Christ Lutheran Church Harrisburg

Jesus meets us in the conflicts of life

Conflict is a part of life.  Jesus doesn't make it all go away.  He meets us in the conflict and offers an alternative, and reassures us that we are not alone.  The sermon is based on Mark 12:1-17.

Seeing

Scripture is told through the perspective of the outcast, the poor, the conquered.  God's glory is often at odds with human ideas of glory.  This is why it is Good News to the poor.  Today's sermon is based on Mark 10:32-52.

What must I do...?

In Mark 10:17-31, a man comes running up to Jesus and asks what he must do to inherit eternal life.  Can we buy God's love?  Can we earn our way to God?  No.  And that's Good News.  It's not about what we can or can't do.  It's about what Jesus has already done and continues to do.  We are loved in spite of our faults.  

Who do you say I am?

Jesus asked the question - who do you say I am?  Lots of people have an answer for that.  There's white Jesus, woke Jesus, Republican Jesus, Democrat Jesus, capitalist Jesus, socialist Jesus, and more.  All of these answers are like Peter in that they don't like Jesus' answer to who he is and what he must do, and what it means to follow.  And while we are often like Peter, Jesus is faithful, loves us anyway, and does what needs to be done.  The sermon is based on Mark 8:27-9:8.

Expectations

Mark 6:1-29 tells us three stories that are filled with rejection, fear, and violence.  These are the ways of empire and the world.  We should expect that Jesus' way will be rejected, not received with open arms.  And in spite of the rejection, fear, and violence, there is hope.  It's what moves us forward.  

The Story within the Story

Mark's Gospel tells a story within a story.  One story interrupts the other one.  And isn't that how life works too?  Yet Jesus shows up, heals, and carries on regardless.  The sermon is based on Mark 5:21-43.

Jesus and the Demons that Possess

Jesus is confronted by a demon possessed man who is weighed down by a Legion of demons.  What are the demons that possess and bind society and humanity?  Jesus sets the man free and he goes and proclaims Good News to others.  How does Jesus set society free from its demons?  The sermon is based on Mark 5:1-20.

Sowing the Word

The Gospel of Mark slows things down for Chapter 4 as we explore several parables.  In these parables we hear about seeds being sown - that the Kingdom of God looks a bit unexpected.  The sermon is based off of Mark 4:1-34

It’s Just the Beginning

The Gospels tell us of the beginning of the Good News.  And that includes transformation for our lives, our relationships, and our world.  It's just the beginning.  The sermon is based on Mark 1:1-20.  

Christmas Eve sermon 2023

The world wants a Caesar, a king, a strong man.  God gives us a Savior instead.  The Christmas Eve sermon is based on Luke 2:1-20.