|
|
 |
 |
|
 |
|
| |
| Summary: The phrase “the terror of history” might make us think of how we feel before taking a history exam in school. Its deeper meaning, though, refers to the unease that comes just from being historical creatures in a world where things begin and pass away. Many cultures and religions try to escape from that terror. But today’s gospel sets us down squarely in history with some names, dates and places and prepares us for the coming of God’s Son as a historical figure to correct the course of history and turn it back to God’s intended goal. |
|
|
| Summary: Preparing for Christmas is about simplicity, not excess.
|
|
|
| Summary: When the ways of the world are chosen over the ways of God, the road to God becomes crooked. John the Baptist is not the only one called to straighten the road, fill the valleys and level the hills that stand between God and those who claim to believe in God. The events in our nation and our world constantly challenge us to either accept that call or to separate our faith from the decisions we make. The choice we make in this matter will determine the legacy we leave our children. |
|
|
| Summary: In this season of Advent of 2009, we find ourselves faced with the same choice that faced those first hearers of John, son of Zechariah, in the wilderness. |
|
|
| Summary: There is a right time, or more than one right time, for each person: the time to receive and believe the message of salvation. |
|
|
| Summary: In every canonical gospel, John the Baptist, Jesus’ mysterious cousin and harbinger of God’s gift, steadily points away from himself and toward the one who is to come. As such, he willingly plays the role of “second banana” to the Messiah in God’s great salvation drama. He also serves as a model for the times when we are called to take a supporting role in someone else’s life. |
|
|
| Summary: When we try to juggle too much, it all comes crashing down. Advent calls us to decide what is important in life and to give priority to the things that matter, the things of faith. It also gives us opportunity to keep growing into the people God calls us to be. |
|
|
| Summary: John the Baptist proclaims a radical demand for repentance, but his directions for people’s lives after their baptisms are quite moderate. They are to share what they have with those in need and to do their jobs honestly. The coming of the Messiah to whom John points will not abolish God’s world or our work in it. We are called to preserve and protect it as God brings his reign to fulfillment through the work of Christ. |
|
|
| Summary: The Jews have always awaited the coming of the Messiah. Christians believe that Jesus was the Christ. What do Christians await? We expect to see God at work in the world. We believe the kingdom of God will finally be a reality. We believe God’s ultimate victory over evil is certain. |
|
|
| Summary: Seek the great Christmas, not the little Christmas. |
|
|
| Summary: Five questions help us when shopping to also glorify God. |
|
|
| Summary: John the Baptist’s idea of success was different from ours. So was Jesus’.
|
|
|
| Summary: In the movies, many characters learn about themselves by learning about a parent. In baptism, we too learn who we are by knowing whose we are. |
|
|
| Summary: Fullness of life is not found in fame, business success and physical strength. Instead, it comes from being a baptized servant of the Son of God. |
|
|
| Summary: In our baptism, God affirms us as his chosen children, in whom he is well pleased. When we know who we are — sinners saved by grace — and know whose we are — children of God created to glorify God — then life can never be the same. Fears and problems may abound, but we can remain true and strong. |
|
|
| Summary: It seems at first that Luke downplays the fact that Jesus received a baptism of repentance for sins. Christians zealous to defend Christ’s divinity haven’t always stressed his genuine humanity strongly enough. But the Bible is clear about him sharing our vulnerability and suffering, and his fellowship with sinners. In reality, Luke doesn’t downplay Jesus’ baptism but emphasizes that the sinless Jesus was baptized with sinners as part of his saving work. We’re invited now to reflect on who Jesus is for us today. |
|
|
| Summary: The baptism of Jesus reveals and celebrates the unique identity of the Son of God, as well as the meaning of baptism for those who follow him. |
|
|
| Summary: The voice of encouragement that spoke to Jesus at his baptism is the same voice speaking to us. Let us speak to each other the same way. |
|
|
| Summary: Luke’s account of Jesus’ birth is familiar to most of us. But thinking about Mary, Mother of God, we see the insights that Luke included as she “treasured all these things in her heart.” Those treasures helped her all through her life and especially during Jesus’ death and resurrection. We, too, need to have treasures of our faith stored away in our hearts to give us strength and help in the most trying times of our lives.
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| There are 19 sermons in your results. |
|
|
Click title to view sermon