Claimed, gathered and sent

Here are some thoughts on this Sunday's gospel reading for the first Sunday of Advent. It was sent to the people of St. Timothy Lutheran Church.   SCRIPTURE FOCUS  Gospel: Luke 21:25-36  [Jesus said:]   25 “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves.   26 People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.   27 Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud’ with power and great glory.   28 Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”     29 Then he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees;   30 as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near.   31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the k...

Here are some thoughts on this coming Sunday's gospel sent to the people of St. Timothy Lutheran Church .  However, I will not be preaching. For the first time in many years, we'll be home with part of the family for Thanksgiving. Hope yours is a blessed one of wonderful time with family and friends with much to give thanks for. Gospel: John 18:33-37 33 Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?”   34 Jesus answered, “Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?”   35 Pilate replied, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?”   36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.”   37 Pilate asked him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a ...

This is the message I preached on Sunday, 11/18 at St. Timothy Lutheran Church . The text was Mark 13:1-8 . There is a genre of films and books that are called apocalyptic. Inevitably, there is a disaster, whether it’s a virus unleashed upon the world or an alien invasion or some other horrific thing that wipes out half the population. But in the middle of the horror, there are the good and strong people that work together until an answer is found. The war is won.  Today’s reading from Mark falls somewhat into the range of apocalyptic literature. The present time is one of suffering because the people are faithful in the midst of an evil world. In the future, there are rewards for the patient and faithful righteous and eventual suffering for the unrighteous. Its purpose is to encourage faithfulness and patience in the present time.  Jesus leaves the temple for the final time. When the disciples see the temple in Jerusalem, they see permanence. Roman historian Taci...

These are some thoughts about this Sunday's gospel text that were shared with the people of St. Timothy Lutheran Church.  Gospel: Mark 13:1-8 1 As [Jesus] came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!”  2 Then Jesus asked him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.”    3 When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately,  4 “Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign that all these things are about to be accomplished?”  5 Then Jesus began to say to them, “Beware that no one leads you astray.  6 Many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray.  7 When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come.  8 For nation will rise against na...

This is the message I shared with the people of St. Timothy on Sunday, 11/11/18. The text was Mark 12:38-44. Ahhh…a passage like this is music to the ears of all those involved in church finances. Here we have the selfish scribes pitted against the generous, sacrificially giving widow. Jesus lifts the widow up as an example of how we should give, doesn’t he…or does he?  This incident occurs at the end of Jesus’ public ministry. Other chapters include incidents that point to the corruption of the Temple and the growing opposition of the religious authorities to Jesus. The scribes’ habitual behavior as a group gets severe criticism. But beyond the scribes’ actions, are the desire to do such things. It is the scribes’ inward desires and wants that are the ultimate issue. The Jewish community was centered in its regard for God’s Law, Torah, its interpretation and application. The scribe was an important and duly honored person. However, their practices were pretentious: str...

Here are some thoughts about this coming Sunday's gospel that were sent out to the people of   St. Timothy Lutheran Church.  Gospel: Mark 12:38-44 38 As [Jesus] taught, he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces,  39 and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets!  40 They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”   41 He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums.  42 A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny.  43 Then he called his disciples and said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury.  44 For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of ...

This is the sermon I preached at St. Timothy Lutheran Church on All Saints' Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018. The text is John 11:32-44. Today we celebrate all the saints. We remember loved ones who are laid to rest. Though they have died, yet they live. And though their work is ended, yet their dream of God’s love for the world is also still alive.  We identify with the grief of Mary, Martha and Jesus. We know the reality of death that lies so close, that at any moment the phone call or text could come with news we dread. I felt that way when my daughter Sarah was in the emergency room with blood clots in her lungs. We live forever in the shadow of death. But the thing is, All Saints means all. Being a saint comes as a gift from God. We are saints because of our contact with the Holy God and because the Holy God has come in contact with us. Look around the sanctuary. You are looking at the living saints of God who are also part of All Saints. We celebrate each of you as well....