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Remembering 9/11
Since the day that Cain raised his hand against Abel, his brother, the people God made in his image have turned to violence to express their hate for one another. We know that St. Paul admonishes the Church in Romans 12:17, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil; be concerned for what is noble in…
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Living in Newness of Life
Introduction The people of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Hickman, Neb., have organized a Spirit-Driven Task Force, bringing together almost three dozen members who have committed to a year of study, prayer, reflection, and deliberation to discern how God is calling the congregation to renewal for the sake of his mission. This is the…
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Listen to the Angel of the Lord
Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Beatrice, Neb., celebrated the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Dec. 19, 2010. This is my last Sunday serving as the congregation’s interim pastor. + + + Readings Isaiah 7:10–16 Psalm 80:1–7, 17–19 Romans 1:1–7 Matthew 1:18–25 + + + Prayer Come, Lord Jesus, and dwell with us. Ask your Father to stir…
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Baptized with Spirit and Fire
Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Beatrice, Neb., celebrated the Second Sunday of Advent, Dec. 5, 2010. + + + Readings Isaiah 11:1–10 Psalm 72:1–7, 18–19 (antiphon v.7) Romans 15:4–13 Matthew 3:1–12 + + + Prayer Cleanse us with your fire, O Lord, and stir up your Holy Spirit in us, so that we may abandon the…
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The Day is Coming
Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Beatrice, Neb., marked the beginning of the Church year on the First Sunday of Advent, Nov. 28, 2010. + + + Readings Isaiah 2:1–5 Psalm 122 (antiphon v. 1) Romans 13:11–14 Matthew 24:36–44 + + + Prayer Prepare us, heavenly Father, for the day that is coming, so that we may…
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Under the Hands of God
This is the sermon I prepared for Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Beatrice, Neb., for the Festival of the Reformation with the Rite of Confirmation, Oct. 31, 2010. + + + Readings Jeremiah 31:31–34 Psalm 46 Romans 3:19–28 John 8:31–36 + + + Prayer Place the hands of your Holy Spirit upon us, O Father, and…
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In the Meantime … Daily Witness
Introduction This article is the July 2010 installment of my monthly message in the parish newsletter for Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Beatrice, Neb. Daily Witness The other day I stopped at the Beatrice Post Office to buy stamps for the Lincoln Stamp Club’s July newsletter. A few months ago I agreed to add the creation…
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Divine Math: 1+1+1=1
This is the sermon I prepared for Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Beatrice, Neb., for the Solemnity of the Holy Trinity, May 30, 2010. + + + Readings Proverbs 8:1–4, 22–31 Psalm 8 (antiphon v.2) Romans 5:1–5 John 16:12–15 + + + Prayer Stir up in us, O Father, the gift of your Holy Spirit, so…
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No More, No Longer
“We know that Christ, raised from the dead, dies no more; death no longer has power over him.” (Romans 10:9, NAB)
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On Lips, in Heart
“The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart.” (Romans 10:8b, LH)