* a sermon preached at Luther Memorial Church of Chicago on May 24, 2015 * Text: Romans 8:18-38 *************** Pray with me this morning: Consume us, Holy Spirit. Lead us, and go with us confidently into the future that you are calling us, And be with us in the midst of our uncertainty. Amen. *************** I’m reading … Continue reading It All Seems A Little Far-Fetched, Don’t You Think?
* a sermon preached at Luther Memorial Church of Chicago on May 17, 2015 * Since sermons are primarily intended to be heard, you can listen along here. Text: Romans 6:1-14 *************** Pray with me this morning: Cleanse us, and make us new, Holy One. Today, and every day. That your resurrection might be our hope, And hope … Continue reading Learning to Swim
* a sermon preached at Luther Memorial Church of Chicago on March 15, 2015 * Text: Matthew 25:1-13 *************** Let's pray: Wake us up, O God, To the redeeming and reconciling work you are bringing about in all the world. Amen. *************** So, bridesmaids, how are we doing this morning? Still asleep from losing that hour from … Continue reading Always A Bridesmaid…
* a sermon preached at Luther Memorial Church of Chicago on March 1, 2015 * Text: Matthew 20:1-16 *************** Let's pray: Make us humble, Holy One, That we might receive your mercy as a gift, Whether we are last, or first, or somewhere in between. Amen. *************** When I was in college, in my last semester, I … Continue reading Worst. Pyramid Scheme. Ever.
* a sermon given at Luther Memorial Church of Chicago on December 24, 2015 * Text: Luke 1:1-20 *************** Merry Christmas, y’all! Please pray with me, as we ponder this mysterious gift we’ve been given: Holy God, you’ve given us a tremendous gift, you’ve given us yourself. As the Light shatters the darkness, break into our lives once again. Amen. … Continue reading Gift-Giving
* a homily given at Luther Memorial Church of Chicago on February 18, 2015 * Text: Matthew 18:1-9 *************** A prayer: Mortality stares us in the face, O God. Hold us, and comfort us. Amen. *************** When I was a young boy, I was fascinated by things I didn’t understand. I’m not sure where this sensibility came from, but I … Continue reading Stardust
* a sermon preached at Luther Memorial Church of Chicago on February 15, 2015 * Text: Matthew 16:24-17:8 *************** Please pray with me: Holy God, Transform us. Give us hearts that shine like the sun. Amen. *************** Quick poll, show of hands: Who can tell me what season we’re in? Winter, Time after Epiphany, Basketball season, Less than … Continue reading Wardrobe Malfunction
* a sermon preached at Luther Memorial Church of Chicago on January 25, 2015 * Text: Matthew 5:13-14 *************** Let us pray: Living God, Sometimes vital signs are faint, And we can’t see seedlings beginning to sprout. Give us your creative vision for the world, That we may participate in its restoration. Amen. *************** I have a … Continue reading Signs of Life
* a sermon preached at Luther Memorial Church of Chicago on January 18, 2015 * Text: Matthew 4:1-17 ------ Please pray with me: Holy God, Temptations of all kinds swirl around us. Give us discerning hearts and minds, that we might know what is needful for life, and on whom we rely. Amen. ********** This past Wednesday, 25 … Continue reading The End of Our Wits
Ignatius of Antioch, from the 2nd Century, penned this: A star burned in the sky more brightly than all the others; its light was indescribable, its newness marvelous, and all the other stars, along with the sun and the moon, formed a chorus around this star, the light of which reached father than that of … Continue reading Advent Devotional: Tuesday, January 6: Epiphany!
the narrow way 