Being In Community: Saints and Sinners

Below is the video of a sermon delivered at First Lutheran Church, on 11-6-2016. Click here for an audio version.

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…]

What does God say about gossip?

From a “Buddy Christ” question that was addressed in a newsletter.       Dear buddy, what does God say about gossip? Another good question this month.  I love that you are willing to ask the tough questions.  I am going to get a little technical on you first, so that we can come to … [Read more…]

A Dog’s Purpose on Earth

While preparing for a sermon on 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, I came across this beautiful story about love.  Although I am not using it in the sermon, it touched me and I felt I just needed to share.  Love is such a precious thing, and we can learn so much from the story below.   A … [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…]

Fear and Faith: Jesus Responds

  Sunday, June 21, 2015 | After Pentecost Proper 7 Year B Job 38:1–11 Psalm 107:1–3, 23–32 2 Corinthians 6:1–13 Mark 4:35–41[2] Prior to our Gospel from today, Jesus and His disciples spend the day at the seaside. When you hear that, did you think, wow, what a nice day at the beach? A mini … [Read more…]

Baptism Changes Our Reality

Audio Link Sunday, June 7, 2015 | After Pentecost Genesis 3:8-15 Psalm 130: 1-8 2 Corinthians 4:13–5:1 Mark 3:20–35 Isn’t it nice that we are in a different gospel today? Oh don’t get me wrong, John is great stuff, but it is nice to have another perspective of the gospel too. Last time I was … [Read more…]

Love is Experienced in Faith in God, in God’s Love

This sermon was delivered at Wartburg Theological Seminary, on Monday May 10th, 2015.  The final year students have been preaching this semester from the previous Sunday New Testament text, for their Monday Chapel preaching.  As part of the sermon, just prior to giving the sermon, the song, They’ll Know We are Christians by Our Love … [Read more…]