Throughout Scripture, there are plenty of texts that can leave a reader confused as to what is happening, what the meaning is, or why a Prophet, Apostle, or even God Himself said something. Some of these possibly confusing excerpts can be understood by looking at the text in the original language. Others can be cleared up by considering the setting. Then there are a select few texts that can seem to be a raging river of endless confusion at times and understanding them can feel like trying to solve a puzzle. The “Parable of the Dishonest Steward” in the Gospel of Luke is an over achiever and falls into all three of these categories. …For more, click on the title above.
Category: Sermons
Horribly led by false prophets, beautifully led by the Spirit
This is a day given to us in the Church Militant to remember that every time God gathers us around His Word and Sacraments we are standing in the Council of the Lord. God continues to call us to be physically present in His services to us. That call is for us who continue to be, by virtue of Holy Baptism, named His chosen people. Christians know, believe, and act on the divine reality that we need to be present in the Lord’s Services. …For more, click on the title above.
God planted the garden for the benefit of His people
Long, long ago, God planted a Garden, that is, an earthly Paradise in the earth. That He would declare to be very good. It was a lush place that held everything needed to support the bodies and lives of God’s highest created beings. As you heard today, God then placed man (male and female God had created them), in that Garden. God had planted His Garden for the benefit of His people….For more, click on the title above.
Keeping God’s precepts?
Ruth’s powerful confession of the faith
Ruth’s powerful confession of the Faith, one which she uttered first some 3,025 years ago, we have heard repeated today. That is because her words and actions, as well as those of her mother-in-law, Naomi, and sister-in-law, Orpah present important teachings for every generation of the Church. These we will unpack as God’s Word continues to be proclaimed today….For more, click on the title above.
What are you doing here?
What an honor, what a privilege, what joy to be here today as my dear friend, Rev. James N.S. Kollie is installed as Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Liberia!
When I was asked if I would preach for this installation service, there was no hesitation. How could I say no to such an opportunity? Immediately, I asked Pastor Kollie if they had decided on a theme text for the installation. He told me “No…we’re going to let you pick it.” …For more, click on the title above.
Wisdom calls her name
The readings for today are in commemoration of Saint Mary Magdalene. She is remembered for remaining faithful to Jesus while others flee, for standing at the foot of the cross as Jesus is crucified, as the first witness of the risen Christ, and the first to proclaim His resurrection.
Commemoration services like this give you the opportunity to remember the saints of old. In honoring them, your own faith is strengthened, and you’re encouraged by the truth that grace abounds more than sin. These saints serve as examples for you to imitate in their faith, their godly virtues, and the good works they carried out according to their callings. You are called to do the same in your own vocations and calls. …For more, click on the title above.
Last man standing
In our Old Testament reading for today, the voice of the Lord speaks to a despairing prophet in the desert wilderness of Egypt on Mount Sinai. But this isn’t where the story begins. It begins in the fertile highlands of northern Israel on Mount Carmel. It begins with the theological showdown for the ages….For more, click on the title above.
Living in grace and mercy
Freed to forgive from the heart
The Collect Prayer for this week gives direction for the emphases contained in the Word for this day. The weekly collect prayers often remind us of the ancient patterns in the readings that are followed, and rediscovered annually, through the various times of the Church year. That which we prayed before we heard today’s primary readings revealed to us first, that God is merciful and gracious. That is particularly shown whenever He calls His people to turn from their sins. With that in mind, in the prayer we reminded ourselves that God will graciously forgive us and provide for all our bodily and spiritual needs. …For more, click on the title above.