The Driving Force “Why did Christianity arise, and why did it take the shape it did? The early Christians themselves reply: We exist because of Jesus’ resurrection…there is no evidence for a form of early Christianity in which the resurrection was not a central belief. Nor was this belief, as it were, bolted on to…
Holy Week and the Cross of Christ: Notes and Quotes
Here is a small collection of quotes and comments about the Cross and Holy Week that I have collected over the years. They are sermon starters, devotional nudges, and deep expressions of our faith and love of Jesus Christ and the Cross He endured. May the Lord richly bless you all in the Holy Week. …
What They Are Saying About The Incarnation
Here are a few lines from some of the wisest writers and thinkers on the Incarnation of Christ. Drink deep and believe! Hast thou not heard, that my Lord Jesus di’d? Then let me tell thee a strange storie. The God of power, as he did ride In his majestic robes of glorie, Reserv’d to…
Four Meditations for the Nine Lessons and Carols
Here is a question about the wonderful parish tradition of Lessons and Carols: Is there room for a brief homily or meditation during this service? Is there an opportunity to present the gospel from the lectern (through the nine lessons) AND through the pulpit? John Yates III thinks so. He has done so for the…
Five Big Mistakes I’ve Made in Preaching
I’m not the best preacher, but after 18 years of preaching, I’ve learned a great deal from my own mistakes. To spare you, I’ve listed some of the biggest ones here. Not Believing in Preaching Itself I hope we all share a belief in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Believe it, and always preach it….
That’s Not the Gospel
Priests spend a considerable amount of time in hospitals, visiting the sick and praying with and for them. Some of those we visit are young and generally very healthy; they are expected to make quick and full recoveries. They almost always do. Praying for them is “easy” because our prayers for healing are often answered,…
