Each one of the gospel writers – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John – have their own way of telling the resurrection story. But without question, Matthew’s telling is the most dramatic! There are special effects...
I once asked a middle-aged woman in my congregation why she didn’t come to church any more, she said, “when my son got into trouble with the law, I was too ashamed to come to...
One reliable feature of Matthew’s parables is that a familiar scene from life is presented: working in a vineyard, getting invited to a party you don’t want to attend. In each parable, the familiar scene...
(This is an outline of the sermon Pr. Martinson delivered in worship.) God has been present and at work around and among us forever! God has been… Making the universe including planet earth and all...
Before I read the gospel lesson today, I want to show you a film clip from “Les Misérables,” the movie, not the musical. Jean Valjean has just been released from prison and pledged to become...
Often times, the preferred God of our culture is depicted as a “no-fault” God, giving unconditional pardons to everyone for all that we do. No questions asked. This is natural for a culture like ours...
I was just in Colorado last weekend on a ski trip with three of my friends – yes, there are actually people who will admit to being my friends. Quite apart from skiing, my friend...
I like to refer to this story as “Jesus Feeds the 5000+”. It’s not as catchy a name or convenient a number, but the bible records that the 5,000 number was just counting the men...
The late comedian Flip Wilson had a funny bit on prayer. “Hey, I’m talkin’ to God right now. Anyone want anything?” This is how people tend to view prayer. You ask God for things you...