Thinking About the Ascension

Here's an image I've been thinking about in regards to today's sermon. I really wish we had video screens this morning. Here's a preview of what we'll be talking about: Click here to check out this morning's sermon.

Take Another Look — A Sermon for Easter Sunday

Ever since I have been in parish ministry, my wife Kay and I have rarely worshipped together as we have served different congregations. However, with her being on leave this year we actually got to be in the same building on Easter Sunday. She said that she thought this sermon was pretty good and since … Continue reading Take Another Look — A Sermon for Easter Sunday →

A Final Word

This is the sermon I preached today in my last official act as the pastor of the Antioch United Methodist Church. Next Sunday, I will begin my tenure as the Senior Pastor of the Old Hickory United Methodist Church. The text for today’s sermon was Ephesians 4:1-16. Three million, six hundred and eighty nine thousand, … Continue reading A Final Word →

A final word…

The Benefit of Being Connectional

For several years now I have heard friends throughout the states belittle the value of denominations in our country. “We are in a post-denominational world” they say. “Denominational structures get in the way of ministry. Why do you continue on a a dying system?” There are many days when I agree with them, many days … Continue reading The Benefit of Being Connectional →

In The Order of Things: A Sermon on Romans 13:1-10

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold … Continue reading In The Order of Things: A Sermon on Romans 13:1-10 →

Red State, Blue State – The Sermon

Please see the previous post to catch the introduction to this sermon. Don’t you wish our world could be as simple as a children’s story? The people of Kazoo lived happily ever after when THEY heard from the teacher. But we seem much less willing to respond to Christ’s call to love. That seems especially … Continue reading Red State, Blue State – The Sermon →

Red State, Blue State – The Sermon

With Apologies to Dr. Seuss

Once upon a time, in the land of Kazoo, lived two grizzled old men, one red and one blue. Across the street from each other, in houses alike, and out on the street they both road their bikes. But though they were bikers, and lived very close, they avoided each other, and thought the other … Continue reading With Apologies to Dr. Seuss →

Red State, Blue State. How ‘Bout A New State?

This Sunday I am preaching a sermon on the belief in early Christianity that our citizenship is in another kingdom than the one in which we reside during our time on earth. The sermon is titled: “Red State, Blue State. How ‘Bout A New State?”, which is a take off on the Dr. Seuss classic, … Continue reading Red State, Blue State. How ‘Bout A New State? →

Red State, Blue State. How ‘Bout A New State?

The Economy of the Kingdom

This is the fourth in a series of sermons on The Sermon on the Mount, preached at the Antioch United Methodist Church in Nashville. Bear Sterns. Lehman Brothers. Fannie May and Freddie Mac. AIG. Washington Mutual. Just a few months ago these were names that we may have been familiar with, but were hardly on … Continue reading The Economy of the Kingdom →

What’s A Hook Anyway?

Thanks to all who responded to my question asking for help with my October sermon series. As the comments have rolled in, it’s become clear that my specificity in what I was looking for was lacking. So here are a few thoughts on the sermon series development process. When I talk about a “hook,” I … Continue reading What’s A Hook Anyway? →

The Embracing Church: Xenia – The Practice of Hospitality

Once upon a time, in a time much earlier than our own and a place far from here, lived an old man and an old woman. They had walked the earth for many years together as husband and wife. Many years before, when the possibilities of the world stretched endlessly before them, they had dreamed … Continue reading The Embracing Church: Xenia – The Practice of Hospitality →

The Embracing Church: Xenia – The Practice of Hospitality

The Embracing Church: Tolerance, Inclusion, and Embrace

This is the third in a sermon series on The Embracing Church For the past couple of weeks, we have been thinking together about what it might be to be a church which is known to welcome all with the love of God, a church that reaches out with grace and acceptance to draw folks … Continue reading The Embracing Church: Tolerance, Inclusion, and Embrace →

The Embracing Church: The Ways We Exclude

This is the second sermon in a series on The Embracing Church “Okay, guys. It’s time to choose sides…” Those words are part of a ritual that has been a part of our lives almost from the beginning. It is a ritual that has been seen again and again in countless gyms, on schoolyards, and … Continue reading The Embracing Church: The Ways We Exclude →

By Water And The Spirit — The Spirit

This is sermon 4 of a 4 part series on baptism During the past four weeks, we have been talking about baptism. We have looked that our call by God found in the midst of the waters, a call which proclaims us as beloved by God and sends us forth to share that love throughout … Continue reading By Water And The Spirit — The Spirit →