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 […]

11.19.2017     Preaching Text: “‘Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they?’” (Luke 17:17) As most of you know, Linda and I were away on Bermuda for a week or so. It’s a beautiful, sun-splashed coral island out in the Atlantic that features pink sand, stunningly clear blue-green water, exotic flora and […]

11.05.2017       Preaching Text: “[When] you received the word of God that you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word but as what it really is, God’s word…” (1 Thessalonians 2:13) Last week we talked about how translating the Bible from Latin into popular vernacular was an important project within the Protestant […]

10.29.2017     Preaching Text: “‘I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not cross over there.’” (Deuteronomy 34:4) I used to have a closely guarded secret in elementary school. No one but no one was to find out my middle name. Of course, once it did get out, I had no choice […]

10.15.2017             Preaching Text: “And the Lord changed his mind about the disaster that he had planned to bring on his people.” (Exodus 32:14) With apologies to John the Baptist, I sometimes feel as if I too am “crying out in the wilderness.” My entire ministry, in other words, has been dedicated to separating out the […]

10.08.2017         Preaching Text: “Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ.” (Philippians 3:7) Awhile back one of our members shared a very funny story with me. It took place at the community golf course in Florida where he spends his winters. Turns out, there was a woman […]

10.01.2017                     Preaching Text: “And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient…” (Philippians 2:7b-8) If nothing else, the Bible deals in reality. Sometimes that reality is stark and unvarnished. Sometimes it even offends. Our reaction in these instances can be heightened by the tendency among many modern interpreters, perhaps especially today’s pastors, […]

09.24.2017     Preaching Text: “[Whether] I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel, and are in no way intimidated by your opponents.” (Philippians 1:27-28) In case you’re wondering, […]