Sermons – My Pastoral Ponderings

Posted on January 27, 2023January 26, 2023 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 3 Comments

The Message of the Cross: My Sermon on 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

The message of the cross is the power of God and the wisdom of God? Here is my sermon on 1 Corinthians 1:18-31.

Posted on January 20, 2023January 19, 2023 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 1 Comment

Learning to Reflect the Light: My Sermon on Matthew 4:12-23

Jesus is the light of the world, and when we follow him we learn to reflect his light. Here is my sermon on Matthew 4:12-23 (and Isaiah 9:1-4).

Posted on January 13, 2023January 12, 2023 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 3 Comments

What Are You Looking For? My Sermon on John 1:29-42

The very first words of Jesus recorded in John's Gospel come in the form of a question: "What are you looking for?" Here is my sermon on John 1:29-42, reflecting on this all-important question.

Posted on January 6, 2023January 4, 2023 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 1 Comment

On Earth Our Greatest Comfort: My Sermon on Matthew 3:13-17

Baptism, Martin Luther taught us, is on earth our greatest comfort. Here is my sermon on what that means, through a reflection on the Baptism of Our Lord in Matthew 3:13-17.

Posted on December 23, 2022December 22, 2022 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 4 Comments

A Child Born for Us: My Sermon on Luke 2:1-20 for Christmas Eve

It is good news of great joy for all: A child is born for us, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Here is my sermon on Luke 2:1-20 for Christmas Eve.

Posted on December 16, 2022December 15, 2022 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 3 Comments

To Be with Us: My Sermon on Matthew 1:18-25

Matthew's account of the birth of Jesus teaches us at least three things: The surprise of Christmas, the gift of Christmas, and the mission of Christmas. Here is my sermon on Matthew 1:18-25 for the Fourth Sunday of Advent.

Posted on December 9, 2022December 8, 2022 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 2 Comments

Praying with John the Baptist: My Sermon on Matthew 11:2-11

Praying with John the Baptist: My sermon on Matthew 11:2-11 for the Third Sunday of Advent.

Posted on December 2, 2022December 3, 2022 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 5 Comments

Prepare the Way: My Sermon on Matthew 3:1-12

In those days John the Baptist appeared ... Matthew 3:1 The gospel reading for the Second Sunday of Advent (Matthew 3:1-12) offers one of my favorite Christmas-time traditions: Our annual visit from John the Baptist. Every year, on the Second Sunday in Advent, our gospel reading features this remarkable prophet, whose sole task in life…

Posted on November 25, 2022November 25, 2022 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 4 Comments