A sermon for Labor Day weekend. Dear friends in Christ: Our second reading today, from the book of Philemon, is a letter from Paul designed to repair the relationship between two men—Philemon and Onesimus. Since their relationship was a work …
Dear friends in Christ: Did Jesus just call us “evil?” His main message in this text is about prayer, but included in one of his points is the line which says: “If you, then, who are evil…” and he seems …
Pentecost 3, Matthew 10:21-33 Today’s Gospel reading is the second of three consecutive readings from Matthew chapter 10. This chapter is an extended teaching from Jesus on the subject of mission. It starts with specific instructions to the Twelve as …
As I was pondering today’s Scripture readings, I recalled these famous words from the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter three: “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a …
Text: John 20:19-31 The Gospel lesson just read, from John chapter 20, is always the appointed reading for this first Sunday after Easter. While there is plenty of material to focus upon in these verses, the part that tends to …
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of a new season – the season of Lent. Lent usually begins in February, and as such the season of Lent usually lines up well – at least at first—with the weather. When the weather …
Today’s Gospel lesson is the story of Jesus preaching his first sermon – or at least his first recorded one. This sermon is very significant in Luke’s telling of the life of Jesus. John, as we heard last Sunday, began …
Did you get any nice gifts for Christmas this year? We know that Christmas isn’t just about the presents. In fact the presents are only a small part. But it’s always nice to get gifts – even if you have …
Text: Luke 7:18-28 This year’s Sunday School Christmas program, presented by our children at the 11:00 service today, is titled “The child we honor.” Jesus is that child, of course. The focus of the program is on the way we …
Mark 10:17-22 “Life is a journey”… so we’re often told. I’ve always resonated with that description of life. Maybe you have too. Life is a journey, not only because it keeps moving forward and changing, but it also has a destination – life …