15-1224 Sermon for Christmas Eve

Scripture:  Matthew 1:18-23, Luke 1:26-37, 2:1-18

Story: The birth story of Jesus.

Theme:  Matthew and Luke make promises about what Jesus will accomplish. None of them would have come true if Jesus hadn't grown up.


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15-1220 Sermon on Luke 1

Scripture:  Luke 1:5-20

Story: The birth of John foretold.

Theme:  The miracle that Zechariah experiences gives him, and others, hope that God will perform a greater miracle.


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15-1213 Sermon on Ezra 1 and 3

Scripture:  Ezra 1:1-4 & 3:1-5, 10-13

Story: God's people lay the foundation of the Temple.

Theme:  As the Jews begin to rebuild their lives in Jerusalem, they discover that sorrow can reveal the true source of joy.


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15-1206 Sermon on Isaiah 40

Scripture:  Isaiah 40:1-11

Story: A message of hope for God's people in exile.

Theme:  The exiles discover that nothing can prevent God from being faithful to God's promises.


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15-1122 Sermon on Isaiah 5 and 11

Scripture:  Isaiah 5:1-7; 11:1-5

Story: The Vineyard Song and A Shoot from the Stump of Jesse.

Theme:  Isaiah pronounces judgement on Judah for not living a life of trust in God, which has led to their fear of Assyria. The prophet's message challenges us not to fear aggressors like ISIS, but to trust in God and show God's compassion to the poor and powerless.


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15-1108 Sermon on Mark 12 and 1 Kings 17

Scripture:  Mark 12:38-44 and 1 Kings 17:8-16

Story: A widow gives an offering in the temple and a widow feeds Elijah.

Theme:  Lost Creek and Trinity celebrated the Agreement on Full Communion between the ELCA and the PC(USA). Erin Bovendam's sermon about the widow's offering in Mark and Elijah receiving help from a widow in 1 Kings reminds us that every person we meet has a gift from God that they can share with others.


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15-1101 Sermon on 1 Kings 12

Scripture:  1 Kings 12:1-17, 25-29

Story: Israel is divided into 2 kingdoms.

Theme:  The division of Israel into the Kingdoms of Israel and Judah teaches us why it's important to live our lives as an example for future generations to follow.


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