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
The Steadfastness of Hope
Hear the full audio of "The Steadfastness of Hope" A sermon on 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 Thanksgiving Eve, 22 November 2017 Four days ago, a British newspaper headline reports: Horror as 1,000-strong mob attacks CHURCH forcing Christians to lock themselves inside Other stories in recent weeks describe similar events in Egypt. In one story, groups of … Continue reading The Steadfastness of Hope
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 Sermon
Hear the full audio of "The Mistress of The House" A sermon on 1 Kings 17:17-24 16th Sunday after Trinity / 1 October 2017 This widow is not defined by her grief, her anger, her loss, but The Mistress of the House is defined by her faith that freely received God’s gifts and freely gives … Continue reading The Mistress of The House: The Sermon
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
Competent and Confident in Christ
Hear the full audio of "Confident and Competent in Christ" A sermon on 2 Corinthians 3:1-11 Twelfth Sunday after Trinity, 27 August 2017 The ministry of Moses was such that God's people couldn't stand to look Moses in the face as he spoke the Word of the Lord. The letter of the Law proclaimed condemnation … Continue reading Competent and Confident in Christ
The Fugitives’ Faith
When I do something for God, I want Him to approve and praise it. When I give something to God, I want him to love it and thank me. However, Scripture says He just doesn't--and won't--unless Jesus acts through those signs given us...Hear the full audio of "The Fugitive's Faith"A sermon on Genesis 4:1-15; Luke … Continue reading The Fugitives’ Faith
Hanging on His Words: The Sermon
Hear the full audio of "Hanging on His Words"A sermon on Luke 19:41-48Tenth Sunday after Trinity, 20 August 2017Jesus weeps over those robbed of His peace. He visits judgment on those who steal away heavenly treasures. Christ comes to fill the temple with His teaching. He speaks mercy to His people. Jesus restores the gift … Continue reading Hanging on His Words: The Sermon
Think You’re Standing Strong?
Hear the full audio of "Think You're Standing Strong?"A sermon on 1 Corinthians 10:6-13Ninth Sunday after Trinity, 13 August 2017Is there such a thing as a strong Christian? Yes, but none so strong as to be able to escape and endure temptation on their own. None stand strong enough to rescue themselves from their slavery … Continue reading Think You’re Standing Strong?
God Breathes Life
Hear the full audio of "God Breathes Life"A sermon on Genesis 2:7-17Seventh Sunday after Trinity, 30 July 2017From the beginning, God gives us a glimpse of His personal interest and affection toward each person He brings forth into the world. The fallen world continually diminishes personhood into biological accident, evolutionary anomaly or random combination of … Continue reading God Breathes Life
Isaiah 50:4 Blues 