The LehmanCast: Recent Episodes
Karl Smith
Sermons, news, information, and inspiration from Lehman Memorial United Methodist Church in Hatboro, Pennsylvania
Faith On The Move: A Trip That Transforms
Sermon 3 August 2025
The Journey Continues: Moving Forward with Purpose
Acts 9:1–22 (The Road to Damascus – Saul’s Conversion)
Faith On The Move: A Trip That TransformsSermon 27 July 2025Luke 15:11-32 (The Prodigal Son)
Faith On The Move: Spiritual Lessons from the RoadDetours & Delays: When the GPS Reroutes | Sermon 20 July 2025Exodus 13:17-22; Proverbs 16:9
Faith On The Move: Spiritual Lessons from the RoadDon't Miss The View | Sermon 13 July 2025Luke 24:13-35, Road to Emmaus
Faith On The Move: Spiritual Lessons from the RoadThe Call To Go (Genesis 12:1-4)Sermon 6 July 2025
Based on Amy Jo Levin's book, "Signs & Wonders: A Beginner's Guide to the Miracles of Jesus"
At the first Pentecost more than 3,000 people were baptized, creating the first church, which is why Pentecost is known as the birthday of the Christian church. (Acts 2)
There are many paths to follow in life. Many roads to choose from. But there is only one that leads to eternal life and salvation. It’s a path through Christ, back to the Father, and into heaven. It’s a path where the meek, the broken-hearted, the gentle, the persecuted, the peacemaker, and others are welcomed. It’s a path where we are invited to participate, to light the way for others and to keep the way with integrity and righteousness. It’s not an easy path, it may cost you, but it’s worth it in the end. If you have Jesus, you have all you need, there is no other way.
While facing reality can sometimes cause us great pain and sorrow, Jesus shows us how this important step can lead us to necessary, God-seeking action.
Sunday – Luke 19:41-48
Monday – Isaiah 42:1-9
Tuesday – Hebrews 9:11-15
Wednesday – 1 Corinthians 1:18-31
Holy/Maundy Thursday – John 13:1-17
Good Friday – Matthew 27:45-51
Saturday – John 19:30-42
In a world of “either/or,” lament can bring us to a more honest place of “both/and.” We can both reckon with the full weight of our sorrows and experience hope in our faithful, loving God.
Sunday – Lamentations 3:19-24
Monday – Romans 15:13
Tuesday – Psalm 130:5
Wednesday – 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Thursday – Zephaniah 3:17
Friday – Psalm 42:11
Saturday – Romans 5:1-5
When we recognize or experience injustice, crying out together in words and actions can move us closer to God’s vision for humanity and stir us to make change.
Sunday – Esther 4:1-5
Monday – Galatians 6:1-2
Tuesday – John 13:34-35
Wednesday – 1 Peter 4:1-8
Thursday – Matthew 18:20
Friday – 1 John 1:7
Saturday – Psalm 133:1
Jesus did not always love his options and in the midst of lament, he still freely chose to surrender to God.
Sunday – Matthew 26:36-46
Monday – 2 Timothy 1:7
Tuesday – Galatians 2:17-21
Wednesday – James 4:7-10
Thursday – Jeremiah 10:23-24
Friday – Matthew 6:33
Saturday – Matthew 26:39
Job’s response to his friends ensures us that we can be honest with God in even the most painful situations, trusting God to be God in the process. Here are this week's Scripture readings.
Sunday – Job 13:1-13
Monday – Proverbs 12:22
Tuesday – Proverbs 19:1
Wednesday – John 8:32
Thursday – 2 Timothy 2:15
Friday – 1 John 3:18
Saturday –Proverbs 6:16-20
In Lent, lament invites us to face our humanity. Lament is a natural part of our faithful, loving response to a world marked by sin and brokenness.
Weekly Scripture readings:
Sunday – Psalm 13
Monday – John 11:31-33
Tuesday – Psalm 102
Wednesday – Amos 5:1-8
Thursday – Jeremiah 4:7-8
Friday – Psalm 22
Saturday – Psalm 23
Some of our deepest troubles can come from within us. As we bring them to God, we can grieve and turn from our sins with readiness to receive God’s ever-present grace.
