As Christmas approaches, let me encourage you to be like Jesus by taking the first step towards another person. What do I mean by this? Let me explain… We understand that God took a step towards us when he came down to us (from heaven) in the person of Jesus. We call that the “incarnation.”…
Yes, we are now in the unknown season of Advent. Most of the world is already in the season of Christmas but not us! Most of the mainline Protestant churches and the Roman Catholic Church get ready for Christmas by entering into the season of Advent. Advent literally means the “arrival of an important person…
If you are a member of Community Lutheran Church, you know that I am a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s church council. Our church is a part of the ELCA. I was appointed by our bishop over a year ago serve on our church’s national board. It is a great honor to…
My two previous blogposts express the importance of integrity and truth. I want to add another character trait that Jesus lifts up as important for every child of God. Jesus said, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5 Meek? Really? We don’t use this word very often and it only…
Did you see the story about the “recently” discovered painting by Pablo Picasso? Here is a part of the story… A painting discovered by a junk dealer in the basement of an Italian villa six decades ago is actually the work of Pablo Picasso and could sell for millions, according to experts. Luigi Lo Rosso used to…
There was a major shift in thinking that has contributed to the polarized times we live in right now. Sometime in the 1990s, truth became relative. What do I mean by that? For a very long time, we could agree on what is true for everyone and there was very little discussion about these truths….
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Romans 12:9 Words to live by from Saint Paul. It is good to authentically and deeply love others. It is commendable to cling to what is good and who is good in this life. Even hating the evil in this life can…
This past weekend, I shared a on message about Ruth, specifically chapter two of the book named after her in the Old Testament. A part of my sermon addressed our own personal reputations. I asked this question, What is your reputation? What are you known for? How would someone describe you? Whether we like it…
Last weekend we finished our KCLC Radio Sermon series. We ended with the hit, “We Are the World.” Although the song was written in 1985, it conveys a spiritual truth contained within scriptures. This truth reflects the heart and wisdom with God. Here is that truth: Our personal well-being, our personal futures are tied to…
Jesus said this to Nicodemus the Pharisee, I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I…
