The last Sunday of January 2008, my Sunday morning sermon challenged the congregation to develop a more global view of God’s work and interests around the world. I urged the church to pray about things beyond our little circles of knowledge and interest. That afternoon, an email came with news of a devastating fire that …
Category Archives: Sermons
It’s Sunday Again: Christmas–He Appeared (Tit 2)
We live in limbo. We live between two appearings. This is a Christmas sermon, this is a Bible study. We explore together an unknown text, seldom associated with the Christmas season. Titus 2:11-14 speaks of the appearing of the grace of God, bringing salvation. The reference is to the coming of Jesus. The same text …
Continue reading “It’s Sunday Again: Christmas–He Appeared (Tit 2)”
It’s Sunday Again: Christmas Resolutions (Luke 2)
I like Christmas! Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year. I enjoy the season; I enjoy the festivity. I enjoy the opportunity to revisit an important part of the storyline of Scripture. The Christmas season is misunderstood by many, diminished, even demeaned. Christmas is much larger than the story of baby Jesus. …
Continue reading “It’s Sunday Again: Christmas Resolutions (Luke 2)”
My Christmas List
I have been a list-maker for almost as long as I can remember. I find it much easier to maintain priorities and focus. Plus I find that keeping a “to do” list and marking items as accomplished is quite satisfying. In December, I restudy and present some of the great themes of the Nativity narratives. …
It’s Sunday Again: Christmas–God Came Near (Heb. 2)
Christmas sermons abound in Scripture. An anonymous first-century author reflects the Christmas story when he affirms that “God came near to us and spoke our language” (you can see more details of his affirmation in Hebrews 2). While his focus is on the High Priesthood of Jesus, he affirms two encouraging truths. • In Jesus …
Continue reading “It’s Sunday Again: Christmas–God Came Near (Heb. 2)”
It’s Sunday Again: Christmas–Name Above All Names (Phil. 2)
The Christmas story is not told only in the well-known gospel accounts in Matthew and Luke. The Incarnation is foundational to the message of the New Testament. Christmas texts abound throughout Scripture. Consider how Paul recounts the Christmas story in Philippians 2:6-11. Jesus, taking on servanthood, becoming human in form, humbling himself, emptying himself, obedient …
Continue reading “It’s Sunday Again: Christmas–Name Above All Names (Phil. 2)”
It’s Sunday Again: Love
We have quoted John 13 for so long that we have forgotten, or at least ignored, Jesus’ statement about the Great Commandments (Matthew 22:34-40 and parallels). We have heard John 13 say what we wanted it to say. Is it possible that Jesus is saying the mark of love is in extent, not only in …
It’s Sunday Again: What Time Is It?
My blogging friends know that the posting date/time stamp may not be the actual time of writing! I confess–I am writing this on Saturday, but setting it to post on Sunday morning. The spring time change! Spring forward! I call it the “bad” time change! It is the “bad” time change because people refuse to …
Ephesians 4: the church that genuinely serves
Churches that understand their identity, mission, and eternal purpose are most likely to do the things God wants. The church exists in God’s eternal purpose to unite all things under Christ. In Ephesians 4, the church participates in this purpose through the ministry of every member, facilitated by the leaders Christ places in the body. …
Continue reading “Ephesians 4: the church that genuinely serves”
Ephesians 4:1-16–Understanding the church and what it does
Ephesians 4 begins the practical section of Paul’s Ephesian letter. Paul undergirds action with principle. Chapters 1-3 focus on church identity, “Who are we?” The church must understand its identity and purpose. Chapters 4-6 answer the question, “What do we do?” The Christian life that reflects our shared identity in Christ Jesus includes requirements, reasons, response, and results. Requirements. …
Continue reading “Ephesians 4:1-16–Understanding the church and what it does”