Sermon Archives

The people of Edom chose to stand against Judah and to rejoice in their defeat. They chose to increase the burdens on Judah when they could have helped. They chose to side with evil, even when they knew what was right. They chose to inflict “damage-joy” when they could have offered peace. Edom chose poorly, […]

Listen to him. How do you authenticate such a call. From the thinnest silence. The only way is by your response. It is the response to such a call that makes the call real. It is our response to such a call that makes real the history of God. We are the ones who make […]

The golden rule will not work if we expect others to turn around and do unto us right back. To truly live the golden rule is to do what we would have others do unto us without expecting anything in return. “As you would have them do unto you” does not mean that is what […]

Dorito Theory reminds us of the deceitfulness of the heart and of our need for God’s guidance. Just as we struggle to stop at one chip without self-control, we struggle to find direction and satisfaction without spiritual practice. Jeremiah warns us to turn our hearts toward God, finding contentment with what we have while seeking […]

In a world of misinformation and conspiracy theories, the story of Jesus is a trustworthy story. The story of Jesus is hope-filled and grace-full. The story of Jesus leads us to life, not death. The story of Jesus builds us up and does not tear others down. The story of Jesus is based on Scripture, […]

How we respond to God’s call is something unique to each person. Moses, David, Isaiah, Jeremiah, the disciples, and the apostle Paul all reacted to God’s call to serve differently. Some of us may have a “deer in the headlights” reaction. We feel caught in the glare of unspeakable responsibility and are overwhelmed. We may […]

In Nazareth, Jesus shows true Sabbath Spirit by making a dynamic response to human need, and by showing deep concern for the most vulnerable people. Our challenge is to adopt his state of mind, and to bring good news to the poor, release to the captives, healing to the sick, and freedom to the oppressed. […]

The rabbis say that “without wine, there is no joy.” May the same be true for us and all we love. As the years unfold before us, may we discover, both in our own lives and in the life of the world, the joy of knowing that God “has saved the best for last!”

The God of the Seas gave inspiration to the World Council of Churches whose logo depicts a ship sailing on the waters. Rising from the ship’s deck is a mast and spar in the form of the cross of Christ. Below the ship, as though floating on the ocean waters, is the Greek word, “Oikoumene” […]