http://www.lchwelcome.org en ℗ & © 2007 Lutheran Church of Honolulu and individual preachers Sermons preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley and others at LCH Lutheran Church of Honolulu The Lutheran Church of Honolulu (ELCA) embraces this mission: "Welcoming to all / Worshipping, growing, serving / Christ's community." This podcast includes sermons preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley and others at LCH. New sermons are added as they become available, usually each Sunday afternoon, Hawaii time. Visit LCH online at www.lchwelcome.org. The Lutheran Church of Honolulu (ELCA) embraces this mission: "Welcoming to all / Worshipping, growing, serving / Christ's community." This podcast includes sermons preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley and others at LCH. New sermons are added as they become available, usually each Sunday afternoon, Hawaii time. Visit LCH online at www.lchwelcome.org. sermon, lutheran, ELCA, Lutheran Church of Honolulu, Jeff Lilley Lutheran Church of Honolulu webmaster@lchwelcome.org clean no Pastor Mark Blice-Baum A sermon preached by Pastor Mark Blice-Baum A sermon preached by Pastor Mark Blice-Baum -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18; Psalm 90:1-12; I Thessalonians 5:1-11; Matthew 25:14-30 -------------------------------------------------------- Given the current world financial situation, it is tempting to identify with the third slave in today's Gospel parable who buried his one talent. However, this is really a story about faith and risk taking. The first two slaves were praised for trusting their master and taking risks, but the third servant was afraid and hid his talent, and he was condemned for not taking a risk. Too many Christians go through life afraid of making mistakes. We need to be like Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who risked all for the Gospel. Our challenge is to use the talents God has given us for the kingdom. A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18; Psalm 90:1-12; I Thessalonians 5:1-11; Matthew 25:14-30 -------------------------------------------------------- Given the current world financial situation, it is tempting to identify with the third slave in today's Gospel parable who buried his one talent. However, this is really a story about faith and risk taking. The first two slaves were praised for trusting their master and taking risks, but the third servant was afraid and hid his talent, and he was condemned for not taking a risk. Too many Christians go through life afraid of making mistakes. We need to be like Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who risked all for the Gospel. Our challenge is to use the talents God has given us for the kingdom. Sun, 16 Nov 2008 15:10:00 -1000 http://www.lchwelcome.org/sermons/2008/sermon08-11-16.mp3 no 14:41 Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Amos 5:18-24; Psalm 70; I Thessalonians 4:13-18; Matthew 25:1-13 -------------------------------------------------------- During December 1999, there was a great sense of anticipation about the millennium, and many expected the second coming. Of course, they were disappointed, as were those of the century after Jesus. Amos tells us that the end of days is not to be desired. The parable of the maidens helps us understand that we should be awake and watching. Some will be ready, others will not, but we should all watch. The kingdom is not just an event of the future; it is now. It began on the cross and is unfolding. Watching is active. We watch by living out the beatitudes; we watch with justice rolling down like a stream. The point is not the second coming. Jesus comes to us in bread and wine; in water and Word. A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Amos 5:18-24; Psalm 70; I Thessalonians 4:13-18; Matthew 25:1-13 -------------------------------------------------------- During December 1999, there was a great sense of anticipation about the millennium, and many expected the second coming. Of course, they were disappointed, as were those of the century after Jesus. Amos tells us that the end of days is not to be desired. The parable of the maidens helps us understand that we should be awake and watching. Some will be ready, others will not, but we should all watch. The kingdom is not just an event of the future; it is now. It began on the cross and is unfolding. Watching is active. We watch by living out the beatitudes; we watch with justice rolling down like a stream. The point is not the second coming. Jesus comes to us in bread and wine; in water and Word. Sun, 9 Nov 2008 14:30:00 -1000 http://www.lchwelcome.org/sermons/2008/sermon08-11-09.mp3 no 9:17 Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Revelation 7:9-17; Psalm 34:1-9, 22; I John 3:1-3; Matthew 5:1-12 -------------------------------------------------------- On All Saints Sunday, we remember those saints who have passed away and those who are with us. Historic saints, like Teresa of Avila, can be very interesting, but we must remember that sainthood begins in the coarse humanity we all share. Saints I have known over the years (like St. Henry, who prayed for all, and St. Barbara, who lived in solidarity with the poor of El Salvador) lead me to understand sainthood differently. Saints are ordinary people of faith who live out the love of an extraordinary God. My new favorite saint is St. All-of-us. A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Revelation 7:9-17; Psalm 34:1-9, 22; I John 3:1-3; Matthew 5:1-12 -------------------------------------------------------- On All Saints Sunday, we remember those saints who have passed away and those who are with us. Historic saints, like Teresa of Avila, can be very interesting, but we must remember that sainthood begins in the coarse humanity we all share. Saints I have known over the years (like St. Henry, who prayed for all, and St. Barbara, who lived in solidarity with the poor of El Salvador) lead me to understand sainthood differently. Saints are ordinary people of faith who live out the love of an extraordinary God. My new favorite saint is St. All-of-us. Sun, 2 Nov 2008 13:10:00 -1000 http://www.lchwelcome.org/sermons/2008/sermon08-11-02.mp3 no 9:42 Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Jeremiah 31:31-34; Psalm 46; Romans 3: 19-28; John 8: 31-36 -------------------------------------------------------- On Reformation Sunday, we remember a great revolution that swept the world. The powerful vision in Jeremiah tells of a time when the people will be at one with God, but many of us act as if God will only love us if we do things right. Martin Luther had a vision that set people free, a vision that calls us from lives centered on ourselves to lives of discipleship. This revolution did not just happen in the 16th century. God is still reshaping and reforming us. A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Jeremiah 31:31-34; Psalm 46; Romans 3: 19-28; John 8: 31-36 -------------------------------------------------------- On Reformation Sunday, we remember a great revolution that swept the world. The powerful vision in Jeremiah tells of a time when the people will be at one with God, but many of us act as if God will only love us if we do things right. Martin Luther had a vision that set people free, a vision that calls us from lives centered on ourselves to lives of discipleship. This revolution did not just happen in the 16th century. God is still reshaping and reforming us. Sun, 26 Oct 2008 13:50:00 -1000 http://www.lchwelcome.org/sermons/2008/sermon08-10-26.mp3 no 13:03 Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Isaiah 45:1-7; Psalm 96; I Thessalonians 1:1-10; Matthew 22:15-22 -------------------------------------------------------- In today's Gospel, they try to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes to the emperor. These days, no one thinks twice about paying taxes. We have more trouble with the second part about giving God what is God's. We know we cannot just give what is left over as taxes; we must pay them first. But many of us are reluctant to dedicate our lives in thanksgiving to God. When we offer our lives in service, we are being stewards of creation. We must pay our taxes, but what what a joy it is to "render unto God." A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Isaiah 45:1-7; Psalm 96; I Thessalonians 1:1-10; Matthew 22:15-22 -------------------------------------------------------- In today's Gospel, they try to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes to the emperor. These days, no one thinks twice about paying taxes. We have more trouble with the second part about giving God what is God's. We know we cannot just give what is left over as taxes; we must pay them first. But many of us are reluctant to dedicate our lives in thanksgiving to God. When we offer our lives in service, we are being stewards of creation. We must pay our taxes, but what what a joy it is to "render unto God." Sun, 19 Oct 2008 15:00:00 -1000 http://www.lchwelcome.org/sermons/2008/sermon08-10-19.mp3 no 12:14 Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Isaiah 25:1-9; Psalm 23; Philippians 4:1-9; Matthew 22: 1-14 -------------------------------------------------------- Today's Gospel is a strange story about a king who gives a banquet, but the invited guests all say no, so the king sends servants out to gather everyone. This is an image of grace and mercy for all of us to follow. Here at church, we are have a party each week, even if it's sometimes hard for people to recognize. But there is a second part of the story. One of the guests does not have a wedding robe and is thrown out. This reminds us that we are invited to God's banquet at no cost, but there are responsibilities. Once the banquet is over, we are called to go out and create a travelling banquet--to be the banquet for the world. A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Isaiah 25:1-9; Psalm 23; Philippians 4:1-9; Matthew 22: 1-14 -------------------------------------------------------- Today's Gospel is a strange story about a king who gives a banquet, but the invited guests all say no, so the king sends servants out to gather everyone. This is an image of grace and mercy for all of us to follow. Here at church, we are have a party each week, even if it's sometimes hard for people to recognize. But there is a second part of the story. One of the guests does not have a wedding robe and is thrown out. This reminds us that we are invited to God's banquet at no cost, but there are responsibilities. Once the banquet is over, we are called to go out and create a travelling banquet--to be the banquet for the world. Sun, 12 Oct 2008 14:50:00 -1000 http://www.lchwelcome.org/sermons/2008/sermon08-10-12.mp3 no 11:43 Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Isaiah 5:1-7; Psalm 80:7-14; Philippians 3:4b-14; Matthew 21:33-46 -------------------------------------------------------- Today's Gospel about the vineyard is both easy to understand and vexing because it calls us to think about our Lutheran Gospel of grace--that there is nothing we can or should do to earn salvation. This text reminds us that God does expect us to bear good fruit. We need to ask over and over what kind of fruit we bear as individuals and as a church. There is a free ride with God's grace and love, and at the same time, everything in the vineyard belongs to God, and we are tenants or stewards who are called to make sure the vineyard flourishes and bears fruit. A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Isaiah 5:1-7; Psalm 80:7-14; Philippians 3:4b-14; Matthew 21:33-46 -------------------------------------------------------- Today's Gospel about the vineyard is both easy to understand and vexing because it calls us to think about our Lutheran Gospel of grace--that there is nothing we can or should do to earn salvation. This text reminds us that God does expect us to bear good fruit. We need to ask over and over what kind of fruit we bear as individuals and as a church. There is a free ride with God's grace and love, and at the same time, everything in the vineyard belongs to God, and we are tenants or stewards who are called to make sure the vineyard flourishes and bears fruit. Sun, 5 Oct 2008 14:00:00 -1000 http://www.lchwelcome.org/sermons/2008/sermon08-10-05.mp3 no 12:20 Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32; Psalm 25:1-8; Philippians 2:1-13; Matthew 21:23-16 -------------------------------------------------------- We can identify with the religious leaders in today's Gospel who ask where Jesus' authority came from. We know that human authority often comes from money or power, but the lesson in Philippians tells us that divine authority comes from emptying self and from humility. The current world situation tempts us to respond to power in politics or fear in economics, but God calls us to be stewards in the vineyard. God calls us to be transformed and not to respond to threats and fear but to respond by following the way of the cross. A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32; Psalm 25:1-8; Philippians 2:1-13; Matthew 21:23-16 -------------------------------------------------------- We can identify with the religious leaders in today's Gospel who ask where Jesus' authority came from. We know that human authority often comes from money or power, but the lesson in Philippians tells us that divine authority comes from emptying self and from humility. The current world situation tempts us to respond to power in politics or fear in economics, but God calls us to be stewards in the vineyard. God calls us to be transformed and not to respond to threats and fear but to respond by following the way of the cross. Sun, 28 Sep 2008 14:20:00 -1000 http://www.lchwelcome.org/sermons/2008/sermon08-09-28.mp3 no 16:52 Pastor P. J. Sabbithi A sermon preached by Pastor P. J. Sabbithi A sermon preached by Pastor P. J. Sabbithi -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Jonah 3:10-4:11; Psalm 145:1-8; Philippians 1:21-30; Matthew 20:1-16 -------------------------------------------------------- People frequently complain "It's not fair." Jesus spoke the parable in today's Gospel in that kind of a situation--when Peter told Jesus that the disciples had left everything for his sake. In the parable of the householder who hires workers for his vineyard, there are two things to remember. First, God is generous, not to the faithful, but to those who come late. The workers who started at daybreak complain just like Jonah when God is merciful to Nineveh. This is a question of justice and not fairness. Second, God is gracious. God's justice transcends our idea of fairness and teaches us to look at inequity with new eyes. The Good News is not about fairness. It is not fair that Christ was crucified for us; it shows us that God is generous and gracious. A sermon preached by Pastor P. J. Sabbithi -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Jonah 3:10-4:11; Psalm 145:1-8; Philippians 1:21-30; Matthew 20:1-16 -------------------------------------------------------- People frequently complain "It's not fair." Jesus spoke the parable in today's Gospel in that kind of a situation--when Peter told Jesus that the disciples had left everything for his sake. In the parable of the householder who hires workers for his vineyard, there are two things to remember. First, God is generous, not to the faithful, but to those who come late. The workers who started at daybreak complain just like Jonah when God is merciful to Nineveh. This is a question of justice and not fairness. Second, God is gracious. God's justice transcends our idea of fairness and teaches us to look at inequity with new eyes. The Good News is not about fairness. It is not fair that Christ was crucified for us; it shows us that God is generous and gracious. Sun, 21 Sep 2008 15:00:00 -1000 http://www.lchwelcome.org/sermons/2008/sermon08-09-21.mp3 no 20:10 Pastor Dan Werning A sermon preached by Pastor Dan Werning A sermon preached by Pastor Dan Werning -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Numbers 21:4b-9 Psalm 98:1-5; 1 Corinthians 1:18-24; John 3:13-17 -------------------------------------------------------- This is one of those rare occasions where all three lessons talk about the same question: how are we saved by God. This, of course, relates to the question of God's existence, which Paul talks about in Corinthians. Paul concludes that the power of God is in Christ on the cross, which seems like foolishness but is true wisdom. John 3:16 is a wonderful verse, but my favorite is the next one, which says that God did not send Christ to condemn the world but that we might be saved. The bottom line is that if we look to Christ on the cross, we will be saved. A sermon preached by Pastor Dan Werning -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Numbers 21:4b-9 Psalm 98:1-5; 1 Corinthians 1:18-24; John 3:13-17 -------------------------------------------------------- This is one of those rare occasions where all three lessons talk about the same question: how are we saved by God. This, of course, relates to the question of God's existence, which Paul talks about in Corinthians. Paul concludes that the power of God is in Christ on the cross, which seems like foolishness but is true wisdom. John 3:16 is a wonderful verse, but my favorite is the next one, which says that God did not send Christ to condemn the world but that we might be saved. The bottom line is that if we look to Christ on the cross, we will be saved. Sun, 14 Sep 2008 13:40:00 -1000 http://www.lchwelcome.org/sermons/2008/sermon08-09-14.mp3 no 18:54 Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Ezekiel 33:7-11; Psalm 119:33-40; Romans 13:8-14; Matthew 18:15-20 -------------------------------------------------------- In this week's Gospel, Jesus gives practical advice about dealing with misunderstandings. First go to the person privately; if that doesn't work, take one two people with you; and finally, tell the whole church. This must be connected to the promise that where two or three are gathered together, Jesus is with them. If we behaved this way, the church and the world would be better. There is great power if we gather together, uphold each other, and hold each other to account. A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Ezekiel 33:7-11; Psalm 119:33-40; Romans 13:8-14; Matthew 18:15-20 -------------------------------------------------------- In this week's Gospel, Jesus gives practical advice about dealing with misunderstandings. First go to the person privately; if that doesn't work, take one two people with you; and finally, tell the whole church. This must be connected to the promise that where two or three are gathered together, Jesus is with them. If we behaved this way, the church and the world would be better. There is great power if we gather together, uphold each other, and hold each other to account. Sun, 7 Sep 2008 15:00:00 -1000 http://www.lchwelcome.org/sermons/2008/sermon08-09-07.mp3 no 12:17 Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Jeremiah 15:15-21; Psalm 26:1-8; Romans 12:9-1; Matthew 16:21-28 -------------------------------------------------------- In last week's Gospel, Peter got it right that Jesus was the Messiah, but this week he has it all wrong. The news that Jesus would suffer and die was bitter, and Peter wanted to stop it. But Jesus had a different view of the Messiah that moves us from self interest to a deeper vision. Jesus's announcement that we must pick up our crosses and follow him is a tough sell. In the Epistle, Paul talks about genuine love that sacrifices self for others, but through it all, Christ remains with us. This life of genuine community begin here in church--in the home of the cross--and goes with us into the world. A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Jeremiah 15:15-21; Psalm 26:1-8; Romans 12:9-1; Matthew 16:21-28 -------------------------------------------------------- In last week's Gospel, Peter got it right that Jesus was the Messiah, but this week he has it all wrong. The news that Jesus would suffer and die was bitter, and Peter wanted to stop it. But Jesus had a different view of the Messiah that moves us from self interest to a deeper vision. Jesus's announcement that we must pick up our crosses and follow him is a tough sell. In the Epistle, Paul talks about genuine love that sacrifices self for others, but through it all, Christ remains with us. This life of genuine community begin here in church--in the home of the cross--and goes with us into the world. Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:30:00 -1000 http://www.lchwelcome.org/sermons/2008/sermon08-08-31.mp3 no 13:13 Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Isaiah 51:1-6; Psalm 138; Romans 12:1-8; Matthew 16:13-20 -------------------------------------------------------- Much of what we have done over the years in churches has been to try to make people conform, to be acceptable to God, to make everyone look and sound alike. People are comfortable in communities of faith that reflect themselves, and not many search for churches that challenge them. But Jesus was more interested in transformation than conformation. In today's Gospel, Jesus is not looking for the stock answer to the question about who he is. Peter had the transformational answer that Jesus is the Messiah. God is like a potter working on a wheel. Each piece is unique, just as we are all unique. Each piece is beautiful but not perfect, finished but not complete. I pray that we will always be God's art in the world for the sake of the world. A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Isaiah 51:1-6; Psalm 138; Romans 12:1-8; Matthew 16:13-20 -------------------------------------------------------- Much of what we have done over the years in churches has been to try to make people conform, to be acceptable to God, to make everyone look and sound alike. People are comfortable in communities of faith that reflect themselves, and not many search for churches that challenge them. But Jesus was more interested in transformation than conformation. In today's Gospel, Jesus is not looking for the stock answer to the question about who he is. Peter had the transformational answer that Jesus is the Messiah. God is like a potter working on a wheel. Each piece is unique, just as we are all unique. Each piece is beautiful but not perfect, finished but not complete. I pray that we will always be God's art in the world for the sake of the world. Sun, 24 Aug 2008 22:00:00 -1000 http://www.lchwelcome.org/sermons/2008/sermon08-08-24.mp3 no 12:30 Pastor Seminarian Jacob Burkman A sermon preached by Seminarian Jacob Burkman A sermon preached by Seminarian Jacob Burkman -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Isaiah 56:1, 6-8; Psalm 67; Romans 11: 1-2a, 29-32; Matthew 15:10-28 -------------------------------------------------------- A few weeks ago in my clinical pastoral training, I talked with a young man who seemed sure to die soon, but he was a person of faith. Today's Gospel tells of Jesus facing the question of what makes a person unclean. This points out a difference between the Hebrew concept of ritual uncleanness and the Greek concept of sinfulness. It is difficult for us to understand because of cultural distance. The Canaanite woman was also culturally distant from Jesus, but through her faith in Jesus, should could be joined to God. Isaiah had told about a time when the stranger would be welcome. Often we say that the journey is more important than the destination, but being joined to God is much more important than how we get there. This week, as I finish up my clinical pastoral training, I visited that young man again. This time he was sitting up and breathing on his own--a man of faith who had been healed. A sermon preached by Seminarian Jacob Burkman -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Isaiah 56:1, 6-8; Psalm 67; Romans 11: 1-2a, 29-32; Matthew 15:10-28 -------------------------------------------------------- A few weeks ago in my clinical pastoral training, I talked with a young man who seemed sure to die soon, but he was a person of faith. Today's Gospel tells of Jesus facing the question of what makes a person unclean. This points out a difference between the Hebrew concept of ritual uncleanness and the Greek concept of sinfulness. It is difficult for us to understand because of cultural distance. The Canaanite woman was also culturally distant from Jesus, but through her faith in Jesus, should could be joined to God. Isaiah had told about a time when the stranger would be welcome. Often we say that the journey is more important than the destination, but being joined to God is much more important than how we get there. This week, as I finish up my clinical pastoral training, I visited that young man again. This time he was sitting up and breathing on his own--a man of faith who had been healed. Sun, 24 Aug 2008 21:30:00 -1000 http://www.lchwelcome.org/sermons/2008/sermon08-08-17.mp3 no 13:28 Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: I Kings 19:9-18; Psalm 85:8-13; Romans 10:5-15; Matthew 14:22-33 -------------------------------------------------------- In today's familiar Gospel of Jesus walking on the water, we don't know why the disciples are in the boat, only that Jesus told them to stay there. We call the church space where we worship the Nave--a word that comes from the Latin word for boat. It is a place that keeps us safe, so we are tempted to stay here and not venture out on the sea. But a boat is of no use tied up at the dock. Jesus wants us to go out in the chaotic sea of life in this boat. We often focus on Peter in this story, but we should look at the other disciples who stayed in the boat. From this story, we learn that we should keep our eyes focused on Jesus and we cannot keep our boat tied up at the shore. It is time to cast loose the dock line and take a risk to be witnesses in God's ocean. A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: I Kings 19:9-18; Psalm 85:8-13; Romans 10:5-15; Matthew 14:22-33 -------------------------------------------------------- In today's familiar Gospel of Jesus walking on the water, we don't know why the disciples are in the boat, only that Jesus told them to stay there. We call the church space where we worship the Nave--a word that comes from the Latin word for boat. It is a place that keeps us safe, so we are tempted to stay here and not venture out on the sea. But a boat is of no use tied up at the dock. Jesus wants us to go out in the chaotic sea of life in this boat. We often focus on Peter in this story, but we should look at the other disciples who stayed in the boat. From this story, we learn that we should keep our eyes focused on Jesus and we cannot keep our boat tied up at the shore. It is time to cast loose the dock line and take a risk to be witnesses in God's ocean. Sun, 10 Aug 2008 13:30:00 -1000 http://www.lchwelcome.org/sermons/2008/sermon08-08-10.mp3 no 15:05 Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Isaiah 55:1-5; Psalm 145: 8-9, 15-22; Romans 9:1-5; Matthew 14:13-21 -------------------------------------------------------- Isaiah invites us to eat and drink, and then he asks why we spend for things that do not satisfy. These words really bring light to the story in today's Gospel of the feeding of the five thousand. These days there are so many things we think we cannot live without. They are not evil in themselves, but they cannot give life. God pours out life abundantly and for free. What gives us life is not stuff but relationships, especially with God who loves us. Jesus fed five thousand with twelve baskets to spare. God continues to lay out a feast for us each week. Wafers and sips of wine don't seem like much, but they are the food that binds us together as no device can. Listen to the prophet, "Ho! Come and eat and drink!" A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Isaiah 55:1-5; Psalm 145: 8-9, 15-22; Romans 9:1-5; Matthew 14:13-21 -------------------------------------------------------- Isaiah invites us to eat and drink, and then he asks why we spend for things that do not satisfy. These words really bring light to the story in today's Gospel of the feeding of the five thousand. These days there are so many things we think we cannot live without. They are not evil in themselves, but they cannot give life. God pours out life abundantly and for free. What gives us life is not stuff but relationships, especially with God who loves us. Jesus fed five thousand with twelve baskets to spare. God continues to lay out a feast for us each week. Wafers and sips of wine don't seem like much, but they are the food that binds us together as no device can. Listen to the prophet, "Ho! Come and eat and drink!" Sun, 3 Aug 2008 13:50:00 -1000 http://www.lchwelcome.org/sermons/2008/sermon08-08-03.mp3 no 13:51 Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: I Kings 3:5-12; Psalm 119:129-136; Romans 8: 26-39; Matthew 13: 31-33, 44-52 -------------------------------------------------------- In today's Gospel, Jesus says the kingdom of heaven is like five different things that are hidden away. These stories seem easy, but it is confusing because Jesus also says the kingdom of God is at hand. The kingdom of God is more than that. It is not a spectacular, bejewelled presence but a tiny word that changes everything. My life changed when I found a church that welcomed everyone, no matter what. That's just a little thing, but it changes everything. The kingdom of heaven is God's invitation to be at home at the cross and table. It is God active through you. A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: I Kings 3:5-12; Psalm 119:129-136; Romans 8: 26-39; Matthew 13: 31-33, 44-52 -------------------------------------------------------- In today's Gospel, Jesus says the kingdom of heaven is like five different things that are hidden away. These stories seem easy, but it is confusing because Jesus also says the kingdom of God is at hand. The kingdom of God is more than that. It is not a spectacular, bejewelled presence but a tiny word that changes everything. My life changed when I found a church that welcomed everyone, no matter what. That's just a little thing, but it changes everything. The kingdom of heaven is God's invitation to be at home at the cross and table. It is God active through you. Sun, 27 Jul 2008 13:40:00 -1000 http://www.lchwelcome.org/sermons/2008/sermon08-07-27.mp3 no 11:28 Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Isaiah 44:6-8; Psalm 86: 11-17; Romans 8:12-25; Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -------------------------------------------------------- My first parish was in the Kansas wheat country. It was exciting to watch the planting and then wait for the rain to come and turn the brown ground into a gorgeous green. A farmer was proud if his wheat field was not surrounded by a ring of weeds, and many would have gone in with tweezers to pull up the weeds if they could have. Today's Gospel talks about wheat and weeds. Every congregation has both, and some try to tear out the weeks. But the harder we try to perfect the kingdom up front, the less fun the kingdom ends up being. If we let wheat and weeds grow together, the weeds become more wheat-like, and the wheat becomes more interesting. We need to let God work out the harvest. God has sown good Word in you. The wheat is growing, and the weeds are among it. The key may be just to grow up. A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Isaiah 44:6-8; Psalm 86: 11-17; Romans 8:12-25; Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 -------------------------------------------------------- My first parish was in the Kansas wheat country. It was exciting to watch the planting and then wait for the rain to come and turn the brown ground into a gorgeous green. A farmer was proud if his wheat field was not surrounded by a ring of weeds, and many would have gone in with tweezers to pull up the weeds if they could have. Today's Gospel talks about wheat and weeds. Every congregation has both, and some try to tear out the weeks. But the harder we try to perfect the kingdom up front, the less fun the kingdom ends up being. If we let wheat and weeds grow together, the weeds become more wheat-like, and the wheat becomes more interesting. We need to let