Sermons on Matthew
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 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 A Cosmic, Political and Personal
Matthew 2:1-12 The story of the visit of the Magi may seem like child’s play as we think of children rearranging the figurines. Yet it is anything but child’s play. It is cosmic, political and most of all personal. Sermon Date: January 5, 2020
Advent 2A Prepare the Way
Matthew 3:1-12 At the beginning of the Church Year we are again reminded that our salvation begins with God coming to us. The story begins in the Old Testament with God’s promises, finds its fulfillment in the coming of Christ, and continues in our day through the work of the Spirit in Word and Sacrament. The key to receiving the kingdom, as John the Baptizer tells us, is repentance; contrition, faith and the fruit of repentance. Sermon Date: December 8,…
1/6/2019 Epiphany Rejoice with Exceeding Joy
Herod and the Magi are typical of two types of people; those who oppose God and those who have faith. Opposition leads to a troubled spirit as typified in Herod. Faith leads to exceeding joy as typified in the Magi. So how do you respond to the reign of God breaking into your world? Are you troubled in spirit or do you rejoice?