Tag: Sermon
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No Longer a Manger Baby: Letting Jesus Grow Up – A Sermon on Luke 2:41-52
“Child, why have you treated us like this?” Sound familiar? Do you know those words? Do they take you back to another time, another place? Think back to your childhood. Do you remember hearing those words or words like them? Think about your own children and your parenting of them. Did you ever say anything Read more
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From Fact to Meaning – A Christmas Day Sermon on Luke 2:8-20
So what’s next? The crowds have dispersed, the hymns have been sung, and Christmas Eve has given way to the dawn of a new day. This morning’s light has overcome the night’s darkness. The waiting is over. The child has been born and the angel has announced the good news of great joy. So now Read more
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The Manger of Christ Never Disappoints – A Christmas Eve Sermon on Luke 2:1-14
“To you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Luke 2:1-14) That says it all. That’s the Christmas truth. It’s the only thing that needs to be said or really even can be said. And it’s the only thing I have to tell you tonight. Read more
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Advent, A Season of Uncategorized Life – A Sermon on John 1:6-8, 19-28
Most of you have heard enough of my preaching and teaching to know that when it comes to either/or questions my default response is “yes.” Is it this or is it that? Yes. This isn’t about playing a game, being evasive, or trying to be difficult. I am simply trying to be faithful. We encounter Read more
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Advent, A Season in the Wilderness – A Sermon on Mark 1:1-8
The wilderness, John the Baptist, preparing the way of the Lord. They are three major images in today’s gospel, Mark 1:1-8. They are three signposts on the Advent journey. They are three windows into our heart. I want us to think about them in the context of last Sunday’s gospel, Mark 13:24-37. Last Sunday was Read more
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Is it God’s or the Emperor’s? A Sermon on Matthew 22:15-22
I want you to think about a few things and then I want to ask you some questions about those things. First, think about the checks you have written, the bills you have paid, and the purchases you have charged over the last few weeks. How have you spent your money? Next, think about where Read more
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An Open Invitation – A Sermon on Matthew 22:1-14
My first year in seminary we had a church history professor who would say the most outrageous things. He was funny. He was sarcastic. He was sometimes offensive and he was always challenging. You just never knew what to expect or what he might say next. After a particularly outrageous comment he would look at Read more
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God is Not the Boss of You – A Sermon on Matthew 21:23-32
Authority issues. Have you ever known anyone with authority issues? Authority is the theme running throughout today’s gospel (Matthew 21:23-32, Proper 21A). The chief priests and elders take issue with Jesus’ authority. The two sons challenge their father’s authority. They’re not the only ones with authority issues. And yes, I’m talking about you. I’m talking Read more
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A Question to be Lived – A Sermon on Matthew 16:13-20
“But who do you say that I am?” (From Proper 16A, Matthew 16:13-20) Let me tell you some of the answers I’ve heard or read. My personal Lord and Savior. The Son of God. God incarnate. He’s my life, the song I sing, my everything. Buddy, brother, friend, homeboy. Rock, comforter, coach. Teacher. Example. The Read more
Interrupting the Silence 