(Sermon preached July 2, 2023) This sermon is the first in a series titled, “The Kindom of God: Among Us, Within Us,” which is the theme of the 2023 General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). In Luke 17:20-21, Jesus says, “The Kingdom of God is Among us.” Other translations say, “within us,” and “in your midst.” The word “kindom” is not a replacement for the word “kingdom,” but rather an expression of the kinship that is at the heart of God’s kingdom.
Meeting People Where They Are
(Sermon preached June 18, 2023) The call of Matthew is found in Matthew 9:9-13. As a tax collector, he is despised, yet Jesus makes a beeline for him and invites Matthew to follow him. When Jesus eats a meal with Matthew and his friends, the Pharisees criticize him. Jesus sees Matthew as beloved, and that makes all the difference in what follows.
Open Hearts, Open MInds, Open Arms
(Sermon preached June 4, 2023 at Norwalk Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Norwalk, Iowa) I served as the pastor of Norwalk Christian Church for 11+ years before moving to California. I had the honor of preaching on June 4, just as they are beginning the Open and Affirming process.
Learning to Forgive
(Sermon preached May 21, 2023) Matthew 18:21-22 can be a dangerous passage when used to send people back to their abusers. So what are we to make of it? What is and isn’t forgiveness? Why is it important? How do we do it?
I’ll Be There
(Sermon preached May 16, 2023) Jesus tells his disciples that he is about to leave them. In John 14:15-21, he tells them he will not leave them orphaned, he will be with them. What we discover, with a little help from Tom Joad is that Jesus is with us “on the way.” As we carry on the work Jesus began, the work of love, compassion, forgiveness, healing, and justice, Jesus assures us, “I’ll be there.”