Ahaz seeks comfort from his prophet Isaiah. Isaiah provides the reassuring messages that Ahaz’s enemies will be destroyed, but as we look back on further events, we see that there is no peace in violent destruction. We look forward to a life built on God’s love, rather than on the hope of violence. Sermon Text… Continue reading Kingdoms of Love and Fear
Author: Nathan
Prophetic Imperfection
A homily delivered December 15, 2013 at Ankeny UCC. Sermon text Matthew 11:2-11 Where do we find our comfort and value? Do we look to the palaces of the mighty, or to the rough imperfections of the prophets? Where do we find our truth today? In the approval of those with higher status, or in… Continue reading Prophetic Imperfection
The Polk County Wilderness
A sermon preached at Ankeny UCC on December 8, 2013 John the Baptist’s life in the margins, among a marginal people, and their vision for the future calls us to wonder where the unheard voices in our own lives might be. What drives people to the wilderness, and how can we bring them back in?… Continue reading The Polk County Wilderness
Come, Let us Walk in the Light of the Lord
A new church year, a new lectionary cycle, Advent 1 of Year A, and I start my call in my new church, Ankeny UCC. Here we listen to the words of Isaiah 2:1-5 that reminds us we have the opportunity to walk in the Light. But what does that mean in the church life? It… Continue reading Come, Let us Walk in the Light of the Lord
What Are You Waiting For?
This was, again, a bit different. We were off the lectionary for the day as I collaborated with an old friend and mentor, Pete Knapp. Pete had been my confirmation mentor, and had an amazing career doing research into Agricultural safety issues that led to much safer working conditions all over the world. In retirement,… Continue reading What Are You Waiting For?