Tag Archives: gospel

Open to Witness

Posted on September 30, 2018 by

A sermon by Pastor Michael Pahl on September 30, 2018, called “Open to Witness.” The sermon is the fourth in a series exploring our church vision and mission statements. Here is a written excerpt: There’s a recurring phrase throughout these … Continue reading →

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My Pastoral New Year’s Resolution

Posted on January 5, 2017 by

I’m not one for New Year’s resolutions. I’ve tried them in the past, but they’ve never worked. “Resolution” can sounds so decisive, so irrevocable. So guilt-inducing. Let’s call this my pastoral New Year’s goal, then. Here’s what I’m aiming for … Continue reading →

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God’s Dream for the World

Posted on November 4, 2016 by

“I have a dream.” The words are iconic. I’m sure most of us know the speaker, and the context. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. August 28, 1963. Ground zero of the African-American civil rights movement. … Continue reading →

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(Re-)Imagining Worship

Posted on October 24, 2016 by

It’s interesting that the New Testament never gives a detailed description of exactly what went on when the first Jesus-followers gathered together to worship. There’s no divinely inspired “order of service.” Sure, we get some glimpses of early Christian worship here … Continue reading →

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The (S)Word-Wielder

Posted on May 2, 2016 by

Jesus, coming as a divine warrior to slaughter God’s enemies. How do we make sense of this vision of judgment in Revelation 19? Let’s sharpen the question: How can we reconcile this Jesus with the Jesus of Revelation 5, where … Continue reading →

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“Confess and believe, and you will be saved!”

Posted on February 15, 2016 by

If you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with … Continue reading →

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“The Things that Make for Peace”

Posted on December 21, 2015 by

“Peace? Sure, we have peace. Jesus brings us peace with God. But no more war? Not in this world!” I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard this sentiment. Not necessarily in those exact words, but the idea has … Continue reading →

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