Psalm 51:1-17
God’s mercies are new every morning! But sometimes it is easy for us to get stuck in the same old routine. This New Year let’s hit the “reset button,” so we can claim the fresh start God makes available to us. As we rediscover our true identity in the love of God, we will discover new purpose and, guided by the compass of God’s values, head off in an exciting God-given direction!This week: Reset ValuesWhat does it mean to live by God’s Spirit and not our own, to live according to God’s values and not those of the world?Sunday – Galatians 5:24-6:10 (we read this Sunday during service)Monday – Matthew 6:24Tuesday – Hebrews 13:5Wednesday – Proverbs 12:22Thursday – Luke 6:35-36Friday – Mark 11:25Saturday – Colossians 3:1
God’s mercies are new every morning! But sometimes it is easy for us to get stuck in the same old routine. This New Year let’s hit the “reset button,” so we can claim the fresh start God makes available to us. As we rediscover our true identity in the love of God, we will discover new purpose and, guided by the compass of God’s values, head off in an exciting God-given direction!
This week: Reset Values
What does it mean to live by God’s Spirit and not our own, to live according to God’s values and not those of the world?
Sunday – Galatians 5:24 (we read this Sunday during service) Monday – Matthew 6:24
Tuesday – Hebrews 13:5
Wednesday – Proverbs 12:22
Thursday – Luke 6:35-36
Friday – Mark 11:25
Saturday – Colossians 3:1
God’s mercies are new every morning! But sometimes it is easy for us to get stuck in the same old routine. This New Year let’s hit the “reset button,” so we can claim the fresh start God makes available to us. As we rediscover our true identity in the love of God, we will discover new purpose and, guided by the compass of God’s values, head off in an exciting God-given direction!
This week: Purpose Reset
Spending time with God enables us to start our year with intention. Centered living comes from understanding God’s purpose in this season.
This week's Scripture readings:
Sunday – Mark 1:32-39
Monday – Matthew 4:1-11
Tuesday – Mark 1:12-15
Wednesday – James 4:8-10
Thursday – Matthew 14:23
Friday – Matthew 6:33
Saturday – Psalm 119:115
God’s mercies are new every morning! But sometimes it is easy for us to get stuck in the same old routine. This New Year let’s hit the “reset button,” so we can claim the fresh start God makes available to us. As we rediscover our true identity in the love of God, we will discover new purpose and, guided by the compass of God’s values, head off in an exciting God-given direction!
This week: Soul Reset
Resetting your soul begins with remembering who you are. In baptism, God calls us beloved.
This week's Scripture readings:
Sunday – Luke 3:21-23
Monday – Matthew 3:13-17
Tuesday – Mark 1:9-11
Wednesday – John 1:29-34
Thursday – Revelation 21:5
Friday – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Saturday – Jeremiah 29:11
Outside of the story about Jesus in the temple as a 12-year-old, we have no record of the life of the infant, child, teenage, young man King until he presents himself for baptism at 30 years old. What do we make of this? The answer: there is a proper time, and Godly timing, for Jesus' life - in particular, for his incredible ministry. There's a lot we can learn from this. There is a proper time for us, too, for God to use us in the ways he wishes.
Scriptures - Matthew 2:1-12 (the Magi) and Luke 2:41-52 (12-year-old Jesus at the Temple)
Bishop John Schol shares what joy means this Christmas including the difference between happiness and joy, and how joy can be found in the absence of happiness.
Experiencing Advent: Christ in the Sights and Sounds of AdventDo You Feel What I Feel?Embracing JesusRecognizing the power and responsibility of touch.Luke 2:25-32
Experiencing Advent: Christ in the Sights and Sounds of Advent
Do You Taste What I Taste?
Taste and See that the Lord Is Good
The Eucharist’s intimacy and how Mary’s relationship with Jesus informs our relationships with each other.
Psalm 34:8
Experiencing Advent: Christ in the Sights and Sounds of AdventDo You Hear What I Hear?Sing to the Lord a New Song!The importance of music, hearing the cry of your neighbor.Isaiah 42:1-12Sermon 10 December 2023
Experiencing Advent: Christ in the Sights and Sounds of Advent
Do You Hear What I Hear?
