Jesus healing of the woman who's ailment had her bent over for 18 years suggests a methaphor that sees faith as the skeleton of the soul.  Thanks to Dr. Tracy Popey for her collaboration.

Jesus comes in the power of His Spirit to cast fire on the earth.  The fire is the fire of judgement and the fire of grace.

This sermon explores God's Promise to Abraham and how our God brings promise to life through Jesus.  Jesus' promise, "Be not afraid little flock, for it is the Father's pleasure to give you the Kingdom" opens a new reality in which we are able to live. 

 

I didn't marry you because you were perfect. I didn't even
marry you because I loved you. I married you because you
gave me a promise. That promise made up for your faults.
And the promise I gave you made up for mine. Two imperfect
people got married and it was the promise that made the marriage.
And when our children were growing up, it wasn't a house that
protected them; and it wasn't our love that protected them - it was that
promise.
Thornton Wilder, The Skin of Our Teeth