These are links to some recent sermons delivered by Pastor Chris Lee-Thompson at Hope Lutheran Church. The mediations are based on the Gospel texts assigned for the given Sunday of the Church Year by the Common Lectionary. Click on a sermon title to go to the full text of that message.
Kingdom at Work
Jesus not only preaches and teaches the kingdom. He shows the disciples - those who will carry on after him - how the kingdom of God works.
January 29, 2012
Go and Tell
The story of the Gerasene demoniac is a strange one, but its message is simple - go and tell.
January 22, 2012
Released!
As the healing of the paralytic shows, forgiveness is release. But it often means release over and over again.
January 8, 2012
This is Only the Beginning!
January 1, 2012
Now to Bethlehem
The shepherds are not the only ones who go to Bethlehem. Many of preceded them and many have followed - even us.
December 24, 2011
One Like a God
We tend to think of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego as a children's story. But let me tell you a secret - it's actually for adults!
December 11, 2011
The Work of the Potter
Sometimes God seems to work like a magician. Sometimes God works more like a potter. But God's desire to redeem us does not change.
December 4, 2011
Faithful Worship - Faithful Living
God has decided not to attend worship at the temple in Jerusalem. What are they doing wrong? Isaiah lets us know.
November 20, 2011
Never Let Go
God gives the northern kingdom of Israel into the hands of the Assyrians, but he never lets go of them in his heart.
November 13, 2011
Elijah the Saint
Elijah would be hard to live with, but his faithfulness to God makes him a true saint!
November 6, 2011
God's Dwelling on Earth
Will God indeed dwell on the earth? The wisdom of Solomon provides an answer.
October 30, 2011
A Heart for God
God can see into the heart. So, why did God choose David to be king over Israel?.
October 23, 2011
Beyond Faithful
Ruth is an outsider to Israel. But we have a lot to learn from her about faithfulness.
October 16, 2011
The Path to Freedom
The commandments are not burdens that limit our freedom - they are gifts that free us to live in order, in peace, and in service to one another.
October 9, 2011
First Lesson of Faith
In the great event of the Exodus, the people of Israel are free. But they still have a few things to learn.
October 2, 2011
A Life of Blessing
Everyone knows the story of the coat of many colors. But there is much more to Joseph than the way he dresses.
September 25, 2011
The Laughter of Faith
We don't often associate laughter with faith, but there it is, right at the beginning.
September 18, 2011
From the Beginning
If you think you know Genesis 1, look again. There is purpose and freedom and joy...and love.
September 11, 2011
A Life Worth Giving
When we try to hold on the hold on to our life for dear life is when we lose it. But when we give it away, it becomes a life worth giving.
August 28, 2011
Jesus For You
There are many questions we can ask as Christians. The most important is, "Who is Jesus for you?"
August 21, 2011
When a Little is More Than Enough
The disciples claim to have nothing. But that is more than enough for Jesus.
July 31, 2011
Living With Weeds
The farmer Jesus tells us about lives with weeds in his field. Why? In order to ensure a greater harvest of wheat.
July 17, 2011
That You May Be One
With all our differences, how do we become one? In marriage? In the church? In God? We look to the love of Jesus revealed in his glory.
June 5, 2011
As Is
We tend to think that God only calls people of great faith, impressive skills and impeccable moral credentials. But - no - over and over again God calls people as they are. And so it is with us!
May 22, 2011
Seeing the Stranger
Can we really see the risen Jesus? Who knows? He may turn up right before your eyes.
May 8, 2011
Tremor at the Tomb
An earthquake surprises those at the tomb of Jesus. But it is Jesus' response that creates the more lasting effect on the disciples - and on us!
April 24, 2011
The Unbinding of Lazarus
Jesus is the resurrection and the life. We see it in Jesus. We see it in Lazarus. And we can see it around us.
April 10, 2011
Getting it Done
How do we move from knowing to doing? Jesus the Master Teacher tells us how.
April 3, 2011
Christians Divided!
We all have people we disagree with - even in church! How can we get along? As usual, Jesus has a few suggestions.
March 27, 2011
Treasuring What Matters Most, Part 2
Do you strive for food and drink and clothing? God has greater things in store for you.
March 20, 2011
Treasuring What Matters Most, Part 1
What matters most to you? Is it how others see you? Or is it in doing what God sees?
March 13, 2011
What if God Blinks?
