Lent I parable: Unforgiving servant

In Matthew 18:20-35, Jesus tells the parable of the unforgiving servant.  After being forgiven of his exorbitant debt, he punishes a person who owes him a wee bit of money.  The meaning is straight-forward.  We have been forgiven much, we should forgive others.  Why is that hard to get sometimes for us?

Empty Bucket List

We’ve heard of the bucket list. What about the empty bucket list? In the Gospel today (Matthew 16:24-17:8) Jesus declares his intention to die and rise. With his days on earth limited, what does he do? He empties his bucket, giving it all away. This week our church begins our #SeedsOfFaithZions2015 project, all about giving it away.

The story of three miracles

Jesus feeds 5,000 people (Matthew 14).  At first, this seems like THE miracle.  But a closer look reveals that a few things even more miraculous are happening.

Anxiety and Prayer

Jesus offers some common sense words about anxiety and worries during his Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6).  In spite of how common sense these are, they can be tough for us to process, internalize and believe.  So how do combat worries in our life?  I suggest a few ways in which we can pray through anxieties.

Light of the World 2015

We often try to change others.  This is not the call of Jesus; rather, we are called to be a light, a pathway to Jesus Christ who can, unlike us, actually change people.

The Power of Evil

I confess — many days I have more faith in evil than in good.  It is so pervasive and persuasive.  In this sermon I explore the reality of evil, but finally, the hope we have in Jesus Christ.

Baptism and Criticism

Nobody likes to be criticized.  Yet everyone considers a true friend one who is willing to tell them when there is a problem.  I suggest our Baptism is giving Jesus permission to be that friend, that coach, really that LORD, in our life, who can tell us time and time again where we have strayed.