Faith Lift

Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32 In a throwaway, disposable culture, is there anything that is “irrevocable”? The question is raised because the apostle Paul uses this word in his letter to the Romans. There are two irrevocables if we are to be the people of God: People of Mission and People of Mercy

Matthew 14: 22-33 Peter showed both faith and skepticism in Matthew’s account of Jesus walking on water. We want an easy route to shore when we’re navigating troubled water, but the miracle we need might be learning how to sail. Whether we get out of the boat or stay in it is a matter of trust and faith either way. PLEASE NOTE: A video clip was played during part of the sermon. I apologize for any...

based on Matthew 14:13-21 "The feeding of the 5,000" Jesus has fed us both physically and spiritually, and he wants us to do the same for others. When we help him serve the wonderful abundance of God’s generous gifts, there will always be enough for everyone.

Suspension bridges are built only when conventional bridges are impossible — like building a bridge from Europe to Africa over the Strait of Gibraltar. So what can bridge the chasm between fear and hope? Between despair and joy? God through Jesus Christ can!

Based on Romans 8:1-11 It is not unusual for a business or major corporation to suffer an image problem and decide to rebrand. When rebranding occurs it often succeeds in polishing the corporate image. But sometimes it doesn't. In all of this, we find a metaphor for the work of the Spirit of God in our lives. "Rebranding" might be too weak of a term, however. In some ways, it's a...

Based on Romans 7: 15-25a Admit it. You've taken a selfie. It's not just for teenagers -- even President Obama has been caught snapping a few. So perhaps you wouldn't be surprised to know that the apostle Paul has taken a self-portrait and shared it with the world. But, like so many selfies, what he shares isn't all that pretty.

Romans 6:1b-11 Perseveration (perSEVeration) is a brain condition that causes us to persist in fatally destructive behaviors. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we too are distracted and our minds occupied in things that turn us away from God. But all hope is not lost. We can turn around and get back on the path of faith.

Romans 5:1-8 As disciples of Jesus Christ, we’re called to have an open-door policy — open to God’s grace, holding the door open for others, and holding ourselves open so they may discover the faith within us.

Romans 4:13-25 Being righteous does not come from moral perfection. Abraham’s faith is the biggest game-changer in Christian history. It shows us how to get right with God through faith in Jesus Christ — both now and eternally.

Matthew 28:16-20 Many of us would say that we have a favorite chair. It might have taken us some time to find, but once we did, it was ours. We're not always comfortable in chairs. And so we search for the perfect one that suits us best. A new analysis, however, asserts that human beings are not made for sitting down. Standing and lying down, yes. But not sitting. Does Jesus say the same thing...

The apostles received a spiritual recharge on Pentecost and declared the wonders of God to a group of strangers. We can do the same through worship, ministry and mission, and share God’s power with the world. They became Windcatchers, how do we catch the Holy Breathe of God to continue the mission Jesus gave us?

Through the pandemic there came a phenomenon called quiet quitting. While it refers to how folks do or don't do their jobs, Jesus never quits on us. Jesus never takes his foot off the gas of discipleship and keeps us moving forward. He remains engaged with us through his truth, his life and his love, and he calls us to stay connected with him.

Heart disease is the number one cause of death for men and women in the US. There are steps we can take to keep our hearts healthy. But what about our spiritual heart health? Jesus says "Don't let your hearts be troubled." How does Jesus help us keep our spiritual hearts healthy?

Do you know that in the Bible, the phrase "Do Not Be Afraid" is found in many forms 365 times? On that Easter morning, the woman ran from the tomb of Jesus in fear but yet with great joy at the tomb being empty. Going out to live and offer the good news can strike fear in us but knowing Jesus goes before all the time, we can truly head the words Do Not Be Afraid. .

Paul in his letter to the Church at Ephesus writes "You were darkness, but now you are light." We are called to reflect and shine the light of Christ in the world. Through what we say and what we do we call the world to Awake O Sleeper! Rise for the Dead and let the light of Christ shine in you. How are you shining the light of Christ in the world today?

The woman that met Jesus at Jacob's well received the living water Jesus spoke of. She left her water bucket behind to tell people about Jesus, to come and see. She like the apostles left it all behind to follow Jesus and tell others about him. 

Abraham's faith led to righteousness. That is made him right with God. Why? Because Abraham believed God. Not believed In but believed. We believe in a lot of things but believing God, through faith makes us right with God. Do you believeGod through Jesus Christ?

First Sunday of Lent Matthew 4:1-11 The Devil tempted Jesus not to do something, but rather tempted Jesus to be someone other than he was called to be. The world does the same thing to us. The many temptations of the world dont call us to do something but rather to be who we are not. Ultimately we are to take on something to Be God's. 

1 Corinthians 3:1-9 Paul in speaking to the Corinthians is frustrated and worried for the community. The quarreling and fighting within are causing divisions. Paul calls upon them to learn to be spiritually mature. To know Christ, eating the meat of faith and not the milk of an immature faith.

1 Corinthians 2:1-16 Technology has a way of pulling us in a and not letting go. As people of faith we can use technology to live and grow in faith or we can let it use us. Paul makes it clear regardless of technology we need to know nothing but Christ and him crucified. 

Why do our Catholic/Lutheran/Episcopal brothers and sisters make the sign of the cross at certain times. Making the sign of the cross often happens at odd moments. For example, many baseball players make the sign of the cross as they step into the batter’s box. Some soccer players do likewise before attempting a penalty shot. Is this merely a superstitious practice? A good-luck ritual? The cross s...

The story of the Magi finding Jesus and offering gifts is a cherished story. So much to talk about. But we focus on Matthew 2:12 about having a dream and going home a different way. When we encounter the Christ of Christmas we ought to be going home another way. Another way that leads to a new way of being and a new way of seeing.

On Christmas Eve we hear the story of the birth of Jesus. It was anything but a silent night. 

When the Angel Gabriel greets Mary, the words are Greetings you who is highly favored. Favor here means grace. We throw that word grace around a lot. But what does it mean for Mary and for us at Christmas?

Continuing in the series we move toward the birth of Jesus, from Mary's perspective. This week we look at the time when Mary was in her twenties, more specifically when Jesus was 12 years old in the Temple. Mary and Joseph found him there. His response to them astonished them. Are we amazed, astounded and astonished by Jesus and his words today?