Podcast: FLC Sermons
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Lament over Jerusalem
This week Jesus has some difficult conversations with people about sin: Are some sins worse than others? Can we sin just a little bit, or is it all or nothing? Jesus then tells the parable of the fig tree, reminding us that our God is a god of second chances. Listen as Intern Pastor Miriam,…
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Good Samaritan
When we read the story of the Good Samaritan, we often picture ourselves in the role of the Samaritan, helping another person (or being challenged to help another person) when others pass them by. But what if that’s not what Jesus means? What if Jesus intends for us to hear it another way? Listen as…
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Transfiguration
In this week’s lesson, we hear the story of Jesus’s transfiguration, where, up on a mountain, Jesus’s face shines like the sun and his clothes become dazzling white; God’s divine presence peeks through. But what does this transfiguration really mean? And what difference does it make for us? Listen as Intern Pastor Miriam explores how God is…
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Raising the Widow’s Son
Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me, is an old-school phrase many of us may have uttered to reassure people their cruel words weren’t having the intended effect. But the truth is words do have power and they can hurt. But words can also heal. This week we hear…
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Healing on the Sabbath
This week Jesus and his disciples create a stir as they are seen working on the sabbath day, violating the Third Commandment. Like sheep who are fenced into a pen for protection and containment, the commandments exist to create order in the community and to keep people safe. Listen as Intern Pastor Miriam explores how…
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Fish for People
In this Sunday’s story from Luke, we meet a fisherman who had just finished a long night of fishing, was washing his nets, and likely very happy to be headed home to rest, when Jesus commandeers his boat. Eventually, Jesus takes this fisherman and his buddies out to sea and ridiculously instructs them to recast their…
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Sermon at Nazareth
This week, Jesus returns to his hometown of Nazareth. As the town that raised him, the Nazarenes ought to have an all-access pass to Jesus’s restorative power, right? Furthermore, as Jesus’s followers today, shouldn’t we expect full and immediate access to the Good News whenever we please? Listen as Intern Pastor Miriam explores how sometimes…
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Jesus’ Baptism
Trees produce fruit because that’s who they are. The same can be said about followers of Christ. This week, with the story of Jesus’ baptism, we hear again the promise of being claimed as a child of God in the waters of baptism that shape our identity in a way that should produce fruit; good…
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Boy in the Temple
In this week’s lesson, Mary and Joseph lose an adolescent Jesus in Jerusalem, only to find him days later among teachers in a temple. We see a new perspective of God’s unconditional love for and value of children. Listen as Intern Pastor Miriam explores how we too can get trapped in our routines and invites…
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Jesus’ Birth Announced
In our reading this week, Mary learns from Gabriel that she will be the mother of God. And we wait with expectation – the same hopeful expectation Mary had. Listen as Pastor Kate explores how – along with the lights, trees, ornaments, and stockings – we begin to shift our priorities and anticipate what God’s presence…