The Clicking Lid

Delivered at the 2002 Lenten Series at Trinity Church, UM in Kendallville, Indiana
Matthew 4:1-11

For 12 of the first 20 years of my life, a collie mix, named Penny, was part of my life. She did a lot of interesting things such as using her water dish, a rather heavy tin saucepan, as a part-Frisbee, [...]

The Dangers of A Fast-Food Faith

Hebrews 5:11-6:3

Main point – We are to be disciples not converts.

This is the season of Lent. Lent is the 40 period prior to Easter in which Christians have been encouraged to remember the sacrifice of Christ on the cross for our salvation by giving up something for the entire 40 days. For [...]

James and John Seek Honor

Mark 10:35-45
(2003 Lenten meditation given at Trinity Church, United Methodist; Kendallville, Indiana; Wednesday, April 9, 2003)
Quite frankly, my first thought about this passage when I chose this week to speak was, “What a pushy mother!” Then I realized that Mark does not have James and John’s mother asking Jesus for the places of honor in [...]

The Reality of Truth

John 18:28-40

Main point – Truth is real.
A. Introduction:
Dialogue introduction to “Pilate and His Wife” in the Lenten Series, “Overheard: Conversations by the Cross” written by Arden W. Mead. Copy written by Creative Communication for the Parish, 1983.
B. “Dialogue” between Pilate and His Wife.
C. Remarks
“What is truth?” Is it merely a dream?
We live today in a [...]

Which Side of Jesus?

Luke 23:32-43

Main point – Which side of Jesus are you on?
A. Introduction:
Dialogue introduction to “The Two Thieves” in the Lenten Series, “Overheard: Conversations by the Cross” written by Arden W. Mead. Copy written by Creative Communication for the Parish, 1983.
B. “Dialogue” between The Two Thieves.
C. Record of “Thief” by Third Day (CCLI in use)
D. Remarks [...]

Watchers on the Hill – Part 1

Mark 15:21
Description – The first sermon of my 2005 Lenten series.
(Opening of the sermon is the dramatic reading script “The Cross Carrier” by Elaine Aadland for the Lenten Series, “Watchers on the Hill,” produced by Creative Communications for the Parish © 2003)
What is the most unpleasant task you have ever been ordered to do?
The property [...]

Watchers on the Hill – Part 2

Matthew 27:1-5
Description – The second sermon of my 2005 Lenten series.
(Opening of the sermon is the dramatic reading script “Father Forgive Them” by Elaine Aadland for the Lenten Series, “Watchers on the Hill,” produced by Creative Communications for the Parish © 2003)
What do you do with the story of Judas? How do you reconcile Jesus’ [...]

Watchers on the Hill – Part 3

Luke 23:35-43
Description – The third sermon in a 2005 Lenten Series (communion meditation)
(Opening of the sermon is the dramatic reading script “The One in the Middle” by Elaine Aadland for the Lenten Series, “Watchers on the Hill,” produced by Creative Communications for the Parish © 2003)
On my office door is this poster that features a [...]

Watchers on the Hill

John 19:25b-27
Description – The fourth sermon in a 2005 Lenten Series
(Opening of the sermon is the dramatic reading script “The Good Son” by Elaine Aadland for the Lenten Series, “Watchers on the Hill,” produced by Creative Communications for the Parish © 2003)
Have you seen yourself; have you heard yourself in any of the dramatic dialogues [...]

Watchers on the Hill – Part 5

Mark 15:16-20
Description – The fifth sermon in a 2005 Lenten Series
(Opening of the sermon is the dramatic reading script “Forsaken” by Elaine Aadland for the Lenten Series, “Watchers on the Hill,” produced by Creative Communications for the Parish © 2003)
“People fear what they can’t understand.” It’s true. Those who crucified Jesus, and I am not [...]