I have a terrible confession to make. Ever since I started in the ministry, I have found Easter Sunday to be the most difficult time to deliver a sermon. The main reason is this: I am convinced that Easter can truly happen only to those who have first gone through… Continue reading
The great 20th century theologian Paul Tillich once said that in its infancy, Christianity had only one real rival, and that was the spirit of stoicism. There were many other competing religions, but only one real rival—a rival and threat that has stayed with the church for two thousand years…. Continue reading
Theologian Paul Tillich told the following story in one of his sermons: In the Nuremburg war-crimes trials a witness appeared who had lived for some time in a grave in a Jewish grave-yard. It was the only place he and many others could live, when hiding after they had escaped… Continue reading
The great Christian ethicist and theologian Reinhold Niebuhr once said, “Nothing worth doing is completed in our lifetime; therefore, we must be saved by hope.” As we enter this season of Easter we might benefit from reflecting on these words. During the latter portion of the nineteenth century there was… Continue reading
As we approach Easter, we can only imagine what that first Easter must have been like. The shock, the surprise, the unbelievable joy, and the restoration of trust in the faithfulness of God and the truth of Jesus—all of this must have been the experiences of those who first met… Continue reading
The appearance of the Risen Christ to the disciples on the road to Emmaus is one of the richest passages in all of Scripture. This passage is a source of tender comfort and subtle challenge. I can remember the minister commenting on these verses at my father’s funeral, and because… Continue reading
Woody Allen, in his movie “Annie Hall” tells the story of a man who goes to a psychiatrist, complaining that his brother-in-law, who lives with him, thinks he is a chicken. “Describe his symptoms,” the doctor says. “Maybe I can help.” “Well,” replies the man, “he cackles a lot, he… Continue reading
