In his book Wishful Thinking, Frederick Buechner says, “Whether your faith is that there is a God or that there is not a God, if you don't have any doubts, you are either kidding yourself or asleep.
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John reports only seven miracles in his gospel, though he never uses the word miracle. He calls them signs — events that point beyond themselves. A sign gives direction; it reveals who Jesus truly is. The sign in John 9:1–41 is a miracle of sight for the blind. #Lookingintothelectionary #PCUSA
John 3:16 may be Christianity’s elevator pitch, but I have always been more drawn to the verses around it, where Jesus describes salvation in a way that is layered, mysterious, and more than a little confusing. #Lookingintothelectionary #ThePresbyterianOutlook #PCUSA #PresbyterianChurchUSA
Jazz legend Louis Armstrong’s voice uniquely intones, “Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen. Nobody knows but Jesus.” The author is unknown, but the song is attributed to the oral tradition of enslaved communities in the US. #Lookingintothelectionary #ThePresbyterianOutlook #PresbyterianChurchUSA
Who among us hasn’t wanted to linger on a mountaintop just a little longer? It’s no accident that mountains serve as a metaphor for faith. #Lookingintothelectionary #PCUSA #PresbyterianChurchUSA
This is the only scene in Matthew’s Gospel where we witness Jesus calling his disciples. Later, they simply appear — already following, already listening, already participating in the work of the kingdom (see Matthew 10:1-4). #Lookingintothelectionary #PCUSA #ThePresbyterianOutlook
If you could ask Jesus just one question, what would it be? John’s Gospel gives us some good ideas — and good examples.
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There was a time when Presbyterians were so well known for one theological doctrine it became an intrinsic part of our personalities. If you told someone you were a Presbyterian, they would respond, “Ah, yes, so you believe in predestination.” #Lookingintothelectionary #PCUSA #PresbyterianChurchUSA
Matthew 2:13-23 provides a jarring gospel lesson just three days after Christmas Day! During the past week, congregations have heard about shepherds and the swaddling clothes, wise men and the star. #Lookingintothelectionary #PCUSA #PresbyterianChurchUSA
Looking at the large tree and the many poinsettias in our sanctuary, it’s hard to believe that Presbyterians are relatively new to the celebration of Christmas. #Lookingintothelectionary #PCUSA #PresbyterianChurchUSA #ThePresbyterianOutlook
Matthew 3:1-12
Second Sunday of Advent
December 7, 2025
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A South African man named Joshua Mhlakela predicted the end of the world and the rapture would happen on September 23. In a YouTube video, he confidently proclaimed, “The rapture is upon us. I’m a billion percent sure. #Lookingintothelectionary #PCUSA #PresbyterianChurchUSA #ThePresbyterianOutlook
When the Sadducees confront Jesus with an extreme question about marriage and resurrection in Luke 20:27–38, we glimpse how little has changed in more than two millennia. #Lookingintothelectionary #PCUSA #PresbyterianChurchUSA #ThePresbyterianOutlook
In “Last Scraps of Color in Missouri,” poet Karen Craigo writes about her desire for a flash of color amid a cold, wet landscape in late fall. #Lookingintothelectionary #PCUSA #PresbyterianChurchUSA
In Jesus’ day, people literally went up to the Temple. Perched at Jerusalem’s highest point, the Temple drew worshippers who walked uphill – sometimes for miles – to reach it. Worship was not a casual stop between errands but a pilgrimage of body and soul. #Lookingintothelectionary #PCUSA
In these days of endless news cycles and hot political takes, many people want a break from it all, even if just for an hour on Sundays. Shouldn’t the church be a sanctuary from the divisive politics of our day? #Lookingintothelectionary #PCUSA #PresbyterianChurchUSA #ThePresbyterianOutlook
Luke 16:19-31
Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
September 28, 2025
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Luke 16:1-13
Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost
September 21, 2025
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Not long ago, I was leading a discussion of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Life Together with a church small group. We were considering the chapter called “Ministry,” which Bonhoeffer begins by noting the human penchant for comparison and judgment. #Lookingintothelectionary #PCUSA #ThePresbyterianOutlook
In Sister Outsider, Audre Lorde contends that naming the roots of pain, suffering and injustice is critical for healing and transformation. #Lookingintothelectionary #PCUSA #PresbyterianChurchUSA #ThePresbyterianOutlook
Imagine if this was God’s response to your inquiries about what lies ahead. How would it make you feel if, when seeking comfort amidst the unknowns of the future, God asked you to undertake an impossible task: counting the stars? #Lookingintothelectionary #PCUSA #ThePresbyterianOutlook
