* a sermon preached at Luther Memorial Church of Chicago on July 26, 2015 * Since sermons are primarily intended to be heard, you can listen along here. Text: Ephesians 6:10-20 *************** Please pray with me: Holy God, There are many things that bind and tether us. Free us today, and every day, So that we may … Continue reading Chains and Chainmail
* a sermon preached at Luther Memorial Church of Chicago on July 5, 2015 * Text: Ephesians 1:1-14 *************** Please pray with me: Holy One, Reveal in us the mystery of your will. Through Christ, redeem us, And reconcile us to each other, And to you. Amen. *************** I like families. I do. I’ve preached about families before. … Continue reading In(ter)dependence
* 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 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
* 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!
the narrow way 