Tag: Social Justice
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What’s Your Here And Now Christmas Story?
You know the usual Christmas story (Luke 2:1-20). It happened “in those days” when Emperor Augustus issued a decree to “all the world.” He was pretty full of himself. It happened “in that region” where shepherds were living in the fields and working the night shift. They were neither imperial nor august. They were, rather, Read more
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Some Soul-Searching – A Sermon On John 10:22-30
To whom or what are you dedicating yourself these days? Whose voice are you listening to and following? Who or what is shepherding your life today? On a Sunday morning in church the obvious and correct answer is Jesus. But I don’t want us to settle for the obvious and correct. Today, I want us Read more
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Now It Is Up To Us – A Good Friday Sermon On John 18:1-19:42
“‘It is finished.’ Then Jesus bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” “It is finished.” Those are not the words of a winner who accomplished his task. They are the words of a witness who, God help him, testified to the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth: – The truth about Read more
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Asking A Better Question – A Sermon On Luke 13:1-19 And Exodus 3:1-15
The Why Question Years ago I was talking with John, one of my best friends. I was telling him about something that had happened to me. I no longer remember what it was but I vividly remember wanting to know why it had happened. I wanted an explanation, a sense of security, maybe even a Read more
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Taking The Gospel To Heart – A Sermon On Luke 6:27-38
Today’s gospel (Luke 6:27-38) is one of those texts that some say preaches itself. The text itself is the sermon. It’s even called the Sermon on the Plain in recognition that Jesus “stood on a level place” while preaching. I spoke about that level place in last Sunday’s sermon about blessings and woes. Jesus continues Read more
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Blessings, Woes, And A Level Place – A Sermon On Luke 6:17-26
One of the things I struggle with is my sense of privilege, power, and position. I don’t miss a meal unless I choose to. I can pay my bills on time and still have a little money left over at the end of the month. Every now and then someone will get upset with or Read more
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It’s A Question Of Consistency – A Sermon On Luke 4:14-21
One of the things I’ve always tried to be with you is consistent. I want who you get on Sunday to be who you get on Monday, Tuesday, the day after, and the one after that. I want what you see in and hear from me to be consistent with the gospel week after week. Read more
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Spoiler Alert: Christmas Happens In The Real World – A Sermon On Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23
I think today’s gospel (Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23) should have come with a spoiler alert. So here it is. Are you ready? Spoiler Alert: Christmas happens in the real world; not in the candlelight of a silent night, and not away in a manger. Here’s why I say that: Today’s gospel spoils whatever sentimental or romantic Read more
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Living Power Differently – A Sermon On John 18:33-37, Christ The King
Today is the Feast of Christ the King. Throughout history kings and kingdoms have at some level been associated with power. So today seems like a good day to reflect on power in our lives and world. Last week a woman came to my office seeking assistance. With tears in her eyes she said, “It’s Read more
Interrupting the Silence 