Faith – Martin Luther

In Torgau a wretched little woman once came to me and said, ‘Ah, dear Doctor, I have the idea that I’m lost and can’t be saved because I can’t believe.’ Then I replied, ‘Do you believe, dear lady, that what you pray in the Creed is true?’ She answered with clasped hands, ‘Oh yes, I … [Read more…]

The Father, Son and Spirit are Calling

Click this link for the audio version of the sermon. Sunday, May 22, 2016   After Pentecost Holy Trinity Year C Old Testament Proverbs 8:1–4, 22–31 Psalm Psalm 8:1-9 New Testament Romans 5:1–5 Gospel John 16:12–15 Revised Common Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009).

5 Surprising Characteristics of Churches That Are Actually Reaching the Next Generation

I saw this blog post posted on my bishop’s site.  After reading it, it really makes sense.  Mostly, it is trusting that God is in charge and the Holy Spirit is guiding us, should we choose to respond to the Spirit Of Truth.  Take a look, see what you think.   http://careynieuwhof.com/2015/10/5-surprising-characteristics-of-churches-that-are-actually-reaching-the-next-generation/

A Nice Response to a Non-Believer

Below is a video I was tagged in from Facebook. It would be nice if we all would have the wit to respond when our faith is challenged.  Although the response does not hold a definitive response to the question of a God or not (which comes only in faith through the Holy Spirit), it … [Read more…]

Pick up your mat and respond

Below is the link to an audio version of a sermon delivered at Calvary Lutheran in Minong. Sermons Sunday, May 1, 2016 | Easter Sixth Sunday of Easter Year C First Reading Acts 16:9–15 Psalm Psalm 67 New Testament Revelation 21:10, Revelation 21:22–22:5 Gospel  John 5:1–9 Revised Common Lectionary (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009). … [Read more…]

Jesus’ Baptism Is Important

  Old Testament   Isaiah 43:1-7 Psalm                   Psalm 29:1-11 New Testament  Acts 8:14-17 Gospel                  Luke 3:15-22   The story of Jesus’ baptism must be important.  It is one of few stories that are contained in all four gospels.  … [Read more…]

John Testifies to the Word, Son Incarnate, for All

Sunday, January 3, 2016 Second Sunday After Christmas Old Testament  Jeremiah 31:7-14 Psalm  147:12-20 New Testament  Ephesians 1:3-14 Gospel  John 1:1-18 JOHN 1:1–18 The bolded text is this author’s additional explanation to the reading as translated by N.T. Wright. 1 In the beginning was the Word. The Word was close beside God, and the Word was … [Read more…]

Where is Jesus?

Sunday, December 27, 2015 | Christmas First Sunday after Christmas:  Holy Family Year C Old Testament    1 Samuel 2:18–20, 26 New Testament Colossians 3:12–17 Gospel           Luke 2:41–52   On Christmas Eve, I asked the question, “Where is the Messiah?”  Just where is Jesus in this world around us.  Even when Jesus was a … [Read more…]