Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Mark 16:6 Early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, three women went to the tomb of Jesus. They found the stone rolled away, and the tomb empty.…
Learning from Joseph of Arimathea: My Sermon for Palm Sunday on Mark 15
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…
What Does It Mean to Follow Jesus Today? My Sermon on Mark 1:14-20
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,…
Our Real New Year: My Sermon on Mark 1:4-11 for the Baptism of Our Lord
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…
Joy Through Repentance: My Sermon on Mark 1:1-8 for the Second Sunday of Advent
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.…
Getting Our Souls Ready: My Sermon on Mark 13:24-37
[Jesus said]: "Keep alert, for you do now know when the time will come." Mark 13:33 “Keep alert,” Jesus tells us, in today’s gospel reading (Mark 13:24-37). “For you do not know when the time will come.” The time when the Son of Man will be seen coming in clouds with great power and glory.…
The Suffering that Leads to Hope: My Sermon on Romans 5:1-5
How can suffering lead to hope? Here is Paul's answer to that question, in Romans 5:1-5.
Acquiring an Appetite for the World of Grace: My Sermon on Mark 10:46-52
How can we acquire an appetite for the world of grace? We can learn from Bartimaeus. Here is my sermon on Mark 10:46-52.
Song of Blind Bartimaeus After His Healing by Madeleine L’Engle
Song of blind Bartimaeus after his healing | Madeleine L'Engle All praise to thee, my God, this night for all I see, both night and day. All praise for loveliness of things! During the shadows of un-sight you kept the raging fears at bay. All praise to thee, my God, this night for all the…
How to Become Great: My Sermon on Mark 10:35-45
How does one become great? Simple: By serving others. Here is my sermon on Mark 10:35-45.