Sermons on Matthew (Page 2)

Grace in the Gardens

As we conclude our series this week, we find parallel imagery and inspiration in Victor Hugo’s masterpiece alongside the garden’s of sacred text. The bishop who gifts Valjean with silver has a daily practice of walking in a garden. As Valjean raises Cosette, he does so in a home with an unruly garden that he evidently struggles to maintain. Marius and Cosette profess their love to each other in the secrecy of that same garden. Often people associate God with…

Do You Hear the People Sing?

This week we consider the young students to whom Cosette becomes inextricably drawn. These idealists call themselves “Les Amis de l’ABC,” an interesting name that seems to indicate that their voices are raised on behalf of others. Do you hear the people sing? Scripture: Habakkuk 2:9-11; Mark 11:1-11 (CEB)

Hearts Full of Love

As we continue to explore the story of Les Misérables, we come to a story of love that is inserted in the middle of great conflict–the conflict of Valjean’s ongoing escape and the conflict brewing between Les Amis and local authorities. In the midst of this darkness, a spark of love erupts. Scripture: John 15:9-17 (CEB)

There Was a Time…

This week we continue our Worship series titled The Grace of Les Misérables, based on the book by the same title by Rev. Matt Rawle. This week we look at the life and struggles of Fantine, a woman who fell in love before finding herself a single mother. Fantine faced unimaginable choices and terrifying realities, and throughout this, is continually judged and continually dehumanized. Scripture: Matthew 25:31-46 (CEB)

Fallen?

As we continue our Worship series on Les Misérables, we turn our attention from Jean Valjean to Javert, the police inspector whose rigid sense of justice conflicts with Valjean’s expression of compassionate grace. Scripture: Matthew 5:38-39 (CEB)

Family Candlelight Service

Our 5:00 pm Christmas Eve Service focuses on children and families and will tell the story of Christmas through scripture and song. Children may be invited to join an informal visual tableau (no rehearsal required!) with fun costumes and easy movements. We will conclude with Christmas carols and candles.

The Laborers in the Vineyard

This Sunday we continue our sermon series on the parables of Jesus, guided by the book Short Stories by Jesus: The Enigmatic Parables of a Controversial Rabbi by Amy-Jill Levine. In a fair world, everybody would get equal treatment. We would all get what we deserve and not get what we do not deserve. Yet, that is not always the case. This parable helps us to consider the issue of fairness from an economic point of view, but it also…

The Pearl of Great Price

Continuing our series on the parables of Jesus, this Sunday’s text describes a merchant who in his act of searching for many fine pearls found one precious pearl and sold everything to acquire it.  He is no longer a merchant because he no longer has a trade or anything left besides his precious pearl. This is an example of extravagant discipleship, and many of us would not find ourselves doing the same thing. However, in recognizing God’s invaluable gift for…

The Kingdom of Heaven is Like Yeast

Continuing our series on the parables of Jesus, this Sunday’s text gives us images of growth and height. The yeast fills dough with air, makes it rise, gives it texture and richness. We seem to value these things! And yes, perhaps I’ve inflated this illustration (as preachers are wont to do), and in doing so perhaps have given it texture and richness. The short text for this Sunday is rich with imagery, in part because it is familiar. Scripture: Matthew…

How Does Science Relate to Faith?

This Sunday’s question addresses a topic long debated among scientists, theologians, philosophers, and more. The Church’s history is inconsistent in terms of how scientific theories have been viewed, and many wrestle even today with this question. With a background in molecular biology, Pastor Derek addresses this important question reminding us that science and faith are not necessarily incompatible with one another. Scripture: Genesis 1:1-5, 9-13, 20-21, 24-27; 2:4-9, 18-22 (NRSV)

How Do We Face Evil & Injustice?

We are nearing the end of this season of questions with just a few weeks to go. This week’s question comes from an LJUMC member who asks about our responsibility in standing up to bullies and bigots. As a spiritual community of faithful Christians, we might see this as our duty. We may also acknowledge that it is difficult to stand up to wrongdoing… Scripture: Matthew 18:15-20 (CEB)