Salem Lutheran Church: A Faith Odyssey (Page 2)

Confession: It Really is Good for the Soul

James 5:16a 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. Dear Friends in Christ, When I was a fairly young lad growing up in Staunton, IL, the summer months were the highlight of my year.  I lived for summer because I knew that every…

Softening the Face of God

James 5:16 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. Dear Friends in Christ, How many of you believe that there is power in the words you speak?  For example, if your child spilled…

The Power of Encouragement

Hebrews 10:24-25 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Dear Friends in Christ, I doubt that any of…

Let the Honking Begin

Galatians 6:1-2 1 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Dear Friends in Christ, I’d like to…

Love in Spite of Differences

Romans 15:7 7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. Dear Friends in Christ, If you happened to be here 2 Sundays ago when I preached my last sermon, you may recall that in my introduction I talked about a custom that Marilyn and I ran…

A Mr. Rogers Kind of Faith

1 Peter 4:9 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Dear Friends in Christ, As many of you know, the first parish that I served in my ministry is located less than 20 miles north of here.  It’s called St. Paul Lutheran Church, Shobonier.  And while Marilyn and I have many fond memories from…

God’s No Pecking Zone

Philippians 2:3-8 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very…

Friend or Family?

Romans 12:10 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Dear Friends in Christ, Sometimes I come across a story that is so incredible and so heartwarming that I feel it just has to be shared.  So that’s how I want to begin my sermon this morning.  It’s a true…

The Endangered Species of the 21st Century

Romans 16:16 16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you. Dear Friends in Christ, It happens more times than we can even remember.  All we know is it happens a lot.  You need to contact your insurance company or the phone company or your satellite TV provider.  And…