First read Psalm 23; John 10:11-18, and 1 John 3:16-24

First read Psalm 23; John 10:11-18, and 1 John 3:16-24

Short reflections on gratitude for the gift of life - a central characteristic of Eunice, our sister in Christ

Short reflections on gratitude for the gift of life - a central characteristic of Eunice, our sister in Christ

Read first Luke 24:36-49. This concerns the risen Jesus' appearance to groups of people, not just individuals, and reflections on what this... [more]

Read first Luke 24:36-49. This concerns the risen Jesus' appearance to groups of people, not just individuals, and reflections on what this means.    [less]

First witness to the resurrection; first person commissioned and sent by Jesus to tell the disciples and others.

First witness to the resurrection; first person commissioned and sent by Jesus to tell the disciples and others.

With John 20:1-18, and a recounting of what happened to soften the harshness of the Roman Empire. The Easter Sunday 2018 message.

With John 20:1-18, and a recounting of what happened to soften the harshness of the Roman Empire. The Easter Sunday 2018 message.

A message for Palm Sunday with Matthew 21:1-11, asking the question, "Where were the people who praised Jesus when he stood before Pilate?"

A message for Palm Sunday with Matthew 21:1-11, asking the question, "Where were the people who praised Jesus when he stood before Pilate?"

John 12:20-33

John 12:20-33

With Genesis 9:8-17; 1 Peter 3:18-22; Mark 1:9-15.

With Genesis 9:8-17; 1 Peter 3:18-22; Mark 1:9-15.

For Ash Wednesday 2018

For Ash Wednesday 2018

Mistake: Pastor read a typo that said Mark 1:2 rather than Mark 9:2, and mis-spoke . . . otherwise jump in and explore this fascinating eve... [more]

Mistake: Pastor read a typo that said Mark 1:2 rather than Mark 9:2, and mis-spoke . . . otherwise jump in and explore this fascinating event    [less]

the Ways in which Jesus fulfilled the ancient promise of a second Moses, but went far beyond expectations. Mark 1:21-28, and Deuteronomy 18:... [more]

the Ways in which Jesus fulfilled the ancient promise of a second Moses, but went far beyond expectations. Mark 1:21-28, and Deuteronomy 18:15-20 with John 1:21.    [less]

Jonah 3:1-5, 10; with Mark 1:14-20.

Jonah 3:1-5, 10; with Mark 1:14-20.

We use 3 texts together: 1 Samuel 3:1-10; Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18; and John 1:43-51.

We use 3 texts together: 1 Samuel 3:1-10; Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18; and John 1:43-51.

With Matthew 2:1-12, the Wise Men or Magi of the Medes and their journey to Bethlehem

With Matthew 2:1-12, the Wise Men or Magi of the Medes and their journey to Bethlehem

With Luke 2:22-39, about the divine appointment with Simeon and Anna.

With Luke 2:22-39, about the divine appointment with Simeon and Anna.

Jesus's name meant "God saves" and he was born to live out the meaning of this name.

Jesus's name meant "God saves" and he was born to live out the meaning of this name.

With Ephesians 1:15-23, then John 14:1-3 and Matthew 25:31-46.

With Ephesians 1:15-23, then John 14:1-3 and Matthew 25:31-46.

The end of her long life is a milestone for Emmanuel Lutheran Church. This message goes with Psalm 23 and John 10:11-18; also John 14:1-3.

The end of her long life is a milestone for Emmanuel Lutheran Church. This message goes with Psalm 23 and John 10:11-18; also John 14:1-3.

With Matthew 25:14-30, commonly known as the Parable of the Talents.

With Matthew 25:14-30, commonly known as the Parable of the Talents.

The people of God are made up of the living and the dead. Hebrews 11 and 12:1-2 may be read before listening, as well as Revelation 7:9.

The people of God are made up of the living and the dead. Hebrews 11 and 12:1-2 may be read before listening, as well as Revelation 7:9.

Some highlights of the Reformation and the need for living by grace today.

Some highlights of the Reformation and the need for living by grace today.

