I want to talk about hospitality tonight. You know, the faith teaching may be biblical, the hymns chosen may be inspirational, the preaching a wee bit uplifting, the pastor enthusiastic, but when a visitor finds nobody cares whether they are there or not, they are not likely to ever return again! While perusing another churches […]
Sermons by PJ Mortenson
631 – 640 of 844 items
Matthew 10. 40-42
Long before the church had pulpits and its baptisteries, it had kitchens and dinner tables. As a matter of fact one of the very first statements made about the early church, is that the disciples/apostle’s were spending too much time waiting on tables…and not enough time sharing the good news… So seven men of good […]
Matt. 10. 24-39
In sending out the twelve – Jesus makes “a whole bunch of assumptions” about the “character of his twelve students…” His premise MAY BE “a little bit shaky…” He “assumes” they will be as innocent as doves… He “assumes” they will be like vulnerable sheep… He “assumes” they will not be judgmental or hypocritical. He […]
The “good news” is that Christmas morning is exactly six months from today! The “bad news” is – of course, that Christmas morning is exactly six months from today! Which of course means: It’s time to go shoppin’! Get out the plastic, now! It is good to know that “we are of value!” It is […]
John the Baptizer – Luke 1. 57-67
This is the day that celebrates John the Baptizer in the life of the church…June 24th is forever his day. John’s favorite way of addressing his congregation was as being “a snake pit.” You do not call your congregation a “brood of vipers!” Feisty perhaps, but not a pit of snakes…It’s not nice. And you […]
Years ago, some researchers decided to find out if Seminary Students are “Good Samaritans.” They met individually with 40 ministerial students under the pretense of “doing a study” on “careers in the church.” Each student was instructed to walk to a nearby building and deliver an impromptu talk where they would be video-taped… Some were […]
Matthew 28. 18-20 – The Holy Trinity
Obviously this is Matthew’s gospel. Jesus is back in Galilee. He is not in Judea. He is on a mountain top again! Very much reminiscent of Moses on the Mountain top. In Matthew’s gospel this is the final word. The final word has meaning. It is important and significant. There is nothing that follows. This […]
Everybody knows that “love” is well – complicated! Very complicated sometimes! The scriptures – boldly declare that our God is a god of love, as a matter of fact, God is love! Therefore, we should expect him to be no less complicated. Today is the celebration of the “Holy Trinity.” I like it, but it’s […]
John 20. 19-23
The disciples were gathered in a house…in the upper room… behind locked and closed doors. They were afraid…they were very afraid. They were still afraid. Afraid that the Judean elite would come after them next…No, they were sure of it. The knock at the door and the soldiers would be there any time. That’s when […]
John 20. 19-23
This is the day I have waited for. The Season of Easter is now officially over and the “new season” of Pentecost begins. I love this day. We needed the color change from white to the boldness of Red. It is like fresh air… Springtime freshness Windows open… Bedding on the line… It is a […]