November 2019
Reframing our Reality
Christ the King Sunday Introduction Jeremiah’s promise of the execution of “justice and righteousness in the land” finds ironic fulfillment in the execution of Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews. It appears so utterly contradictory that the king should be crucified with the criminal. This victory appears for all the world as ignominious […]
Overcoming Divisions
Introduction The end is near. There is no doubt about it. The warnings are dire. The tone of today’s texts is ominous. But the baptized know how to live in the “meantimes.” The baptized are strengthened for the living of these days in word and sacrament. The baptized rally around the invitation of the apostle: […]
October 2019
The Importance of Justice
Introduction Pray always. Do not lose heart. This is the encouragement of the Christ of the gospel today. Persistence in our every encounter with the divine will be blessed. Wrestle with the word. Remember your baptism again and again. Come regularly to Christ’s table. Persistence in our every encounter with the divine will be blessed. […]
Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin
Oct. 6th “Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin” Psalm 67: 1-7; Matthew 7:1-5 Most of us as Christians have things we believe, count on, and sometimes tell others. But many times we use quotes and pithy sayings that we believe are in the Bible. And sometimes we find […]
September 2019
God Won’t Give You More Than You Can Handle
Sept. 22 “God Won’t Give You More Than You Can Handle” Psalm 18: 1-6, 16-24; Phil. 4:6-7 Most of us as Christians have things we believe, count on, and sometimes tell others. But many times we use quotes and pithy sayings that we believe are in the Bible. […]
Everything Happens for a Reason
Most of us as Christians have things we believe, count on, and sometimes tell others. But many times we use quotes and pithy sayings that we believe are in the Bible. And sometimes we find out, they are not. It is important to examine these particular “half truths” because they can sometimes hurt others. In […]
August 2019
Managing the Fear Factor
Introduction Jesus says, “It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” It is God’s promise from the beginning—to Abraham, to the early church, and to the “little flock” of which we are a part today in assembly. Faith, God’s baptismal gift, trusts the promises of God. Have no fear. Readings Genesis 15:1-6 […]
July 2019
Prayer Redefines Who We Are
Persistence in prayer evoked the admiration of Jesus and wins the attention of the Lord when Abraham intercedes for Sodom. The life of the baptized—to be rooted and built up in Christ Jesus the Lord—is to be rooted in prayer. God hears and answers prayer and so strengthens God’s own. “When I called, you answered […]