There is huge range of sermons online.
One of the gifts pastors can give to the wider church is to share their sermons either online or in a book.
Small congregations, congregations with lay readers and congregation's whose pastor becomes ill benefit from getting access to online sermons.
Following are some tips if you are a lay reader and where you can access sermons.
To find a sermon to match worship service readings.
To choose a sermon you will need to know what church year we are in and what current and previous dates relate to that church year.
Church Year Dates
Year A
Dec 2010-Nov 2011
Dec 2007-Nov 2008
Dec 2004 – Nov 2005
Year B
Dec 2008-Nov 2009
Dec 2005 – Nov 2006
Dec 2002-Nov 2003
Year C
Dec 2009 to Nov 2010
Dec 2006 – Nov 2007
Dec 2003-Nov 2004
*Note occasionally the church year begins on the last Sunday of November in some years.
You will also need to know the Sunday of the church year and the bible readings for that Sunday. The quickets find this is to visit a web site such as http://www.textweek.com/ which has a current date for the church year or visit your denomination's web site.
In choosing a sermon consider the following:
Is it faithful to scripture's understanding to God, God’s grace and our lives as disciples of Jesus?
Do you need to alter any examples so that it suits the context you are lay reading to?
Web Sites
The following web sites provide sermons from a Lutheran context.
Victorian District including Tasmania
http://www.vic.lca.org.au/Sermons.aspx
Bethlehem Lutheran Church Adelaide
http://www.bethlehemadelaide.org.au/sermons/index.html
Outer Eastern Lutheran Church
http://www.oelc.com.au/sermons/sermons2008.html
Pastor Edgar Mayer: Living Grace Lutheran Church
http://www.geocities.com/mayeredgar/sermons.htm
Pastor Heath Pukallas: Chinchilla Lutheran Church
http://friarpuk.blogspot.com/
Pastor Jim Strelan: Good News Lutheran Congregation Middle Park
http://www.goodnewslutheran.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=section&id=1&Itemid=28
Pastor Dr. John Thiel: Holy Cross Murray Bridge http://www.users.on.net/~holycross/holy_cross_lutheran_church.htm
Pastor Kevin Ruffcorn
http://www.sermoncentral.com/contributor_profile.asp?ContributorID=12485
Pastor Richard Schwedes
http://www.sermoncentral.com/contributor_profile.asp?ContributorID=29075
Pastor Stephen Pietsch: Ringwood Knox Parish
http://www.ringwoodknoxparish.org.au/resources/sermons.html
Pastor Tim Zingale
http://www.sermoncentral.com/contributor_profile.asp?ContributorID=12485
Pastor Vince Gerhardy: St Pauls Lutheran Church Caboolture
http://www.gerhardy.id.au/
Portland Heywood Lutheran Church
http://www.phlc.org.au/
Lutheran Sermons
http://lutheran-sermons.com/
If you regularly place your sermons on the web or know of someone who does and would like to recommend them, feel free to let me know.
Books
With the advent of the web there are less and less sermon books available. There is a book of sermons for lay readers available from LCA National Office visit http://www.lca.org.au/worship/publications.cfm.
http://www.cctoolkit.com/ is subscription based Worship resource product that includes a weekly sermon often related to the lectionary.
Also visit http://www.cph.org/ http://www.augbsurgfortress.org/ and http://www.nph.net/ they regularly list resources
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Saturday, January 24, 2009
illustration: The positive affect of repenting
One of the most difficult things for most of us to do is to repent.
At times some of us may acknowledge we have done wrong, but then we spend time justifying our actions and words that were wrong.
However repentance is about saying I have done wrong...full stop, please forgive me and then putting yourself in the hands of others.
Jelena Dokic an Australian tennis player has had what many would call an erratic tennis career, by the age of 19 she was a superstar. She is now only 25 and in her life she has experienced being loved by supporters and achieving being number 4 in the world, to being detested by journalists, tennis fans, tennis officals and falling outside the rankings.
However recently at the Australian Open fans and journalists have come to embrace her again. And she has done something that very few other players even consider doing.
She apologised for her past , she said she was a pain and caused so many people problems and that she needed forgiveness. And she said that without Tennis Australia she would have no hope of playing in the Australian Open as they gave her a second chance, a wild card, despite what she had said about them in the past.
And she said this you could sense the crowd applauding and wanting to personally thank her and say we are behind you...
And this is exactly what God he is constantly helping us to have life again, and graciously welcomes our repentance.
