Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Mark 15:43 There is so much happening in our worship service today that I thought I would narrow the focus for my sermon, and…
From Mount Hor [the Israelites] set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; but the people became impatient on the way. Numbers 21:4-9 If I were to take a poll to determine everyone’s favorite verse of the Bible, John 3:16 might find itself near the top. It is a…
Then God spoke all these words, “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; you shall have no other gods before me. Exodus 20:1-3 Our first reading today offers us one of the most famous passages in all of scripture: God’s giving to Moses the Ten…
Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of people.” Mark 1:17 The story is told of a young woman applying for college. She felt that her application was strong, until she got to the question that asked, simply, “Are you a leader?” Her heart sank. Being both honest and conscientious,…
The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” John 1:43 Every once in a while, I like to ask a very simple question: Why am I a Christian? Why do I follow Jesus? These are basic questions, but very important, because simply asking these questions…
Just as [Jesus] was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” Mark 1:10-11 It always seems like good timing to me that…
For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders, and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 Long before the shepherds received the angel’s good news of great joy, Isaiah prophesied (Isaiah 9:2-7) that a child would be born…
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 This Third Sunday of Advent has a good old-fashioned church name that I kind of like - it is called “Gaudete Sunday,” gaudete being the Latin name for rejoice. It…
John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Mark 1:4 Well, it’s that time of year to watch all of the many Christmas movies and specials, and it seems like there are more of them every year. Everyone has their favorites, and that’s true for me too.…
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Psalm 103:1 Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” Luke 1:46-47 I love the question that John Wesley is reported to have frequently asked of those he encountered, which is: How is…
My Pastoral Ponderings 