With Isaiah 5:1-7; also Matthew 21:33-43, but emphasis on God's work in and among ancient Israel; also referenced: 2 Timothy 1:7 and Ephesi... [more]

With Isaiah 5:1-7; also Matthew 21:33-43, but emphasis on God's work in and among ancient Israel; also referenced: 2 Timothy 1:7 and Ephesians 5:16 following Las Vegas massacre.     [less]

A summary of Paul's themes in Romans, with a special look at Romans 16:7 and the controversy over Paul's statement that a woman was an apost... [more]

A summary of Paul's themes in Romans, with a special look at Romans 16:7 and the controversy over Paul's statement that a woman was an apostle.    [less]

Read Romans 13:1-8. In my second message (unrecorded) I gave examples from Soviet Russia in the 1930s and Occupied France in World War Two ... [more]

Read Romans 13:1-8. In my second message (unrecorded) I gave examples from Soviet Russia in the 1930s and Occupied France in World War Two where Christians recognized a responsibility to disobey human decrees in order to obey God.    [less]

A focus on Romans 12:1-2, asking "What is the extent of worship?" and discussing conformity to Christ rather than the world.

A focus on Romans 12:1-2, asking "What is the extent of worship?" and discussing conformity to Christ rather than the world.

Looking at the Apostle Paul's statements about Israel, election, and grafting new branches onto the tree

Looking at the Apostle Paul's statements about Israel, election, and grafting new branches onto the tree

An examination of the biblical concept of election in relationship to "Jacob" and "Esau."

An examination of the biblical concept of election in relationship to "Jacob" and "Esau."

An exploration of the meaning of Romans 8:28 in the context of Romans 8:22-39. We look at what this verse means for the church and for indi... [more]

An exploration of the meaning of Romans 8:28 in the context of Romans 8:22-39. We look at what this verse means for the church and for individuals.    [less]

Romans 8 is rich. Our focus is on the intercessions of the Holy Spirit which accompany our prayers. Special reference to James B. Torrance... [more]

Romans 8 is rich. Our focus is on the intercessions of the Holy Spirit which accompany our prayers. Special reference to James B. Torrance's book "Worship, Community, and the Triune God of Grace" - used with permission granted by Dr. Mary Torrance.    [less]

Sanctification follows our justification, leading to new concerns and God's assistance. With reference to Donald Grey Barnhouse's illustrat... [more]

Sanctification follows our justification, leading to new concerns and God's assistance. With reference to Donald Grey Barnhouse's illustration.    [less]

On Paul's comparison of Adam and Jesus Christ (with reference to 1st Corinthians 15:45-49).

On Paul's comparison of Adam and Jesus Christ (with reference to 1st Corinthians 15:45-49).

An exploration of Romans 4 and Paul's focus on Abraham becoming righteous through faith. He gazed on the glory of God, not his own weakness... [more]

An exploration of Romans 4 and Paul's focus on Abraham becoming righteous through faith. He gazed on the glory of God, not his own weakness.    [less]

Looking at some central verses in Romans 3

Looking at some central verses in Romans 3

An overview of chapter 2.

An overview of chapter 2.

An overall look at the underlying reason for God's wrath against sin, as presented in Romans 1; with reference to Richard Hays' "The Moral V... [more]

An overall look at the underlying reason for God's wrath against sin, as presented in Romans 1; with reference to Richard Hays' "The Moral Vision of the New Testament" and Paul Minear's "The Obedience of Faith."    [less]

Giving the context (from the final chapters of Romans) in order to review what the Apostle Paul says in Romans 1:1-17.

Giving the context (from the final chapters of Romans) in order to review what the Apostle Paul says in Romans 1:1-17.

With John 17:1-7 and Matthew 28:19-20. This is not an explanation of the doctrine of the Holy Trinity, so much as reflections on God and th... [more]

With John 17:1-7 and Matthew 28:19-20. This is not an explanation of the doctrine of the Holy Trinity, so much as reflections on God and the offer of participating in God's triune joy and peace and love.    [less]

A message for Pentecost Sunday, with reference to John 20:19-23, Acts 2:1-7, and 1 Corinthians 12:3-13.

A message for Pentecost Sunday, with reference to John 20:19-23, Acts 2:1-7, and 1 Corinthians 12:3-13.

The Ascension of Jesus and questions on our mind: a focus on Acts 1:1-11, particularly on verses 6-7.

The Ascension of Jesus and questions on our mind: a focus on Acts 1:1-11, particularly on verses 6-7.

Thoughts on 1 Peter 3:18-22, a closed mystery full of hints, with reference to Ephesians and Genesis.

Thoughts on 1 Peter 3:18-22, a closed mystery full of hints, with reference to Ephesians and Genesis.

Reflections on 1 Peter 2:19-25; John 10:1-18; and Psalm 23.

Reflections on 1 Peter 2:19-25; John 10:1-18; and Psalm 23.

Luke 24:13-35; on a walk to Emmaus Jesus indicated that the Church must be guided by the Scriptures more than by personal experiences.

Luke 24:13-35; on a walk to Emmaus Jesus indicated that the Church must be guided by the Scriptures more than by personal experiences.

