Passage for reflection: Isaiah 25:1-5 I have been thinking about history more than usual lately. Perhaps it’s because I recently began serving as the Interim Minister of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in downtown Fort Worth. It turns out this congregation is the oldest in the city. “LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago” (Isaiah 25:1, NIV). Isaiah’s song of praise Read More …
Discipleship
Called to Heal, Invited to Travel Light (#2316)
Today, I preached a message titled “Called to Heal, Invited to Travel Light” based on Mark 6:1-13 at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in downtown Fort Worth. Sermon You can watch the sermon below or read the manuscript. Excerpt This week I interrupted my normal social media routine of posting pictures to ask a question: What do you think Jesus is best known for?[1] I’ve received a wide range of replies. These included some religious responses: Read More …
Jesus Christ: Either He Is or He Ain’t (#2315)
I encountered Jesus, or more accurately marketing efforts designed to make me think about Jesus, in two unexpected places in recent weeks. The first came while traveling between Texas and Oklahoma. Two billboards stacked one above the other carried a bold message: Instead of title case, everything was rendered in ALL CAPS, as if certainty itself required volume. Later, driving through the Dallas - Fort Worth metroplex, I found myself behind a pickup truck with JESUS CHRIST stretched Read More …
Called to Share, Invited to Belong (#2314)
Yesterday at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in downtown Fort Worth, I preached a message titled "Called to Share, Invited to Belong" based on Matthew 28:16-20. And, we celebrated Goofy Glasses Sunday, an annual fundraiser benefitting the Community Eye Clinic. Sermon You can watch the sermon below or read the manuscript. Excerpt This passage of Scripture is important. It is given by Jesus as a way of empowering his disciples to continue his ministry. And this is a Read More …
From Palm Sunday to Easter: The Story in Seven Images (#2313)
As I reflect on Holy Week and Easter, I am reminded that words alone fall short when telling the story. Instead, I offer seven images that invite us to see and feel what language leaves unfinished. Note: Church images are from First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in downtown Fort Worth where I serve as Interim Minister. So What? Which image stays with you, whether from those shared here, one you captured yourself, or one you encountered Read More …
Will You Join the Parade? (#2310)
Today I preached my fourth sermon as the Interim Senior Minister of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in downtown Fort Worth, Texas (you can learn more about this new role here). Sermon My Palm Sunday message, “Joining the Parade” is based on Matthew 21:1-11. You can watch the sermon below or read the manuscript. Excerpt . . . So those who chose to travel that day and be a part of this unique experience did so very intentionally. It makes me wonder Read More …
The Story Isn’t Finished (#2308)
Today I preached my second sermon as the Interim Senior Minister of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in downtown Fort Worth, Texas (you can learn more about this new role here). ermon My message, “The Story Isn’t Finished” is based on Ezekiel 37:1-14 and John 11:1-45. You can watch the sermon below or read the manuscript. Excerpt I remember lying in the back of an ambulance, unable to see, uncertain about my injuries, and wondering if perhaps this was going to Read More …
Open Hearts, Open Eyes, New Beginnings (#2306)
Today I preached my third sermon as the Interim Senior Minister of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in downtown Fort Worth, Texas (you can learn more about this new role here). Sermon My message, “Open Hearts, Open Eyes, New Beginnings” is based on 1 Samuel 16:1-13 and John 9:1-41. You can watch the sermon below or read the manuscript. Excerpt I have much to learn when it comes to all that happens here on our church campus. Every time I am here, I see new Read More …
Living Water is for Every Body (#2304)
Today I preached my first sermon as the Interim Senior Minister of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in downtown Fort Worth, Texas (you can learn more about this new role here). Sermon My message, “Living Water is for Every Body” is based on John 4:1-42. You can watch the sermon below or read the manuscript. Excerpt Jesus is taking a trip. He’s heading from Judea to Galilee. For those of us who are accustomed to travel by car, this would be quite the walk. Read More …
Ash Wednesday: Are You Ready? (#2300)
Today I served as the supply pastor for Central Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Dallas, Texas on Ash Wednesday. Sermon My message, “Are You Ready?” is based on Psalm 51:1-17 and Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21. You can watch on Facebook (sermon begins at 37:10) or read the manuscript. Excerpt Grief is difficult and deeply personal. In our culture, grief is something we tend to experience privately. When we are grieving, we are cautious about who we are real with, and most folks Read More …