Beggars Sharing Bread
“We are all mere beggars showing other beggars where to find bread.” Martin Luther
Wednesday, June 21, 2017
Saturday, June 17, 2017
Wednesday, June 14, 2017
Have A Hot Pocket!
I'm home for a few weeks recovering from tendinitis, so I thought I would post a few good sermons I listened to while hiking the CDT. I plan to return to the trail when my ankle heals but for new it's time to be patient and let it heal.
Below is a sermon I really enjoyed. I'd love to hear your comments.
Sunday, May 7, 2017
The Good News When You Can’t Hold Fast
CDT Thru-Hike 2017
A blog of my 2017 thru-hike of the Continental Divide Trail.
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
Turn Down For What? by RJ Grunewald
Below is a link to my hiking blog. Check it out and subscribe. You never know when I might throw in a good sermon or a theological reflection.Turn Down For What?
BY RJ GRUNEWALD Crunk rap artist Lil Jon and DJ Snake have a top 10 single dedicated to the hook, "Turn down for what." Since I was a bit out of touch with the language, I embarrassingly asked some teenagers what it meant.
Loren's Hiking Blog
Sunday, April 30, 2017
Until We Meet Again
If you are enjoying the blog and want to continue listening while I hike, I have created a page with some of my FAVORITE PODCASTS. The links will take you to the podcast feeds starting with the newest podcast. Most of these podcasts can also be found on iTunes by searching for the podcast title. You will NOT agree with everything you hear, and neither do I, but these podcasters care deeply about the Bible and the good news of the Gospel. They have helped me to seriously think about what I believe and I hope the same for you. Enjoy!Loren's Hiking Blog
Here is this week's sermon! This sermon is based on Jesus' first miracle and there is plenty of talk about wine as a symbol God's abundant grace. For anyone who can't imagine wine as a positive symbol, you might want to skip this sermon, otherwise it is a smart, contemporary and passionate sermon that reminds us of what it means to be the bride of Christ. For the rest of you, feel free to pour yourself a glass and enjoy the sermon.
A Date With Destiny - Zac G. Koons - The Mockingpulpit
podcast
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
Things Done and Left Undone
Things Done and Left Undone - David Zahl - The Mockingpulpit
podcast
Sunday, April 23, 2017
The Way of Exchange
The Way of Exchange
This is the first of my three Good Friday Talks on following the way of the cross, which draw on my sonnets sequence 'Stations' which can be found here: http://malcolmguite.wordpress.com/2012/04/04/good-friday-the-stations-of-the-cross/
Wednesday, April 19, 2017
Three Questions for Sermon Listening
Three Questions to Ask Before Listening to Any Sermon
It's easy to become a passive sermon consumer. As a young Christian, I started to sense this tendency in my own listening, so one Sunday I brought a notebook to church and devised a simple little practice to get my discernment juices flowing before listening to sermons.
Sunday, April 16, 2017
But Is It Enough
Easter Sunday "But Is It Enough?" - Calvary ~ St. George's Sermon Podcast
In this sermon the Rev Jacob Smith asks and answers the question "Is the resurrection of Jesus Enough?"
Wednesday, April 12, 2017
Fighting For The Faith
Hillsong's "Naked Cowboy" Twists Acts 16 - Fighting for the Faith
00:09:22 Katie Souza Thousandfold Con 00:24:33 Steve & Wendy Backlund Making Your Promise Your Identity 00:46:39 Ed Young No Word of God for Memorial Day 01:03:51 Jurgen Matthesius The Power Of A Vision Builder 01:18:27 Sermon Review: Jesus Doesn't Change by Diego Simila
Sunday, April 9, 2017
The Treasure In The Field
The Treasure In The Field - Sermons
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Bible Gateway passage: Matthew 13:44 - English Standard Version
The Parable of the Hidden Treasure - "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
7 Easy Steps-Bragging On Social Media
7 Easy Steps To Looking Humble While Bragging On Social Media | The Babylon Bee
When someone is as awesome as you, every once in a while you just need to let the world know about it, right? But-let's be honest-boasting about oneself is sort of frowned upon in most Christian circles. Here's where we can help. Courtesy of your friends at The Babylon Bee, here are 7 easy steps to ...
Sunday, April 2, 2017
The Man In The Ditch
Let's Talk About the Man in the Ditch - Jacob Smith - The Mockingpulpit
podcast
Bible Gateway passage: Luke 10:25-37 - New International Version
The Parable of the Good Samaritan - On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" "What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?"
