Tag: Social Justice

  • Some Soul-Searching – A Sermon On John 10:22-30

    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

  • Now It Is Up To Us – A Good Friday Sermon On John 18:1-19:42

    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

  • Asking A Better Question – A Sermon On Luke 13:1-19 And Exodus 3:1-15

    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

  • Taking The Gospel To Heart – A Sermon On Luke 6:27-38

    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

  • Blessings, Woes, And A Level Place – A Sermon On Luke 6:17-26

    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

  • It’s A Question Of Consistency – A Sermon On Luke 4:14-21

    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

  • Spoiler Alert: Christmas Happens In The Real World – A Sermon On Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23

    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

  • Living Power Differently – A Sermon On John 18:33-37, Christ The King

    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

  • When Our Great Buildings Fall – A Sermon On Mark 13:1-8

    When Our Great Buildings Fall – A Sermon On Mark 13:1-8

    What do you do when the great buildings of your life fall, when not one stone is left upon another, and all has been thrown down? I think that’s the question Jesus is answering in today’s gospel (Mark 13:1-8). It’s a question we all come to at some point.  It’s a question I’ve been asking Read more