Sermons

Whose We Are and Who We Can Be

Today’s reading from Ephesians 1 is a Biblical goldmine. In fact, Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones, one of Great Britain’s great 20th century preachers, once preached on it for sixth months. Can...

Astounded or Amazed?

The people in Jesus’ hometown were astounded at him, and Jesus was amazed at them. But…neither emotion was for positive reasons.

Paving the Way Forward

Jesus is back from his trip. He has been busy, though, while away. Following his storm-silencing boat ride, the topic of last week’s Gospel reading, Jesus disembarked on the Gentile...

Jesus Pilots the Boat, so Keep Calm!

As I prepared for today’s sermon, the hymn, “Jesus Savior, Pilot Me,” had burrowed its way into my consciousness and would not leave me alone. We will be singing it soon. It’s an old-...

The Mystery of Planting and Growth

I'm hesitant to even say this, lest I jink it, but the church garden already is growing SO much better than was the case last year, and it's only a few weeks into the season. A year...

We Do Not Lose Heart

“So,” wrote the Apostle Paul, “we do not lose heart.” Are those words on your lips? If they are, what is on the other side of the “so”? In other words, what is the reason that you do...

New Lenses

If you're sitting there thinking, "Sandy looks different," you're right! For as long as I've been at Faith Lutheran Church, you've seen me wearing glasses. Ever since I was in grade...

Praying for Holy Spirit Surprises

Fifty days ago, we celebrated the resurrection of Jesus; 10 days ago was the official observance of the Ascension of our Lord, and today is the Day of Pentecost when we remember the...