Posted in Uncategorized on August 31, 2014| Leave a Comment »
Several reality shows are based on experts trying to tell a fake from something authentic and valuable. Antiques Roadshow was the original . . . American Pickers . . . Storage wars . . .Pawn Stars are all based on the same idea. Someone finds an item . . . is it real or is it a fake.
When it comes to people, most of us can spot a phony a mile away. We can usually tell when someone genuinely and sincerely cares for us and when they don’t. And no one likes a fake.
Posted in Uncategorized on August 24, 2014| Leave a Comment »
Can you keep a secret?
Ask a group of people to keep a secret, and you’re looking for trouble. More than likely, somebody will spill the beans. Especially if the secret is something exciting or surprising.
Today’s Gospel is about a secret. A very strange secret. It was a secret many had a very hard time keeping to themselves . . . with good reason. Except . . . it was a secret Jesus asked the disciples to keep. (more…)
Posted in Uncategorized on August 17, 2014| Leave a Comment »
Since October of last year, over 60,000 unaccompanied children have crossed the southern border of the US trying to escape violence and gang activity and hoping for a better life. Our nation is struggling to know exactly how to handle this influx of immigrants many of whom are crossing illegally. There are security concerns. There is pressure on communities near the border where classrooms are overcrowding. There are different approaches and different political agendas at work and at times conflicting values, but everyone seems to agree that we must protect our borders. The Texas governor this week ordered National Guard troops to help patrol the border. Some think this is a good idea; others criticize the use of the military. (more…)
Posted in Uncategorized on August 10, 2014| 1 Comment »
The first sermon I ever preached was to an empty room. No people to listen. Just a video camera. I was in my first year at the seminary taking my first homiletics or preaching class and our assignment was to write and prepare a sermon and then deliver it in the recording studio. We were not allowed to bring any notes or papers with us. It had to be memorized word for word. Oh. Did I mention the video would later be viewed by our instructors and fellow students to evaluate?
Pastor Jon's Sermon Blog 