On this the final Sunday in 2024, I preached about the one biblical account of Jesus as a boy. Sermon This morning's message, "Missing Jesus" is based on Luke 2:-41-52. You can watch the message below or read the manuscript. Excerpt Over the last 25 years I have led more than my fair share of youth group retreats, mission trips, and outings of all sorts that involve travel with tweens and young teens. And before I offer a confession, I want you to know that the Read More …
Discipleship
Merry Christmas! Merry Wordmas! (#2184)
Merry Christmas from Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Arlington, Texas. Sermon My Christmas message, “Merry Wordmas” is based on John 1:1-14. Given the more informal nature of the Christmas Day service, the sermon was not recorded. You can, however, read the manuscript. Excerpt If you are like most people when you think of the Christmas story you remember it a lot like the children presented it in this morning’s video.[1] This version of the story is set in Read More …
Newsflash! A Savior is Born (#2183)
Merry Christmas Eve from Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Arlington, Texas. Sermon My message, “Newsflash! A Savior is Born” is based on Isaiah 9:2-7 and Luke 2:1-20. You can watch the message below or read the manuscript. Excerpt In Luke’s birth narrative he shifts quickly, telling us in one verse about Jesus being born before shifting in the next to deliver a birth announcement. And this is where the angels and shepherds appear.[1] Let’s travel there now. Read More …
Is This On Your Christmas Playlist? (#2182)
This morning we continued the: Advent at Advent – Waiting and Wondering series. at Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA). Sermon My message, “An Unexpected Song" is based on Luke 1:39-55. You can watch the message below or read the manuscript. Excerpt The last two Sundays, we’ve talked a lot about God choosing John. John the less than qualified. John the Prophet. John the eccentric wilderness preacher. And, now we find God has chosen Mary. Mary the young woman, likely a Read More …
Joy! Do What?!?!? (#2180)
This morning we continued the: Advent at Advent – Waiting and Wondering series. at Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA) Sermon My message, “Do What?!?!? is based on Philippians 4:4-7 and Luke 3:7-18. You can watch the message below or read the manuscript Excerpt John’s message begins with a fiery introduction but is carried along by questions. Those in the audience interrupt him again and again with the ancient equivalent of the modern day “do what?!?” This questioning Read More …
Prepare the Way! (#2178)
This morning we continued the: Advent at Advent – Waiting and Wondering series. at Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA) Sermon My message, “Pay Attention is based on Malachi 3:1-4 and Luke 3:1-6. You can watch the message below or read the manuscript. Excerpt The word of God came to John. And the word of God comes to us. So, in the final days of the Presidency of Joseph R. Biden, Jr. when Gregory W. Abbot was governor of Texas, when Jim Ross was the mayor of Arlington Read More …
Giving Thanks: Remembering the 10 Congregations I’ve Served (#2174)
A little over a year ago I reflected on the first 9 congregations I served and on the 10 denominations that have shaped my theology. Today, on the final day of the month of thankfulness, I pause to give thanks for the 10 congregations I've served (I started serving #10 in June 2024). In chronological order: Denominations I've served congregations affiliated with five denominations: Location These communities of faith are located in the Dallas - Arlington - Fort Worth area Read More …
Choosing Thanks: Don’t Give Thanks, Choose It (#2172)
This morning I preached a Thanksgiving themed sermon at Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA). Sermon My message, “Choosing Thanks” was based on Deuteronomy 8:7-18 and Luke 17:11-19. You can watch the message below or read the manuscript. Excerpt Thanksgiving is just a few days away. To prepare, I’ve been asking people to share some of their family traditions. Most of what I’ve heard so far focuses on the location of the gathering, the guest list, or the menu. And, in it isn’t just Read More …
You Belong: Inhabiting a More Spacious Christianity (#2170)
Today I wrapped up a six week sermon series inspired by Debie Thomas’ new book A Faith of Many Rooms: Inhabiting a More Spacious Christianity (Broadleaf, 2024). Today, we focused on belonging. Sermon My message, “Inhabiting a More Spacious Christianity” was based on John 14:1-14. Belonging You can watch the sermon below or read the manuscript. Excerpt In fact, this morning’s modern reading was an excerpt from the book’s introduction. A Faith of Many Rooms begins with Read More …
Wrestling with God (#2167)
This morning, just days after the elections in the United States, I preached the fifth message in a series inspired by Debie Thomas’ new book A Faith of Many Rooms: Inhabiting a More Spacious Christianity (Broadleaf, 2024). Today, we focused on wrestling. Sermon My message, “Wrestling with God” was based on Genesis 32:22-31. Wrestling You can watch the sermon below or read the manuscript (while I was informed by the manuscript I ended up preaching without referencing any Read More …