Sermons
A sermon is a talk. It is a conversation between God and the preacher, the preacher and him/herself, and the preacher and the listener. It is a beautiful, delightful dance of truth, memory, and possibility. Like a dance, a conversation can meander around the room gracefully, all the while leading you to end up right where you started - with a hopeful prayer.
Search Sermons by Text, Liturgical Day or Season, or Theme
The Parable of the Great Banquet
Jesus’ parable of the great banquet in Luke 14 allows us to consider what it means for God to be a host and a guest. God welcomes and invites. Will we receive God as a guest? Likewise, will we extend to God such a generous welcome, and do the same for others?
10 Differences Between Genesis 1 and 2
Why are Genesis 1 and 2 important? They both tell the story of creation and are foundational accounts of creation, each offering unique perspectives and insights. In this blog post I write about the 10 Key Differences Between Genesis 1 and 2.
Genesis Chapter 1 - God Creates
What does Genesis 1 tell us about God? It describes the creation of the world by God. This chapter lays the groundwork for the rest of Scripture and provides insights into the nature of God, humanity, and the cosmos. In this blog post, we’ll explore the structure, themes, and theological significance of Genesis 1.
The Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9)
The Tower of Babel in the Bible (Genesis 11:1-9) enlivens our imagination. In this devotional, I go into the story and imagine it from another point of view.
Creation, part 1 (Genesis 1 and 2)
The Scriptures are most preoccupied with not how (science) or when (history), but who and why. Who are you, O Creator, and who am I? Why am I here? The meaning of Genesis 1 is life-giving and powerful, it tells of a magnificent Creator who knows us.
God Sees and Blesses Hagar
God shows tenderness, love, and generosity to Hagar, the very things Abraham and Sarah would not. This story is a reminder that "Me Too," has always been. How did Hagar and Ishmael survive in the wilderness? They are regarded Hagar regarded as beloved in the eyes of God.
Did Jesus Really Mean I Need to “Hate” My Parents?
Jesus worried that the listeners had not seriously considered what faithfulness looks like. His words seem incredibly harsh, but they are deeply wise. Sometimes reducing the options clarifies our choices.
Finding God in the Lost and Found
We all lose our way. The question is, when I do is there a way back? The story of Scripture is filled with people who lost their way. Some came back, some didn't. Some thought they had lost hope, but they found it and so much more in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Trusting and Trying in a Very Big God
The disciples are unnerved by Jesus' announcement of his upcoming departure, yet Jesus trusts God's ability to work through them! Can we be so bold to trust God to work through us when we feel so underequipped?
I Was Blind, But Now I See (John 9)
The man born blind has a startling encounter with Jesus and is healed! Yet, his transformation leads to trouble as people are upset he changed!
5 Reasons Jesus Was Baptized
Why was Jesus baptized? Why is baptism so important? Was Jesus Baptized because He Needed to Repent of Sin? We have so many questions about baptism!
Here are 5 reasons Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist.
The Transfiguration of Jesus, Part 1
In the gospel of Matthew 17, Elijah and Moses with the Transfiguration of Jesus. They confirm his identity. Notice, it is not, “The Transformation of Jesus,” as if he is becoming something he is not. His fuller identity is being revealed (Colossians 1:15) and God says, “This is my Son, listen to him!”
The Transfiguration of Jesus, Part 2
In the gospel of Matthew 17, Elijah and Moses with the Transfiguration of Jesus. They confirm his identity. Notice, it is not, “The Transformation of Jesus,” as if he is becoming something he is not. Here his fuller identity is being revealed and God says, “This is my Son, listen to him!”
God Does Not Use a Helicopter
What does Finding Nemo have to do with faith? Life can be filled with uncertainty and fear. We are often challenged to trust God in our trials.
How Jesus' Surprisingly Scandalous Family Tree is Good News
Though genealogies in the Bible strike us as boring, the family tree of Jesus holds a lot of surprises for us. In Jesus, we see God's faithfulness from generation to generation and a God who shows up often in scandalous situations.
The Beautiful Budding Faith of Nicodemus
Nicodemus in the Bible (John 3:16) teaches us there are many ways to love God. We can ask questions, advocate for fairness, and give others dignity. Doubts are not disqualifiers. He brought his questions to his teacher and we can bring our questions to Christ.
Who’s in the Driver’s Seat Now?
The hardest seat to sit in in life is the passenger seat because it is where we learn to trust God's guidance to get us where we need to be. Can we place trust in God?
Joseph's Fantastic Trust and God's Wonderful Work in Our Life
Joseph and Mary were able to trust God for their present and future because they had been taught about God's faithfulness in the past. This incredible example of faith reminds us that God can lead us even in our confusion and questions.
Thirsting for God and Deep, Deep Love
In John 4, Jesus meets the Samaritan Woma, or the Woman at the Well. He talks to her and opens her eyes to the kind grace of God. We all have a well inside of us. It is there we meet the God of love and where our thirst for meaning and purpose is quenched.
Love without Limits: Irate Jonah and Remorseful Nineveh
In the biblical story of Nineveh, which includes Jonah and the whale, the prophet is called to preach mercy and grace to the Ninevites, who are his enemies. He refuses! Yet, God insists that Jonah love beyond limits.