Sermons and Such at First Lutheran, Houston

A look at the "New Heavens and New Earth" promise in Revelation. Sermon for Easter 5 2025

Sermon for Easter Five, John 10:22-30.

A look at the beautiful restoration of Peter in John 21 in light of that text used to justify Peter as the first pope.

The story of doubting Thomas and asking what it must have been like to become part of the criminal conspiracy that is Christianity.

He is Risen!

Sermon for Good Friday

A look at the grace Jesus shows us by serving us, enabling a high-trust society.

To accomplish anything of value, suffering is required. Jesus begins his suffering FOR us on Palm Sunday.

The parable of the Prodigal Son. When is it right to be wrong, and when is it wrong to be right?

A look at Isaiah 55 and God's promise that His Word will not return empty amid life's frustrations.

A look at Jesus mourning over Jerusalem while asking, "Who really killed Jesus?"

Our intern Nicholas DeMaio preaches on the temptation of Jesus by looking back at God making man in His image.

Sermon for Transfiguration Sunday

Sermon for Ash Wednesday.

A look at Jesus' Sermon on the Plain and the "real-world" ethics he teaches.

Nicholas DeMaio, our intern, gives his first sermon at First Lutheran.

What is it like to be in the presence of a holy God?

Jesus is blessed by his elders in the Temple at only 8 days old.

In his hometown synagogue, Jesus lays out the prophetic work of the messiah.

Three main takeaways from the story of Jesus turning water into wine.

A look at Luke 3 and Jesus' baptism.

Revisiting a theme from Christmas Eve...Jesus Christ as evidence that God is for the common man. What does that mean for the world?

Sermon for Christmas 1, 2024. Jesus is left by his parents in Jerusalem. They find him in the Temple five days later.

God becoming flesh is the ultimate story about the value of the common man.

A look at the gratitude of Elizabeth even though she doesn't seem to have that much to be thankful for.

When the Gospel is proclaimed, accountability is demanded. A look at Luke's recording of how those in John's orbit wondered how they would need to change in the light of the Gospel.

Walter Cronkite Meets John the Baptist.

On not being "weighed down" as we prepare for the coming of Christ.

The myth of neutrality. Christ is King in all the earth.

Sermon for Pentecost 25, 2024

On living like a saint before we die as a saint.

Sermon for Reformation Sunday.

Leaders only have authority when they serve.

A rare topical sermon based on Mark 10:2-16.

Sermon for Saint Michael and All Angels.

Sermon for Pentecost 19, 2024.

Sermon for Pentecost 17 2024

A look at the right posture one should have towards God. The story of the Syrophoenician woman.

A look at James' famous dictum about pure and undefiled religion.

A look at Ephesians 6 and Spiritual Warfare.

Mostly a look at the tenderness found in Ephesians 4, but also asking, if Christians are only ever to be kind, does that mean we are to be perpetual doormats?

Jesus continues to up the ante with those who want only bread, pointing to himself through a brilliant conversation in John 6.

Thoughts on the feeding of the 5,000, economics, and the nature of God.

Jesus looks at the crowds and pities them because they are like sheep without a shepherd. How are we also like sheep without shepherds?

Sermon for Pentecost 8, 2024

Sermon for Pentecost 7, from Paul's teaching about boasting only in Christ.

I only give a stewardship sermon every few years. So enjoy!

A look at Israel's request for a king and our own nation's resemblance to a new kind of kingdom.

What difference does the Trinity make in a pluralistic world?

A short walk through a portion of Jesus' High Priestly Prayer.