sermons

When the term “born again Christian” is bandied about, the comment from The Princess Bride comes to mind: “I do not think it means what you think it means.” This sermon explores the New Testament Greek word translated as “again” or “from above” or “anew” used in John 3 when Jesus talks to the Pharisee […]

The story of Jesus being transfigured on the mountaintop is not only a revelation that the itinerant rabbi from Galilee was indeed the Messiah sent from God, but a cautionary tale not to try and memorialize where God has once spoken, instead continuing to listen for God speaking today.

Both science and faith seek “truth” – science by testing of hypotheses and repeated confirmation to determine facts, and faith by seeking ever larger revelations and understanding of divine truth. The two realms – science and faith – are not in competition, but elucidate each other.

Matthew’s gospel sums up Jesus’ great teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, beginning with the Beatitudes. In contrast to the Law of Moses, the “Blessed Be’s” usher in a new way of being, transforming minds and souls. The Beatitudes are calls to action. 

When Jesus called the first disciples along the shores of Galilee, he charged them to Repent and then to Come after me. The Greek word for “repent” means to change one’s mind, one’s direction in life. Jesus challenged followers to change allegiance to the Kingdom of Heaven.

For Racial Justice weekend, the life story of Harriet Tubman is explored as a model not just of activism but of spirituality. Tubman credited the guidance of the Lord when she claimed that she’d never lost a passenger or a train on the Underground Railroad.

For Baptism of the Lord Sunday, the sermon looks at the account in Matthew 3 and explores the meanings of baptism and methods of baptism in church history. Before baptismal promises are made (“Confession of Faith”) there is a preliminary Renunciation of Evil.