Pastor's Sermons
II Timothy 3:16-17
November 20, 2011
"The Word of God" by Gretchen Lofgren
I would like to begin today by sharing a little “Holy Humor” with you. There is actually a good message in each of these two stories.
A father was approached by his small son who told him proudly, “I know what the Bible means!” His father smiled and replied, “What do you mean you know what the Bible means?” The son replied, “I do know!” “Okay,” said the father, “What does the Bible mean?” “That’s easy Daddy….” The young boy replied excitedly, “It stands for ‘Basic Information Before Leaving Earth.’
(Continue Reading)
Joel 2:28
Colossians 3:1-4
Matthew 6:33
November 6, 2011
"Bucket Lists: Vision and Hope Are Inspirations of the Heart"
Have you ever seen the movie The Bucket List, with Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson? I did, I really liked that movie. In it two terminally ill men develop a list of all the things they have always wanted to do before they died. They called that their “bucket list”. They face their task with a great sense of urgency and the Morgan Freeman character holds on to his honor refusing to fall to some of the temptations Jack Nicholson’s character placed before him.
Today we will explore our “bucket list” for the church. Actually, a “bucket list” is for a person or a church that is dying. That is not the case here. We are not dying. We have chosen to live & to thrive under God’s direction, and so today we will share together a list of our hopes and dreams and visions for the future.
(Continue Reading)
John 13:34-35
October 30, 2011
"Known by Love; The Art of Love: Relationships Are Matters of the Heart"
Today I want to start out this second message in our series on Extravagant Generosity with a question.
“Who is more satisfied a man with a million dollars or a man with seven kids?
(Continue Reading)
Exodus 33:12-23
October 16, 2011
"In the Cleft of the Rock"
These are tough times today. 71% of Americans say we’re in a recession that “experts” say ended 2 years ago. The stock market has gone through violent gyrations. Interest income for seniors is almost non-existent.
I read a T-shirt lately that said, “I’m so broke I can’t even pay attention.”
(Continue Reading)
Exodus 16:2-15
September 18, 2011
"Enough.....Complaining!"
Today we are going to begin with the last verse first like our Matthew scripture says, “So the last will be first and the first will be last.”
When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat.”
(Continue Reading)
Exodus 14:19-31
September 11, 2011
"Ground Zero to Dry Ground"
Most of us can remember clearly where we were and what we were doing 10 years ago today when the planes hit the World Trade Towers, as clearly as my parent’s generation remembers where and what they were doing when they heard about Pearl Harbor.
I was getting ready for work and to take my son to school when he ran in and said a plane had hit the World Trade Tower. I went out to watch it on the TV and we watched in horror as the second plane hit. I then took him to school to take a test, which he got a D on. That day affected us all in some way, and as a nation it still does.
(Continue Reading)
Romans 13:8-14
September 4, 2011
"Our Debt"
Boy O boy do we owe! I looked up the national debt this week and we owe $47,000 per person. This is up $12,000 over the last two years. Some feel this is a debt that can never be repaid, and for all our sakes in my heart of hearts, I hope that they are wrong!!!
Who wants an immortal debt? Who indeed but Christians!
(Continue Reading)
Exodus 1:8-22, 2:1-10
August 21, 2011
"From Comfort to Slavery"
In last week’s message we left Joseph and his brothers, who became the nation of Israel, in the region of Goshen within Egypt. The land of Goshen was a wonderful place. It was described as the “best part of the land.” It was a place of plenty, comfort and peace. It was in the district of Rameses. It was a place of comfort that became a place of slavery.
It was in that same region of Rameses that the Israelites were forced into slavery building the store houses of the Pharaoh. A long time had passed from when Joseph ruled in power in Egypt and our story today that begins, “Then a new king who did not know about Joseph came to power in Egypt.”
(Continue Reading)
Genesis 45:1-15
August 14, 2011
"All Things Work for the Good!"
These are very unsettled times. The Dow fell 634 points on Monday. It went up 430 points on Tuesday. It fell 520 points on Wednesday. It went up Thursday and Friday. People watched their retirement funds come and go this week and those depending on interest income for their retirement---saw their income go. It is very unsettled times economically with jobs coming and going and mostly going. And I could go on and on.
