Luke 8:26-39 [Watch the sermon here.] Jesus steps out of the boat onto the shoreline.A man approaches him wildly. Homeless and naked,this man lives in the local cemetery. Filled with demons,he shrieks, “Why are you interfering with me, Jesus?” It’s a violent and feral welcome to a new land. Yet Jesus has compassion,softens himself, andContinue reading “The Pursuit of Freedom”
Category Archives: Sermons
The Voyage of Wonder
Proverbs 8:1-10, 22-31 [watch sermon here] There’s an air of playfulness about Woman Wisdom.She relishes being in God’s presence, always.God delights in spending time with her.Woman Wisdom rejoices in the earth as mountains erupt into place,and seas splash the shorelines. She finds herself in the busiest parts of the city.She stands at the gate asContinue reading “The Voyage of Wonder”
Smoldering Ashes
Acts 2:1-21; watch the video here When the day of Pentecost arrived,they all met in one room. Like a movie,Pentecost is filled with fantastical activity:winds roar; flames dance;foreign words fly from people’s mouths. Yet, what wows me todayis that the group all met in one location. Another translation reads,When the day of Pentecost arrived,they were allContinue reading “Smoldering Ashes”
As If
Acts 16:16-34; watch sermon here — Dear God, Help us to be really present.To you. To each other.To your Word. Amen. There’s a freedom song that sings of Paul and Silas in prison. The freedom song is called “Keep Your Eyes on the Prize.”It was written for the Freedom Riders,black and white civil rights activistsContinue reading “As If”
The Imprint of Sole
Acts 9:36-43 [watch video here] Transforming love. Let’s take a survey. Who has ever been transformed by love? Raise your hand if the answer is yes. I have! How have you been transformed? Has it been like the slow drip of rainthat leaves scattered holes on a rock’s surface? Or have you experienced a sudden transformation–likeContinue reading “The Imprint of Sole”
The Moment of Recognition
[Watch video here.] John 21:1-19 Let’s pray. Loving Rabboni, you welcome me into your community.You listen to my voice, you see me as I am, and I am loved.I have courage and strength to persevere in your loving way,loving God, loving creation, and loving my neighbor.Send me; use me.When I encounter suffering, I will showContinue reading “The Moment of Recognition”
Resurrection Patience
[Watch video here.] Luke 24:13-49 On the first day of the week,the women came to the tomb bringing spices.Grieving, they could have remained at home;that would be a normal response to death.Death had left a void in their hearts and their lives,that hole was in the shape of their beloved, Jesus. Still, they love Jesus.Still,Continue reading “Resurrection Patience”
The Spiritual Practice of Wastefulness
John 12:1-8 [Watch the sermon video here.] They called Jesus a waster. One who wastes.Mary found her special perfume, which cost a year’s wages,and poured it all over Jesus’ feet. Priceless perfume oozed into his souls,and then … the floor! The onlookers remembered that Jesus rebuked extravagance.Now, as priceless perfume soaked his skinthey called himContinue reading “The Spiritual Practice of Wastefulness”
Rock the Boat
Luke 5:1-11 [watch the sermon video here] Ugh. Another useless night. Why do I even bother? Simon Peter thinks.He’s come up empty handed after a night of fishing.Night after night he has been fishing.Trying new parts of the water.Asking other fishers for the best method of catching fish.Mending the nets.Surely, he must be one throw away fromContinue reading “Rock the Boat”
On the Move
Luke 4:21-30 Transfixed, the people marvel at the eloquence streaming from Jesus’ lips. With his words, Jesus dreams of those in prison going free. In this reverie, those who are poor receive good news! In fact, a year of favor comes to everyone! This dream, Jesus exclaims excitedly, has come true today! The year ofContinue reading “On the Move”
Joy of the Journey 