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Overflowing in a Wealth of Generosity
This is the sixth in a series of reflections offered as part of my service with the Stewardship Ministry at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Hickman, Neb., where Anne and I are members. In his ministry, St. Paul often shared news of one congregation with the members of another. So, in his writings to…
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A Good Four-Letter Word
Introduction This is a funeral homily I preached at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Beatrice, Neb., on Monday, Sept. 27, 2010, for the husband of the woman whose funeral I conducted a little over a year ago. Her funeral homily was entitled Second Birth. Readings Ezekiel 37:1–14 Psalm 23 2 Corinthians 5:1–10 John 14:18–24 Message One…
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Repentance, Reconciliation, and Restoration
This is the sermon I preached at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Beatrice, Neb., on Saturday and Sunday, March 13–14, 2010, for the Fourth Sunday in Lent. + + + Readings Joshua 5:9–12 Psalm 32 2 Corinthians 5:16–21 Luke 15:1–3, 11b–32 + + + Prayer You call us to return to you, Lord God, and to…
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Living as Christians: Evil
This is the sermon I preached at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Beatrice, Neb., on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2010. Midweek services from Ash Wednesday through Maundy Thursday will explore the theme, “Living as Christians.” + + + Readings Joel 2:1–2, 12–17 Psalm 51:1–17 2 Corinthians 5:20b–6:10 Matthew 6:1–6, 16–21 + + + Prayer You call…
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Power in Weakness
“My grace is sufficient for you, for power shines forth more perfectly in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9, LH)
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God Builds Our House
Introduction This is a memorial service homily I preached at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Beatrice, Neb., on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2009. Readings 1 Chronicles 17:10b-15 Psalm 121 2 Corinthians 5:1-5 John 14:1-6 Message From the stories Loren’s family shares, it is clear that he had a calling to build. Across the nation, communities benefit from…
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God’s Temple
“You are the temple of the living God, as God himself has said.” (2 Corinthians 6:16, LH)
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Sharing in Christ
“As we have shared much in the suffering of Christ, so through Christ do we share abundantly in his consolation.” (2 Corinthians 1:5, LH)
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The Story of Yarn
Introduction This is a funeral homily I preached on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009, at a graveside service in Beatrice, Neb. Readings Psalm 121 Philippians 3:20-21 2 Corinthians 5:1-9 Psalm 23 Message Alice’s family likes to tell stories, stories about Alice, stories that show their love for her and her love for them and for the…
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God’s Mercy Encourages
“Because we possess this ministry through God’s mercy, we do not give in to discouragement.” (2 Corinthians 4:1, LH)