12.24.2017         Preaching Text: “[According] to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but is now disclosed…” (Romans 16:25-26) The theme that stands out in our readings this morning is a prominent feature of biblical theology, yet one ignored by many modern-day Christians. It has to do with covenant. A covenant, […]

12.17.2017     Preaching Text: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 16-18) If you ask me, there just may be a single motto that defines contemporary American “spirituality”: “Don’t worry, be happy.” I know what you’re thinking, “He’s finally […]

12.10.2017         Preaching Text: “‘Those who desire life and desire to see good days…’” (2 Peter 3:10) Denial, in certain circumstances, is a beautiful thing. And, to employ an already overused joke, I’m not talking about the river in Egypt. I’m talking about the strategy of ignoring evidence of anything stressful or unpleasant. Which is to […]

 12.03.2017       Preaching Text: “O that you would tear open the heavens and come down, so that the mountains would quake at your presence…” (Isaiah 64:1) The senior pastor in the first church I served had the well-earned reputation for lengthy sermons. A member of the congregation, in fact, once made a proposal: “If you ever […]

11.26.2017     Preaching Text: “[For] I was hungry…I was thirsty…I was a stranger…I was naked…I was in prison…” (Matthew 25:35-36) Today’s reading from Matthew is one of the most commonly used in the U.C.C. The reason is that we’ve always sought to champion the well-being of the poor and the oppressed. The U.C.C.’s stated self-identity, after […]