Preached on January 19, 2014 in Ankeny UCC Sermon Text: Isaiah 49:1-7 In this complicated text, we are able to experience it with different ears. And it reminds us that in this world, things we take for granted may look different to other people. On this Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend, it is time to… Continue reading Kings Shall Rise Up
Tag: Isaiah
Christmas Presence
Preached December 29, 2013 in Ankeny UCC. Sermon text Isaiah 63:7-9 Following the words of Isaiah, we remember that it was Emmanuel, God with us, who appeared on Christmas to sustain our stories beyond the losses and failures we see in front of us. Isaiah reminds us that our story does not begin in exile… Continue reading Christmas Presence
Kingdoms of Love and Fear
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
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