Salem Lutheran Church: A Faith Odyssey

The Hard Work of Peacemaking, Part 2

Romans 12:17-21 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It…

The A-C-T-S of Worship

This morning we come to the end of a journey, a journey that we actually began last year on June 8.  We’ve called it “Salem Lutheran Church: A Faith Odyssey.”  As I noted in my first sermon in this series, an odyssey is an extended journey.  And on this extended journey we have gone in…

Face to Face with a Holy God

Isaiah 6:1-8 Isaiah’s Commission 1 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2 Above him were seraphim,each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they…

Is Your God Too Small?

Exodus 3:13-14 13 Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?” 14 God said to Moses, “I am who I am. This is what you…

It’s Not About Me

Psalm 29:1-2 1 Ascribe to the Lord, you heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. 2 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. Dear Friends in Christ, Ever since I was a little kid, I have always loved sports – not just…

The Bible’s Lifejacket

Matthew 21:9 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” Dear Friends in Christ, I’ve noticed that though we’ve made mention of these life jackets several times this…

A Hallelujah God

Isaiah 46:8-9 8 “Remember this, and show yourselves men; Recall to mind, O you transgressors. 9 Remember the former things of old, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me. Dear Friends in Christ, What is your favorite story in the Bible?  That’s a tough…

How to Correct Poor I-Sight

Psalm 29:1-2 1 Ascribe to the Lord, you heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. 2 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. Dear Friends in Christ, I know some of you will find this hard to believe, but on Aug. 11…

A New Command

John 13:34-35 34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Dear Friends in Christ, Over the course of my ministry I have seen my share of…

Loving Those Who Are Different

Ephesians 4:2 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Dear Friends in Christ, I’d like to begin my sermon this morning by asking you to envision something that I’m sure we’ve all experienced plenty of times.  I want you to imagine that you’re riding on a crowded elevator. …