Tag Archives: Faith in Action

08Sep/24

Can You Hear Me Now?

September 8, 2024SermonsAdoption, Anger, Faith in Action, Fear, Hatred, Jesus, Judging, Judgment, Racism, Self-Examination, Self-Importance, SinMichael

The Gospel goes out of the way to make sure that we know that the person who came to talk to Jesus is a woman, a Gentile, and not only any Gentile, but a Syrophoenician. This is a woman of standing, in what Jesus and his disciples could call “enemy territory.”

Over the years, we have all probably used some slurs when speaking of others. But also, over the years, we have matured, and we have come to understand others better, and more importantly, we understand ourselves and our own insecurities and fears better, so that we no longer use these slurs.

Which makes Jesus using this term “dog” to describe not only the Syrophoenician woman, but all her countryfolk sound like fingernails on a chalkboard to us when we hear it. And it demands that we figure out an answer to what is happening.

01Sep/24

Teddy Bears and Wildflowers

September 1, 2024SermonsFaith, Faith in Action, God, Hate, Hypocrisy, Jesus, Judgment, Self-ExaminationMichael

As I was preparing for the service today, I thought, “Wouldn’t it be nice to have a sermon that was the equivalent of Teddy Bears skipping through alpine meadows picking wildflowers and making bouquets to give to people?”

“I wonder what the Gospel for this week says…”

Hypocrites! You honor me with your lips, but your hearts are far from me!

25Aug/24

We Can Do Nothing Else

August 25, 2024SermonsBread of Life, Disciples, Discipleship, Faith, Faith in Action, Jesus, Miracles, Rejection, SacrificeMichael

It is important to realize that they did not reject Jesus because of who Jesus was. After all, they had seen him turn water into wine, walk on water, and feed 5000 people with five loaves of bread and two fish. They had seen him heal people, and restore them to their lives within the community. They had watched him make the claim that he was the Messiah. And then, they tried to force him to become their king. They obviously were pretty excited about Jesus.

So what gives?

11Aug/24

Who’s Your Timmy?

August 11, 2024SermonsComplaining, Control, Doubt, Faith, Faith in Action, Grumbling, Jesus, Judging, Power, SacrificeMichael

“I remember his parents, and how he got lost in Jerusalem when he was 12! They had to come back and find him!”

“I remember one time he built a table with one short leg, and it used to wobble constantly!”

“Come on now! This cannot be the Messiah! I used to babysit him!”

30Jun/24

Do Not Fear. Only Believe.

June 30, 2024SermonsCure, Faith, Faith in Action, Gods Plan, Gods Will, Healing, Miracles, Poor, RelationshipsMichael

Some of you know that I raise money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society by doing a bike ride every year in the fall. The goal of these rides is to raiseRead More…

23Jun/24

Who Is This Guy?

June 23, 2024SermonsFaith, Faith in Action, Fear, Jesus, MiraclesMichael

It is interesting to note, in this story of the disciples and Jesus on a boat, crossing a lake, that Jesus asks the question, “Why are you afraid?” He does not tell his disciples that there is nothing to be afraid of.

This world has many things that can terrify us. This world has very real things that can harm us, and things that we really should be frightened of. And then, there are things that we fear that are purely imagined.

19May/24

Jumping Out of the Nest

May 19, 2024SermonsDisciples, Discipleship, Faith, Faith in Action, God, Holy Spirit, Jesus, PentecostMichael

But Pentecost is not only called the Birthday of the Church because so many people were added to the group of believers, but because there was a drastic change in the disciples themselves. And because this change in the disciples changed how the group of believers structured themselves.

05May/24

That Your Joy May Be Complete

May 5, 2024SermonsDisciples, Discipleship, Faith in Action, Fear, Gods Plan, Gods Will, Jesus, Judgment, Love, Loving God, Loving NeighborMichael

So, what God is saying is that our Joy will attain the purpose that God has intended for us, if – and when – we love one another. It’s a very simple commandment, but it is not always easy to implement.

In the sermon on the mount, Jesus had even told his disciples to “Love their enemies,” and to “Pray for those that persecute you.” Very simple commandments, but once again, not at all easy to implement. Love God, Love your neighbor, Love one another, Love even your enemies. Jesus would not have told us – his disciples – to love our enemies unless he knew that the command to love those who didn’t love us would bring us joy.

14Apr/24

Children of God

April 14, 2024SermonsBaptism, Beloved Community, Disciples, Discipleship, Faith in Action, Fear, God, Grace, Hate, Identity, Jesus, Love, Loving Neighbor, RacismMichael

Our New Testament reading today begins with the words, “See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are.” Through our baptism, we have been made a part of a heavenly family: we have been adopted into the family of God. And, as Children of God, we have now inherited all the benefits that are due to those who look to God as a parent, and Christ as a brother. We are no longer just Americans, or Chinese, Brazilian or Latvian, German or Canadian. We are first, and foremost, citizens of the New Jerusalem, citizens of heaven, the Holy City of God. We are children of a family that transcends time and space, race and ethnicity, boundaries and borders.

14Mar/24

For God So Loved

March 14, 2024SermonsCulture, Discipleship, Division, Divisions, Evangelism, Faith in Action, God, Hate, Jesus, Love, Loving Neighbor, Others, Politics, SinMichael

You may see the Rose colored stole this morning. Rather than wearing the typical Lenten purple, this Sunday, called “Laetare” Sunday, we wear a Rose colored stole. This Sunday is supposed to give us a moment when we can step back a bit from our Lenten disciplines and live in the joy of our salvation. The Latin word “Laetare” means “Rejoice!”

The Gospel this morning gives us the reason for our rejoicing. Today we read the much quoted line in scripture that says, “God so loved the world that he sent his only son that people might not perish, but have everlasting life.”