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Sunday, March 26, 2017
Scandalons of Faith
Luke 17:1-10 / 6 October 2013 - Holy Trinity Lutheran Church " Sermons
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Bible Gateway passage: Luke 17:1-10 - English Standard Version
Temptations to Sin - And he said to his disciples, "Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin.
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Sunday, March 19, 2017
Mercy
Mercy - Luke 6:36-42 - Hope Lutheran Church, Aurora CO, Podcast
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Bible Gateway passage: Luke 6:36-42 - English Standard Version
Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. Judging Others - "Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap.
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
YOUR Testimony
Tips For Spicing Up Your Testimony | The Babylon Bee
If you're like the majority of American Christians, your testimony's just plain boring. You were raised in a Christian home, accepted Christ at a young age, were made alive with Christ by the saving power of God, blah blah blah. What you need is a few extra details-"alternative facts," if you will-to spice up your ...
Sunday, March 12, 2017
Signs and Faith
Signs and Faith - John 4:46-54 - Hope Lutheran Church, Aurora CO, Podcast
Bible Gateway passage: John 4:46-54 - English Standard Version
Jesus Heals an Official's Son - So he came again to Cana in Galilee, where he had made the water wine. And at Capernaum there was an official whose son was ill. When this man heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went to him and asked him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death.
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
The Doctrine of Inerrancy
Sunday, March 5, 2017
Stewardship Sunday
Stewardship Sunday - Luke 16:19 - Hope Lutheran Church, Aurora CO, Podcast
Bible Gateway passage: Luke 16:1-13 - English Standard Version
The Parable of the Dishonest Manager - He also said to the disciples, "There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was wasting his possessions. And he called him and said to him, 'What is this that I hear about you?
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
Moralistic & Therapeutic Deism
Sunday, February 26, 2017
The Widow’s Mite
The Widow's Mite | a sermon on Mark 12:38-44 - saint benedict's table
Jamie Howison wonders if the conventional reading of the story of the "widow's mite" is getting us at the force of what Jesus was talking about
Bible Gateway passage: Mark 12:38-44 - English Standard Version
Beware of the Scribes - And in his teaching he said, "Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and like greetings in the marketplaces and have the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, who devour widows' houses and for a pretense make long prayers.
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
We Refused to Practice Cunning
General Session 2
Grace Community Church's mission is to glorify God and extend His kingdom by living and proclaiming His truth in the world.
Bible Gateway passage: 2 Corinthians 4:1-5 - English Standard Version
The Light of the Gospel - Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God.
Sunday, February 19, 2017
The Feast of Michaelmas
Michaelmas | a sermon by Malcolm Guite - saint benedict's table Bible Gateway passage: Genesis 28:10-17, John 1:47-51 - English Standard Version
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
Two Words: Law and Gospel
For a more in-depth study of Law and Gospel, continue reading here!10 Thoughts on Law and Gospel
BY BRANDON HANSON Try not to let your head explode. Here's a little "devotional" for you; some thoughts on Law and Gospel from Gerhard Forde. Drink deep, drink full. These are rich streams of thought. 1. The Gospel does not tell me what to do to be saved.
Sunday, February 12, 2017
The Trouble About Only
Can you see it? Can you see that the death of Jesus Christ is your death? He has died in your place! He has done it. He is God happening to you. It is all over, finished, between you and God! He died in your place that death which you must die; he has done it in such a way as to save you. He has borne the whole thing! The fact that there is nothing left for you to do is the death of self and new birth of the new creature. He died to make a new creature of you...to raise you up to trust God alone. Gerhard O FordeThe Trouble about "Only" - Rm 3:21-28 - Hope Lutheran Church, Aurora CO, Podcast Bible Gateway passage: Romans 3:21-28 - English Standard Version
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
The Radical Gospel
The Radical Gospel
BY GERHARD FORDE The radical gospel of justification by faith alone simply does not fit, cannot be accepted by, and will not work with an anthropology which sees the human being as a continuously existing subject possessing ''free choice of will''...
Sunday, February 5, 2017
On Trusting in Ourselves & Contempt
On Trusting in Ourselves & Contempt (Luke 18:9-14) - Saint Matthias Anglican Church - Oakdale, CA
Bible Gateway passage: Luke 18:9-14 - English Standard Version
The Pharisee and the Tax Collector - He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
To The Troubled In Conscience
To The Troubled In Conscience
BY ED ELLINGSTON This is a word to those with a troubled conscience. Those tormented by their failure to conquer that secret sin, or those who have screwed up so horrifically and publicly that they are in danger of losing all hope.
