Sermons on Romans
Believing and Seeing
Believing and Seeing John 20:24-31; Romans 10:14-17 Sunday, April 7, 2024, The Second Sunday of Easter at the First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Introduction Today’s reflection is called “Believing and Seeing” and it notes that the order of faith and trust that our Lord Jesus prefers is the opposite of what is commonly done in the world, and what probably should be done in the world. There is, after all, a place for doubt in life. There’s a story…
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. …
The Mercy Seat
Leviticus 16:1-2; Romans 3:21-25 Yom Kippur, Sunday, September 24, 2023 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa This is the week of Yom Kippur in the Jewish Calendar. It is the religious New Year and a day of great significance. Still celebrated by fasting and spiritual worship to this day, Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement was the day when the High Priest would sprinkle the blood of sacrifice upon the cover of the Ark of the Covenant and…
Newness of Life
Newness of Life Romans 6:4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Resurrection Sunday, April 9, 2023 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Life does not always seem “new.” Very soon churches around the world will celebrate Resurrection Sunday, or Easter. As the highest day of the church calendar,…
Into This Shared Grace
Into This Shared Grace Exodus 17:1-7; Romans 5:1-11 The Third Sunday of Lent, March 12, 2023 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Romans 5:1-2 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Introduction The first image that came to mind when I read this passage…
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…
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…
Easter Sunday – Newness of Life
Newness of Life Sunday, April 17, 2022 Resurrection Sunday at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, Iowa Romans 6:4 “Therefore we are buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” Introduction Today is the anniversary of the Resurrection of Jesus, celebrated by Christians around the world. Some theologians have interpreted the story of the Resurrection…
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 Established Life
Romans 16:25-27 4th Sunday of Advent Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began but now has been made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures has been made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith– to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.…
Some Thoughts on Intercession
Some Thoughts on IntercessionSunday, July 26, 2020 at The First Congregational Church of Marshalltown, IowaRomans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.Romans 8:34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession…
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