* a sermon preached at Luther Memorial Church of Chicago on November 16, 2014 * Text: A Story from Isaiah (based on Isaiah 36:1-3, 13-20; 37:1-7; and 2:1-4) The King of Assyria came to Judah and sent a messenger to King Hezekiah in Jerusalem. The messenger called out to the people of Jerusalem, in their own language, … Continue reading Torn in Two
* a sermon preached at Luther Memorial Church of Chicago on October 19, 2014 * Text: 2 Samuel 12:1-9 Well, I’m sorry to say you’ve been duped again. Last week, we had a seemingly innocent story about heritage, which Pastor Tim turned into a sermon about stewardship; and I have to apologize because this week we … Continue reading Here’s To You!
Here's some background info on the book we'll be reading from on Sunday: In the books of 1st and 2nd Samuel, we see the shift of Israel from a nebulous, largely tribal group of people toward a more organized monarchy. The people of Israel demand a king, and although God, through Samuel, warns them that … Continue reading 1st and 2nd Samuel
Many Christians I know hold up Micah 6:8 as one of the prime examples of how to live a Christian life. The verse is often translated: “What does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God?” Really nice sentiments, and honestly, not a bad way to live. … Continue reading Make Justice, Love Kindness, Walk Humbly
* a sermon preached at Luther Memorial Church of Chicago on September 28, 2014 * Text: Exodus 14:10-14, 21-29 How many of you were camp counselors ever? Summers full of playtime. Maybe some God time, bible study, and prayer in there. Watersports. Arts and crafts. Camp food. Ropes courses. And who remembers the Trust Fall? Placing … Continue reading Trust Issues
--- a collection of thoughts in preparation for my sermon on sunday --- Text: Exodus 14:10-14, 21-29 Saying “trust in God” during times of turmoil is a really nice thought; it looks great on a Hallmark card... The reality is, however, it’s not so easy, is it? I mean, here today, we have God leading God’s … Continue reading Thoughts on Trust
Facebook is killing us. I’m convinced of this. And it’s not just Facebook. Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, WordPress… All are at fault. Slowly, but surely, sucking the life out of us. Social media has fostered a culture of false positivity. Think about it. Very few people air their problems on Facebook. Largely our newsfeeds are overwhelmingly … Continue reading Facebook is Killing Us
* a sermon preached at Chapel at the Lutheran Center on July 23, 2014 * Texts: Isaiah 44:6-8 + Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 Sisters and brothers, grace, mercy, and peace be with you from God the source of all life and Jesus the Christ. Amen. Welp…I guess that’s in then, huh? I guess Jesus has … Continue reading God’s More Agrarian Than That
the narrow way 