What assures us that God has not forgotten us? An inner knowing! A mountain top experience? Or just the simple promise of Jesus?.
March 6, 2011
Perfect!
Jesus challenges to do more than conform to the law. He invites us to become the kind of people who naturally love the way God loves.
February 20, 2011
First, Be Reconciled
What tops Jesus' list of commandments? It's one from the heart - Make friends and seek reconciliation.
February 13, 2011
Compassion...IS...God
Who are we and what are we to do? Jesus mixes salt and light and comes up with compassion.
February 6, 2011
Blessed... No Matter What
The Beatitudes of Jesus are not so much a set of instruction or a list of attitudes, but a promise that God is available to us...no matter what.
January 30, 2011
You Are Invited
Although it may be heard to see sometimes, there is something big going on in the world - and you're invited!
January 23, 2011
This is Only a Test
Jesus is tested in the wildnerness. We can learn from him as well.
January16, 2011
Beyond Expectations
When Jesus comes for baptism, it is not what anyone expects. But, while Jesus is all about fulfillment, this is not the last time he does the unexpected.
January 9, 2011
The New Moses
As we begin to move away from Christmas, questions begin to emerge: Who is Jesus and what is he going to do? For Matthew, it begins with an understanding of the past.
January 2, 2011
Headline News
If a newspaper had covered Jesus' birth, what would the headline be?
December 24, 2010
What Did You Expect?
Jesus is not what we expect. But is he what we need?
December 12, 2010 (Services Cancelled Due to Blizzard)
The Elf Who Saved Christmas
Santa needs to pick up some speed. How will he do it? A wise, old elf finds the radical solution.
December 5, 2010
Practice Makes Ready
How do we get ready for the inevitable, but unexpected? Practice, practice, practice.
November 28, 2010
Whom Will You Serve?
In the wrap-up to Revelation, it is the White Rider who appears - as the conquered hero and king.
November 21, 2010
Let Love Be Genuine
What does it take to be a good steward? All you need is love.
November 14, 2010
Living in Truimph and Truth
And you thought the Angels defeated the Dragon? It was the Saints.
November 7, 2010
Zacchaeus! Come down!
Zacchaeus climbs a tree to see Jesus, but ends up discover who Jesus is for himself.
October 31, 2010
The Seventh Trumpet
As with the Exodus, disaster is piled on disaster, but then the mystery of God is revealed.
October 24, 2010
Evil Unleashed
When the scroll is open, the four horsemen ride herd on the earth. Who can stand in the face of such disasters? Angels and Christians.
October 17, 2010
Not Done Yet
John begins his apocalyptic journey in the middle of an eternal worship service - but then things begin to change.
October 3, 2010
Wake Up Call
Does your faith need a word of encouragement or a wake up call? Maybe John of Patmos can help you decide.
September 26, 2010
Hang In There!
While Revelation finishes big, we hear John's main themes even from the beginning.
September 19, 2010
For the Healing of the Nations
What is the book of Revelation about? Where is it headed? As usual, God is up to far bigger things than we can imagine..
September 12, 2010
A Simple Word
One simple word drives the story of redemption. One simple word ends it.
September 5, 2010
A Place at the Table
While guests jockey for social position and the host counts favors, Jesus points to another Great Banquet.
August 29, 2010
The Fire of Faith
Fire can be scary, but it can also be useful - even for faith!
August 15, 2010
It's Not What You Have
What makes for the good life? Grain and goods? Or God? You choose..
August 1, 2010
Sermon
Fifth Sunday after Pentecost.
June 27, 2010
Facing the Wild Man
In meeting the Gerasene demoniac, Jesus remains calm, seeks clarity and acts with compassion. In so doing, he gives the man back his faith, his family and his friends..
June 20, 2010
In The Stars
When you look at the stars, what do you see? Psalm 8 tells us a lot.
May 30, 2010
That's the Spirit!
It's hard to know what to say about the Holy Spirit. What's more important is what the Spirit gives us to say about God.
May 23, 2010
Good Question!
Pastor Chris takes on the questions of this year's confirmation class.
May 16, 2010
That's Life! Real Life!
What we want most is peace, and where there is peace, there's life!
May 9, 2010
Getting Faith
How do we get faith? It may be as easy (or as hard) as falling off a log.
April 25, 2010
A Much Bigger Picture
When the women go to the tomb, what do they see? What do you see?.
