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Fruits of the Kingdom
Introduction Emmanuel Lutheran Church, east of Beatrice, Nebraska, invited me to preach and preside at worship on Oct. 2, 2011, the Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost. Readings Isaiah 5:1–7 Psalm 80:7–15, antiphon vv.14–15 Philippians 3:4b-14 Matthew 21:33–46 Homily Let us pray …. May the words of my mouth and the meditations in our hearts be acceptable…
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Navel and Nails
He hangs from a cross, itself hanging on a nail on the wall by my desk. This hand-carved olive wood crucifix is souvenir, decoration, sermon, icon. There are days, maybe weeks when it blends into the décor. Or rather, I turn my gaze to other objects. Then it—he!—hangs and waits. Today it spoke to me.…
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The First of the Fruit
Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Beatrice, Neb., celebrated our nation’s Day of Thanksgiving on Wednesday evening, November 24, 2010. + + + Readings Deuteronomy 26:1–11 Psalm 100 Philippians 4:4–9 John 6:25–35 + + + Prayer We come to you, Holy God, and give to you what you have first given us: our lives, our talents, and…
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Question Box: Uniquely the Way
Introduction Holy Cross Lutheran Church began offering individuals the chance to ask questions about the Church, faith, theology, and the Bible by putting their queries into a Question Box. A question and answer appears in each month’s newsletter. This is the July 2010 installment. Question Is Jesus the only way to eternal life, and if…
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At the Crossroads
This is the sermon I preached at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Beatrice, Neb., on Saturday and Sunday, March 27–28, 2010, for the Passion Sunday. + + + Readings Luke 19:28–40 (Procession with Palms) Isaiah 50:4–9a Psalm 31:9–16 (antiphon v. 5) Philippians 2:5–11 Luke 23:1–49 + + + Prayer Pour out upon us your Holy Spirit,…
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Thoughtful Extravagance
This is the sermon I preached at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Beatrice, Neb., on Saturday and Sunday, March 20–21, 2010, for the Fifth Sunday in Lent. + + + Readings Isaiah 43:16–21 Psalm 126 (antiphon v.5) Philippians 3:4b–14 John 12:1–8 + + + Prayer You call us to return to you, Lord God, and to…
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Gathering a Scattered Flock
This is the sermon I preached at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Beatrice, Neb., on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 27–28, 2010, for the Second Sunday in Lent. + + + Readings Genesis 15:1–12, 17–18 Psalm 27 (antiphon v. 5) Philippians 3:17–4:1 Luke 13:31–35 + + + Prayer You call us to return to you, Lord God,…
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Gentle and at Peace
Introduction This is the sermon I preached at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Beatrice, Neb., on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 12–13, 2009, the weekend of the Third Sunday of Advent. + + + Readings Zephaniah 3:14-20 Isaiah 12:1-6 (antiphon v. 6) Philippians 4:4-7 Luke 3:7-18 + + + Prayer As we hear and heed your Word,…
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Burnt, Cleansed, Purified
Introduction This is the sermon I preached at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Beatrice, Neb., on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5-6, 2009, the weekend of the Second Sunday of Advent. + + + Readings Malachi 3:1-4 or Baruch 5:1-9 Luke 1:68-79 (ant. 78) Philippians 1:3-11 Luke 3:1-6 + + + Prayer As we hear and heed…
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Thinking Godly Thoughts
“There are many things that are true, honorable, and just, many that are pure: think about them.” (Philippians 4:8, LH)