Sunday: mocking the unjust powers that be which seek to oppress and dominate.  We proclaim allegiance to an alternative "kingdom."