God work out the harvest. God has sown good Word in you. The wheat is growing, and the weeds are among it. The key may be just to grow up. Sun, 20 Jul 2008 14:00:00 -1000 http://www.lchwelcome.org/sermons/2008/sermon08-07-20.mp3 no 12:35 Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Isaiah 55:10-13; Psalm 65: 9-14; Romans 8:1-11; Matthew 13: 1-9, 18-23 -------------------------------------------------------- Today's Gospel lesson of the sower comes up over and over in the lectionary, and we usually think of it in a narrow way following the explanation Jesus gives in Matthew. We think it is about seed falling on poor soil. However, when we consider this in the light of Isaiah--who tells us that God says, "My word will not return to me empty"--we can see something different. In the parable, God is the sower. Each year farmers do something extraordinary. They put up everything they have to borrow money so they can plant a crop, and then they sow that crop and hope and pray that they have a good harvest. And good farmers sow abundantly in every field in hopes that at least some will be productive. We in the church are used to spreading the seeds of God's word sparingly, but we are called to sow extravagantly and to trust the promise in Isaiah that God's word will pour down like rain. We know that God's word will do God's work. Our part is to spread the word to the whole world. A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Isaiah 55:10-13; Psalm 65: 9-14; Romans 8:1-11; Matthew 13: 1-9, 18-23 -------------------------------------------------------- Today's Gospel lesson of the sower comes up over and over in the lectionary, and we usually think of it in a narrow way following the explanation Jesus gives in Matthew. We think it is about seed falling on poor soil. However, when we consider this in the light of Isaiah--who tells us that God says, "My word will not return to me empty"--we can see something different. In the parable, God is the sower. Each year farmers do something extraordinary. They put up everything they have to borrow money so they can plant a crop, and then they sow that crop and hope and pray that they have a good harvest. And good farmers sow abundantly in every field in hopes that at least some will be productive. We in the church are used to spreading the seeds of God's word sparingly, but we are called to sow extravagantly and to trust the promise in Isaiah that God's word will pour down like rain. We know that God's word will do God's work. Our part is to spread the word to the whole world. Sun, 13 Jul 2008 16:00:00 -1000 http://www.lchwelcome.org/sermons/2008/sermon08-07-13.mp3 no 14:23 Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Zechariah 9:9-12; Psalm 145:8-15; Romans 7:15-25a; Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -------------------------------------------------------- In Matthew, Jesus' ministry begins to come under fire. He is not living up to the expectations society has of a good teacher, and they find fault with what he does and doesn't do. Paul tells us that as human beings, we have a twistedness. We intend to be good people, but we can't follow through. We can whine and complain about this, we can be sad about it, or we can understand it through the eyes of faith. There is a brokenness in us that longs to be healed. We are not prisoners of despair but, as Zechariah says, prisoners of hope. As much as we fall short, Jesus calls us back and makes our brokenness whole. Even in the most broken community, the stronghold of hope abides. A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Zechariah 9:9-12; Psalm 145:8-15; Romans 7:15-25a; Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 -------------------------------------------------------- In Matthew, Jesus' ministry begins to come under fire. He is not living up to the expectations society has of a good teacher, and they find fault with what he does and doesn't do. Paul tells us that as human beings, we have a twistedness. We intend to be good people, but we can't follow through. We can whine and complain about this, we can be sad about it, or we can understand it through the eyes of faith. There is a brokenness in us that longs to be healed. We are not prisoners of despair but, as Zechariah says, prisoners of hope. As much as we fall short, Jesus calls us back and makes our brokenness whole. Even in the most broken community, the stronghold of hope abides. Sun, 6 Jul 2008 13:00:00 -1000 http://www.lchwelcome.org/sermons/2008/sermon08-07-06.mp3 no 10:30 Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Acts 12:1-11 Psalm 87:1-3, 5-7; 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18; John 21:15-19 -------------------------------------------------------- In the lesson from Acts, Herod has decided the Christians are getting too pesky, so he has Peter bound and put in prison. God sets Peter free, and he goes out to spread the word. Modern Christians may have trouble relating to this because we are not in danger of prison, but in many ways the modern church is bound in a prison of our own making. We are bound by our own desires and habits, by our apathy, and by our fear that stops us from taking risks because people may leave. God does not give us this church to sit comfortably and await the second coming. We have been given the church to go out on a mission and spread the Good News of God who is alive, present with us, and turning the key on the chains that bind us. God is unbinding us, sending us out, and stretching us in ministry. A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Acts 12:1-11 Psalm 87:1-3, 5-7; 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18; John 21:15-19 -------------------------------------------------------- In the lesson from Acts, Herod has decided the Christians are getting too pesky, so he has Peter bound and put in prison. God sets Peter free, and he goes out to spread the word. Modern Christians may have trouble relating to this because we are not in danger of prison, but in many ways the modern church is bound in a prison of our own making. We are bound by our own desires and habits, by our apathy, and by our fear that stops us from taking risks because people may leave. God does not give us this church to sit comfortably and await the second coming. We have been given the church to go out on a mission and spread the Good News of God who is alive, present with us, and turning the key on the chains that bind us. God is unbinding us, sending us out, and stretching us in ministry. Sun, 29 Jun 2008 17:30:00 -1000 http://www.lchwelcome.org/sermons/2008/sermon08-06-29.mp3 no 10:16 Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Jeremiah 20: 7-13; Psalm 69: 7-10, 16, 18; Romans 6: 1b-11; Matthew 10: 24-39 -------------------------------------------------------- I grew up with an image of Jesus as a really nice guy. This was partly from immaturity and partly because of a poor Sunday School curriculum that did not teach a passionate and dangerous Jesus. We have been led to expect a Jesus who will make everything OK, but in today's Gospel, Jesus says "I have not come to bring peace but a sword.' I had a friend in seminary who grew up in an agnostic family and had come to church because the people were nice, but he stayed because he found something deeper and more challenging. His family could not understand his choice, but he decide that the Gospel was more important than family. Jesus calls us to a commitment that goes beyond self interest. In the church, we need to be able to fight over important issues like what to believe. Any time we have something else that is more important than God, we will create conflict; but when we love God more than anything else, the conflict will be created for us. We can fight and make mistakes, and God will still claim us as God's children. So, put away the nice Jesus and embrace the dangerous Jesus who calls us to deep devotion to God. A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Jeremiah 20: 7-13; Psalm 69: 7-10, 16, 18; Romans 6: 1b-11; Matthew 10: 24-39 -------------------------------------------------------- I grew up with an image of Jesus as a really nice guy. This was partly from immaturity and partly because of a poor Sunday School curriculum that did not teach a passionate and dangerous Jesus. We have been led to expect a Jesus who will make everything OK, but in today's Gospel, Jesus says "I have not come to bring peace but a sword.' I had a friend in seminary who grew up in an agnostic family and had come to church because the people were nice, but he stayed because he found something deeper and more challenging. His family could not understand his choice, but he decide that the Gospel was more important than family. Jesus calls us to a commitment that goes beyond self interest. In the church, we need to be able to fight over important issues like what to believe. Any time we have something else that is more important than God, we will create conflict; but when we love God more than anything else, the conflict will be created for us. We can fight and make mistakes, and God will still claim us as God's children. So, put away the nice Jesus and embrace the dangerous Jesus who calls us to deep devotion to God. Tue, 24 Jun 2008 18:30:00 -1000 http://www.lchwelcome.org/sermons/2008/sermon08-06-22.mp3 no 10:16 Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Exodus 19: 2-8a; Psalm 100; Romans 5: 1-8; Matthew 9: 35-10: 23 -------------------------------------------------------- Today's Gospel has enough material for 29 sermons, but here is the key: "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest." The twelve apostles are the laborers sent out into the world to preach the word and love of God. The instructions given to the apostles are difficult for people to hear in our modern world. Many churches take these instructions to be about money and people in the pews, so it is no wonder that people run from the word evangelism. But Jesus sent the apostles out with a message the world wants to hear: The kingdom of God is at hand, the present hopelessness is overcome. Ponder the image that we are God's love letters. God does not want anything but to love us. So the question is this: What would it take for you to be willing to be God's letter to the world? A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Exodus 19: 2-8a; Psalm 100; Romans 5: 1-8; Matthew 9: 35-10: 23 -------------------------------------------------------- Today's Gospel has enough material for 29 sermons, but here is the key: "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest." The twelve apostles are the laborers sent out into the world to preach the word and love of God. The instructions given to the apostles are difficult for people to hear in our modern world. Many churches take