The War on Terror continues. We’ve been in Afghanistan 10 years and have 100,000 troops there. We lost 30 solders in a helicopter downing last week.
(Continue Reading)
Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28
August 7th, 2011
"All Things Work for the Good"
This week, as I was researching the song “Blessings” by Laura Story, which was sung earlier in this/last service, I read the following response to her song by a blogger called “vincer58”, She wrote, “I can only imagine that those who dislike this song have not known the love of God long enough to know who he really is. When my beloved 17 year old son died in a car accident 6 years ago, I found myself closer to God than I had ever felt.
He revealed to me so much of his purpose in the death of my son when over 2000 people showed up for his memorial service, and (it) continues to this day. I will be forever grateful to people like Laura who listen to and sing God's heart.” vincer58 6 days ago August 4, 2011
(Continue Reading)
Matthew 14:18-23
July 31, 2011
"Invited to Serve?"
The setting for the Bible story we heard read is pretty gruesome. Jesus had just been informed that his cousin and friend John the Baptist had been beheaded for daring to preach and tell the truth.
John the Baptist had been beheaded during a royal orgy. What a contrast to the feast given by Jesus where healing took place in a setting like the 23rd Psalm, where the feast ended in the abundance of 12 baskets of broken bread and not death. Where the Bread of Life prevailed!
(Continue Reading)
Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
July 24, 2011
"The Kingdom of God?"
Today we are going to start our sermon time with true confessions!
I first preached this sermon 6 years ago today. I spoke then about how the Kingdom of God grows. In this sermon 6 years ago I mentioned some things that were as small, or smaller than a mustard seed because at the time they were just ideas. Today we will see how they have grown and how all of us as a church have grown in the Kingdom of God.
(Continue Reading)
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
July 10, 2011
"What Kind of Dirt Are You?"
What kind of dirt are you? In some quarters those would be fighting words, but here in our scripture today that is the question that is being asked.
Our resident soil expert Dr. Dave Hendricks pointed out that correctly its not “dirt” it is “soil.”
So, yes, we could put the question more politely like, “What kind of soil are you?” because that is the question that is asked in this parable of Jesus that is most often referred to as the Parable of the Sower.
(Continue Reading)
Matthew 28:16-20
June 19, 2011
"The Holy Trinity"
Today is Father’s Day and Holy Trinity Sunday. I am going to use Father’s day as an object lesson to deepen our understanding of the inner nature of God and how that can be reflected in our relationships within our families and with each other.
I want to start with a story about my dad and what he taught me about faithfulness or in other words “loyalty” in the face of defeat. When our family first arrived in Tucson in the late 60’s we attended a United Methodist Church called Pueblo Gardens. Some of you might remember that church.
(Continue Reading)
Acts 2:1-21
June 12, 2011
"Filled With the Holy Spirit"
Today I am speaking about “Being Filled with the Holy Spirit.” I am taking this message from my work with the Alpha program, and will be speaking from my own experience, the experience of believers in the Bible, as well as the experience of other believers in our modern age.
At the age of 20 I went through a deep conversion experience. I rededicated my life to Christ and about 9 months later I became involved with some Charismatic friends at the church I attended as well as some other Pentecostal groups.
(Continue Reading)
Genesis 18:1-5
May 22, 2011
"Sarah Laughed"
Today is Older Adult Ministries Sunday here at Christ Church. I want to say never underestimate the wisdom and power to inspire and lead that our older members have.
In fact a story is told of “An older gentleman who as he was on the operating table awaiting surgery, he insisted that his son a renowned surgeon, perform the operation.
(Continue Reading)
Luke 24:13-35
May 8, 2011, Mother's Day
"Known in the Breaking of the Bread"
The story is told of two children who told their mom to stay in bed one Mother’s Day morning. As she lay there looking forward to breakfast in bed, the smell of frying bacon floated in from the kitchen.
Well she lay there and waited and waited and waited and no one appeared with breakfast, so she finally got up, went to the kitchen and found both of them sitting at the table eating bacon and eggs.
(Continue Reading)
Luke 15:11-32
May 1, 2011
"Going Home"
One thing I want to point out about this parable is that in it the son knew where his home was. He knew where his Father was and that there was a place of safety and in his heart of hearts where he hoped he would find the forgiveness and love that he did.
