Sermons

Predestination

July 30, 2017  | 

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It is my impression that most contemporary Presbyterians are not nearly as interested in the doctrine of Predestination as people outside the Presbyterian Church assume we must be. But If there is a popular stereotype of Presbyterianism, it’s that Presbyterians believe in predestination as a kind of fatalistic belief that God determines everything in advance-including that some are destined to be saved and others destined to damnation. As Presbyterians, we should know, not only what Calvin said about the doctrine of Predestination but, in the spirit of Reformed and always reforming, we should know alternative ways of understanding predestination that may be more satisfying.

Lessons in Sowing: Part 2

July 23, 2017  | 

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This is the second sermon in a series of parables on seeds and sowing.  In this parable Jesus teaches that it would be peril to weed the wheat field.  The roots get tangled together and pulling weeds may pull out the wheat too.  It is time for the Christian community to take seriously this admonition for Christians to sow good seed and steer away from judgment and weeding.  Harvesting is God's work.  Planting love is the task that God has given God's people.

Lessons in Sowing

July 16, 2017  | 

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The church is worried that it will die.  It is concerned about the future.  Young people are just not interested in the church.  The parable of the sower reminds us that our job is to faithfully sow the seed.  The harvest is up to God.  We don't have to persuade.  We have to love.  How about we leave the church's future in God's hands and be busy with sowing as much love as we can.

Gifts that Help us Let Go

July 9, 2017  | 

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There is a lot of anxiety in our world today.  All of us are in need of a place to rest and recharge.  Jesus issues the invitation: "Come to me...Find rest!"  Sabbath practice, worship in other words, is a way to come into the presence of Jesus and, if we are willing to let go of our fears, anxieties, and troubles; trust in God's sovereign mercy, grace, and love we will leave our Sabbath practice with rest and new life.