Conflict

It is very interesting that it seems so difficult for people, and at times I include myself in this, to follow the words of Jesus.  Jesus tells us just how to handle conflict, especially with other believers.  Yet, why is it that becomes so difficult to follow? I am not sure if is out of … [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…]

Keep the Faith

  Audio Version Sunday, November 29, 2015 Advent First Sunday of Advent Year C Jeremiah 33:14-16 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 Luke 21:25-36 Isn’t it interesting that our Gospel for today, during the first Sunday of Advent, when we wait for the Messiah, the Son of God, to be born, has the Son, telling of His coming.  … [Read more…]

Jesus with Skin On

  Audio Version Sunday November 15th, 2015 Pentecost Proper 28 Year B Daniel 12:1-3 Hebrews 10:11-25 Mark 13:1-8 With the events over the last week in Lebanon, Paris, Syria, and Iraq, I am sure the words from Jesus in the text from Mark today, seem to resonate as the times Jesus speaks of.  I cannot … [Read more…]

Brokenness

Audio Version Sunday November 8, 2015 After Pentecost Proper 27 Year B Old Testament 1 Kings 17:8–16 New Testament Hebrews 9:24–28 Gospel Mark 12:38–44 The scriptures we have today are ones that can be easily misused against people.  It would be very easy to take both the 1 Kings text and the Mark text and … [Read more…]

The Saints are in Heaven

Audio Version All Saints Year B Isaiah 25:6-9 Revelation 21:1-6a John 11:32-44 Today we remember former saints and sinners, known only now as saints, who from this congregation, have died and have been lifted to heaven.  We also lift up today, all the loved saints that have passed in previous years, with their names written … [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…]

God’s Work and the Mystery of Grace

Audio version Psalm 92:1–4, 12–15 Mark 4:26–34 I am sure by now that you may have heard that God lavishly extends God’s grace upon us. The grace of God is showered upon all, the undeserved grace given freely to all. Grace is a word that encompasses so much, yet is so elusive at the same … [Read more…]

Truth and Witness

Audio Version Easter Resurrection of the Lord Acts 10:34-43 Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 John 20:1-18 Can I get a consensus, that to tell a lie is wrong? What about a “white lie”? What about withholding information that would be beneficial to someone? What if the information may get them out of jail, out … [Read more…]