The Father had created a loving home for the prodigal to grow up in and to return to, and that is something we need to be about in our own homes and in the life of the church.
(Continue Reading)
John 20:1-18
April 24, 2011, Easter Sunday
"Who Do You See?"
Berta Riley told me the following story. Berta used to work at a ticket counter for a major airline. Her daughter Trish was living in Germany at the time. One day Berta was taking care of a long line of customers and a young woman stood off to the side of the ticket counter and didn’t really say anything, but Berta was aware of her presence and finally looked at her and said, “Miss, can I help you?” The “miss” was her daughter who showed up unexpectedly, and though Berta looked her right in the eye she did not recognize her until she said, “It’s me mom!”
(Continue Reading)
Colossians 2:9-15
April 22, 2011, Good Friday
"Nailed to the Cross"
“The famous Scottish man of letters, Andrew Lang, once wrote and published a very kind review of a book by a young man. The young man repaid him with a bitter and insulting attack. About 3 yrs. Later, Andrew Lang was staying with Robert Bridges, the Poet Laureate. Bridges saw Lang reading a certain book.
“Why,” he said, “That’s another book by that ungrateful young cub who behaved so shamefully to you.” To his astonishment, he found that Andrew Lang’s mind was a blank on the whole affair. He had completely forgotten the bitter and insulting attack. To forgive said, Bridges was the sign of greatness, but to forget was sublime. Nothing but the cleansing spirit of Christ can take from these memories of ours the old bitterness that we must forget.” Barclay Matt. Vol. 1 p. 257
This type of forgetfulness comes only from God.
(Continue Reading)
Matthew 26:1-16,47-50
April 21, 2011, Maundy Thursday
"Thirty Pieces of Silver"
Tonight on our altar sit two symbols. One is a symbol of the forgiveness and love of God, the other of the utter betrayal and evil of humankind.
Yes, here sits the communion elements and a bag filled with thirty pieces of silver.
(Continue Reading)
Luke 23:13-25
April 17, 2011 - 10:30 AM Service
"Crucify Him"
Crucify Him! Crucify Him! Crucify Him! Away with this man! Did you hear it? Did you think those words in your head?
Did you hear what was just sung and you thought? It's true. You and I, we crucified him. You and I, our sins lead to his death.
(Continue Reading)
Mark 11:1-11
April 17, 2011 - 9:00 AM Service
"Expectations"
These simple words of our Gospel reading tell a familiar story that we celebrate this day. This familiar story has been told and heard, and celebrated so often, year after year, that familiarity with it has hidden its’ profound meaning as much today as then.
For as you read this, things are not always what you think they are, and expectations raised of triumph are soon dashed in cries of “crucify Him” and death on a cross.
(Continue Reading)
John 11:1-45
April 10, 2011
"Outlive Your Life!"
We’re going to start this sermon with a video that reminds us almost everything in this world has an expiration date, but there are some things that are eternal.
Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.”
(Continue Reading)
John 9:1-41
April 3, 2011
"Who Is Jesus?"
Tuesday I was very privileged and honored to have the following conversation with one of our members in St. Joseph’s hospital. I share this conversation with you with Walter’s permission in the hope that it can strengthen and inspire you.
Walter has been struggling with his health since December. Recently he went back into St. Joseph’s with a host of problems. In recent weeks he has not been able to stand or walk. I prayed with him several times for healing.
(Continue Reading)
John 4:5-42
March 27, 2011
"The Fields Are Ripe"
To understand the marvelous nature of the love and grace of Jesus demonstrated in this story we need to understand the nature of race relations in Jesus’ day between the Jews and the Samaritans as well as relations between men and women in Jesus’ day.
To say that there was bitter hatred between the Jews and Samaritans would be an understatement. Their animosity went back more than 400 years. The Jews considered the Samaritans to be religiously and ethnically impure. They were bitter rivals as to whose temple was the true temple of God. The Jews had their temple in Jerusalem and the Samaritans on Mt. Gerizim in Samaria.
(Continue Reading)
John 3:1-17
March 20, 2011
"Why Worry?"
