Initial thoughts on the text for "He Will Come and Serve" A sermon on Luke 12:35-40 (ESV) New Year's Eve, 31 December 2017  Most of our popular English translations use the same word "master" in verses 36, 37 and 39. The ESV, NIV, NKJV and NASB all translate in these three verses with "master." … Continue reading He Will Come and Serve: The Passage
Children of the Day: The Passage
Initial thoughts for "Children of the Day" A sermon on 1 Thessalonians 5:1-28 4th Midweek Advent Service, 20 December 2017 It will come as no surprise, that Last Day of the Lord--no surprise to the faithful. "Sudden destruction will come upon them," the Apostle warns, "...and they shall not escape." (v.3) The language of a … Continue reading Children of the Day: The Passage
Unmoved by Affliction: The Passage
A first look at 1 Thessalonians 3:1-13 Preparing for Midweek Advent Service II, 6 December 2017 Paul's ministry demonstrates the Spirit of spiritual care for the faith and lives of others. He repeats his earnest desire to see them face to face several times in this epistle. Besides concerns for their physical safety, Paul is … Continue reading Unmoved by Affliction: The Passage
It’s Time to Wake Up: The Passage
Reflections on the text for "It's Time to Wake Up" A sermon on Romans 13:8-14 First Sunday in Advent, 3 December 2017 "Advent" means "the arrival of a notable person, thing or event," according to the New Oxford English Dictionary. Advent is also the first season of the new liturgical Church Year. Our readings, songs … Continue reading It’s Time to Wake Up: The Passage
On Christian Unity: The Passage
A few weeks back, I was teaching a Bible Study on Church History for students at Wayne State College. We've been tracing events in world history, including the good and the bad of Christian responses. Sometimes the Church was on the receiving end of violence and government coercion. Such hardship brought people together around what … Continue reading On Christian Unity: The Passage
The Mistress of The House: The Passage
To Zarephath! With Elijah, we follow along as this week's Old Testament reading from 1 Kings 17:17-24 leads us to the home of a widow. She rules over her household there, in obedient service to the Lord and direct support of his prophet's life and ministry. Elijah's presence there is the result of the Lord's … Continue reading The Mistress of The House: The Passage
On Anxiety and Faith: The Short Answer
"Between Marx and marzipan in the dictionary there was Mary Between the Deep Blue Sea and the Devil that was me..." https://youtu.be/g0CUmD8bTC8 "Worker's Playtime" by Billy Bragg was pretty much the sountrack of my life as I courted my beloved Bride-to-be. Before iPads and iPods, back in the late 80's and earliest 1990's I'd walk … Continue reading On Anxiety and Faith: The Short Answer
On Anxiety and Faith: The Passage
Alfred E. Neuman, the mascot of MAD Magazine since about 1956 has appeared on the cover of almost every issue since then. His motto: "What? Me Worry?" used to imply that one couldn't care less, that laughter was the best medicine. Today the answer seems far less laughable. Yes. We worry. A lot. Mental health professionals … Continue reading On Anxiety and Faith: The Passage
Words of Life and Healing: The Passage
This next Sunday is "Rally Day" at Immanuel Lutheran Church, the kickoff of our Sunday School season which will run through the rest of the school year. Immanuel hosts a cookout in the Laurel city park after service. Members pull in these huge grills for hamburgers and hotdogs. As the small town newspapers used to … Continue reading Words of Life and Healing: The Passage
Hanging on His Words: The Passage
Tuesday, I double check our travel itinerary for this week's spiritual jaunt together towards a sermon for the Tenth Sunday after Trinity and sigh. We're headed quite a long way, well outside my comfort zone into rather unfamiliar territory. Ignore my grumbling. We use a 1-Year lectionary--a well-worn churchly roadmap of readings, handed down by … Continue reading Hanging on His Words: The Passage
Isaiah 50:4 Blues 