these instructions to be about money and people in the pews, so it is no wonder that people run from the word evangelism. But Jesus sent the apostles out with a message the world wants to hear: The kingdom of God is at hand, the present hopelessness is overcome. Ponder the image that we are God's love letters. God does not want anything but to love us. So the question is this: What would it take for you to be willing to be God's letter to the world? Sun, 15 Jun 2008 22:00:00 -1000 http://www.lchwelcome.org/sermons/2008/sermon08-06-15.mp3 no 10:16 Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Hosea 5: 15-6: 6; Psalm 50: 7-15; Romans 4: 13-25; Matthew 9: 9-13, 18-26 -------------------------------------------------------- Who is welcome at the Table of the Lord? This is a question the church has struggled with for centuries. Most churches say everyone is welcome, but the Gospel sets a high standard. When we are clearest about ourselves, we admit we are selective about the people we eat with, those we welcome. Jesus has a different idea about who the right people are. He calls Levi, a tax collector, as his disciples and then invites him to dinner, but this upsets the religious leaders of this day. We have all experienced the church being this way--both as giver and receiver. When the woman touches Jesus, he heals her without asking who she is and without telling her to wait her turn after the leader of the synagogue who had asked first. Our challenge is to be able to swing wide the gates and invite everyone to a rich meal overflowing with grace. Then we will hear Jesus say about the church what he said about the little girl: "She is not dead; she is just sleeping." A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Hosea 5: 15-6: 6; Psalm 50: 7-15; Romans 4: 13-25; Matthew 9: 9-13, 18-26 -------------------------------------------------------- Who is welcome at the Table of the Lord? This is a question the church has struggled with for centuries. Most churches say everyone is welcome, but the Gospel sets a high standard. When we are clearest about ourselves, we admit we are selective about the people we eat with, those we welcome. Jesus has a different idea about who the right people are. He calls Levi, a tax collector, as his disciples and then invites him to dinner, but this upsets the religious leaders of this day. We have all experienced the church being this way--both as giver and receiver. When the woman touches Jesus, he heals her without asking who she is and without telling her to wait her turn after the leader of the synagogue who had asked first. Our challenge is to be able to swing wide the gates and invite everyone to a rich meal overflowing with grace. Then we will hear Jesus say about the church what he said about the little girl: "She is not dead; she is just sleeping." Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:25:00 -1000 http://www.lchwelcome.org/sermons/2008/sermon08-06-08.mp3 no 12:37 Seminarian Jacob Burkman A sermon preached by Seminarian Jacob Burkman A sermon preached by Seminarian Jacob Burkman -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Deuteronomy 11:18-21; Psalm 31:1-5, 19-24; Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-31; Matthew 7:21-29 -------------------------------------------------------- As Christians, we establish our identity in Christ, and seminary forces one to look inward. Being a disciple of Jesus is not dangerous these days, but it is still a challenge. Today's Gospel says that we must do more than call Jesus Lord; we have to serve and benefit others. Jesus also says that we must do the will of the Father, but this is not always easy to discern. Our relationship with God is made right through faith, which is a gift of God. We are urged to build our houses on the firm foundation of Christ. This is not easy, but it gives us the foundation for a future of hope. A sermon preached by Seminarian Jacob Burkman -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Deuteronomy 11:18-21; Psalm 31:1-5, 19-24; Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-31; Matthew 7:21-29 -------------------------------------------------------- As Christians, we establish our identity in Christ, and seminary forces one to look inward. Being a disciple of Jesus is not dangerous these days, but it is still a challenge. Today's Gospel says that we must do more than call Jesus Lord; we have to serve and benefit others. Jesus also says that we must do the will of the Father, but this is not always easy to discern. Our relationship with God is made right through faith, which is a gift of God. We are urged to build our houses on the firm foundation of Christ. This is not easy, but it gives us the foundation for a future of hope. Sun, 1 Jun 2008 14:35:00 -1000 http://www.lchwelcome.org/sermons/2008/sermon08-06-01.mp3 no 12:11 Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Isaiah 49:8-16a; Psalm 131; 1 Corinthians 4:1-5; Matthew 6:24-34 -------------------------------------------------------- Today's Gospel says, "Do not worry about your life." This is one of my favorite scriptures because I need to hear it so often. Some call it philosophy, but it is truly theology because it talks about how we live in relationship with God. We cannot serve two masters, but many of us are not satisfied with what we have. We are always looking to the past or the future. We are bombarded by messages the we need something to meet someone else's expectations. Jesus says, "Don't worry." Know that God loves you. Rather than thinking about what you will wear or eat, be concerned about what your neighbor will wear (or not wear), will eat (or not eat). It is not our clothes or home; it is the love of God that defends us. Don't worry about tomorrow; today's trouble is enough. And today's grace is sufficient for today--and for tomorrow. A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Isaiah 49:8-16a; Psalm 131; 1 Corinthians 4:1-5; Matthew 6:24-34 -------------------------------------------------------- Today's Gospel says, "Do not worry about your life." This is one of my favorite scriptures because I need to hear it so often. Some call it philosophy, but it is truly theology because it talks about how we live in relationship with God. We cannot serve two masters, but many of us are not satisfied with what we have. We are always looking to the past or the future. We are bombarded by messages the we need something to meet someone else's expectations. Jesus says, "Don't worry." Know that God loves you. Rather than thinking about what you will wear or eat, be concerned about what your neighbor will wear (or not wear), will eat (or not eat). It is not our clothes or home; it is the love of God that defends us. Don't worry about tomorrow; today's trouble is enough. And today's grace is sufficient for today--and for tomorrow. Wed, 11 Jun 2008 21:00:00 -1000 http://www.lchwelcome.org/sermons/2008/sermon08-05-25.mp3 no 13:45 Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Genesis 1: 1-2: 4a; Psalm 8; 2 Corinthians 13: 11-13; Matthew 28: 16-20 -------------------------------------------------------- Today's lessons include two powerful stories that helps us think about the relationships that make up the Trinity. In the creation story, we hear how God speaks creation into being and sets humans as stewards in relationship with that creation. In the story from Matthew, Jesus sends the disciples out to baptize and be stewards of people. As we know from the parable of the sewers, the garden of creation has different soils. Some places--like LCH--have good soil, but what kind of stewards or gardeners will we be? These lessons tell us that we are stewards of both God's creation and of God's people. How will we respond? A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Genesis 1: 1-2: 4a; Psalm 8; 2 Corinthians 13: 11-13; Matthew 28: 16-20 -------------------------------------------------------- Today's lessons include two powerful stories that helps us think about the relationships that make up the Trinity. In the creation story, we hear how God speaks creation into being and sets humans as stewards in relationship with that creation. In the story from Matthew, Jesus sends the disciples out to baptize and be stewards of people. As we know from the parable of the sewers, the garden of creation has different soils. Some places--like LCH--have good soil, but what kind of stewards or gardeners will we be? These lessons tell us that we are stewards of both God's creation and of God's people. How will we respond? Sun, 18 May 2008 14:30:00 -1000 http://www.lchwelcome.org/sermons/2008/sermon08-05-18.mp3 no 12:21 Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Acts 2: 1-21; Psalm 104; I Corinthians 12:3b-13; John 7: 37-39 -------------------------------------------------------- In the Pentecost story the Holy Spirit comes in a mighty rush of wind and tongues of fire. It was a spectacular scene. But that was not the most wonderful part of the story. There were people gathered from all over the world, and the disciples went out and preached to them in their own languages. At the beginning of the story, the disciples are afraid and hiding in the room. What brought this about? It could only have been the Holy Spirit. Paul talks about the gifts of the Spirit. There are a variety of gifts, but they all move us out of our area of comfort into the places where we are called. It is tempting to remain in this enclosed space, but the Spirit is not in this building. It is in you. The power of the Pentecost story is not the there were wind and flames. It is that the Spirit moved the disciples into the world to give that Spirit away. Will we give it away as well? A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Acts 2: 1-21; Psalm 104; I Corinthians 12:3b-13; John 7: 37-39 -------------------------------------------------------- In the Pentecost story the Holy Spirit comes in a mighty rush of wind and tongues of fire. It was a spectacular scene. But that was not the most wonderful part of the story. There were people gathered from all over the world, and the disciples went out and preached to them in their own languages. At the beginning of the story, the disciples are afraid and hiding in the room. What brought this about? It could only have been the Holy Spirit. Paul talks about the gifts of the Spirit. There are a variety of gifts, but they all move us out of our area of comfort into the places where we are called. It is tempting to remain in this enclosed space, but the Spirit is not in this building. It is in you. The power of the Pentecost story is not the there were wind and flames. It is that the Spirit moved the disciples into the world to give that Spirit away. Will we give it away as well? Mon, 12 May 2008 06:30:00 -1000 