Category: Book of Ruth

When Loss Gives Way to Hope

So much of life is about loss. Over the last few years, I’ve watched as a friend of mine 12 years my junior has lost his father, both sisters, and his only brother as they...

Category: Ten Commandments

The Overlooked Grace in the Ten Commandments

People often think the New Testament is about the grace and forgiveness of God, while the Old Testament is all about law and judgment, hellfire and brimstone. Exhibit A: The Ten Commandments, given to Moses...

Category: Exodus

Please Lord, Be With My Mouth

Called upon to be the mouthpiece of God and liberator of his people, Moses was reluctant. You see, his speaking ability was not great. Yet God assured Moses not once but twice, that I, God,...

Category: Genesis

And In This Corner

So, Jacob was preparing to meet his brother, Esau. However, these two fraternal twins had some unresolved issues. Even in the womb Jacob grabbed at Esau’s heel, attempting to become the firstborn. Esau was born...

Category: Genesis

The Theology of Laughter

We begin with two depictions of laughter: one from a space cowboy fantasy called Guardians of the Galaxy, where we witness sarcastic laughter about what is truly possible…and the next is the laughter of celebration,...

Category: Genesis

In the Garden

It has been observed many times that we humans have three basic spiritual and emotional needs: Belonging, Purpose, and Transcendence. The need for belonging is the need for community with other human The need for...

Category: Luke

Peace, Division and True Community

In this section of Luke Jesus is talking to His disciples and the crowds. Verse 49 reads, “I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it was already kindled!” Biblical scholars...

Category: Luke

Functional Atheism and our Collapsing World

Why is the farmer declared a fool? He did well as a farmer and now at retirement age has done well enough to build bigger barns to house all his crops. Now he can relax...

Category: Prayer

Why Pray

Let’s talk about prayer today. For some people, prayer means stringing together a bunch of religious words. When Clark Griswold was invited to say a prayer remembering a recently deceased relative, he struggled a little...

Category: Life Worth Giving

Mary & Martha

There is no text for this sermon.