Sermons (Page 85)
Surrounded by Samaritans
Here’s something to ponder about from today’s Gospel reading: Who are the Samaritan women today? Who are the Samaritans in your life? They don’t just have to be people who have had a number of spouses or partners. Think about people who you believe are not acceptable. Maybe they are people you are not comfortable being around. Perhaps they are people…
All Our Trials are “Little Whiles”
Grace, mercy, and peace be yours, from God our Father and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. Our Lord Jesus, the night in which He was betrayed, tells His disciples (yet again, now in a new way) of His impending death and resurrection, and foretells of His ascension and promise to come again…
How and Why?
Good morning, Nicodemus!!! Or is it Nicodema? How are each of you doing today? Welcome, one and all. Isn’t it great to live in a country with religious freedom, one in which we don’t need to scurry around in the dark of night to seek Jesus? Nicodemus was anxious to have a conversation with this phenomenal rabbi from Galilee, but he wasn’t able or willing…
Into the Desert
Temptations. That’s not just the name of a very intriguing and trendy perfume. Nor is it simply the name of a fantastic Motown vocal group. Rather, temptations are your constant companion and nemesis, a collective cloud that hangs over you, no matter where you turn, how fast you run, or how far you go. Today, we hear the description of Jesus’ temptation by…
Alone With Jesus
[Jesus] was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces, and were terrified. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” And when they lifted up…
Walking in the Light
You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian.” (Isaiah 9:3-4) I can’t speak for all of you, but I’ve found that unless…
Jesus the Lamb of God
The Great Exchange
Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God our Father, and from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. There’s always a bit of a danger in using a movie as a sermon illustration, because it’s entirely possible that only a few people in the congregation may have seen it. Nevertheless, I think most of you are familiar enough with the plot concept that it’s not a huge risk.…
Walk the Way of the Wise Men
There’s an old Indian proverb that goes like this: “Don’t judge a man until you’ve walked a hundred miles in his moccasins.” There’s wisdom in those words. It’s hard to know a person very well until you’ve lived in his shoes, under his roof, and experienced his life. That’s why a parent will sometimes bring his or her child along to work, so the child can get to know his…