To me this whole scripture section from John has been confusing: a night visitor, discussions of birth, new birth, born from above, water, wind, and spirit, bronze snakes being lifted up, these are all mixed together.
It also seems like Jesus and Nicodemus are talking past each other, not too each other.
(Continue Reading)
Matthew 6:24-34
February 27, 2011
"Why Worry?"
27 years ago I preached on these words of Jesus for the first time. I do not believe I reread that sermon in all those years because I mislabeled the file it was in. I have learned a few things in intervening years and deepened my understanding of other things I mentioned. But here is how I began that sermon 27 years ago, almost to this week. My baby girl that I mention was 2 months old at the time. It was also a 110 mile round trip every time we went into Dallas for an appointment or to the hospital.
I said, “As most of you know this past weekend my baby girl spent it in the hospital. She went in on Friday afternoon and got out Monday night. We went back Wednesday for tests, Friday for more tests and will go in tomorrow for consultation with a urologist and then back in on Wednesday to see if her condition can be treated with medication or with surgery.
(Continue Reading)
Matthew 5:38-48
February 20, 2011
"Forgiveness & Justice"
I first became aware of the tension between “forgiveness and justice” when I was a young pastor at Kavanaugh UMC, in Greenville Texas. I got a call on the phone by a defense attorney and his client and they wanted me to go to court and testify on the client’s behalf that now his life had been turned all around and he should pay no penalty for the charges he was facing.
Now I had never met either one of these men, but they went on to explain that the client had just “come to Jesus.” And since he had “come to Jesus” he was a new man and I needed to come into court as his advocate to essentially see if they could get him off. I politely refused. At that point I was probably branded a hypocritical, judgmental Christian pastor with an unforgiving heart.
(Continue Reading)
Matthew 5:21-26
February 13, 2011
"Forgiveness & Reconciliation"
I realized when I finished the series on Forgiveness that there were a couple of issues with Forgiveness that still needed to be addressed. First, is the relationship of “Forgiveness” to “Reconciliation” and second is the issue of “Forgiveness” and “Justice”.
In other words two important questions still need to be answered in terms of “Forgiveness”. First, what is the relationship of forgiveness and reconciliation and second does forgiveness mean someone should escape justice?
(Continue Reading)
Matthew 5:13-20
February 6, 2011
"Light and Salt or Lite-Salt?"
A story is told about a little girl who had been taught that everyone who loved Jesus had Jesus in their heart. One day in Sunday school she also learned that “Jesus was the Light of the world.” So, she went home and asked her mom, “Mom, if Jesus is in my heart and he is the light of the world, shouldn’t Jesus shine thru us?”
Indeed, shouldn’t Jesus shine thru us, especially when Jesus went on to declare who we are? Listen again carefully to who Jesus says you are. He says, “You are the salt of the earth.” And “You are the light of the World.” If you are a believer in Jesus Christ this is what Jesus has made you to be: “You are the salt and light of the world!!”
(Continue Reading)
Luke 7:36-50
January 30, 2011
"Forgiveness #3 Charizomai"
There is a story told about a preacher who was preaching about the need to forgive your enemies one Sunday. About 10 minutes into the sermon he asked who now felt they needed to forgive their enemies and about half the congregation stood up.
The pastor thought “good” and wound up to preach another 10 minutes and asked again who now felt they needed to forgive their enemies and all but old Mr. Smith in the front row stood up. So the pastor was a little perturbed about that, so he preached for another 20 minutes about the need to forgive our enemies and asked once again who now felt they needed to forgive their enemies and everyone stood up except old Mr. Smith.
(Continue Reading)
Luke 7:36-50
January 23, 2011
"Forgiveness #2 Aphiemi"
Today, I am going to be talking about the 2nd Greek word that means “forgiveness” and that word is “Aphiemi”, which means “to send away, or set free.”
Two weeks ago I began this message series on “Forgiveness” using the Greek word “Aphesis.” Aphesis means “to set free as from prison.” I spoke about how an unforgiving heart traps us in a toxic stew of bitterness, hatred, and pain that splashes over onto all other aspects of our lives and relationships, and that God in Christ would set us free and grant us peace.
