Year: 2004

Scripture: Luke 17:5-10 This is a short sermon on a big subject. Millie and I happened to be talking about sermon titles earlier in the week—along, of course, with things that are much deeper and weightier—and I commented that because I have to choose a sermon title before I’ve written the sermon, I often try … Read more

Scripture: Luke 17:11-19 I made a comment in the sermon last week that I didn’t elaborate on then but will now. I said something about how the second part of the reading from last week might be troubling and that while I wasn’t going to deal with it then, I might deal with it next … Read more

Scripture: Romans 12:1-17 All sermons are personal in one way or another. In my view they are supposed to be that way…up to a point. I had a teacher in seminary who had a different idea about this, however. He believed that a preacher should remove him or herself as much as possible from the … Read more

Scripture: Luke 18:9-14 I’m returning to the lectionary for my scripture today. I almost didn’t, because when I read the lectionary scripture for today, the direction it led me in was very similar to where I was two weeks ago when I was talking about the bad messages the Christian church has sometimes sent to … Read more

Scripture: Romans 8:26-39 As you know, most of you, Ava and I were away week before last, in Chincoteague. In some ways Chincoteague was not really away, because the town of Chincoteague was plastered with political signs the way most places were that week. Driving through Chincoteague felt a little like driving through any part … Read more

Scripture: Psalm 146 I have some reflections related to or inspired by the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. The first has nothing much to do with the holiday, except that it is a cause for thanksgiving. I want to begin by offering more formally my sense of gratitude that we have closed on the building and are … Read more

Scripture: Isaiah selections I want to talk in a way this morning about waiting. I want to talk about preparing. I want to talk about anticipating and hoping and leaning into the future. I want to talk about giving birth. Not so much just today but also in the weeks ahead. It’s Advent after all, … Read more

Scripture: Matthew 3:1-12 Reader: In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, “Repent, for the reign of God is at hand.” This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord. Make the … Read more

Scripture: Luke 1:46-55Reading: “In Nothing Be Anxious” by Arnold Kenseth A couple of weeks ago, as we were beginning Advent, I remarked that Advent has a particular flavor for us at Sojourners this year, and that words like anticipation, preparation, and pregnancy take on a particular, specific meaning as we look toward transitioning into a … Read more

Scripture: Luke 1:68-79 Add title Scripture: Luke 1:68-79 I had to go back to the scriptures and check something out this week. You know there are things that people think are in the Bible that really aren’t. For instance, the idea that there were three magi. Actually the Bible doesn’t say how many there were. … Read more