Sunday, January 29, 2017
Clarifying “Righteousness”
1-22-17 Clarifying "Righteousness" (Matthew 5:17-20) - Saint Matthias Anglican Church - Oakdale, CA
Bible Gateway passage: Matthew 5:17-20 - English Standard Version
Christ Came to Fulfill the Law - "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
Laugh Out Loud!
Confirmed: Earliest Manuscripts Of Jeremiah Just Had Chapter 29 Verse 11 | The Babylon Bee
TEL AVIV, ISRAEL-Newly discovered manuscripts of the prophet Jeremiah's writings have confirmed that the prophet's original words were likely confined to just the eleventh verse of Chapter 29 found in modern Bible translations, with all other parts of the book being forgeries, Bible experts announced Wednesday.
Sunday, January 22, 2017
Clarifying the Beatitudes
Sermon Cloud 1/15/17 Clarifying the Beatitudes (Matthew 4:23-5:16) Bible Gateway passage: Matthew 4:23-5:16 - English Standard Version
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
Book Recommendation
Law and Gospel: A Theology for Sinners (and Saints)
Sunday, January 15, 2017
The Steadfast Love of the Lord Never Ceases
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases? | Jeremiah's stubborn hope - saint benedict's table Bible Gateway passage: Lamentations 3:19-26 - English Standard Version
Wednesday, January 11, 2017
Blood On The Floor
In order for forgiveness to really happen, something has to die. Whether it's your expectations of a person, or your idea about who you are. There has to be a death for forgiveness to happen...where forgiveness is easy, and love is easy, there's not enough blood on the floor to make sense of that. -Brené BrownIn Christianity the blood on the floor is Jesus' blood, and after we receive His forgiveness for our sin, He says take up your cross and follow me. Apparently forgiving others is going to cost us something too. But any dying we do in forgiving others, serves to crucifies our flesh and reminds us we are already dead and Jesus is our life. The act of forgiving others is no less God's gift to us than the forgiveness He shows to us. Both are drawing us closer to Him and to each other.
Below is a link to a video interview with Brene' Brown that includes the above quote as part of her personal testimony. I think it's worth the time to listen to.
Sunday, January 8, 2017
Government
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
Wednesday, January 4, 2017
Laying Down The Law
What We Want the Law to Do That It Can't Do
Saturday, December 31, 2016
My Christmas Sermon
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
A Christmas Mentality
A Chirstmas Mentality Bible Gateway passage: Matthew 2:13-18 - English Standard Version
Thursday, December 22, 2016
Merry Christmas!
In your Flesh Bible Gateway passage: John 1:1-14 - English Standard Version
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
All Scripture Is God Breathed
All Scripture Is Breathed Out by God - 2 Tim. 3:14-4:5 - Sermons - Faith Free Lutheran Bible Gateway passage: 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 - English Standard Version
Monday, December 19, 2016
Do Not Be Afraid Joseph
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
Wolves with Rotten Fruit
Wolves with Rotten Fruit Bible Gateway passage: Matthew 7:15-20 - English Standard Version
Sunday, December 11, 2016
Jesus Is Ready For You!
I Hate The Mall | episode 3 in our series of Advent podcasts - saint benedict's table Don't Get Ready for Christmas, Get Ready for Jesus - Sarah Condon - The Mockingpulpit Bible Gateway passage: Matthew 24:36-44 - English Standard Version
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
Ten Commandment Diagnostic Questions
Below is the list of self-diagnostic questions discussed in the video. I find them to be a good tool for evaluating my love for God and neighbor and a reminder to daily repent of my sin.
1. What am I afraid of?
2. How are my prayers?
3. What is my attitude toward worship?
4. What is my attitude toward authority?
5. Am I angry?
6. Am I chaste/content with my spouse?
7. Am I greedy/lazy?
8. Am I bitter?
9 & 10. Am I content/happy?
If you like this video, you can find more here. There are videos on each commandment and many other Biblical texts. Grappling with the Text Videos Enjoy!
Monday, December 5, 2016
A Difficult But Necessary Advent Gift
A Difficult But Necessary Advent Gift - For You - The Podcast Page of Rev. Dr. Matthew Richard Bible Gateway passage: Mark 1:1-8 - English Standard Version
Below is a Advent hymn interspersed with poetry by Malcolm Guite that highlights the biblical themes expressed in the song. If you enjoy his poetry, you can find more here.
