Lectionary Readings for Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020 Often we focus our attention on the Gospel readings for Sundays and perhaps using the Epistle and Old Testament readings as periphery or context. As we all know and are probably tired or frustrated of hearing this: 2020 has been a challenging year. And, given the vast array … Continue reading Sermon Seeds: First Sunday of Advent →

Gospel Reading We "title" this text as the parable of the talents, and we view it as the one worker who squanders his gift. But, I want to highlight a different player in the game: the landowner. The Gospel text tells us that the landowner was "a harsh man, reaping where [he] did not sow, … Continue reading It Doesn’t Matter What They Are Doing! →

Lectionary Reading for Sunday, November 1, 2020 We celebrate All Saints Day remembering all those mighty prayer warriors and giants in the faith who have gone before us. As we pause for a moment a reflect on their lives, I pray that we dig deeply into what characteristics of their lives strikes us. Was it … Continue reading Sermon Seeds: Nov 1, 2020 →

Our passage in Deuteronomy informs us that God shares new information with Moses and Aaron. God has Moses climb to the peak of a hill and survey all the beautiful land below. As Moses views this vast land, God informs him that both he and Aaron will not enter into this land. And, while this … Continue reading Sermon Seeds: Oct. 25, 2020 →

We have one of the first examples of intercessory prayer as we see Moses appeal to God on behalf of the Israelite people. Moses implores God to "consider this nation as your people." God's promise to Abraham continues to be fulfilled as He protects and provides for the sojourning nation. As Paul begins his letter … Continue reading Sermon Seeds: Oct. 11, 2020 →

In Exodus, God is reminding the Israelites that His relationship with them has been established from the days of Abraham. He reinforces His faithfulness to them and underscores His name. This reinforcement comes in the form of the 10 Commandments. In Matthew, Jesus tells the Jewish church leaders that they will reject Him as He … Continue reading Sermon Seeds: Oct. 4, 2020 →

Sunday marked the highest holy day in the Jewish tradition: Yom Kippur. Historically, this was the day that Moses received the second set of the Ten Commandments. In practice, Yom Kippur is the day one searches deep in the heart and mind and seeks forgiveness of all wrongs done against neighbors and God and makes … Continue reading Sermon Seeds: Sept. 27, 2020 →

Sermon Seeds: Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020 It's not about me. As Moses and Aaron led the Israelites through the wilderness, the people cried out for food. They complained about the new troubles they faced from what they had become accustomed to in Egypt. Moses and Aaron understood that instead of the Israel nation complaining against … Continue reading Sermon Seeds: Sept. 20, 2020 →

Sermon Seeds: Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020 "Some judge one day to be better than another, while others judge all days to be alike. Let all be fully convinced in their own minds. Those who observe the day, observe it in honor of the Lord. Also those who eat, eat in honor of the Lord, since … Continue reading Romans 14:5-6 →