Month: October 2018

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True Freedom

Text: John 8:31-36
Date: Reformation Day (Observed) + 10/28/18

It is Reformation Day, again. The color is a festive red used either for a celebration of a saint or of an important church festival. Today we might say it is both. So what are we celebrating or commemorating on Reformation Day? Most if not all of us would point to the reforming work of Martin Luther more than 500 years ago. We sing with gusto his famous hymn, “A Mighty Fortress.” And I suppose we wouldn’t even have such a thing as “Reformation Day” had it not been due to that historic theological revolution of the 1500s. But that’s not because of this historic theologian named Luther. It is rather because of the awakening of faith that he experienced inspired by God’s Word; specifically this one, “But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe” (Rom 3:21-22). Continue reading “True Freedom”

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Easy Does It

Text: Mark 10:23-31
Date: Pentecost XXII Proper 24 + 10/21/18

15 – 23 – 53 – 65 – 70 – Mega Ball 7. Mega Millions jackpot explodes to record $1.6 billion after no winner in latest drawing. Believe it or not I’ve never bought a lottery ticket. I would imagine however that the higher the jackpot the more tickets are sold. The subject is money. Money itself is not the problem. The Bible says it is the love of money that is a root of all evil (1 Tim 6:10). When there is a problem we say, “Follow the money.” Continue reading “Easy Does It”

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God’s Chosen Family

Text: Mark 10:2-16
Date: Pentecost XX Proper 22 + 10/7/18

This is apparently a week for character assassination, false accusations and “guilty until proved innocent.” It wasn’t with any interest in fairness that the Pharisees were looking for evidence that Jesus was an OK guy. They came with a question “in order to test him.” It seemed like a harmless but sensitive test. “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” They were sure they had the perfect question to catch Jesus. Continue reading “God’s Chosen Family”

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God’s Chosen Team

[No Audio]

Text: Mark 9:38-50
Date: Pentecost 19 Proper 21 + 9/30/18

I assume you’ve heard the old joke about a Christian who died and upon arrival it heaven St. Peter gave him a tour. First they pass by a beautiful sanctuary from which come chanting and the pleasant aroma of incense. “These are the Episcopalians” Peter says. Next they came to a more plain room where people are holding hands and washing each other’s feet. “These are the Mennonites” says Peter. Then they pass by a river with people dancing in the water. “Here are the Baptists” he says. Finally, they come to a little white church with a simple bell tower. They can hear a German chorale as Peter puts his finger to his mouth and says, “Shhh… Be very quiet here.” After silently tip toeing past the building the new resident asks what that was all about. “Those are the Missouri Synod Lutherans” he replied, “They think they are the only ones here!” Continue reading “God’s Chosen Team”