Sermon 3 December 2023
Being in love with God isn’t about getting what we want; it’s all about relationship.
James 5:13-20
God’s wisdom is pure, peace-loving, gentle at all times and willing to yield to others.
James 3:13-18, (4:1-3)
Words hold the power of life and death. What you say matters: speak life and back up your words with actions.Scripture: James 3:1-12
Living Faith: Genuine Faith | Sermon 5 November 2023Genuine faith not only affects personal existence but also produces change in the world.James 2:1-7, 14-17
So often we feel that sharing the Gospel can only be done through our words. However, every day we can live out what we believe to encourage others to experience the loving grace found in the Gospel.Luke 6:32-38
God loves each of us just the way we are. Through Christ, we are forgiven and offered life and salvation. What a gift that we get to share this Good News with others!
John 3:11-20
Paul shows us that sharing often starts with learning and listening. Understanding each other can be the basis for sharing and hearing of the Gospel.
Acts 17:16-28
The unstoppable power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ breaks down barriers so that all might know the transformative love of God.
Acts 10:30-48
24 September 2023
Amidst our own experiences with evangelism and the many doubts that we carry, Christ inspires and calls us to a life of faith-sharing with the assurance that when we go, he goes with us.
Matthew 28:16-20
It’s understandable that the disciples didn’t understand. But we have proof: the cross. Jesus is the (only) way, truth and life. Know God, know Jesus. There is no other way. The exclusivity of this I AM statement is difficult to embrace for many, even for some Christians – even for some of us. Yet it is still held out for all to receive. John 14:1-14
Couched in the story of Lazarus are Jesus’ most poignant and hopeful words that out of the deepest despair there is found life in him. These words are backed up by the miracle of Lazarus rising from the dead. Jesus has power over death itself. How? By overcoming death on his own. The question to us is whether we will believe.
John 11:1-44
This statement continues the discussion as Jesus as the door, but in greater detail. Just how much does Jesus care for his sheep? Note how directly Jesus answers. Jesus knows his sheep, and not only will he care as a good shepherd cares, he will lay down his very life for them.
Shepherds often functioned as a door to the sheep pen. When the sheep came in the fold at night, they would pass the shepherd one at a time. He would examine them for cuts and abrasions. If necessary, he would treat them with oil to avoid infection. Then, when the whole flock was in, he would lay himself in front of the opening of the pen.” (Mark Moore) This is the picture of what Jesus does for his followers, his flock. He cares for them and protects them. With Jesus as the door, the sheep are safe.
What are the signs of a church that chooses to remain faithful at all times? Among others, it is a church that gives. It’s a church where the people take individual responsibility to do their part in maintaining the life of the congregation, from taking care of the building to taking care of others. It’s a church that understands and lives out the importance of the promises it makes both to God and one another. It takes seriously the need for all to contribute part of themselves and their gifts, to include trusting God as good stewards of all he has given.
What are the signs of a church that chooses to remain faithful at all times? Among others, it is a church that gives. It’s a church where the people take individual responsibility to do their part in maintaining the life of the congregation, from taking care of the building to taking care of others. It’s a church that understands and lives out the importance of the promises it makes both to God and one another. It takes seriously the need for all to contribute part of themselves and their gifts, to include trusting God as good stewards of all he has given.
2 Chronicles 24:1-14
Sarah Birmingham Drummond wrote: "As Christians we are shaped by more than our own experiences; we are shaped by our hopes, by the future into which we are living, and by the convictions by which we are living. Hope is best perceived with the eyes of the heart. Hope is best lived within the hopeful community, in the company of saints both living and departed." We all need hope! Life can be a range of every emotion - both positive and negative. How blessed we are to live together as brothers and sisters in Christ. We can be hopeful alone, but how much greater our hope as we are connected as Christians, both with those on earth and those in heaven. May this be a message of hope especially for those who are remembering their loved ones on this special Sunday.
