Category Archives: Sermons and Devotions

By Chaplain Mike Sunday’s Gospel • Luke 17:11-19 Early in the traditional worship service of the church, the congregation says, chants, or sings the Kyrie: “Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy; Lord, have mercy.” The climax of the service occurs when God’s people celebrate the Eucharist, partaking of the body and blood of Christ. AtContinue reading “From “Kyrie” to “Eucharist””

By Chaplain Mike Today’s Gospel— Luke 16:19-31 This story is the climax of a series of pericopes that represent a prominent theme in Luke’s Gospel. Many have called it “The Great Reversal.” This theme is introduced in Mary’s Magnificat (1:46-55) and finds its most succinct expression in Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain (6:20-21, 24-25): BlessedContinue reading ““Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your heart””

By Chaplain Mike Today’s post will consist first of some exegetical work, breaking down this difficult passage—Luke 16:1-13— so that we can grasp its meaning. This will be followed by a brief meditation to drive home the gospel message of Jesus. I encourage you to read the passage carefully, work through the study, and thenContinue reading “Short-Term Loss, Long-Term Gain”

By Chaplain Mike Today’s Gospel: Luke 15:1-10 I think Tom Wright perfectly catches the message of this passage in an illustration from his commentary, Luke for Everyone: We had just moved house, to a dream location: quiet, secluded, at the end of a road near a lake. Everything seemed peaceful. then, on the first SaturdayContinue reading “It’s Party Time!”

By Chaplain Mike Today’s Gospel: Luke 14:25-33 Many products these days are offered on a “try before you buy” basis. You go to the grocery store or warehouse club and there are tables set up where people are stationed, ready to give you free samples of foods the store is promoting. Likewise, you can tasteContinue reading “Try Before You Buy?”

By Chaplain Mike Today’s Gospel: Luke 14:1, 7-14. In this Sunday’s text, we find Jesus at a familiar place in the Gospel of Luke—at a table, talking to people who struggle to grasp grace and its implications. Humility (14:7-11) In Jesus’ day, the seating arrangement at feasts was in a “U” shape, with the hostContinue reading “Table Talk: Grace, Humility, and Hospitality”

Today’s Gospel: Luke 13:10-17 According to Luke’s portrayal, Jesus’ mission was clearly stated: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be setContinue reading “Loosing the Captive to Stand Up Straight”

By Chaplain Mike Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost Lectionary Readings • Genesis 15:1-6 • Psalm 33:12-22 (22) • Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 • Luke 12:32-40 Today’s Gospel Today’s Gospel message takes the form of a personal testimony and tribute. This weekend, we are visiting the congregation where I had my first pastorate. It’s a little Baptist churchContinue reading “Sunday’s Gospel: Fear Not, Little Flock”