“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.
The Church in the Trump Era
What does it mean to be church in the era of President Trump? What does this mean for Mainline/Progressive Christians? In the days following the Inauguration, I was less worried about the new President. It doesn't mean I wasn't concerned: but he was chosen in an election and should be allowed govern. It might be... Continue Reading →
Sermon: “When the President Comes to Church”
Luke 4:14-30 Mission First: Gathered Series Second Sunday of Epiphany January 15, 2017 First Christian Church Mahtomedi, MN If Donald Trump showed up at the door of this church, would you let him in? Just hold that thought for a bit. A few years ago, I was involved in helping the church I was at... Continue Reading →
Mistakes, I’ve Made A Few
The email said it in clear words. I had made a mistake. And people weren't too happy about it. Making a mistake in my world can be a big deal, at least in my mind. It brings up fears and shame. I start to worry that I will lose my job (something that has happened)... Continue Reading →
Preach the Gospel. Use Words.
The fact of the matter is that we are called to preach the gospel. NOT be the gospel; that's something onlyJesus can do. NOT live out the gospel, because again, Jesus. We are called to preach the gospel and since we don't possess the power to speak telepathically to people, we have to say something.
Should We 86 2016?
2016 has been considered a dumpster fire of a year. David Bowie, Prince and Carrie Fisher all left us this year. But some had bigger dumpster fires than others. Where was God in 2016?
Progressive Christian and Trump Voters
The first day or two after the election I decided to contact friends and acquaintences of mine who had voted for Donald Trump. I wanted to apologize if I said anything off-putting to them. To a person, all of them were gracious and even told me why they considered voting for Trump. I took their... Continue Reading →
Who’s In Charge?
I'm not freaking out because I truly believe that my ultimate allegiance is in Christ and not who lives at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. I believe God is in control.
…to give you a future filled with hope
Too often, Jeremiah 29:11 is seen as a route to success. But I don't think this is what this verse is about, especially since what I've learned about Jeremiah is that his life wasn't that awesome.