Ephesians 1:15-23
Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. The widow in the story does not give up asking for what she wants. We may not always see the results of our prayers, but that doesn't mean God is not listening and answering. God will always hear the persistent prayers of our hearts.
Luke 18:1-8
We don’t deserve extra credit for doing what we’re supposed to do. As a Christian, I am to do my Christian duty and my reward is not praise. It is the knowledge that I have been faithful. Perhaps on this special Sunday, we can remind ourselves of our duty to remain unified under the sacrifice of Christ, putting aside those things that are non-essentials to our faith so we might celebrate the One who brings us together.
Luke 17:5-10
I referenced this Scripture a few weeks ago when I preached about money, but it’s not just about those who are rich. It’s a call to focus on the things that will truly last: doing good, being generous, and sharing with others. In this way, we put our hope in God (a reminder from last week) and have the opportunity to embrace the things in this world that truly bring life.
1 Timothy 6:6-19
These days are challenging times for the church, and maybe for us, too. But we serve a God who is not absent during those times. In fact, there is a promise upon which we can place our hope. God knows the future, and his plans to get us there can be trusted, even though we may not be able to see past our difficulties. This promise was made to the exiles, and his promise is also for us. Hope is real and alive!
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-14
Following Jesus is not private. It is a lifelong journey taken with fellow Christians. Research shows: Young adults who continue their involvement in a local church beyond their teen years are as those who don’t to have a close personal friendship with an older adult in their faith community (59% vs. 31% among church dropouts).
1 Peter 4:8-11; Galatians 6:2-3; James 5:16; John 15:12-13
Everyone needs money to live. How much is enough? How does God want us to use our money?
The phrase “how to budget” receives 72,102 unique monthly searches on YouTube in America
The most important financial goal of American Christians is to “provide for my family”
The second most important financial goal of American Christians is to “support the lifestyle I want”
The sixth most important financial goal of American Christians is to “serve God with my money”
Malachi 3:10; Ecclesiastes 5:10-15
To make a point, 4 out of the 10 most popular Bible verses on Bible Study Tools directly address fear. Faith and Scripture play an integral role in combatting fear and uncertainty. Of course, fear is unavoidable. Being equipped to confront fear in an ever-changing world is critical. Philippians 4: 10-13; Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 23
Doubt is a necessary part of almost every faith journey, but it can be crippling. Consider that almost half of people (46%) that experience spiritual doubt respond by quitting church altogether.
Our churches need to know that doubt is okay – even the disciples doubted at times. But we also need a game plan. What do you/we do when a crisis of faith hits us?
James 1:5-8
God has called us according to his purpose and has plans for us. Jesus saved us and called us to live a holy life. Simply stated, most of us long for purpose and meaning.
As it turns out, this longing is reflected in the Bible verses we turn to most often. Of the ten most popular Bible verses on Bible Gateway, more than half possess themes of purpose and meaning.
The analogy is clear. We are to have deep roots when it comes to living in Christ. If we will be deeply rooted in Christ, we can then be built up in him. The Colossians were those in the midst of receiving false teaching that was not according to the Gospel. For this reason, Paul insists that those rooted and raised (built-up) in Jesus would be able to withstand this false teaching, and overflow with thankfulness for what God has done.
Colossians 2:6-19
After a statement of who Christ is, Paul speaks about how we are reconciled to him. It is the centrality of the cross that gives us hope. Because of the cross, we are made holy and blameless before God. But we should be careful to remain that way. Let’s not drift away from the Good News we have heard, but continue to stand before Christ without fault through what he has done.
Colossians 1:15-28
How do we live lives that honor and please the Lord? When we are filled with the knowledge of the will of God and when we have spiritual wisdom and understanding. These things are what Paul and others prayed about for the Colossians. If we want to live worthy lives, lives that produce good fruit, and we want the same for others, then our pursuit should be that of knowing God better and better as people pray for us and we pray for others. A worthy life is one lived according to the will of God.
Colossians 1:1-14
It can be difficult living life as a Christian. We live our lives differently than the world. But we harvest what we plant. If we choose to live life according to the world with its selfish ambitions, we will reap decay and death. But if we don’t give up in doing what is good, we will reap a harvest of blessing. What will it take for us to keep on keepin’ on? Whatever it is, that’s what we need to do!
