Category: Sermons

Called to Follow

Pastor DeborahLeave a comment

Luke 5:1-11                  There are some people who feel a calling to fish.  Whether it is the tranquility of the lake calling or the smell of the sea calling or the chance to have some truly quiet time calling or the taste of a good grilled or fried fresh fish calling, I know that fishing is a joy for some of you.  It can be a relaxing way to spend a special day or weekend away from your regular routine.

Fishing was not a leisure activity nor a sport for the first disciples.  Fishing was the way they kept food on the table.  The fishing industry was central to the daily life of first century Judea.   Continue reading “Called to Follow” →

Hometown Hero?

Pastor DeborahLeave a comment

Luke 4:14-30:     An inaugural speech usually sets the tone for the work ahead, touching on the key points which the president plans to focus on during his or her tenure.  It is the first speech of the presidency, and people pay very close attention to its’ content, no matter what their opinion of the speaker.  Jesus’ first sermon in his hometown serves as an inaugural sermon for the gospel of Luke.  He has begun his ministry in Galilee already, teaching in synagogues of towns and villages around the eastern rim of the Lake, but this sermon in Nazareth is an agenda-setting message which sets the tone for this entire gospel. 

            Sitting in the synagogue that day is the man who first taught him to read the ancient Hebrew texts from the scroll.  And the men he sat with to debate the meaning of the words of God.  And in the back was the old, old man who gave him treats Continue reading “Hometown Hero?” →