Surprise: Wealth is no sure sign of God's favor, nor is poverty or philanthropy. Apart from the Word, even Christ's own resurrection remains at best a paranormal oddity. Hear the full audio of "Send Lazarus!" A sermon on Luke 16:19-31 First Sunday after Trinity / 2 June 2018 From Luther's Small Catechism: see Fifth, Ninth, … Continue reading Send Lazarus!
My Spirit on All Flesh
The Holy Spirit makes a great noise, but can we know what such sounds mean? Hear the full audio of "My Spirit on All Flesh" A sermon on Acts 2:1-21 (ESV) The Day of Pentecost / 20 May 2018 Genesis 11:1-9 (ESV) 1 Now the whole earth had one language and the same words. 2 And … Continue reading My Spirit on All Flesh
Preface to the 2018 Lent Series
Read the origin story of this 2018 Lent sermon series about a small town wrestling with big questions about Baptism… The chapel at that southern Illinois State Correctional Center was quiet except for the distant whir and hum of the prison porter's vacuum cleaner. New Inmate Orientation was over. Chapel rules, activities and services were … Continue reading Preface to the 2018 Lent Series
Running Aimless or Fighting the Air
Hear the full audio of "Running Aimless or Fighting the Air" A sermon on 1 Corinthians 9:22-10:5 (ESV) Septuagesima / 28 January 2018 We run with a purpose, a clear destination ahead--though not for a perishable crown or personal gain. Christians run for the win of sharing in the blessings of Christ with others. Together … Continue reading Running Aimless or Fighting the Air
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
The World Does Not Know Him–or You
Hear the full audio of "The World Does Not Know You" A sermon on 1 John 3:1-3 All Saints' Day (Observed), 5 November 2017 All Saints’ Day provides opportunity for us to remember with thanksgiving all the saints of God. We remember those who have gone before us, out of the great tribulation. We rejoice … Continue reading The World Does Not Know Him–or You
Take Care of Him
Hear the full audio of "Take Care of Him" A sermon on Luke 10:23-37 (The Good Samaritan) Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity, 10 September 2017 Upon the return of the 72 He sent, Jesus blesses His disciples for the spiritual care they received and delivered. Meanwhile, a Law-man shows up with a devilish desire to test … Continue reading Take Care of Him
“Overjoyed with Just One–and All”
Pharisees and sinners want each other to "Get lost!" But Jesus seeks and finds stubborn strays and brings them back. He's doing this on purpose! "Rejoice with me, with them, with angels..." He says! "I found you! I found them! You belong here. Stick around." This is a good thing He calls "repentance." Hear the … Continue reading “Overjoyed with Just One–and All”
Excuses…Excuses…and the Lord’s Invitation
God loves to give good gifts and do good things for people. Some go to great lengths making excuses, always rationalizing why it's OK to refuse those gifts and reject this gracious Giver. Christ invited you to gather with the rest of us poor, crippled, blind and lame people as we receive His good gifts … Continue reading Excuses…Excuses…and the Lord’s Invitation
Isaiah 50:4 Blues 