“For this I was appointed a preacher” (1 Tim. 2:7). Three reasons pastors don’t have an easy job: First, the devil and world (not to mention the pastor’s own sinful flesh) are dead set against the repentance and Gospel he preaches, despite containing the most loving message ever heard. Second, sometimes members of the congregation […]
“Give us this day our daily bread” (Matt. 6:11). God gives us what we need one day at a time. He is determined to teach us trust. He calls us to trust that He will provide again tomorrow as He did today. In the Old Testament He instructed the Israelites to gather just enough manna […]
In spiritual matters, there is a danger of hearing God scolding us when He is really not. Of thinking that He is disappointed in us when, in fact, He is speaking to us so very gently and kindly. Such, I think, is the case with “O ye of little faith.” Sermons on this concept tell […]
Luke 10:25-37 Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, has this most beautiful sculpture of the Good Samaritan,* with these words: “In Luke Chapter 10, the parable of the Good Samaritan is described. Jesus said to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind, and to love your neighbor as […]
“Carry no moneybag” (Luke 10:4). Among the multiple instructions given by Jesus to the seventy-two as He sent them out, this is the first: “Carry no moneybag.” It’s important for the pastor to understand. Paul puts it plainly when he writes that the pastor must not be “a lover of money” (1 Tim. 3:3). He […]
It’s been almost twelve years. Some have forgotten, and others have never heard, about Dale Goetz. This is word-for-word the sermon I gave on September 12, 2010, to the congregation of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Escondido, California. Two weeks ago tomorrow something happened. And I have a feeling most of us missed it. I […]