The archive of the online Bible study of the book of Psalms is available here or as a YouTube playlist.
The archive of the online Bible study of the book of Acts is available here or as a YouTube playlist.
Lent 3A He Gives Living Water
John 4:5-26 The thread that ties our Gospel and OT Readings together is thirst and water; both are physical and spiritual. That is not so different from where we find ourselves today in dealing with a pandemic and sickness. Thirst and sickness are not so different. They are physical needs that have spiritual repercussions. Jesus takes us from the physical to the spiritual. Jesus takes us from what seek for in our concerns to what we really need; the restoration…
Lent 2A Abram and the Second Birth
Genesis 12:1-9 For some, the idea of being born again can be as puzzling now as it was for Nicodemus when he first heard Jesus speak of it. Both Jesus and Paul further describe it as dying and rising. It is a spiritual birth. Still another way of understanding it is to look at the life of Abram and God’s call to him. Here we see the second birth illustrated in real life. Sermon Date: March 8, 2020
Lent 1A What a Difference a Man Makes
Romans 5:12-19 What a difference a person can make! This is the stuff of biographies. And there are many of them. But Paul takes it to a whole other level when he brings up both Adam and Christ. Adam’s act of disobedience brings sin and death to all. Christ’s act of obedience brings justification and life. But we ought not think they are equal as two boxers going toe to toe and blow for blow. No, Christ’s impact is much greater.…
2/23/2020 Transfiguration Interruptions
Matthew 17:1-9 How are you with interruptions to your life and schedule? No one likes them, but it is a positive sign when we recognize that interruptions are an opportunity for direction from God, and ministry. In fact, we need to allow ourselves to be interrupted by God, rather than just prattling on about our own priorities. Wrapped up in the glory of the moment, Peter was prattling on when God interrupted him. Peter, this is my beloved Son, listen…
Epiphany 6A A Matter of the Heart
Matthew 5:21-37 One of the ways that we deceive ourselves is by thinking that we are pretty good people because we have kept the Commandments. That may be true in terms of the gross, outward, literal expression of the law. But, in fact, what we have done is limited the true intent of the law. As Jesus explains to us the spirit of the law, we suddenly come to the realization that we are far worse than what we ever…
Epiphany 5A Being of Influence
Matthew 5:13-20 What does it mean to be salt and light? As we reflect on salt and light we notice the influence it has on its surroundings. So Jesus calls us to be an influence for him and for good in this world. This is part of the purpose God has for us as his disciples. Sermon Date: February 9, 2020
Epiphany 4A Reciprocating God’s Love
Micah 6:1-8 The Lord has shown you what is good, what is required of you. Is it a sacrifice in hand? Something of great value such as our firstborn? No. Nothing from our hands changes God. In fact, that is the point. We need to change, not God. As recipients of his loving kindness we are called to love God in return, to reciprocate his love. Without disparaging formal worship and offerings, Micah reminds us that love from the heart…
Epiphany 3A A Call to What?
Matthew 4:12-25 The story of Jesus calling Andrew, Peter, James and John can be rather intimidating. “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” They left everything and followed Jesus. Are we called to do the same; leave our occupations and homes to follow Jesus? A closer look at this passage reveals a paradigm for both apostleship and discipleship. The application of this passage to your life will depend upon which of these you are being called to.…
Epiphany 2A
John 1: 29-42a Evangelism can be a scary word for some. Perhaps that is because it can seem so foreign to us. In our minds, evangelism is marvelous and miraculous. But we live in the mundane, meaning evangelism happens in some place other than our lives. So we don’t relate. But John shows us that evangelism is simply sharing the good news within our relationships; the everyday relationships of our mundane lives. More likely than not, that’s the way it…
Baptism of Our Lord
Isaiah 42:1-9 “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit” God said through the prophet Zechariah. So does Isaiah describe God’s Servant in chapter 42nd of the book that bears his name. This prophecy points forward to Jesus who is the fulfillment. Matthew, in his recording of the baptism of Jesus, makes sure we understand that Jesus is indeed God’s Servant. As we look at Jesus’ ministry, it should be no surprise then, that we see he works…