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Come to the Stone
“Come to him, a living stone, rejected by human beings but chosen and precious in the sight of God, and like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:4–5, NAB)
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Hopes Set on Grace
“Therefore, gird up the loins of your mind and live soberly, and set your hopes completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:13, NAB)
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In the Meantime … Promises Kept
Introduction This article is the April 2010 installment of my monthly message in the parish newsletter for Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Beatrice, Neb. Law and Promise One of the marks of our relationships—when they are at their best—is for us to say to one another, “I promise,” and to mean it. And when a relationship…
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Ransomed by Blood
“…you were ransomed from your futile conduct, handed on by your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ as of a spotless unblemished lamb.” (1 Peter 1:18–19, NAB)
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One More Year
Introduction This is the sermon I preached at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Beatrice, Neb., on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009, for the New Year’s Eve Eucharist. + + + Readings Jeremiah 24:1–7 Psalm 102:24–28 1 Peter 1:22–25 Luke 13:6–9 + + + Prayer Father in heaven, grant us times of quiet thoughtfulness, that we may rest…
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Eager for Milk
“Be as eager for milk as newborn babies—pure milk of the spirit to make you grow unto salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.” (1 Peter 2:2-3, LH)
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Speaking for God
“The one who speaks is to deliver God’s message.” (1 Peter 4:11a, LH)
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Two Birth Days
Introduction This is a homily I preached on Aug. 11, 2009, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Beatrice, Neb., for the funeral of a charter member. Readings Job 19:23-27a Psalm 121 1 Peter 1:3-9 John 11:21-27 Message One of the curious traditions in the history of the Church is to recall to memory our forbearers in…
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Second Birth
Introduction This is a funeral homily I preached at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Beatrice, Neb., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009. Readings Job 19:23-27a Psalm 121 1 Peter 1:3-9 John 11:21-27 Message One of the curious traditions in the history of the Church is to recall to memory our forbearers in the faith on the day…
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Stewards of Grace
“Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.” (1 Peter 4:10, NRSV)