(Continue Reading)
Matthew 6:9-15
January 9, 2011
"Forgiveness #1 Aphesis"
Today I am starting a three part series on “forgiveness”. I am making this a three part series because in the Greek of the New Testament there are three different Greek words that are simply translated as “forgive” into English. I believe the subtleties in the meanings of these three words can help us today to find ways to forgive and be free.
Now much of my inspiration comes from the book “Rechurch” by Rev. Stephen Mansfield. This book was written to help people who have been hurt by the church and left, and want to reconnect with the church. It is a profound book with one of the deepest insights into forgiveness that I have ever found. It is among 3 or 4 books that I have read more than once in my life.
(Continue Reading)
Luke 2:8-20
December 24, 2010
"Glory to God"
There is an Old Spanish saint who had a special prayer for his p
eople which went “May God deny you peace and give you glory!”
Interesting thought when you consider the central scripture for
this afternoon/tonight is “the multitude of angels saying, Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth, peace among those who He favors.”
(Continue Reading)
Matthew 1:18-25
December 19, 2010
"It's Only a Dream?"
It’s only a dream. That statement is said so often as a means of derision; as a way of saying that what is thought of or planned is ephemeral, and will disappear like the dark shadows of night in the full light of day.
“It’s only a dream” speaks of something not lasting, as substantial as “daydreaming”: with no more importance than a passing thought.
(Continue Reading)
Matthew 11:2-11
December 12, 2010
"Go"
Today is the 3rd in my three part Advent series “Ready, Set, Go”. We stay “ready” for Jesus’ return by doing the good works we were created in him to do. The stage is “set” for the advent of Jesus in our lives by turning to God in repentance. And today is “Go” where we will go and tell the world in word and deed of our faith in Jesus Christ. Today is when we will set the play in action.
The “go” part of these three is the action part of the cosmic play of the salvation of the world of which we are a part.
(Continue Reading)
Matthew 3:1-12
December 5, 2010
"Set"
Ready, Set Go! Lights, Camera action! Today is the 2nd in a three part Advent Series called “Ready, Set, Go”. In today’s word I am going to talk about how John the Baptist set the stage for Jesus’ ministry. In one sense then you could name today’s word, “Lights, Camera, Action!”
Or, Jesus the light of the world, God watching over us and good works and worship!
(Continue Reading)
Matthew 24:36-44
November 28, 2010
"Ready"
Today I start a three part Advent series called “Ready, Set, Go!” Most of us when we were children and youth remember starting many races and contests with those 3 words. Today we start with “Ready”. Next Sunday is “Set” where we see the stage set for Jesus’ ministry by John the Baptist and the third Sunday is “Go”, where we will examine how we can “Go Tell it on the Mountain and Everywhere!” That is also the Sunday where we will see the “Go” part put into action through our Children’s Christmas Musical.
A friend of mine, who used to pastor a Sun City Church, told me the following story. Sun City is a huge retirement community just Northwest of Phoenix. The UM churches there are huge, and their average age is somewhere in the 80’s. Anyway, that means there often are people with medical emergencies in the services. Often the EMTs come out to take care of someone who has passed out in one of the services.
(Continue Reading)
Luke 21:5-19
November 14, 2010
"Between Now and 'The End'"
I think I have mentioned before that my undergraduate degree is in Anthropology from the University of Arizona. (Go Cats!) I was studying to become a Biblical Archaeologist when God called me to other vocations.
This is why this week’s scripture is so fascinating to me. Verses 5 & 6 speak of the Temple in Jerusalem. This was the 3rd temple or “Herod’s Temple” that was completed in 20 B.C. It was magnificently impressive!!!
(Continue Reading)
Ephesians 2:1-10
November 7, 2010
"Created to do Good Works"
Today is “Myrrh Sunday” the last Sunday in the “Our Three Gifts” Stewardship program. Today is the day we explore the stewardship of our “service” and then we will live it out in our commitments and deeds.
Now, the story is told of a friend who asked another friend to go to church with her.
(Continue Reading)
Luke 19:1-10
October 31, 2010
"What Has Your Soul?"
Today is the 3rd Sunday in the “Our Three Gifts” stewardship program. This Sunday we consider the gift of “gold”. The first Sunday was “Frankincense” where we looked at prayer. The second Sunday was “Relationship/Commitment” where we looked at the importance of our presence with each other and today we are looking at “Gold” or giving.
