Gospel of Mark – Page 3 – My Pastoral Ponderings

Posted on May 19, 2021May 18, 2021 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 8 Comments

United by a Shared Savior: A Devotion on Mark 5

Posted on April 11, 2021April 11, 2021 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 8 Comments

Haunted by the Death of John the Baptist: How Do We Read the Bible?

Here is a guest post from my daughter, a seminary student who is looking at the death of John the Baptist and asking the question, how do we read the Bible?

Posted on April 4, 2021April 3, 2021 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 9 Comments

Rolling the Stone Away: My Easter Sermon on Mark 16:1-8

Easter means not only that Christ is alive, but that he is with us always, rolling away the stones and obstacles that keep us from him. Here is my Easter sermon on Mark 16:1-8.

Posted on March 15, 2021March 14, 2021 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 7 Comments

The Call of Legion

A sonnet inspired the story of Jesus healing the Gerasene Demoniac in Mark 5.

Posted on February 27, 2021February 28, 2021 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 7 Comments

The Only Life that Matters: My Sermon on Mark 8:31-38

Jesus teaches us through his life and ministry that the only life that truly matters is found by losing our life for his sake. Here is my sermon on Mark 8:31-38.

Posted on February 20, 2021February 24, 2021 by Rev. James E. Laurence

Facing Our Wilderness with Jesus: My Sermon on the First Sunday in Lent

Posted on February 13, 2021February 12, 2021 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 3 Comments

Listen, and Believe: My Sermon on the Transfiguration of Our Lord

The Transfiguration of Our Lord is an incredible miracle, but what does it mean for us? Here is my sermon, reflecting on this question.

Posted on February 6, 2021February 6, 2021 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 14 Comments

More than Healing: My Sermon on Mark 1:29-39

In Mark 1:29-39 we learn that Jesus wants more for us than healing. He wants to usher in the kingdom of God in all its fullness. Here is my sermon on this powerful text.

Posted on January 30, 2021January 30, 2021 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 2 Comments

Teaching We Can Trust: My Sermon on Mark 1:21-28

[Jesus and his disciples] went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.Mark 1:21-22 In our modern world – or as some would say, our postmodern world – today’s gospel reading…

Posted on January 9, 2021January 31, 2021 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 8 Comments

Our Greatest Comfort: My Sermon on the Baptism of Our Lord

Martin Luther once said that "there is on earth no greater comfort than Baptism." What did he mean by that? Here is my answer to that question, using the baptism of Jesus as my guide.