O Come, O Come Emmanuel | episode 2 in our series of Advent podcasts - saint benedict's table
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Words that Will Not Pass Away
Words that Will Not Pass Away - Luke 21:25-36 - Hope Lutheran Church, Aurora CO, Podcast Bible Gateway passage: Luke 21:25-36 - English Standard Version You might notice that I am playing around with the blog post formating and also using a new podcast streaming website. I'd enjoy your feedback!
Friday, November 25, 2016
Introducing Advent
If you grew up like me, attending an evangelical church, you might not know anything about the season of Advent. Advent begins four weeks before Christmas, which means this year it begins on Sunday, November 27, 2016. Advent is a time of preparation and expectation leading up to the celebration of Christ's birth. It also has themes that look forward with hope and anticipation to Christ's second coming. For churches that follow the liturgical calendar, Christmas season doesn't begin until Christmas Eve and continues for 12 days until Epiphany.
I have enjoyed learning about Advent and other seasons/celebrations of the liturgical church calendar. It reminds me that the Church isn't something we invented yesterday. The seasons and celebrations (feasts) of the Church are rich in theology, worship, and practical application.
This blog post includes links to two podcasts. The first is a short (5 minute) podcast that highlights a song written for Advent season. It is a beautiful song that focuses on the themes of promise, waiting, and hope. There are five more of these short podcasts, and I will post them over the next few weeks. The second link is a fourteen minute Christmas Eve message that does a good job of introducing the season of Advent and is a heart warming story as well. Both podcasts are from St. Benedict's Table in Manitoba, Canada.
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
Thanksgiving
Merciful Thanks 11/23/16 - Sermons
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
Christ: The Final Word
Is everyone ready for another good sermon? This sermon was preached by Timothy Keller in 2005, and is part of series on the book of Hebrews. The text from Hebrews is read aloud by an unnamed reader before the sermon and is worth the price of the entire sermon. If I ever write a book, I want him to read the audio version.
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
From Death's Pale Brow Forever
It's time for another sermon. I love this church because on their website "About Us" page, it says: "It's not about us. It's about Christ crucified for our sin. But if you really want to know about us, we're a bunch of sinners and we'd love to tell you about Christ's forgiveness." This is the first sermon I've ever heard on the theme of death except at a funeral. If you can survive the first 5 minutes and 20 seconds you are in for a big surprise!
From Death's Pale Brow Forever
Bible Gateway passage: Revelation 7:9-17 - English Standard Version
A Great Multitude from Every Nation - After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!"
Thursday, November 10, 2016
Theology as Child's Play
And let no man think himself too wise for such child’s play. Christ, to train men, had to become man himself. If we wish to train children, we must become children with them. Would to God such child’s play were widely practiced. In a short time we would have a wealth of Christian people whose souls would be so enriched in Scripture and in the knowledge of God that of their own accord they would add more pockets.Enjoy the sermon and listen for the game! I have become fond of playing the game in my head when reading scripture and listening to sermons. Here is the text: 1 Peter 4:12-19
Not Surprised by Sufferiong - 1 Peter 4:12-19
Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
You Are The Body Of Christ
It's time for another great sermon. This one focuses on the Church as the Body of Christ. The text is 1 Corinthians 12:12-31. Enjoy!
Friday, November 4, 2016
A Man Named Martin
Below is a link to playlist of eight videos. I am currently in the process of watching them, so if you find anything "interesting" please comment!
The final three videos were produced in 2016, and focus on teachings of the late Medieval Church including purgatory, penance, celibacy, prayers for the dead, transubstantiation, the treasury of merits of Christ, devotion to Mary and the rosary, the institution of the papacy, and the one most often linked to the Reformation: the sale of indulgences.
Sunday, October 30, 2016
Reformation Day 2016
Thursday, October 27, 2016
Dying to Self
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
Jesus, Transfiguration, and the Bible
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Sunday, October 23, 2016
Interview with Eylse Fitzpatrick
Monday, October 17, 2016
Washing Water To Wedding Wine
Thursday, October 13, 2016
Danger Will Robinson, Danger!
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
An Offering Of Spilled Purfume
Friday, October 7, 2016
WHO Is The Bible About?

You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me. John 5:39
Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him.
He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”
They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” “What things?” he asked. “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”
He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. Luke 24:13-27We miss the point of the Bible if we read the Bible as if it is about us.
Here is a short video to consider:
The Bible Is Not About You by Byron Yawn
How Luther Taught Me to Read the Bible by Donavon RileyI encourage your questions and comments!