Galatians 6:1-16
Franklin D. Roosevelt envisioned four basic freedoms after the war ended:
freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear.
The Holy Spirit can give us the fifth freedom - freedom from sin and self. He enables us to fulfill the law of love, to overcome the flesh, and to bear fruit.
Galatians 5:1, 13-25
When we look at the story of the Prodigal Son, the focus is usually on the son or on the son, the father, and the older brother. Pastor Nancy focuses here on the father. The key to understanding the power of this story is to get a sense and feel for God's grace. At the heart of this story is the grace of a loving father. Of course, the nature of God's love is grace.
Luke 15:11-31
Paul suggests that we should always be joyful because of what Christ has done for us. Peace and joy should abound as we claim our faith. But even if everything isn't just the way it should be in our lives - even if there's trouble - we should be joyful all the more, for trouble produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope that does not disappoint. Even in trouble, the result is joy because of what God has done!
Romans 5:1-5
In short, because of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit resides in our hearts. All those sings and wonders are just the start. The very spirit of Christ now lives in us. The very same God the disciples knew when Jesus was with them is now part of them, not just with them. Think of what that means for us as followers and believers in Christ. We will do signs and wonders, dream dreams and see visions and prophesy as well as we trust in the Spirit of God. Because of Pentecost, God’s will is realized in us, and we can share that will with the world – that salvation is in his name. We are never again without God in our lives.
Acts 2:1-21
Last week, the scripture reminded the disciples that Jesus was “going to the Father.” The Ascension is that act. Had Jesus not gone to the Father, we would not have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit. As it is, Jesus did leave for the purpose of sending the Holy Spirit. The Ascension is a very important part of our faith!
Acts 1:1-11
Here is a promise made by Jesus that the Holy Spirit is given to guide, instruct and teach. When we are empowered in such a way, we remember the meanings of Jesus’ teachings and can be confident that we know the mind of Jesus, and therefore can teach others. To know, teach and live the truth of Christ is to be blessed, and is a hallmark of what it means to love God.
John 14:23-29
Again, following the example of Christ, Peter reached out to the uncircumcised and upset the authorities. He was associating with the wrong people. “No matter who they are or what they have done, we never exclude people from the possibility of God's grace. The mission and ministry of the church must never be based on an inclination toward "our kind of people.”
Acts 11: 1-18
Through prayer and following Jesus' example Peter was able to restore Dorca's life. The Holy Spirit will also enable us to do things we never could do on our own. How fitting on Mother's Day to remember a woman who devoted herself to acts of charity among the believers and people of Joppa.
Acts 9:36-43
To Be the Light | Sermon 1 May 2022
On his way to Damascus, Saul was surrounded by a light from heaven and fell to the ground. His life was forever changed. Saul did not remain on the ground. He got up! What will it take for us to give God our very best and to be a light for others?
Acts 9:1-20
To Be Witnesses | Sermon 24 April 2022
The apostles were demanded not to teach in Jesus's name. However, they were empowered by the Holy Spirit to obey God above all others. They were empowered by the Holy Spirit to continue to be witnesses of the risen Christ.
We receive the same power when we align our time, attention, and purpose with God's. What is our purpose in life? What is God's purpose for our lives?
Acts 5:27-32
These last words that Jesus prays to the Father are words of hope and faith and trust. They were an example of how to pray in our darkest moments of life, nurtured by years of a close relationship with God. Jesus puts himself into the hands of a loving parent. We have a God who cares especially during our times of uncertainty and fear. Perhaps it’s time to practice what Jesus exemplified and commit our lives into the hands of God; hands of strength and compassion; into the hands of the One that will never leave us nor forsake us.
John 19:28-30; Luke 23:44-49
Jesus said this word to once again identify with our humanness. Jesus thirsted like we all do, albeit some moments before his death. He thirsted not just for what could be offered at that moment, but spent his life and ministry quenching the thirst of all who wanted to know the truth. What are you thirsting for? Hopefully it’s some of those same things Jesus worked for: love, justice, grace, etc. And there’s a world full of people thirsting for those things. How will we attempt to do what Jesus did and hold out abundant life to all those – including us – who are thirsty?
