(Sermon preached July 16, 2023) The story of the tower of Babel is found in Genesis 11:1-9. This sermon is the third in a series titled the Kindom of God: Among Us, Within Us ( a series created for congregations of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in anticipation of the General Assembly of the church held in Louisville, July 29 – August 1.) When we compare the story of the tower of Babel to the story of Pentecost we see that there are two kinds of unity. Unity based on conformity and uniformity and unity rooted in purpose; unity with diversity. Note which one God prefers.
Repairers of the Breach
(Sermon preached July 9, 2023) Isaiah speaks to God’s people about what God wants from them; to give up their superficial piety for genuine concern for their neighbor. (Isaiah 58:11-12)
The Kindom of God
(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.