Christ Lutheran Church Harrisburg

Leviathan and Shalom

Leviathan, that ancient description of chaos, evil, cruelty, and more shows up throughout Scripture and human history.  It causes damage, destruction, and death.  But it doesn't get the last word.  Even in the stoning of Stephen that we hear about in Acts 7, death doesn't get the final say.  Shalom does.  We aren't called to take on the methods of Leviathan and we can't defeat it.  only God can.  And we are called to follow in Jesus' footsteps with his methods.  The sermon is based on Acts 6 and 7.  

Stories

Tyrants tell stories in order to maintain control through fear.  They have done this for a long, long time.  The resurrection of Jesus is a story that does the opposite - offers hope and new opportunities, setting people free.  Pastor Matthew's sermon is based on Luke 24:13-35.

Where is Jesus?

The world can feel like Jesus is still in the tomb.  But the tomb and the world can't contain him and hold him hostage.  Resurrection isn't about going back in time.  It's about moving forward in a new way.  And it's not just something that happened to Jesus 2000 years ago.  We see it today in our communities.  Resurrection gives us hope and healing here and now.  Pastor Matthew's sermon is based on Luke 24:1-12.

Expected Jesus vs. Real Jesus

The crowd had expectations about Jesus.  They knew what they wanted.  So do we.  But Jesus doesn't live into those expectations.  He offers something else.  Something better.  Pastor Matthew's sermon is based on the Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem in Luke 19.  

Jesus gives us a lens to see

The Narrative Lectionary gives us three stories about people who can and can't see Jesus for who he is.  Jesus gives us a lens to see him. He encounters us and transforms us.  The sermon is based on Luke 18:31-19:10.

Two Sides, Two Audiences, One Message

The Narrative Lectionary takes us to Luke 15:1-32 where we hear Jesus offer three parables.  But who is his audience?  Is it the tax collectors and sinners?  Is it the Pharisees and the scribes?  What if it's both?  He proclaims good news for both groups and for us.  

Love is not abstract

Will empathy bring about the downfall of civilization like some argue?  Or will it bring healing?  Keeping love of humanity in the abstract is in stark contrast with Jesus' telling of the parable of the Good Samaritan.  He shows that love is real, it is put into action, and it impacts real people.  Pastor Matthew's sermon is based on Luke 10:25-42.

Shining a Light

Transfiguration Sunday ends the season of Epiphany, where we get to see more fully who Jesus is and what he is about.  His glory shines bright on those that are around him.  And in so doing, we are called to shine his light to the world. Pastor Matthew's sermon is based on Luke 9:28-45.  

Jesus Sees Us

The Pharisee and his guests didn't want to see the woman who came in.  Just Jesus see her.  He hears her.  He reminds her that she is not alone.  He provides hope.  And he sends her out renewed and restored.  And he does that for us as well, especially when the world wants to erase people.  Jesus invites us to see and hear people, to know they are not alone.  To offer hope, and to send us out.  Pastor Matthew's Sermon is based on Luke 7:36-50.

Not what we expected

Jesus defies expectations.  And that's good news.  While so many are expecting Jesus to cozy up with those in power, to find him in place of wealth and might, we can always find him on the margins of society with the poor and outcast - healing, restoring life, bringing good news.  Pastor Matthew's sermon is based on Luke 7:18-35.