Who Are the Least? (Matthew 25)
The focus of this passage is on the treatment of “the least of these.” But who are they, and what if they’re not exactly who we want them to be? We are reaching the end of the Lenten season, with … Continue reading
Forming Faith Blog
Category Archives: Cross+Gen Education
Laborers, Lasts & Firsts (Matthew 20)
In the Parable of the Laborers, Jesus gives downright bad business advice. But God’s kingdom isn’t a business. God doesn’t give us what we deserve but what we need. As we continue our journey through the season of Lent, we … Continue reading
Ridiculous Forgiveness (Matthew 18)
Responding to a question about the limits of forgiveness, Jesus tells an over-the-top parable about a king, slaves, and a boatload of money. Lent: The Ways of the Kingdom Welcome to Lent. This first Sunday of Lent in the Narrative … Continue reading
Temptation & the Light (Matthew 4)
The tempter challenges Jesus, but—no matter his intent—all he does is further prove Matthew’s argument that Jesus is the Messiah, the one who brings light to the darkness. Jesus is the Messiah, the Savior whom God had promised. The angel … Continue reading
Not Waiting for God (Esther 4)
This week, we encounter a non-Advent-y reading from Esther where God is not mentioned. How do we trust in God’s promises when we can’t see God? Faith in God’s Promises We are now in the second week of Advent and … Continue reading
The Problem with Parables (2 Samuel 11 & 12)
Date: October 23, 2022 Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 11:1-5, 26-27; 12:1-9; Psalm 51:1-9 Free Resource: Turning Around (Cross+Gen Education, NL) Unit Theme (October 16—November 6): Living Faithfully in God’s Promise The Point: We can always seek forgiveness when we sin … Continue reading
Flood, Trauma, and Sept. 11th (Genesis 6; 8; 9)
Date: September 11, 2022 Bible Reading: Genesis 6:5-22; 8:6-12; 9:8-17 Free Resource: Building Challenge (Cross+Gen Education, NL) Unit Theme (September 11—October 9): God’s Promises Bring Hope The Point: We can trust that God cares for creation and will never again … Continue reading
Unity in Acting & Thinking (Philippians 2:1-13)
Date: May 29, 2022 Bible Reading: Philippians 2:1-13 Free Resource: Praying in One Accord (Cross+Gen Education, NL) Unit Theme (May 15—June 5): Living in Hope The Point: God’s grace is given, not earned. Is Christian unity even possible? Maybe it … Continue reading
Who Are You? (John 19:1-16a)
Date: April 3, 2022 Bible Reading: John 19:1-16a Free Resource: The Kingdom of God (Cross+Gen Education, NL) Unit Theme (March 27—April 10): God’s Kingdom Revealed The Point: Pilate wants to know who Jesus really is. This passage is one of … Continue reading
Ableism and Healing (John 9)
Date: February 27, 2022 Bible Reading: John 9:1-41 Free Resource: Healing Water (Cross+Gen Education, NL) Unit Theme (January 23—February 27): Invitation to Abundant Life The Point: Jesus draws us into relationship even through our brokenness and disbelief. What is ableism … Continue reading