St. Martin United Church of Christ - High Ridge, MO

Once again, Jesus does the unthinkable and proves he really means it when he says he has come to save sinners. Along the way, there might be some implications on our current government shutdown, the SNAP program, and healthcare debate as we take a look at Luke 19:1-10.

Can you really tell who is righteous? Just look in the mirror? Or look at one's words and deeds and it will be crystal clear, right? Maybe it's time to tell the truth about ourselves. Maybe it's time to admit that we need a church to evaluate us. Some prayer chains are just that chains, which keep us bound to our old selves and imprisoned to sin. This week we explore Luke 18:9-14. Something tells me Luke might know a thing or two.

In Luke's Gospel (Luke 17:11-19), it's the foreigners who get all the credit. Story after story features a foreign born man or woman who does what Jesus wants his disciples to do! Jesus lifts up these foreigners as examples for all disciples to follow. So, shouldn't we be careful how enthusiastic we are about closing down our national borders to foreigners? I get it, no we don't want to let in criminals, but what about those seeking asylum who look to the USA as a light on a hill? Don't you remember that old Neil Diamond song, "They come into America!" In this message, we'll explore the need for Christians to be grateful to God for all things.

Do you hesitate when it comes to answering God's call? Are you worried you don't have enough faith to make things happen? Then, these sayings from Jesus in Luke 17:5-10 might help you see things differently.

Meet a Rich Man and a Poor Man, Lazarus, as they confront the chasm that separates them in this life and in the afterlife. Father Abraham and all the prophets can't help the Rich Man or his brothers. Where's the mercy and grace of Jesus Christ in this story? Well, it seems injustice can't co-exist with love and mercy for ever, so you better decide which side your own today, especially if you are praying the Lord's Prayer, which says, "On earth as it is in heaven!" Come and see what Jesus says in Luke 16:19-31.

What's the best way to get ahead in this world? Beating people over the head with more rules and regulations? Or, by making friends through acts of mercy and grace? Life is so much better when you have friends you can count on in a crisis. In today's Gospel, Luke 16:1-13, Jesus shares a parable that helps us think about our priorities in life.

What is one person's life worth to God? We like to group people into sinners, or co-conspirators and write some people off as hopeless. Yet, the power of God's love is so unmatched that you wouldn't believe who this God can save! So, come along for this sermon and you might just join the celebration of eternal life! Based on Luke 15:1-10.

Something is missing in today’s culture, the willingness to make commitments and sacrifices for others. Today’s passage from Luke 14:25-33 is a challenge meant to bring out the best in us.

When someone needs immediate medical attention, then we spring into action. So, why don't we react the same way when the emergency is a mental, ethical, or spiritual crisis? In this message, we'll explore Luke 13:10-17 as Jesus shows up to help a long standing member of the synagogue suffering from a "bent back" which seems to have no known cause. The President of the synagogue is upstaged by Jesus in more ways than one when the woman is cured on the Sabbath.

Are churches ready to welcome and invite strangers? Or, have churches installed home security systems that keep strangers out in favor of stability and comfort? The world is full of hurting people but they need courageous Christians willing to take risks in caring for their needs. In this message, I explore Luke 12:32-40 and the need for our churches to reclaim their role as life saving institutions of forgiveness and love.