We are just a short way up the "Roman Road" from the last sermon.  In his letter to the Romans, Paul has been building the case that we all "fall short" and are subject to God's judgement.  In the sermon, we'll focus on the key verse in Romans 3:21 that begins "But, now...".  It is a dramatic twist where Paul reveals a way out from God's judgement, and a way ahead for us to travel through our lives.  At the beginning of this episode there are a few production notes, along with a brief "hello" from my two daughters, who were home from school due to our umpteenth snowday in the Washington D.C. area. 

Episode One of "Finding the Roman Road", a sermon series that is part of a spiritual growth challenge for Bethany Lutheran Church as we read through the book of Romans, together.  At the beginning of this episode, I explain how I got the idea for this series from my time as a volunteer in a Billy Graham crusade. 

I've added some music to the production and worship notes at the beginning, so hopefully things are finally in place for the next sermon series.  On this podcast is the sermon from Ash Wednesday.  The Gospel lesson from Matthew 6 gives me an opportunity to highlight some of the ancient Lent disciplines and how modern day disciples can practice them.  

I'm still on my podcast learning curve with this next (pre)episode.  After a brief introduction you will hear the sermon for Transfiguration Sunday, given on March 2.  Exodus 24 recounts an encounter with the Divine as Moses and the elders ascend Mount Siani.  Are there ways we can also have the same connection in our worship, today?

Impossible.  That is my reaction when reading the section of Jesus' Sermon on The Mount contained in Matthew 5:38-48.  Loving enemies and going the extra mile are difficult enough, but then Jesus instructs, "Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect."  If this is what we are supposed to do, then God is going to give us the power to do it, somewhere.  Elsewhere, Jesus says "with man this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible." 

Technical notes: My first sermon podcast was just raw audio.  This time, I've added an introduction and mixed several files together using the Audacity editing software.  I have absolutely no idea what I am doing, but some good people around the church are patiently guiding me.  It is my hope to have a regular sermon podcast up and running by Sunday, March 9.  Many thanks to all of you who are praying for me and supporting this endeavor.