http://www.lchwelcome.org/sermons/2008/sermon08-05-11.mp3 no 9:14 Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Acts 17: 22-31; Psalm 66: 1-8; I Peter 3: 13-22; John 14: 15-21 -------------------------------------------------------- In the gospel, Jesus says, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." It seems simple, but it is followed by the promise of the Paraclete. Obviously, Jesus knows we won't be able to do it. What is this commandment? To love one another. We are living in difficult times; people are afraid and wonder how they can even eat. When Jesus says he will send the Advocate, how do we hear it? One way is to believe it is true and be paracletos for others. God's love is designed to be given away, so you are God's advocates. Love God, love one another, and the world will be transformed. A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Acts 17: 22-31; Psalm 66: 1-8; I Peter 3: 13-22; John 14: 15-21 -------------------------------------------------------- In the gospel, Jesus says, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." It seems simple, but it is followed by the promise of the Paraclete. Obviously, Jesus knows we won't be able to do it. What is this commandment? To love one another. We are living in difficult times; people are afraid and wonder how they can even eat. When Jesus says he will send the Advocate, how do we hear it? One way is to believe it is true and be paracletos for others. God's love is designed to be given away, so you are God's advocates. Love God, love one another, and the world will be transformed. Sun, 27 Apr 2008 18:30:00 -1000 http://www.lchwelcome.org/sermons/2008/sermon08-04-27.mp3 no 8:36 Jim Sullivan A sermon preached by Jim Sullivan A sermon preached by Jim Sullivan -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Acts 7: 55-60; Psalm 31: 1-5, 15-16; I Peter 2: 2-10; John 14: 1-14 -------------------------------------------------------- When I agreed to preach, I hoped to find something in the lessons related to Earth Day, but it was difficult. I was always taught that the gospel lesson that "in my Father's house there are many mansions" related to life in heaven, but Earth Day is about living responsibly on Earth. But digging deeper, I see these lessons as being about relationship, and relationships are built on recognition, responsibility, and respect. Jesus is talking about being in one 'ohana (family)--whether through birth or adoption. Peter is also talking about a relationship with Christ the cornerstone. If the cornerstone is not set square, the building will not be in alignment. Numbers tell us that our world is not in alignment. It's like we have a credit card we never intend to pay off. We have an opportunity to look at our carbon footprint and take action. We can act responsibly and reduce, reuse, and recycle. Let's make room for relationship with God, with the Earth, and with each other. A sermon preached by Jim Sullivan -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Acts 7: 55-60; Psalm 31: 1-5, 15-16; I Peter 2: 2-10; John 14: 1-14 -------------------------------------------------------- When I agreed to preach, I hoped to find something in the lessons related to Earth Day, but it was difficult. I was always taught that the gospel lesson that "in my Father's house there are many mansions" related to life in heaven, but Earth Day is about living responsibly on Earth. But digging deeper, I see these lessons as being about relationship, and relationships are built on recognition, responsibility, and respect. Jesus is talking about being in one 'ohana (family)--whether through birth or adoption. Peter is also talking about a relationship with Christ the cornerstone. If the cornerstone is not set square, the building will not be in alignment. Numbers tell us that our world is not in alignment. It's like we have a credit card we never intend to pay off. We have an opportunity to look at our carbon footprint and take action. We can act responsibly and reduce, reuse, and recycle. Let's make room for relationship with God, with the Earth, and with each other. Sun, 20 Apr 2008 14:30:00 -1000 http://www.lchwelcome.org/sermons/2008/sermon08-04-20.mp3 no 11:50 Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Acts 2: 42-47; Psalm 23; I Peter 2: 19-25; John 10: 1-10 -------------------------------------------------------- We call this "Good Shepherd Sunday," but it"s really "Shepherd Gate Sunday." In the gospel, Jesus says, "I am the gate for the sheep." It doesn't attract much attention, but it's a powerful image. Some gates keep people out, others keep people in. Sometimes we want to interpret Jesus to keep people out, but this text shows Jesus as a gate to wlecome pople in. We see this on the cross where Jesus says, "I am here for you." Jesus is a cross-shaped gate that is always open for everyone. When Jesus left this world, we became his body, so we are both the sheep and the gate. What kind of gate will we be? A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Acts 2: 42-47; Psalm 23; I Peter 2: 19-25; John 10: 1-10 -------------------------------------------------------- We call this "Good Shepherd Sunday," but it"s really "Shepherd Gate Sunday." In the gospel, Jesus says, "I am the gate for the sheep." It doesn't attract much attention, but it's a powerful image. Some gates keep people out, others keep people in. Sometimes we want to interpret Jesus to keep people out, but this text shows Jesus as a gate to wlecome pople in. We see this on the cross where Jesus says, "I am here for you." Jesus is a cross-shaped gate that is always open for everyone. When Jesus left this world, we became his body, so we are both the sheep and the gate. What kind of gate will we be? Sun, 13 Apr 2008 16:30:00 -1000 http://www.lchwelcome.org/sermons/2008/sermon08-04-13.mp3 no 8:36 Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Acts 2: 14a, 36-41; Psalm 116: 10-17; I Peter 1: 17-23; Luke 24:13-35 -------------------------------------------------------- The other day I waved at an acquaintance, but he didn't recognize me because I was "out of context." This is what happened to the disciples on the road to Emmaus. Jesus had said he would arise, but in their heads, they were not ready to recognize it. Only when Jesus breaks bread with them do they recognize him. This is a powerful story of God surprising us with hope, but it is really a communion text. They did not know Jesus, but he communed with them. Even after years of study, we may not know what is happening in communion, but we are welcome. Some people cannot understand what keeps Christians hopeful in this troubled world. We are like the disciples who had their hopes dashed, but Christ came into their midst. And those disciples did not stay home after they recognized Jesus. They went back to Jerusalem. And they did not stay in the upper room. Peter went out and made a fool of himself proclaiming the good news. How will the world recognize Jesus? In the breaking of the bread--in all of you. A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Acts 2: 14a, 36-41; Psalm 116: 10-17; I Peter 1: 17-23; Luke 24:13-35 -------------------------------------------------------- The other day I waved at an acquaintance, but he didn't recognize me because I was "out of context." This is what happened to the disciples on the road to Emmaus. Jesus had said he would arise, but in their heads, they were not ready to recognize it. Only when Jesus breaks bread with them do they recognize him. This is a powerful story of God surprising us with hope, but it is really a communion text. They did not know Jesus, but he communed with them. Even after years of study, we may not know what is happening in communion, but we are welcome. Some people cannot understand what keeps Christians hopeful in this troubled world. We are like the disciples who had their hopes dashed, but Christ came into their midst. And those disciples did not stay home after they recognized Jesus. They went back to Jerusalem. And they did not stay in the upper room. Peter went out and made a fool of himself proclaiming the good news. How will the world recognize Jesus? In the breaking of the bread--in all of you. Sun, 6 Apr 2008 13:30:00 -1000 http://www.lchwelcome.org/sermons/2008/sermon08-04-06.mp3 no 11:37 Jim Niermann and Bob Zimmer A sermon preached by Jim Niermann and Bob Zimmer A sermon preached by Jim Niermann and Bob Zimmer -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Acts 2: 14a, 22-32; Psalm 16; I Peter 1: 3-9; John 20: 19-31 -------------------------------------------------------- In celebration of Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Sunday, two members of the congregation spoke about experiences in their lives that illustrate how being an inclusive congregation embodies the love of God and helps us all to be light for the world. A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Acts 2: 14a, 22-32; Psalm 16; I Peter 1: 3-9; John 20: 19-31 -------------------------------------------------------- In celebration of Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Sunday, two members of the congregation spoke about experiences in their lives that illustrate how being an inclusive congregation embodies the love of God and helps us all to be light for the world. Wed, 2 Apr 2008 06:30:00 -1000 http://www.lchwelcome.org/sermons/2008/sermon08-03-30.mp3 no 23:49 Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Jeremiah 31: 1-6; Psalm 118; Colossians 3: 1-4; Matthew 28: 1-10 -------------------------------------------------------- This is the day Jesus rises from the dead, and in Matthew it is an earthshaking event. Death has been defeated; the world is turned upside down. Jesus has changed the status quo, but we as individuals and as a church try to return to the status quo. It makes us nervous that Jesus has stirred everything up. But resurrection is not just something spectacular that happened to Jesus. It is something spectacular that happens for us. We fail God when we try to retrieve the status quo. Tell someone this good news! As long as we keep it to ourselves, we are keeping Jesus in the tomb. We need to let ourselves out of the tomb to be light for the world. Alleluia! Christ is risen! A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Jeremiah 31: 1-6; Psalm 118; Colossians 3: 1-4; Matthew 28: 1-10 -------------------------------------------------------- This is the day Jesus rises from the dead, and in Matthew it is an earthshaking event. Death has been defeated; the world is turned upside down. Jesus has changed the status quo, but we as individuals and as a church try to return to the status quo. It makes us nervous that Jesus has stirred everything up. But resurrection is not just something spectacular that happened to Jesus. It is something spectacular that