Luke 10:25-42 Who Is My Neighbor Series First Sunday in Lent March 5, 2017 First Christian Church Mahtomedi, MN Click here to listen to the audio version. Supposedly the commedian W.C. Fields was reading a Bible one day. Fields was known for his kind of outrageous lifestyle of drinking and mistrisses, so having him... Continue Reading →
Sermon: Borrowed Time
“Borrowed Time” Luke 13:1-9, 31-35 March 12, 2017 Second Sunday in Lent Who Is My Neighbor Series First Christian Church Minneapolis, MN Click here for the audio version. A man leaves home to head into New York City and work in one the city’s tallest buildings. It’s the morning of September 11, 2001, and the... Continue Reading →
Sermon: The Day After
It’s been thirty years since The Day After first aired and I still haven’t seen the movie and probably never will. But I do give thanks that no matter what happens in life and in death, Jesus has shown us a taste of the kingdom where death will be defeated. And that makes me sleep much better.
Sermon: “Fight the Power”
Ephesians 6:10-20 Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost August 7, 2016 First Christian Church Mahtomedi, MN Listen to the sermon podcast. One of the earliest hymns I remember singing was “Onward Christian Soldiers.” And I have to admit that I liked the song. There is something peppy with the music, and yes, it has almost a martial... Continue Reading →
Sermon: Trouble In Lake Wobegon
“Trouble in Lake Wobegone” Luke 10:25-37 and Romans 14:1-18 Seventh Sunday After Pentecost July 10, 2016 First Christian Church Mahtomedi, MN Listen to the Sermon. It could have been me. That is what I thought early Thursday morning, as I groggily woke and checked Facebook. There were some news reports of a police shooting... Continue Reading →
Sermon: “Seeking God in a Shattered World”
In light of what's going on in Boston, I thought I'd share this sermon I preached two years ago. Vandalism is hardly in the same category as the horrors that took place today, but the message of the Sermon on the Mount ring true. “Seeking God in a Shattered World” Matthew 6:24-34; Isaiah 49:8-16 February... Continue Reading →
Sermon: “The Unsuccessful Church”
Okay, you probably didn't expect a pastor to use the word “sucks” in a sermon. You also probably didn't expect that I would say that being a minister is not always a bed of roses. However it's true. Being a pastor at times is exciting, but sometimes: yeah, it sucks.
Sunday Sermon: July 29, 2012
“Left Behind” John 6:1-21 and Ephesians 3:14-21 July 29, 2012 First Christian Church Minneapolis, MN I was never good at sports, but I tried anyway. In high school, I was in cross-country and long distance track. In the summer of 1984, the summer between my freshman and sophomore year in high school, I went with... Continue Reading →
Sunday Sermon: Mc Jesus
This was a sermon I wrote and intended to preach at United Lutheran Church in Grand Forks, ND in 2006. I never preached this sermon, but wrote another one for that Sunday. Since I'm preaching on this text again on July 29, I thought I'd share this with you all. “McJesus” John 6:1-21 United Lutheran... Continue Reading →
Trinity Sunday Sermon: "Come to the Table"
With Trinity Sunday coming up, I decided to share a sermon I gave on Trinity Sunday 2009. “Come to the Table”Isaiah 6:1-8, John 3:1-17June 7, 2009Trinity SundayFirst Christian ChurchMinneapolis, MNA few months ago, my partner Daniel and I were invited to have high tea. A friend of mine this in an auction and she invited... Continue Reading →