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…]

Jesus is with Us: In Our Darkness & During Our Temptations

Audio Version Old Testament Isaiah 50:4–9a Psalm Psalm 31:9–16 New Testament Philippians 2:5–11 Gospel Mark Mark 15:1–39 Jesus enters Jerusalem triumphantly. He is welcomed as the King of Israel. How quickly this all changes for Jesus, His disciples and subsequently for us as well. We wave our palms, shouting Hosanna in the highest. Next thing … [Read more…]

Respond, Step out and Trust Jesus

Audio Link [youtube:http://youtu.be/lW2vcgw0pa0] 1 Kings 19:9–18 Psalm 85:8–13 Romans 10:5–15 Matthew 14:22–33 Our God comes to us in many shapes and forms.  God loves us and wants the best for us always.  God loves all of humanity and wants the best for all of God’s creatures.  Do you believe that God the Father loves you, … [Read more…]

What If?

Audio Version Romans 7:15-25a Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 What if we follow Jesus, leave our families as He told others, and follow Him. What if we let the dead bury the dead?  There are so many “what ifs” that Jesus presents us.  Today’s reading in Matthew is no different.  What if we recognize the flute being … [Read more…]

Giving, A Mark of Discipleship

 Sixth Mark of Discipleship: Giving Audio Link   Psalm 37:4,21-22,25-26, 29-29   4     Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. [1] 21   The wicked borrow, and do not pay back, but the righteous are generous and keep giving; 22   for those blessed by the Lord shall inherit … [Read more…]