happens for us. We fail God when we try to retrieve the status quo. Tell someone this good news! As long as we keep it to ourselves, we are keeping Jesus in the tomb. We need to let ourselves out of the tomb to be light for the world. Alleluia! Christ is risen! Sun, 23 Mar 2008 15:00:00 -1000 http://www.lchwelcome.org/sermons/2008/sermon08-03-23.mp3 no 7:51 Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Ezekiel 37: 1-14; Psalm 130; Romans 8: 6-11; John 11: 1-45 -------------------------------------------------------- What can we say about the story of the raising of Lazarus? The key is that, as Jesus said, "This is for the glory of God." Faith and grace and love are at the center of this story. Death does not have the last word. Life is about being light. We know about death from the story of Ezekiel. God does not leave the dry bones alone, just as Jesus does not leave Lazarus in the tomb. We know about death from the news of the world around us. There are bones everywhere, but God does not leave dry bones alone. God calls us from our dry bones to be light in this world that seems hopeless. Jesus saves Lazarus, and God saves us to be light. A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Ezekiel 37: 1-14; Psalm 130; Romans 8: 6-11; John 11: 1-45 -------------------------------------------------------- What can we say about the story of the raising of Lazarus? The key is that, as Jesus said, "This is for the glory of God." Faith and grace and love are at the center of this story. Death does not have the last word. Life is about being light. We know about death from the story of Ezekiel. God does not leave the dry bones alone, just as Jesus does not leave Lazarus in the tomb. We know about death from the news of the world around us. There are bones everywhere, but God does not leave dry bones alone. God calls us from our dry bones to be light in this world that seems hopeless. Jesus saves Lazarus, and God saves us to be light. Mon, 10 Mar 2008 20:30:00 -1000 http://www.lchwelcome.org/sermons/2008/sermon08-03-09.mp3 no 11:25 Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: I Samuel 16: 1-13; Psalm 23; Ephesians 5: 8-14; John 9: 1-41 -------------------------------------------------------- You"d think that there would have been celebration when Jesus gave sight to the man born blind, but there was a theological argument. The disciples asked who had sinned, and the Pharisees were upset that Jesus had broken the Sabbath rules. The point is the story is that God brought light into the world and good to someone who didn"t deserve it. God puts mud on our eyes and washes it out in the water of baptism so that we can see differently. What will we do with this gift? Do we want to be children of the light? A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: I Samuel 16: 1-13; Psalm 23; Ephesians 5: 8-14; John 9: 1-41 -------------------------------------------------------- You"d think that there would have been celebration when Jesus gave sight to the man born blind, but there was a theological argument. The disciples asked who had sinned, and the Pharisees were upset that Jesus had broken the Sabbath rules. The point is the story is that God brought light into the world and good to someone who didn"t deserve it. God puts mud on our eyes and washes it out in the water of baptism so that we can see differently. What will we do with this gift? Do we want to be children of the light? Sun, 2 Mar 2008 15:30:00 -1000 http://www.lchwelcome.org/sermons/2008/sermon08-03-02.mp3 no 10:54 Pastor J. P. Sabbithi A sermon preached by Pastor J. P. Sabbithi A sermon preached by Pastor J. P. Sabbithi -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Exodus 17: 1-7; Psalm 95: 6-11; Romans 5: 1-11; John 4: 5-42 -------------------------------------------------------- In the Hebrew scripture, the people are suffering without water, and God gives hope from the rock. In the gospel, the Samaritan woman is also without hope, and Jesus gives hope. When Jesus gives the woman hope, she runs to her village and becomes a missionary. We in the church are not a club for our own needs. We exist for those who have not heard, and we must begin where people are. Our lives must become gospel for others. A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Exodus 17: 1-7; Psalm 95: 6-11; Romans 5: 1-11; John 4: 5-42 -------------------------------------------------------- In the Hebrew scripture, the people are suffering without water, and God gives hope from the rock. In the gospel, the Samaritan woman is also without hope, and Jesus gives hope. When Jesus gives the woman hope, she runs to her village and becomes a missionary. We in the church are not a club for our own needs. We exist for those who have not heard, and we must begin where people are. Our lives must become gospel for others. Sun, 24 Feb 2008 14:30:00 -1000 http://www.lchwelcome.org/sermons/2008/sermon08-02-24.mp3 no 9:50 Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Genesis 2: 15-17; 3: 1-7; Psalm 32; Romans 5: 12-19; Matthew 4: 1-11 -------------------------------------------------------- Genesis describes the beginning of the relationship between God and humans. The first humans are set in a garden and given everything, except for the tree in the middle. The crafty one offers the fruit, and the relationship changes. The rest of the Bible tells what God does to mend that relationship. The story is about human disobedience, but it begins and ends with God's love. In the gospel, Satan tempts Jesus with scripture, and Jesus responds with scripture. Who should we trust? The one who is loyal to God. Jesus resists temptation because he knows who and whose he is. It was told in his baptism. We know who and whose we are because it was told in our baptisms. Satan cannot tempt us because God has given Godapos;s self. A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Genesis 2: 15-17; 3: 1-7; Psalm 32; Romans 5: 12-19; Matthew 4: 1-11 -------------------------------------------------------- Genesis describes the beginning of the relationship between God and humans. The first humans are set in a garden and given everything, except for the tree in the middle. The crafty one offers the fruit, and the relationship changes. The rest of the Bible tells what God does to mend that relationship. The story is about human disobedience, but it begins and ends with God's love. In the gospel, Satan tempts Jesus with scripture, and Jesus responds with scripture. Who should we trust? The one who is loyal to God. Jesus resists temptation because he knows who and whose he is. It was told in his baptism. We know who and whose we are because it was told in our baptisms. Satan cannot tempt us because God has given Godapos;s self. Sun, 10 Feb 2008 14:30:00 -1000 http://www.lchwelcome.org/sermons/2008/sermon08-02-10.mp3 no 9:50 Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17; Psalm 103:8-13; 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -------------------------------------------------------- Ash Wednesday is first about humility. Tonight dust was placed on your foreheads, and you were told, "Remember that you are dust." This is not what we expect in this era of self esteem. We are told that we are no different from the earth we walk on, and one day we will go back to the earth. Paul wonders what will happen between dust and dust. Jesus reminds us to go into the world full of repentence. We are dust that God loves so much that God gave God's son so we might live. A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17; Psalm 103:8-13; 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 -------------------------------------------------------- Ash Wednesday is first about humility. Tonight dust was placed on your foreheads, and you were told, "Remember that you are dust." This is not what we expect in this era of self esteem. We are told that we are no different from the earth we walk on, and one day we will go back to the earth. Paul wonders what will happen between dust and dust. Jesus reminds us to go into the world full of repentence. We are dust that God loves so much that God gave God's son so we might live. Sun, 10 Feb 2008 14:30:00 -1000 http://www.lchwelcome.org/sermons/2008/sermon08-02-06.mp3 no 5:06 Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Exodus 24: 12-18; Psalm 2; 2 Peter 1: 16-21; Matthew 17: 1-9 -------------------------------------------------------- In the gospel story of the Transfiguration, the disciples are up on the mountain and are astounded by what they saw. They did not know what to do. Peter was dazzled by the sight but missed what the voice was saying. Throughout his career, he could not do what Jesus said. It was only at Pentecost that he heard the voice and was transformed. We too often see he vision but miss the voice. We too are called not to withness the Transfiguration but to listen to the voice and be transformed for the world. A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Exodus 24: 12-18; Psalm 2; 2 Peter 1: 16-21; Matthew 17: 1-9 -------------------------------------------------------- In the gospel story of the Transfiguration, the disciples are up on the mountain and are astounded by what they saw. They did not know what to do. Peter was dazzled by the sight but missed what the voice was saying. Throughout his career, he could not do what Jesus said. It was only at Pentecost that he heard the voice and was transformed. We too often see he vision but miss the voice. We too are called not to withness the Transfiguration but to listen to the voice and be transformed for the world. Sun, 3 Feb 2008 15:40:00 -1000 http://www.lchwelcome.org/sermons/2008/sermon08-02-03.mp3 no 10:46 Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Isaiah 9: 1-4; Psalm 27; I Corinthians 1: 10-18; Matthew 4: 12-23 -------------------------------------------------------- Jesus says, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of people." They were simple fisher folk, just doing their jobs. They had no idea what was in store, but they followed. We recieve the same call. Just before this, Jesus is saying, "Repent." "Repent" just means turn around and go in a different direction, but it is an uncomfortable world today because it implies we may not be going in the right direction. However, repentence is our calling, our vocation. We are called to be baited into the love of God so that the whole world may be changed. A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Isaiah 9: 1-4; Psalm 27; I Corinthians 1: 10-18; Matthew 4: 12-23 -------------------------------------------------------- Jesus says, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of people." They were simple fisher folk, just doing their jobs. They had no idea what was in store, but they followed. We recieve the same call. Just before this, Jesus is saying, "Repent." "Repent" just means turn around and go in a different direction, but it is an uncomfortable world today because it implies we may not be going in the right direction. However, repentence is our calling, our vocation. We are called to be baited into the love of God so that the whole world may be changed. Sun, 27 Jan 2008 22:00:00 -1000 http://www.lchwelcome.org/sermons/2008/sermon08-01-27.mp3 no 10:23 Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Isaiah 49: 1-7; Psalm 40; I Corinthians 1: 1-9; John 1: 29-42 -------------------------------------------------------- What are you looking for? John the Baptist was looking for the Messiah, so he recognized Jesus as the Messiah and told others. What do we expect to find in church? If we expect to be bored, we will be. But, if we look for life-changing transformation, it may happen. God is present here in powerful and exciting ways. What do you expect? What are you looking for? A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Isaiah 49: 1-7; Psalm 40; I Corinthians 1: 1-9; John 1: 29-42 -------------------------------------------------------- What are you looking for? John the Baptist was looking for the Messiah, so he recognized Jesus as the Messiah and told others. What do we expect to find in church? If we expect to be bored, we will be. But, if we look for life-changing transformation, it may happen. God is present here in powerful and exciting ways. What do you expect? What are you looking for? Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:20:00 -1000 http://www.lchwelcome.org/sermons/2008/sermon08-01-20.mp3 no 10:56 Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Isaiah 42:1-9; Psalm 29; Acts 10:34-42; Matthew 3:13-17 -------------------------------------------------------- When Jesus came out of the water after being baptized by John, the heavens opened up and the voice of God said, "This is my son in whom I am well pleased." Most of you don't remember the heavens opening when you were baptized, but God does speak to us all at our baptism and says, "You are my child in whom I am well pleased." This is good news worth remembering every day. Jesus did not stay at the river after being baptized; the whole point of baptism is for sending out. Baptism is more than a ritual, more than a moment; baptism becomes a way of life, of walking wet in the world. A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Isaiah 42:1-9; Psalm 29; Acts 10:34-42; Matthew 3:13-17 -------------------------------------------------------- When Jesus came out of the water after being baptized by John, the heavens opened up and the voice of God said, "This is my son in whom I am well pleased." Most of you don't remember the heavens opening when you were baptized, but God does speak to us all at our baptism and says, "You are my child in whom I am well pleased." This is good news worth remembering every day. Jesus did not stay at the river after being baptized; the whole point of baptism is for sending out. Baptism is more than a ritual, more than a moment; baptism becomes a way of life, of walking wet in the world. Sun, 13 Jan 2008 14:40:00 -1000 http://www.lchwelcome.org/sermons/2008/sermon08-01-13.mp3 no 10:00 Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Isaiah 60:1-6, Psalm 72: 1-7, 10-14; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12 -------------------------------------------------------- Peek-a-boo is an exciting game for children because at their stage of development, if they cannot see a person's face, they think that person has disappeared, and so they rejoice at their return. In the same way, in the Epiphany, God pulls back the veil and reveals God's self in the manger. Herod, so wrapped up in his agenda of kingdom making, is suspicious of it all, but the Magi are amazed when they find the baby. We, as adults, are so used to the story that we have lost that wonder, but the power of the Epiphany is still there if we will give up our agendas. God comes to us over and over again in worship and community. How can we resist God's game of peek-a-boo. A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Isaiah 60:1-6, Psalm 72: 1-7, 10-14; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12 -------------------------------------------------------- Peek-a-boo is an exciting game for children because at their stage of development, if they cannot see a person's face, they think that person has disappeared, and so they rejoice at their return. In the same way, in the Epiphany, God pulls back the veil and reveals God's self in the manger. Herod, so wrapped up in his agenda of kingdom making, is suspicious of it all, but the Magi are amazed when they find the baby. We, as adults, are so used to the story that we have lost that wonder, but the power of the Epiphany is still there if we will give up our agendas. God comes to us over and over again in worship and community. How can we resist God's game of peek-a-boo. Sun, 6 Jan 2008 14:20:00 -1000 http://www.lchwelcome.org/sermons/2008/sermon08-01-06.mp3 no 7:02 Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Isaiah 9:2-7; Psalm 96; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-20 -------------------------------------------------------- Isaiah writes that "the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light." It is not a light that is far away but a light firmly rooted in history, a light that is located in our lives. God came as a real baby. Not playing at being human, God became flesh. This is God's universal gift to us. The gift began "when Quirinius was governor of Syria," but Jesus lives today--now--so the vision of justice and no more hunger can become as real as the child. A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Isaiah 9:2-7; Psalm 96; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-20 -------------------------------------------------------- Isaiah writes that "the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light." It is not a light that is far away but a light firmly rooted in history, a light that is located in our lives. God came as a real baby. Not playing at being human, God became flesh. This is God's universal gift to us. The gift began "when Quirinius was governor of Syria," but Jesus lives today--now--so the vision of justice and no more hunger can become as real as the child. Tue, 25 Dec 2007 13:20:00 -1000 http://www.lchwelcome.org/sermons/2008/sermon07-12-24.mp3 no 12:02 Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Isaiah 7:10-16; Psalm 80:1-7, 16-18; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-25 -------------------------------------------------------- Matthew begins his Gospel with Jesus' genealogy leading to Joseph and then goes on to say that "the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way" and explains how Jesus was incarnate through the Holy Spirit. In most Christmas pageants, Joseph is ignored in favor of Mary, but he makes a risky decision to say "yes" to God. Just as Joseph adopted Jesus as his son, God also takes a risk in adopting us as daughters and sons. Through this adoption, we get a place in God's grace and love. A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Isaiah 7:10-16; Psalm 80:1-7, 16-18; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-25 -------------------------------------------------------- Matthew begins his Gospel with Jesus' genealogy leading to Joseph and then goes on to say that "the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way" and explains how Jesus was incarnate through the Holy Spirit. In most Christmas pageants, Joseph is ignored in favor of Mary, but he makes a risky decision to say "yes" to God. Just as Joseph adopted Jesus as his son, God also takes a risk in adopting us as daughters and sons. Through this adoption, we get a place in God's grace and love. Sun, 23 Dec 2007 15:20:00 -1000 http://www.lchwelcome.org/sermons/2008/sermon07-12-23.mp3 no 8:21 Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19; Romans 15:4-13; Matthew 3:1-12 -------------------------------------------------------- John the Baptist proclaims, "Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand." "Repentquot; is an old-fashioned word that we often hear as condemnation, but the primary Advent message is to turn and come back to God. It is a call back from hopelessness to hope and a place where we belong. It calls us to the vision of Isaiah where "the wolf shall live with the lamb" or of Romans where "the God of hope [may] fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope." A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19; Romans 15:4-13; Matthew 3:1-12 -------------------------------------------------------- John the Baptist proclaims, "Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand." "Repentquot; is an old-fashioned word that we often hear as condemnation, but the primary Advent message is to turn and come back to God. It is a call back from hopelessness to hope and a place where we belong. It calls us to the vision of Isaiah where "the wolf shall live with the lamb" or of Romans where "the God of hope [may] fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope." Sun, 9 Dec 2007 16:30:00 -1000 http://www.lchwelcome.org/sermons/2008/sermon07-12-09.mp3 no 7:28 Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 122; Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:36-44 -------------------------------------------------------- The season of Advent calls us to hold the birth of Christ and the second coming in tension. We are called to keep watch, but we often nod off. Both Isaiah and Jesus in Matthew point to a future of hope, but as long as we cling to our own vision of the future, we are apathetic and bored, and we will miss the future they proclaim. The alternative is to live boldly and joyfully. Instead of worrying about who will clean up the mess or who will keep order, we should celebrate with abandon the love of Christ in our lives. A sermon preached by Pastor Jeff Lilley -------------------------------------------------------- Lessons: Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 122; Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:36-44 -------------------------------------------------------- The season of Advent calls us to hold the birth of Christ and the second coming in tension. We are called to keep watch, but we often nod off. Both Isaiah and Jesus in Matthew point to a future of hope, but as long as we cling to our own vision of the future, we are apathetic and bored, and we will miss the future they proclaim. The alternative is to live boldly and joyfully. Instead of worrying about who will clean up the mess or who will keep order, we should celebrate with abandon the love of Christ in our lives. Sun, 2 Dec 2007 15:50:00 -1000 http: