Sermons on Genesis
The Presence and the Purpose
Romans 8:28; Genesis 29:31-32 Sunday, October 22, 2023 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa For some time there was a movement among Christian men in the United States called “Promise Keepers”. Some of their books are still in our church library. Founded by a former college football coach, Promise Keepers was devoted to encouraging the Christian faith among men in our nation and to develop integrity among them. Conferences across the country were held, attracting thousands upon thousands. …
Creation and New Creation
Sunday, September 10, 2023 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Genesis 2:7 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. This Friday marks Rosh Hashanah, the beginning of the civil New Year in the…
Wrestling with God
Wrestling With God Genesis 32:28 Sunday, August 6, 2023 First Congregational Church of Wayne, Michigan This strange story is fundamentally about prayer, and what can happen when someone meets God in prayer. Preachers are supposed to be people of prayer, and one day a preacher’s five year old daughter noticed that he father always paused and bowed his head for a moment before starting his sermon. One day, she asked him why. “Well, honey,” he began, proud that his daughter…
A Complex God
A Complex God Genesis 1:1-2; 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 Trinity Sunday June 4, 2023 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Genesis 1:1-2 In our first passage of Scripture, the first two verses of the Bible, we find that God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, chaotic and lacking order. The Spirit of God hovered over the face of the waters, and then God spoke. The word for “create” in the Old…
A Multi-Generational Journey
A Multi-Generational Journey Romans 4:1-5; Genesis 12:1-4 2nd Sunday of Lent March 5, 2023 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Introduction: The Japanese motel that has been in continuous operation since 703 AD, run by the same family for 53 generations. Imagine that you are an employee at a local motel. It’s not a bad job, but there is no sense of tradition or destiny to it. The motel is not family owned and it is not…
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…
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…
He Kept the Scars
He Kept the ScarsJohn 20:19-22; Genesis 2:7Sunday, July 31, 2022 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa • IntroductionThere was once a famed football player named Ray Nitschke, who was a linebacker for the Green Bay Packers. He was famous for his tough and aggressive play and eventually ended up in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Nitschke once lost several teeth in a very physical football game. Afterward he was found wandering around the field, looking for his…
The Journey Home
The Journey Home Sunday, November 7, 2021 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Genesis 2815 “Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land, for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you.” Introduction: The people of faith on a journey to the great city. The second passage of Scripture for today is from the famous chapter of heroes…
When it’s All About Trusting Someone
When It’s All About Trusting SomeoneGenesis 12:1-4; Romans 4:16-18Sunday, October 2, 2021 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa• Introduction: the boys in the flooded caveI remember, a few years ago, of a group of boys in Asia who explored a cave only to have the cave flood, trapping them deep inside. Professional divers rescued them. They would outfit the boys with diving gear, sedate them. and pull them through the underwater tunnels by rope. The boys had to…
The Long March
The Long MarchHebrews 11:10; Genesis 12:1-4Sunday, September 19, 2021 at The First Congregational church of Marshalltown, Iowa• Intro. the journey of the people of God is a journey to heaven. Or maybe it is a journey through time to return to our home.“When the world my heart is rending With its heaviest storm of care, My glad thoughts to heaven ascending, Find a refuge from despair. Faith’s bright vision shall sustain me Till life’s pilgrimage is past; Fears may vex…
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