Stewardship – Seminary & Campus Ministry

Luke 19:1-11 I thought it might be helpful to have some background on me, to help you understand the perspectives I bring to the text today. I grew up un-churched.  In fact I would say I was an atheist.  I would get infuriated when I would see or hear things like “In God we trust”, … [Read more…]

What is faith? Can it be measured?

Audio Version found on Sermons Page. Video of Sermon and Children’s Sermon Habakkuk 1:1–4 Habakkuk 2:1-4 Psalm 37:1–9 2 Timothy 1:1–14 Luke 17:5–10 Increase our faith!  Who wouldn’t want that?  I know I have asked for more faith on more than one occasion.  I wonder how many of you are saying to yourself, yea me … [Read more…]

Share the Wealth

Amos 8:4–7 Psalm 113:1-9 1 Timothy 2:1–7 Luke 16:1–13 Audio Version with Childrens Sermon Link to Video of Sermon At first glance, it would seem that the scripture today from Luke, does not have much in common with that of Amos or 1 Timothy.  You might be asking the same question I was when I … [Read more…]

Why do we do what we do and how?

Proverbs 25:6-7 Psalm 112:1-10 Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 Luke 14:1, 7-14 Audio Link When I was a police office, I told myself initially, that I wanted to do this job because I wanted to “Help Others”. On the surface, this was very much true, I liked doing, and there is nothing wrong with doing for others. … [Read more…]

Give or not to Give

It is a strange thing indeed to sit down with someone who walks into church and is looking for assistance.  I am not new to speaking with strangers or evaluating needs or truth, but this was in a prior “life”. Someone walks in, who I have given gift cards before and now wants money for … [Read more…]

Faith is a Verb

Hebrews 11:29-12:2 Luke 12:49-56 Link to Audio Version Video Sermon Today’s readings from Hebrews and Luke can be a little shocking. We hear of people of the past who achieved great things, in faith. The Reading from Hebrews tells of those, who in their faith, received torture, mocking, flogging, imprisonment and on and on. Luke … [Read more…]

Faith: Trusting in the Promise

Romans 4:1-5, 13-16 1 What then are we to say was gained by Abraham, our ancestor according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” … [Read more…]

Where is God?

This post is a response to a Facebook post I received.  I find the issue so compelling that I believe it is best answered here on my blog.  This is an age old question.  If there is a God, why do bad things happen?  Where is God and why do I not see God in … [Read more…]

Understanding the Rural Context

As part of one of my seminary classes, we went on a “Rural Plunge”.  Instead of telling you all about it, I invite you all to view the movie I put together about our weekend experience. Please click on the link below for the movie. Wartburg Seminary Rural Plunge 2012