Next Sunday is “Myrrh” Sunday where we will look at our service to others with the highlight being putting that into action as we serve others by bringing in our “Thanksgiving Dinner Bags.” And we will make our financial commitments to the ministries of this church in 2011.
(Continue Reading)
Luke 18:9-14
October 24, 2010
"Relationship/Commitment"
It is getting on towards Halloween and it reminded me of a conversation I once had at Boy Scout Camp around the campfire. The boys were sharing scary stories and things.
One of our Assistant Scout Masters was sitting back listening to all this. He was an accountant who worked for the Arizona Department of Revenue. He was very quiet; never said much but that night he finally chimed in and had the final word.
He said, “Scary, I’ll tell you what is really scary. Me telling you ‘I’ll audit your taxes!’”
No one likes the tax man either today or long ago. But long ago, in Jesus’ day they didn’t just dislike the tax man they hated and feared him.
(Continue Reading)
Ephesians 6:13-23
October 17, 2010
"Our Prayer Life, by Gretchen Lofgren"
Today is Laity Sunday, Children’s Sunday and it marks the start of “Our Three Gifts” program which uses the Christmas story of the three wise men who brought gifts to the baby Jesus. It focuses on our membership vows of Prayers, Presence, Gifts, & Service. For the next several Sundays, we will focus on one “gift” each week. Today, our focus is on the gift of frankincense which represents prayer.
Our lives and our church are built on a sea of prayer. Last month for 21 days we prayed that our Miracle Sunday (in which we would, in one day, raise the money needed for a new sound system) would be successful and it was not only successful, we went over our goal by several thousand dollars and later this year we will have a new and complete sound system in our Sanctuary. Last year our “Three Gifts” program was very successful.
(Continue Reading)
Luke 17:11-19
October 10, 2010
"Healed Out of Gratitude"
Last week I spoke about “obedience” as a way of increasing our faith. I taught that all of us who believe in Jesus Christ have faith that is effective, even if it is only the size of a mustard seed. It is when we obey that God’s power moves through us and our faith and works God’s will.
Our scripture story today sees this lived out in the lives of the men with leprosy that Jesus heals. These 10 men cried out to Jesus from a distance like they were supposed to do. People with leprosy were not allowed to approach the healthy under penalty of stoning. So, from a distance they cried out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy upon us!”
(Continue Reading)
Luke 16:19-31
September 26, 2010
"Things Eternal"
A story is told of how a tightwad was convinced by a friend to buy a couple of Powerball tickets and he won the lottery, but he didn’t seem happy.
“What’s wrong?” the friend asked. “You just became a multimillionaire!”
“I know,” he groaned, “But I can’t imagine why I bought that second ticket.”
When is enough stuff really enough and what are we going to do with what we got? Do we own our things or do they own us?
(Continue Reading)
Luke 15:1-10
September 12, 2010
"Lost and Found"
As a youth Pastor I played lots of games with the youth along the “Lost and Found” theme. One of the favorites over the years was called “Sardines”. The way this game was played was we sent one youth to hide somewhere in whatever building we were playing in. It was great in our Family Life Center which was a 34,000, three story building with multiple stairways.
We would send one youth to hide and then about 5 minutes later all the other youth would go to seek the hidden person. When they found that person they would also hide with them. When you were playing with 40 kids soon everyone would be packed into a small space and that’s how it got the name “Sardines”. The game wasn’t over until everyone joined in hiding together, until everyone became a sardine.
(Continue Reading)
Luke 14:25-35
September 5, 2010
"The Cost"
I want you to imagine this scene. Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem. He is being followed by thousands of people after feeding thousands and spectacular healings. There is joy and excitement in the air. The excitement you would feel before a big football or basketball game when you know your team is going to slaughter the opponent that night.
The crowds that followed Jesus were filled with that type of excitement, but even a more blood thirsty type. They believed they were following the Messiah who was going to lead them in bloody triumph to a new Jewish Empire. There was an excitement in that crowd as they followed Jesus to Jerusalem that you could feel…. and was so misdirected.
(Continue Reading)
