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For recorded sermons since Easter 2007 and earlier sermon texts, visit our Sermon Archive.
Christ the King—November 23, 2014
Preacher: Pastor Jeff Lilley
Lessons: Ezekiel 34:11–16, 20–24 | Psalm 95:1–7a | Ephesians 1:15–23 | Matthew 25:31–46
Summary: Christ the King is hard for Americans since most of the images we have of kings are not good. Even in the Bible there are only a few good kings. The Gospel tells us to take part in the unfolding Kingdom of God in the form of our sisters and brothers, who are the embodiment of Christ.
Time after Pentecost • Lectionary 33—November 16, 2014
Preacher: Pastor Angela Freeman
Lessons: Zephaniah 1:7, 12–18 | Psalm 90:1–12 | 1 Thessalonians 5:1–11 | Matthew 25:14–30
Summary: The steward in the Gospel parable was afraid, so he just buried the money he was given. Fear often keeps us from using the gifts we have been given, but we know that God risked everything in the person of Jesus Christ. God has promised to be with us so we can also take risks.
Time after Pentecost • Lectionary 32—November 9, 2014
Preacher: Pastor Jeff Lilley
Lessons: Amos 5:18–24 | Psalm 70 | 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 | Matthew 25:1–13
Summary: Waiting is really hard, and it was the same way in Matthew’s time as people waited for Jesus’ return. Matthew’s Gospel tells us that God’s people are to wait with faith, hope, and love, and we are to wait together. The coming kingdom of God is not off in the future; it has already begun. We are waiting for something that is worth waiting for, so we are to be awake and waiting.
All Saints Sunday—November 2, 2014
Preacher: Pastor Jeff Lilley
Lessons: Revelation 7:9–17 | Psalm 34:1–10, 22 | 1 John 3:1–3 | Matthew 5:1–12
Summary: In today’s first reading we heard the vision of all the saints gathered around the throne and the Lamb. Many in modern America think that vision excludes a lot of us. Luther reminded is that we are all both saint and sinner, both imperfect and broken and believers. All of us who are caught by the love of God are saints who will be at the throne, and the Lamb will wipe away every tear.
This sermon was not recorded for technical reasons.
Reformation Sunday—October 26, 2014
Preacher: Pastor Jeff Lilley
Lessons: Jeremiah 31:31–34 | Psalm 46 | Romans 3:19–28 | John 8: 31–36
Summary: If you walk into a European cathedral, you’ll always see a great big pulpit high above the people. This shows us the importance of the Word of God. These days we usually preach closer to people, but that doesn’t change the fact that the Word is key and sets us free, as it says in today’s Gospel. We need to continue to hear and tell the story, for unless we ground ourselves in the Word, we will not be free.
This sermon was not recorded for technical reasons.
Time after Pentecost • Lectionary 29/Children’s Sabbath—October 19, 2014
Lessons: Isaiah 45:1–7 | Psalm 96:1–13 | 1 Thessalonians 1:1–10 | Matthew 22:15–22
Summary: Our children presented a skit telling today’s Gospel story when Jesus is asked about paying taxes and tells us to give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to give to God what is God’s.
Time after Pentecost • Lectionary 28—October 12, 2014
Preacher: Pastor Angela Freeman
Lessons: Isaiah 25:1–9 | Psalm 23 | Philippians 4:1–9 | Matthew 22:1–14
Summary: Today’s Gospel gives us another difficult parable, but that’s OK because both scripture and our faith lives are challenging. Our readings tell us that even when we mess up, things often work out because—like the king in the parable—God goes to seek us out and calls us to the banquet. Joy comes from having God at the center of our lives, and we are called to nurture each other as we develop this attitude of joy.
Time after Pentecost • Lectionary 27—October 5, 2014
Preacher: Pastor Angela Freeman
Lessons: Isaiah 5:1–7 | Psalm 80:7–15 | Philippians 3:4b–14 | Matthew 21:33–46
Summary: Today’s first reading begins a vivid picture of God’s love and care for creation, symbolized by the vineyard. But it quickly turns into a picture of judgement because the people did not act justly. Our world is little different than the time of Isaiah. Our faith calls us to build a just and caring society. May we respond to that call.