John 19:28-30; Luke 22:39-42
Jesus’s words here are not just statements for John and Jesus’s mother to take care of one another, although they are that. Jesus was making a statement about the importance of family – and not just our biological ones, but also our spiritual ones. John and Mary were not blood relatives, but they were intimately connected to and with the Savior, which is why Jesus creates this new family for them. It’s like that with us, too. We are to be connected to one another, to be family, to care and nurture one another in the faith – because of what Jesus did on the cross.
John 19:25-27; Matthew 12:46-50
This word from the cross reveals much about the humanity of Jesus. It could be questioned that Jesus need not cry out to the Father as he is intimately a part of the Trinity, but in this moment, Jesus shows that he is as human as the rest of us. We have been in godforsaken places, too, and it’s good to know Jesus understands. He feels what we have all felt at times. And he is the example of turning to God in the very moment he feels abandoned by Him. It’s OK to cry out, especially because Jesus did. God has not forgotten us. We may feel like he has, but he is as close as he has always been.
Mark 15:25-39
Jesus’ response to the second criminal who asks this of Jesus has a different heart than the first. This criminal recognizes the power of Jesus’ name – “one who saves.” Maybe he knew of Jesus before this moment. Maybe he saw him in the crowds. Whatever the case, the criminal saw in Jesus what the other could not see, and so he asks a question all of us should ask at some point: Jesus, remember me. Our hope is in the name of Jesus – what it means – and in his act of dying on the cross. Our promise is salvation; the picture of our salvation is nothing less than paradise.
Scripture: Luke 23:32-43
When Jesus said, Father forgive them, who was the "them" he was referring to? The soldiers actually crucifying him? The crowd? The religious leaders? Could he also have been referring to us? The answer is, all of the above. This word of grace was offered while Jesus hung on the cross. Jesus did not want to wait until resurrection to let the world know that even when we do not know what we are doing – even crucifying him in our own ways, Jesus still loves us and offers forgiveness. And because we are forgiven, we should do the same for others.
Luke 23:32-34; Luke 6:27-28, 32, 35-36
As disciples of Jesus, we follow him down a narrow way – the way of the cross. We follow his footsteps down into the valley, making his way to the wood. Yet there are moments when we get to see a vision that sustains us through the journey; a glimpse of Christ and the joy of serving – maybe through worship or other ways. These are moments when we recognize that we are not just changed – we are transfigured … encouraged for the road ahead, no matter what may come.
Luke 9:28-36
Jesus commands us to forgive others, to love our enemies, etc… How is this behavior possible by us? Well, God asks us to play by a different set of rules. Maybe they don’t make sense or seem fair. But this is God’s world and the character of God determines what the world should look like. God lays out for us the right plan or rules so that we can successfully live in the world – according to God, not according to humanity.
The beatitudes in Luke sound a lot like the others in Matthew. Jesus encourages us to confront the reality in our lives, especially if we are left wanting for something in our lives. In the second half of this verse, those who mourn now should be happy, because sometime in the future, that sadness will turn to laughter according to the blessing of God.
For what do you mourn at this time? Certainly the list is not exhaustive. Jesus promises that he will lead us beyond those things and restore in us joy. There is hope and a promise for those who mourn!
Scripture: Luke 5:1-11
“Because you say so,” says Simon Peter when Jesus asks him to throw his nets in the water one more time. He’s about to have his life upended. But that’s what happens when you go fishing with Jesus – your life is forever different. In fact, you end up no longer fishing for fish, but for people after Jesus gets a hold of you. What has Jesus done in your life now that you know who he is and trust what he has done? Has he opened your eyes to see the world differently? Has he done a miracle in front of you – or maybe in you – that calls you to follow him; to do what he says and reach people for Christ? Fishing with Jesus may just result in your life taking on a new purpose!
