In Romans 6, we find Paul dealing with the struggle of life in the overlap between two ages, two modes of existence. Christ died and has risen: New life in a new age has begun. Yet, the old life in the old age continues. As followers of Christ, we must live in both ages at once, and often we struggle to live the new life in the old age. We struggle with temptation; we struggle with sin. In Christ, God has brought us a great distance, but we have not quite arrived. Reflections on this struggle...

The previous week’s gospel reading, Luke 4:14-21, speaks powerfully of Jesus’ mission, a mission of liberation, forgiveness, and healing....

Matthew 13 records a number of Jesus’ parables. The parable of the weeds and wheat (vv. 24-30), with its seeds and farmer, invites...