New Testament Archives - Justin Ariel Bailey

Costly Hope Gospel of Matthew Short Articles

Birds and Branches: A Blessing for 2021

A couple of years ago, I was asked to share a short devotional at the faculty assembly. I found it the other day while cleaning out my files. It seemed appropriate as a blessing for the beginning of the year. Photo by Ross Stone on…

Justin BaileyJanuary 4, 2021

Gospel of Matthew New Testament NT Narrative Sermons

“A Glimpse of How Things Really Are” – Matthew 17

Who gets to say how things really are? This is an important question, particularly in a world of spin rooms, fake news, and alternative facts. There is no shortage of people who claim that they can truly see, who want to wake us up to…

Justin BaileyMarch 8, 2020

Gospel of Matthew New Testament NT Narrative Sermons

Water and the Wilderness – Matthew 4

We are called to walk through the wilderness of this world, kissed by the baptismal blessing. But there are times when we wish we could wash away the baptismal claim on our life. Times when we want life on our own terms. Times when we…

Justin BaileyMarch 1, 2020

Colossians New Testament NT Letters Sermons

Raised with Christ – Colossians 2-3

Our systems of self-improvement may bring a sense of accomplishment. But they can also bring anxiety, with an ever-advancing finish line, where the numbers reinforce our sense that there is a fantasy self that we are failing to become. So for all confused and exhausted believers,…

Justin BaileyJuly 14, 2019

Acts New Testament NT Narrative Sermons

He Ascended to Heaven – Acts 1

Why does Jesus ascend to heaven? After rising from the dead, why doesn’t he simply stay?

Justin BaileyJuly 7, 2019

Costly Hope Gospel of John New Testament NT Narrative Sermons

“If You Had Been Here” – John 11

We rightly grieve over many things: over fractured relationships, frustrated hopes, and broken dreams. If we are honest, we often wonder why Jesus didn’t seem to show up at the time or in the way that we expected him to show up. Why does it…

Justin BaileyApril 1, 2018

Gospel of Luke New Testament Old Testament OT Poetry Sermons

If Someone Dies, Will They Live Again? – Job 14, Luke 24

The anguish in the question is real. In modern times we are prone to look at earlier eras and think, you know those pre-modern people could believe anything. But the reality and finality of death has always haunted human consciousness. Preached in Memorial Park in…

Justin BaileyApril 16, 2017

Deadly Sins New Testament NT Letters Sermons Topical

Deadly Sins: Anger – Ephesians 4

All anger invites self-examination. What is making you angry? And is your anger sourced in life and love, or does it seek to humiliate and destroy? How does it feel? Does it fuel constructive action, or does it eat you alive? Alienation from God twists…

Justin BaileyMarch 19, 2017

Deadly Sins New Testament NT Letters Sermons Topical

Deadly Sins: Pride – James 3

James alerts us to two kinds of wisdom, two ways to become adept at navigating the world. There is a kind of wisdom marked by pride, it comes “from below,” it is “earthly, unspiritual, and demonic.” But there is a second kind of wisdom, a…

Justin BaileyMarch 5, 2017

Gospel of Luke New Testament NT Narrative Sermons

The Lame Shall Enter First – Luke 18

Grace turns the tables on all our little comparison games and ranking systems. And this parable resounds with the reminder that only those who know they need grace are able to receive it, and only those who receive it are able to show it. Preached…

Justin BaileyFebruary 19, 2017

New Testament