John 20:24-30. Why Thomas got to see people come to faith in Jesus who never saw the resurrected Lord.

John 20:24-30. Why Thomas got to see people come to faith in Jesus who never saw the resurrected Lord.

The meaning of the Cross and Resurrection together.

The meaning of the Cross and Resurrection together.

A short Good Friday meditation to go with our Stations of the Cross program. A brief reference to Thomas F. Torrance's book "Atonement," wh... [more]

A short Good Friday meditation to go with our Stations of the Cross program. A brief reference to Thomas F. Torrance's book "Atonement," which is worth its weight in gold.    [less]

A Maundy Thursday message with John 13:34-35, with historical information borrowed from Larry Hurtado's "Why On Earth Did Anyone Become a Ch... [more]

A Maundy Thursday message with John 13:34-35, with historical information borrowed from Larry Hurtado's "Why On Earth Did Anyone Become a Christian in the First Three Centuries" and Alvin J. Schmidt's "How Christianity Changed the World," both of which ar    [less]

The triumphal entry of Jesus and his hard action in the temple, a commentary on Matthew 21:5-13.

The triumphal entry of Jesus and his hard action in the temple, a commentary on Matthew 21:5-13.

About being guided by God's Spirit in prayer and action for other people. An examination of John 11:41 within the story of John 11:1-54, the... [more]

About being guided by God's Spirit in prayer and action for other people. An examination of John 11:41 within the story of John 11:1-54, the raising of Lazarus from the dead.    [less]

A reflection on Exodus 17:1-7, Moses's earnest prayer and the provision of water. We cannot always know where God intervened in the past, b... [more]

A reflection on Exodus 17:1-7, Moses's earnest prayer and the provision of water. We cannot always know where God intervened in the past, but must pray for this to happen in the present and future.    [less]

John 3, Nicodemus, and Jesus's words about being "born again" or "born twice."

John 3, Nicodemus, and Jesus's words about being "born again" or "born twice."

Pastor Gillin's text was Matthew 18:1-4. Ancient people did not think humility was a virtue, but from Moses to Jesus humility was highlighte... [more]

Pastor Gillin's text was Matthew 18:1-4. Ancient people did not think humility was a virtue, but from Moses to Jesus humility was highlighted as a virtue.    [less]

We are looking at the pattern shared between Genesis 3 and Matthew 4:1-11, together with Romans 5:12-21 and 1 Corinthians 15:20-49. This is... [more]

We are looking at the pattern shared between Genesis 3 and Matthew 4:1-11, together with Romans 5:12-21 and 1 Corinthians 15:20-49. This is one of Pastor Mark's more controversial sermons, but it is important.    [less]

Some things are humanly impossible. Jesus talks about impossible things becoming possible in his Kingdom where the Holy Spirit operates for... [more]

Some things are humanly impossible. Jesus talks about impossible things becoming possible in his Kingdom where the Holy Spirit operates for good.    [less]

This goes together with Matthew 5:21-30, with a focus on the inner life of mind and heart.

This goes together with Matthew 5:21-30, with a focus on the inner life of mind and heart.

An examination of the Apostle Paul's strange use of language in 1 Corinthians 2:8, in the context of 1 Cor. 2:1-11.

An examination of the Apostle Paul's strange use of language in 1 Corinthians 2:8, in the context of 1 Cor. 2:1-11.

With Matthew 5:1-12, asking the question "Who Can Be Blessed?"

With Matthew 5:1-12, asking the question "Who Can Be Blessed?"

Jesus's selection of his disciples included all variety, and the door is still open for people like you and me to be included in service.

Jesus's selection of his disciples included all variety, and the door is still open for people like you and me to be included in service.

A reflection on the disciple Andrew, beginning with John 1:29-42, and with reference to James S. Stewart.

A reflection on the disciple Andrew, beginning with John 1:29-42, and with reference to James S. Stewart.

With Isaiah 42:1-9 and Matthew 3:13-17; God has more than one way to surprise us when fulfilling ancient promises and predictions.

With Isaiah 42:1-9 and Matthew 3:13-17; God has more than one way to surprise us when fulfilling ancient promises and predictions.

Where was God at work when the Messiah was born and King Herod attempted to kill him? Can we see any pattern superimposed over human events... [more]

Where was God at work when the Messiah was born and King Herod attempted to kill him? Can we see any pattern superimposed over human events?    [less]

What comes after forgiveness? The giftings of the Holy Spirit.

What comes after forgiveness? The giftings of the Holy Spirit.