April 4, 2010
Good For Nothing?
Are humans only self-interested? Or can they be good for no reason? That is God's bet.
March 21, 2010
Love As Strong As Death
Do passion and faith go together? Just listen to this Song..
March 14, 2010
Wisdom "To Go"
Looking for a way to connect with God throught your actions? Proverbs are easy to take along and always ready to use.
March 7, 2010
Prayers From the Heart
Nothing creates hearts for God like prayer and nothing teaches prayer like the Psalms.
February 28, 2010
David - A Heart for God
David has a heart for God. But does that make him perfect?
February 21, 2010
Going Fishing
When Peter obeys Jesus, he thinks he is just going fishing. But Jesus has other fish to fry.
February 7, 2010
Love's Expectations
When people fall short of our expectations, we want to push them off the cliff - Jesus included.
January 31, 2010
No Title
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January 24, 2010
The Quiet Work of God
I wouldn't call him bashful, but God does not always call attention to himself..
January 17, 2010
Baptism in the Spirit
Who is Jesus? God in human clothing? Or human in the power of the Spirit?.
January 10, 2010
The Lonely Goatherd
Why is Christmas so great? It's God's greatest gift.
December 24, 2009
Exhortations of Good News
John the Baptist comes preaching. But is it really good news?
December 13, 2009
'Tis a Gift to be Generous
What do St. Nicholas and John the Baptist have in common? They are prophets that help ready us for a greater life.
December 6, 2009
Only the Beginning
How would you live knowing you are near the end? It could be only the beginning.
November 15, 2009
Priority One
What is your most important priority? Let's hear from Jesus.
November 1, 2009
What the World Needs Now
What would you ask Jesus for? Success or sight? Let a blind man show you the way.
October 25, 2009
No Stats Servants
How can we be more like Jesus? It's not where you sit, but how you serve that counts.
October 18, 2009
The Look of Love
How hard it is to come to terms with this hard saying. But there are also some surprises, showing that nothing is more surprising than God's love.
October 11, 2009
Let Them Come
Jesus does not send children away, but embraces them. So, we bring them to God through baptism.
October 4, 2009
Salt and Peace
Cut off your hand? This is salty talk from Jesus. But it's aimed at your heart.
September 27, 2009
Without Your Left Hand Knowing
Jesus is going to suffering, rejection, death and resurrection. Where does that lead us?
September 20, 2009
It's All Downhill from Here
The true spiritual path is not uphill, but downhill, and that is precisely where Jesus is headed.
September 13, 2009
Strangers in the Day
Jesus encounters a Gentile woman and changes his mind. What can strangers teach us about ourselves and about God?
September 6, 2009
Food Fight
The argument over dietary regulations is not just a food fight. It is about genuine faith - what comes from the heart in humility.
August 30, 2009
Bread of Life
The Bread of Life may seem out of this world, but it is really very down to earth.
August 9, 2009
Craving Life
What do you crave? Boneless chicken wings? A hot new car? Or real life?
August 2, 2009
The Gifts of Silence
When the disciples got too busy to eat, Jesus took them to a place of silence. Silence is not just for hermits. It has gifts to offer everyone.
July 19th, 2009
The Good, The Bad, and the Savior
Sometimes we need to see the ways we fall short - like bad people - before we can see Jesus more clearly for us.
July 12th, 2009
Just as we are
Jesus goes in the boat with the disciples, "just as he is." So, he invites us to go, just as we are, in faith, to places and ventures unknown.
June 21st, 2009
June 14th Sermon
June 14th, 2009
Blowin' in the Wind
What is it like to be blowin' in the wind? The Day of Pentecost is only the beginning.
May 31, 2009
Tying Up Loose Ends
What do you do when you don't know what's coming next? Pray to Jesus, who knows our hearts.
May 24, 2009
The Five Second Confirmation
What do we learn in confirmatoin? What stays with us? What is it we already know from the beginning?
May 17, 2009
Bearing the Fruit of Love
What is the purpose of human life? Is there hope for change? Only through the nourishment of the vine and the work of the vinedresser.
May 10, 2009
I Will Lay Me Down
Jesus is the Good Shepherd because he puts the good of the sheep ahead of his own good - by laying down his life.
May 3, 2009
What Can Be Done?
When death comes, nothing can be done. But now that Jesus has been raised, what can we do?
April 12, 2009 |