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
So we are called through our baptism, equipped with spiritual gifts, and placed specifically within the body to live out our call. But it doesn’t mean anything if we don’t do it with love. There are both positive and negative ways we can live out our call. But love never fails. Are we being loving in the way we live out our call?
1 Corinthians 12:12-31a
Continuing the call theme again, this Scripture makes it clear that we’re not left to ourselves in our call. We are not only called but called to function with our gifts in specific ways that fit it with others in the Body of Christ – the Church. And just in case we think what we do is less important than some others, God reminds us that they are actually the parts that we honor the most! We’re all necessary and needed in the Body!
1 Corinthians 12:1-11
How do we do the things that God calls us to do? We use what God has given to equip us to do it. That means our spiritual gifts. We are encouraged that we’re not left to our own devices to live into our baptismal call. God gives each of us what we need to do what God wants us to do. We ‘re not asked to do this without the Spirit’s gifts.
Scripture: Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
We discover who we are not just by people telling us, but also by what we are called to do. Christians believe
our lives are not our own. Each of us have a call – a vocation. Each of us have something important to do, no matter how
ordinary it may seem. We have been called through baptism to this important work. We have the opportunity to
rediscover our call that lets us know we’re children of God!
The Grinch has succeeded. Everything that has anything to do with Christmas now sits in the Grinch’s sleigh ready to be pushed off the mountain’s edge. He waits to hear the weeping and wailing coming from Whoville, but he is shocked that the song he hears isn’t sad at all. It seems that Christmas came anyway!
“When You’re Sure You’re Right”
We all have blind spots, and the Christmas story reveals just how vulnerable God’s love for us is.
Consider the authenticity of Christmas celebrations. What does it mean to celebrate Christmas? What looks like Christmas but isn’t, and conversely what doesn’t look like Christmas but does tell the Nativity story?
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year? This week we explore what happens when life does not meet our expectations, especially around something as important as Christmas.
Part 1 of The Heart That Grew Three Sizes
We are made into a loving and serving community because of the Christ who loved and served the world. We are told the truth about who we are because he showed us the truth through his actions as the King.
Today we view life from the perspective of eternity. We honor the saints who have come before us, the saints who are alive today, and the saints who will come after us. By the virtue of our baptism, we are saints as well. We belong to the communion of saints – past, present, and future. We can be examples of God’s love and compassion for others to follow as we look forward to spending all of eternity with God in heaven.
Scripture:
Luke 12:35-44 and 1 Chronicles 29
Theme:
If our days on earth are like a passing shadow (Chronicles), then we should be comfortable giving our gifts away – like David secured for the building of the temple under Solomon. This prayer was a prayer of praise for the generosity of all the people (kind of like what we want to do this day in response to the estimates of giving, regardless of the amount). That way, we will truly have the courage to be ready when the Lord comes (Matthew). That is truly being focused on the future.
Another Scripture making us think twice about our focus … It couldn’t be any clearer. If we choose to be focused on the future, then the things of this world – the treasures of earth – will have to take second place to heavenly treasures. This frees us up to use earthy treasures (our money, etc.) to make room to store up heavenly treasures. The writer of Hebrews gives us reassurance that God will always be with us if we will take the risk to love our money and earthly stuff less than our future reward.
Sermon 10 October 2021
Focused On The Future: Don't Be A Fool!
Scriptures: Luke 12:13-21 – The Parable of the Rich Fool, and 2 Corinthians 9:6-13
Theme: This parable speaks of both vision and possessions and their relationship. Our stewardship theme for this year is “Focused on the Future.” We have already had one congregational meeting in regard to this very theme with others to come. This parable simply acknowledges that our vision should not be on wealth or possessions, but rather our eternal disposition. Fools aren’t focused on the future. Don’t be a fool!
So Jonah goes to Nineveh this time. He is obedient. He even does what he is supposed to do. And Nineveh and its King respond appropriately. The Ninevites, by changing their behavior, change God’s mind. No longer will the city be destroyed. They’ve repented! You would think Jonah would have paid attention to the lesson of mercy .. Both Jonah and the Ninevites were responsive, and this time, the city was the recipient of God’s mercy. Do you know of a time when God changed his mind and had mercy on you?