The ‘So What?’ of Easter

Sometimes a chance conversation can shed as much light on a text as several commentaries. A long time member of a congregation went out to lunch with me after we'd attended a Sunday service.

When Jesus Comes to Town

How remarkable is the wide range of human response to the triumphal entry of Jesus into the Holy City on Sunday of Passion Week. Some hailed Him as King; others plotted to assassinate Him. The reception of the Savior is still quite varied today-even in our churches.

Don’t Dwell on the Past

A few days after the Fort Hood massacre, another man took a pistol and went into an Orlando, Fla., engineering firm that had fired him in 2007. He shot several employees, killing one before surrendering to police. As he was led away in handcuffs, a reporter asked him, "Why?" He said, "Because they left me to rot." He could not forget or forgive.

What a Difference a Day Makes

That was Israel: 40 years of journeying from Egypt to the Promised Land, 40 years of God's never-ending supply. Then one day the Israelites were standing on the bank of the river, looking longingly into the promise. The next day they were there-and celebrated. We celebrate what a difference a day makes.

The Cheeseburger Bill

Because of such lawsuits, congressmen passed the "Cheeseburger Bill" through the House of Representatives in 2004 and 2005. It couldn't get past the Senate; but bill or no bill, the principle seems in order. People should take responsibility for their own actions. We cannot keep blaming others for the choices we make. God expects people to take responsibility for their actions. Jesus says so in our text, and Lenten season reminds us it's the case.

A Strong Determination

Feb. 28, 2010 Second Sunday in Lent Luke 13:31-35 When Todd Beamer boarded United Flight 93 on Sept. 11, 2001, he had no way of knowing what events would unfold that day. He took that flight regularly as a part of his job. His heroic words, "Let's roll," have become legendary and serve as an inspiration to millions. His heroism in overtaking the highjackers on that day and crashing the plane in Shanksville, Pa., evokes deep awe and gratitude from a shocked nation. I was serving in Washington, D.C., at the time; I remember the wife of a Congressional staffer saying through tears, "He very well may have saved my husband's life."

Passing the Test

Feb. 21, 2010 First Sunday in Lent Luke 4:1-13 Iron Eyes Cody is the Native American actor who did a TV spot for the Keep America Beautiful campaign in the early 1970s. He was an Indian drifting alone in a canoe. As he saw how our waters are being polluted, a single tear rolled down his cheek, telling the whole story. This public service announcement is so powerful it still airs occasionally.

Agony and Ecstasy

Feb. 14, 2010 Transfiguration Sunday Luke 9:28-43 Occasionally, I invite someone else to come preach. Today, I've asked Peter to come tell us about the Transfiguration in his own words:

Church Basics

Feb. 7, 2010 Fifth Sunday after Epiphany 1 Cor. 15:1-11 A coach called his team into the locker room after yet another loss. The team seemed to have forgotten the basics, much less the advanced techniques of the game. The coach looked over his team, then reached over and picked up the ball. Pointing at it he said, "Gentlemen, this is a football."

A More Excellent Way

Jan. 31, 2010 Fourth Sunday after Epiphany 1 Cor. 13:1-13 At last! Here are life perspectives that make sense. Today's passage of Scripture shows us a way to live that will grant peace with other people and with God. This is a more excellent way.