(preached December 17, 2023) Isaiah 61: 1-4, 10-11 is the text Jesus opened to as he preached his first sermon in his hometown synagogue. He reads it like a mission statement, which it is, for Jesus and for us as his followers. It is a holy calling – a calling that cannot be fully exercised without the other gift this passage offers – JOY.
Preparing the Way
(Sermon preached December 10, 2023) Building a highway to usher in God’s coming reign of peace is no small endeavor. Isaiah 40:1-11 reminds us of the leveling, filling, and demolition that needs to be done to prepare the way.
The Slop Bucket
(Preached December 3, 2023 – First Sunday of Advent) Isaiah 64:1-9 plunges us into the darkness of a people desperate for God to act. It is only when they can surrender to the hands of the potter that God can do a new thing.
The Tenth Leper
(Sermon preached November 19, 2023) The story of the tenth leper turning back, found in Luke 17:11-19, is a scripture often read on Thanksgiving Sunday. It is a story of appreciation.
Confronting Racism
(Sermon preached November 6, 2023) Using the story of the Samaritan found in Luke 10:25-37, this sermon challenges us to be more than “not racist.”