When I conclude a sermon series, I usually share resources I utilized in my study and preparation for sermons. Here is the bibliography for our recent series, "Scandalous Jesus," which is the ninth part of an extended walk through the Gospel of Matthew. Bibliography for “Scandalous Jesus” [Gospel of Matthew, part 9] Kenneth E. Bailey. …
Martin Luther King, Jr. – a prayer
Thou Eternal God, out of whose absolute power and infinite intelligence the whole universe has come into being, we humbly confess that we have not loved thee with our hearts, souls and minds, and we have not loved our neighbors as Christ loved us. We have all too often lived by our own selfish impulses …
Finding Our Way Back with Christ: Four pathways for preaching Lent
I recently wrote an article for Preaching Today on approaches to preaching during Lent. I explore the following ways to preach Lent: A Call to RepentanceFacing into the Darkness of Human ExperienceJourney through the Longings of the Human HeartFollow the Journey of Jesus This is a parallel article to my "Recovering the Wonder of Christmas: …
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Langston Hughes – “I Dream a World”
I dream a world where manNo other man will scorn,Where love will bless the earthAnd peace its paths adornI dream a world where allWill know sweet freedom's way,Where greed no longer saps the soulNor avarice blights our day.A world I dream where black or white,Whatever race you be,Will share the bounties of the earthAnd every …
Experiencing Blessing: a word from Henri Nouwen
I re-read Henri Nouwen's marvelous book Life of the Beloved recently and this story stood out so powerfully that I wanted to share it with you. I hope you read it and reflect on your own blessing and Belovedness in God today: Not long ago, in my own community, I had a very personal experience …
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Matthew Erickson 