Putting on Christ
Putting On Christ Romans 13:8-14; Galatians 3:26-29 Sunday, November 27, 2022 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Introduction: You’ve got the uniform, now act the part. Soldier, police officer, clergy, etc. I went to a college and seminary that, at that time, had a fairly strict dress code. Young men were expected to wear a button-down shirt and a tie for every class. I was not unusual to see young men in suits. Except for my friend…
The King of Paradise
The King of Paradise Luke 23:33-43; Revelation 2:1-7 Christ the King Sunday, November 20, 2022 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Introduction I remember visiting a man back out east who claimed that he was once a tenured professor of a local university. This fellow was in his 60’s, with disheveled clothes, matted hair and an appearance that made him look as if he had not been gainfully employed in a long time, if ever. I visited…
Justice from God
Justice from God Genesis 32:22-31; Luke 18:1-8 Sunday, October 16, 2022 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Introduction In the 1990’s Johann Olav Koss was a premier speed skater representing Norway, who won numerous gold medals and several world records in his chosen sport. His training regimen was legendary and considered practically impossible for anyone other than him. But as impressive as Koss was, and is, I want to mention a friend of Koss whose name I…
The Affliction of Joseph
The Affliction of Joseph Amos 6:1-7; 1 Timothy 6:6-10 Sunday, September 25, 2022 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Introduction: I once was on a cruise with Jeanne to the Bahamas and when we arrived at port, I was startled at the size of the cruise ship. It was massive. In fact, I don’t think I had ever seen a ship that big before, at least not in person. Then I saw some of the other, newer…
A Call to Contemplation
A Call to Contemplation8:00 a.m. Worship on Sunday, September 18, 2022 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, IowaRevelation 3:20 “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” Introduction: Contemplative prayer is vital“The story is told of Mother Theresa that when an interviewer asked her. “What do you say when you pray?” she answered, “I listen.” The…
Building A Life
Building a LifeLuke 14:25-33; Deuteronomy 30:15-20Sunday, September 4, 2022 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa • Introduction-Years ago, I had a friend back in the days when we lived in Boston who always played Monopoly with a distinctly capitalistic flair. He bought as many properties as he could and then would offer to sell them, but never at list price. He always wanted the buyer to “sweeten the pot.” I thought of him and his style of playing…
False Spiritual Leaders
False Spiritual LeadersIsaiah 57:2-21; Jude 1:12-15Sunday, August 28, 2022 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa • Introduction:One of the classics we read in high school was Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, a series of medieval character studies involving a group of people on a pilgrimage. Several characters are people of authority in the church who are depicted as selfish and corrupt. God, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the souls of women and men; those are matters of little importance. They…
A Permanent Kingdom
A Permanent Kingdom Hebrews 12:25-27 Sunday, August 21, 2022 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Today’s sermon is called “A Permanent Kingdom” because one of the purposes of church is not only to point us toward what will never change but in gathering as church, we participate in it. What you do with regards for Christ never ceases to be relevant. Business endeavors, social mores, political intrigues and all the rest will become dusty relics of…
Pilgrims
PilgrimsHebrews 11:8-16; Genesis 15:1-6Sunday, August 7, 2022 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa • IntroductionWay back in 16th century England, the original Congregationalists were meeting in people’s homes and calling themselves “pilgrims”. It had a special connotation back then. The Church of England, or Anglican Church (Episcopalian is the US version of the same) was the official state church and refusal to attend left one in danger of the charge of treason, or of at least insulting the…