RoboPreacher

but who's gonna make my mistakes A sermon on the parable of the talents; Matthew 25:14-30 When you hear Jesus’ parables it’s important to remember you’re hearing a parable . Not a true story. Not a fairy tale. Not an illustration or an analogy. A parable.   In Greek “parable” just means sitting two things beside each other.   Sort of like an illustration… Only, whereas an illustration helps you grasp a new concept by comparing it to one you already know. Jesus’ illustrations set something you think you know, next to something you have no clue about! Jesus’ parables aren’t meant to confirm our preconceived notions; they’re meant to upend them! And the parable Jesus tells us today, doesn’t disappoint! …The truth is, this is sort of a well-known parable. Isn’t it? It’s actually, also in the Gospel of Luke. So you’re probably combined the two in your head. So, to help us let go of, re:lent of, our preconceived notions, we’re goi...

he's more like a pipe bomb ready blow A Sermon on  the parable of  the Wedding Banquet: Ma tthew 22:1 - 14 It’s days like these that we learn all over again, how Jesus is for the broken … How often do we get on with our lives and start thinking Jesus is just there to give us a little nudge to help keep our lives on track ? But on days like these, we learn all over again, how Jesus is for those whose lives have gone off the rails. Because on days like these, we see most clearly, how that’s us . Don’t we? On days like these, we come here, desperate for a God who’ll meet us in the thick of it. Because on days like these, that’s where we are, isn’t it? In the thick of it… Too often the way Jesus, and Christianity in general, is depicted is as a little good advice to help you keep your life in order .   But on days like these, you go back over every Bible story you’ve ever heard, and realize in a way you hadn’t before, how Jesus did...

as everything else will disappoint you A sermon on Jesus' ethic and & parable of forgiveness : Isn’t it strange how what we need the MOST, is ALSO what hardest for us to give? …I’m talking about forgiveness , of course. …Let’s get at this by way of reflection; let’s take thirty seconds to remember a time we were forgiven . Not because we deserved it, but simply because we needed it. Okay? Okay. Go! … *Wasn’t that nice to think about?   Take a little extra time and just soak in how good it feels to remember that. To experience it all, all over again… Okay. Now, think of something YOU need to be forgiven.   It can be something recent or long ago. Whatever jumps to your mind. Since we will all have plenty we need to be forgiven, and our sin is always accusing us; I’m only going to give us fifteen seconds this time. Okay? Okay. Go… … Well, that’s a little less pleasant to remember, isn’t it? But , I want you to hold un...

transform my tragedy A sermon for Ash Wednesday on Matthew 18:1-9 Once a year, at least , our scar shows up. …Do you have any scars?   Are they especially visible ?   If they are I bet you’ve gotten comfortable having to explain your scar. Because that’s the thing about scars, isn’t it? They show something we usually like to keep hidden… But once a year, our scar shows up. “Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” …If we’re being honest, it’s little uncomfortable . Isn’t it? To have our scar show up . And in such a public place. If nothing else it makes for an intimate evening. Doesn’t it?   …All of us walking around with our scars showing .   I’ve come to learn, too, that intimate is the right word.   It’s not a somber night. Is it? It’s not morose. It’s intimate . All of us seeing   each other for how we really are; scarred . …Sometimes on Christmas Eve I will talk about seeing ea...