Sermons by Daniel Marshall
Forgiveness – Pay It Forward!
How many times have you prayed: “And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us?” You’ve spoken the Lord’s Prayer more times than you can count. But in that phrase you are requesting something very difficult and very necessary. You are asking the Lord to help you be as forgiving to others as he has been and is with you. Jesus teaches a difficult, yet necessary truth to his followers in the Parable of the Unmerciful…
My Baptism Still Matters
For many, their baptism took place before they were old enough to remember. Does something like a person’s baptism that happened 15, 40, even 80 years ago still matter? Many would say, “No.” This Sunday, as St. Paul’s celebrates Christian education for all ages, many may be surprised to find out that “Yes, My Baptism Still Matters.”
Aaugh!
Wouldn’t it be nice if life for the Christian was a smooth sailing life of smiles, $$$$ and laughs? There are some Christian churches that preach this type of “glory” theology. Do the right thing and God will reward you with few if any difficulties (crosses), good health and even better finances. In this Sunday’s readings, God’s Word pokes HUGE holes in that kind of theology. Jesus tells us we are going to face a lifetime of crosses (struggles and…
What are they doing here?
Many churches proudly announce: “All are welcome!” Is that really true? A big challenge in our country is cultural differences. That’s nothing new. One of the biggest challenges in the early Christian church was how Jewish Christians and Gentile Christians could get along. What about us? If a stranger walked into our church, would anyone wonder, “What are they doing here?” Join us to find out why God wants church to be for all people. What problem do all people…
Lifeguard on Duty
If the Lake Michigan weather forecast called for storm clouds rolling in and waves 6-8 feet, not even the most experienced boater would head out. And yet, in this Sunday’s lesson a boat with a handful of professional fishermen find themselves in that situation and Jesus is nowhere in sight. What’s going to happen? St. Paul’s invites you to join us Sunday at 9:30 am and find out what happens when disciples of Jesus (both then and now) face the…
Jesus the Crowd Pleaser
Agree or Disagree: God provides for you. It’s not a trick statement. It’s not intended to stump you, either. Whether through natural ways – buying the things you need at a store, or growing them in your garden – God provides you with things you need. He can also provide for you through miracles. How else do you explain the disease or cancer that is no longer in the body without any treatment? Or the protection and safety in a…
Light and Dark
Darkness and light is one of the most prominent themes in the Bible. There is such a sharp contrast between the two. In Genesis 1:1, God created the heavens and the earth but there was still the issue of darkness. The first adjustment God made on Day One of Creation’s week was to create light and eliminate complete darkness. When Jesus identifies himself as “The Light of World,” he’s making a bold statement about what he does to eliminate the…
“I don’t get anything out of worship.”
This Sunday Isaiah invites you to: “Seek the LORD while he may be found.” God must have something very special in store for you if he wants you to make sure you seek him out. He does! What he wants more than anything else is for you to spend an eternity of pleasure and perfection with him in heaven. The reason you need to connect with (or stay connected to) the LORD is that he’s the only one who can…