Tag Archives: Pentecost

Glasses resting on Bible

The Danger of Inhospitality

St. Paul-Reformation Lutheran Church, St. Paul, Minn. Reading for the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost: Matthew 10:40-42 Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy on us. Dear brothers and sisters in Christ. It is oftentimes the task of a pastor to spend a

Glasses resting on Bible

On Being Put to the Test

Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church, Minneapolis, Minn. Readings for the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost: Genesis 22:1-14, Matthew 10:40-42 Anyone who has ever listened to radio has heard the test of the Emergency Broadcast System in which the announcer says, “This is a test. This is

Stained glass window image of Jesus

What Would Jesus Do?

Reading for the 13th Sunday after Pentecost: Luke 14:25-33 Now large crowds were traveling with Jesus; and he turned and said to them, “Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself,

Glasses resting on Bible

The Injustice of Grace

University Baptist Church, Austin, Texas Readings for the 15th Sunday after Pentecost: Jeremiah 8:18-9:1, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Luke 16:1-13 People usually get what they deserve, don’t you think? Leo Rosten tells the story of two guys, partners in a men’s clothing store, who made a

Glasses resting on Bible

Get Out of the Boat

Delivered at the UFMCC Leadership Conference in Phoenix, Ariz. Reading for the 11th Sunday after Pentecost: Matthew 14:22-33 NIV Excellence in Ministry! I have a calligraphy piece in my office that has called me back to the voice of the spirit, has challenged me and

Two men sitting and waiting

Neighbor as a Verb

Cathedral of Hope MCC, Dallas, Texas Readings for the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost: Deuteronomy 30:9-14, Luke 10:25-37 This morning, our journey through the Bible leads us down a well-worn path. We encounter a story we know as “The Good Samaritan.” Even those unfamiliar with the

Surfing dog

Being a Crazy Dog for Christ

Abundant Grace Community Church of Atlanta, Ga. Reading for the 24th Sunday after Pentecost: And in his teaching he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to go about in long robes, and to have salutations in the market places and the best seats in

Glasses resting on Bible

Living Inside Out

University Baptist Church, Austin, Texas Reading for the 14th Sunday after Pentecost: James 1:17-27 If there’s one thing everybody seems to like, it’s a short sermon. In February of ’87, Will Campbell, that salty saint of the Civil Rights Movement, was theologian in residence at

People celebrating Thanksgiving Day

Scattered People

Trinity River Church, Minneapolis, Minn.  Readings for Christ the King Sunday (26th Sunday after Pentecost): Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24; Ephesians 1:15-23; Matthew 25:31-46 Turkey. Stuffing. Potatoes (Mashed or Sweet). Cranberries. Pumpkin Pie. Football. Nap. Leftovers. Thanksgiving will be here in a few days, and there is

Glasses resting on Bible

A Laughing Hope

First Congregational Church of Berkeley, Calif. Readings for the Third Sunday after Pentecost: Genesis 18:1-15, Romans 5:1-8 It is remarkable and fitting that on the day we dedicate to remembering our fathers, we should hear a story about Abraham, whose name means “Father of a