-
A Teacher’s Tongue, a Disciple’s Ear
Introduction This is the sermon I preached at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Beatrice, Neb., on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 12-13, 2009, the weekend of the Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost. + + + Readings Isaiah 50:4-9 Psalm 116:1-9 James 3:1-12 Mark 8:27-38 + + + Prayer “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation[s] of…
-
Upsetting Mercy
Introduction This is the sermon I preached at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Beatrice, Neb., on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 5-6, 2009, the weekend of the Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost. + + + Readings Isaiah 35:4-7a Psalm 146 (2) James 2:1-10 [11-13] 14-17 Mark 7:24-37 + + + Prayer “Let the words of my mouth and…
-
Like a Shepherd
Occasion This is a homily for the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost, July 19, 2009, based upon the day’s readings from Jeremiah, Psalms, and Mark. Prayer Let us pray… “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation[s] of [our] heart[s] be acceptable to you, O LORD, [our] rock and [our] redeemer.” Amen. (Psalm 19:14, NRSV)…
-
Anointed with the Spirit…
Introduction In 1991, while serving as the pastor of First Lutheran Church, Potter, Neb., and Grace Lutheran Church, Gurley, Neb., I prepared a second series of six daily devotions, calling the collection “Baptized in the Name: Devotions for the Harvest.” This is the fourth in the collection. Reading: Mark 1:9-15 “In the waters of the…
-
The Dilemma of Humanity and Divinity
Introduction This paper is one I wrote in college. Dated Sept. 25, 1981, it was submitted to Drs. Agnes B. O’Donnell and Donald E. Byrne for Honors HCC-201. Paper The Bible records and interprets the development of Judaism and Christianity, two faiths under one God. Christendom’s Bible contains two testaments under one cover. The Old…
-
In the End…
Occasion This is a homily for the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, July 12, 2009, based upon the day’s Gospel, Mark 6:14-29. Prayer Let us pray… “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation[s] of [our] heart[s] be acceptable to you, O LORD, [our] rock and [our] redeemer.” Amen. (Psalm 19:14, NRSV) Homily One of…
-
Seeking the Face of Grace
Let us pray… “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation[s] of [our] heart[s] be acceptable to you, O LORD, [our] rock and [our] redeemer.” Amen. (Psalm 19:14, NRSV) + + + There is a crooked ash tree that rises bent and twisted from a berm alongside the driveway at our house. At night…
-
Question
“‘What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?’” (Mark 5:7, NRSV)
-
Fear and Faith
“[Jesus] said, ‘Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?’” (Mark 4:40, NRSV)
-
Harvest
“The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head.” (Mark 4:28, NRSV)