Harrowing Of Hell

Category: Jesus

Ambiguity Capacity as a Kingdom of God Experience

Sermon | November 7, 2021

I’m reading a book right now called Nonsense by Jamie Holmes, and in it he makes a claim that grabbed my attention. He wrote: “As uncertainties add up in the world around us, they accelerate our desire for certainty.” When I read this, I was reminded of a sermon I preached on Easter day 2014:

The Good News

Sermon | October 17, 2021

Good morning Christians, seekers, and friends! I have been thinking this week about that old question, “What do you want to hear first… the GOOD news or the BAD news?” We’ve probably all heard this question in one context or another. Do you have a personal preference? Good news first; then bad news? Or is

Hard Things Lead to the Best Things

Sermon | October 10, 2021

Good morning. I wish I’d gotten off another plane this week, so I could rewrite my sermon and avoid Jesus’ comment about how hard it is for those who have wealth to get into the Kingdom of God. Not a top 10 favorite on an annual appeal Sunday, particularly in Seattle, where stock portfolios and

Battle for Christianity – Annual Appeal

Sermon | October 3, 2021

I am so glad to be here with you today. I just returned from a board meeting for the Consortium of Endowed Episcopal Parishes in Atlanta, and then flew to Essex Connecticut where I preached at Kate Wesch’s installation as Rector at Saint John’s Church. Incidentally, Kate is doing very well, as is her family,

How are you REALLY doing?

Sermon | September 19, 2021

Good morning Christians, seekers, and friends: How are you? …I am waiting because I really want to know! The other day my colleague Pam brought to my attention that after we had exchanged “good mornings,” in the Christie House kitchen where I was putting my lunch in the refrigerator, I then asked her “How are

Getting to the Heart of the Matter

Sermon | September 12, 2021

I’ve been hearing lately about conversations people have had with family members and good friends who refused to get vaccinated. (disqualify people who are immune-compromised) These conversations are exasperating! Nothing they say inspires their loved one to change their mind. Nothing works. It is crazy making. This is life and death, and there are not

David

Sermon | August 8, 2021

In my life I have seen three versions of Michelangelo’s Statue of David. One is the original that before the pandemic millions visited each year in Florence at the Galleria dell’Accademia. The other is a stunning full-size bronze copy purchased by John Ringling to be the centerpiece of his art museum in Sarasota. It was

GOAT and Sheep of the Good Shepherd

Sermon | August 1, 2021

Good morning Christians, Seekers, and Friends! It probably isn’t surprising to hear me say that I am not exactly a sports enthusiast. I think I may love enough of the standard PNW pursuits to allow me regional citizenship – I like to walk, swim, hike, and bike – all good Seattle activities, right? And as