Lets acknoweldge our sin, humbly.
Lets rely on God for help, mercy, acceptance and forgiveness
At times some of us may acknowledge we have done wrong, but then we spend time justifying our actions and words that were wrong.
However repentance is about saying I have done wrong...full stop, please forgive me and then putting yourself in the hands of others.
Jelena Dokic an Australian tennis player has had what many would call an erratic tennis career, by the age of 19 she was a superstar. She is now only 25 and in her life she has experienced being loved by supporters and achieving being number 4 in the world, to being detested by journalists, tennis fans, tennis officals and falling outside the rankings.
However recently at the Australian Open fans and journalists have come to embrace her again. And she has done something that very few other players even consider doing.
She apologised for her past , she said she was a pain and caused so many people problems and that she needed forgiveness. And she said that without Tennis Australia she would have no hope of playing in the Australian Open as they gave her a second chance, a wild card, despite what she had said about them in the past.
And she said this you could sense the crowd applauding and wanting to personally thank her and say we are behind you...
And this is exactly what God he is constantly helping us to have life again, and graciously welcomes our repentance.
Lets acknoweldge our sin, humbly.
Lets rely on God for help, mercy, acceptance and forgiveness
Friday, January 23, 2009
Lenten Bible Studies
Psalm 22
A free downloadable bible study ideal for Lent based on Psalm 22 My God, My God why have you foresaken me....is available from http://www.hope-aurora.org/docs/Psalm22.pdf from Hope Lutheran Church Aurora.
The Amazing Gift of Baptism
http://archive.elca.org/ecumenical/resources/baptism.pdf
Topics include:
1. Baptism and God’s Amazing Grace
2. Baptism and the Individual before God
3. Baptism and Initiation into the Church
4. Baptism and the Encounter with Love
5. Baptism and Healing
6. Baptism and Community Life
7. Baptism and New Life
8. Baptism and Social Response
9. Baptism and Death
Luther's Seven Marks of the Church from Mt Olivet Lutheran Church
I will post more bible studies shortly
A free downloadable bible study ideal for Lent based on Psalm 22 My God, My God why have you foresaken me....is available from http://www.hope-aurora.org/docs/Psalm22.pdf from Hope Lutheran Church Aurora.
The Amazing Gift of Baptism
http://archive.elca.org/ecumenical/resources/baptism.pdf
Topics include:
1. Baptism and God’s Amazing Grace
2. Baptism and the Individual before God
3. Baptism and Initiation into the Church
4. Baptism and the Encounter with Love
5. Baptism and Healing
6. Baptism and Community Life
7. Baptism and New Life
8. Baptism and Social Response
9. Baptism and Death
Luther's Seven Marks of the Church from Mt Olivet Lutheran Church
I will post more bible studies shortly
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Lutheran Core: L3
About Lutheran Core: L3
Imagine Lutheran churches, one by one, recommitting themselves to the mission and ministry of the Gospel, and working together to bring the Word of Christ to a new generation.
The Lutheran Churches of the Common Confession (LC3) is an association of congregations from across the country which is lifting up such a vision. By covenanting with each other around a shared statement of faith The Common Confession our congregations seek to bring clarity to the modern Lutheran message, build trust among fellow-workers in Gospel, and move forward together within the Church with a common goal and direction. Through cooperative projects, shared resources, and mutual support, we are committed to communicating an intentional Christian witness that is founded on confessional Lutheran theology and grounded in the authority of the Word of God.
It is not the intent of LC3 to form a new denomination or church structure, but to inspire a positive and active Lutheran witness within our present context. Like the mission societies of former generations, we have come together to help each other be faithful in our common calling to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, both at home and abroad.
They also offer some bible studies and suggested youth resources
http://www.lutherancore.org/
Their links and resources page list a number of very helpful resources that will help you and others discover Lutheran and Biblical answers to questions such as:
Who is the Lord Jesus Christ?
What is the Gospel of Salvation?
What is meant by the Authority of Scripture?
What is a Common Confession of Faith?
What does the Priesthood of All Believers look like?
How do we understand marriage and Family?
What is Mission and Ministry of the Congregation?
Lutheran Devotional
Small Catechism
Luther Biography
Luther's Theology
Lutheran Church
For Pastors
Quality Journals
Imagine Lutheran churches, one by one, recommitting themselves to the mission and ministry of the Gospel, and working together to bring the Word of Christ to a new generation.
The Lutheran Churches of the Common Confession (LC3) is an association of congregations from across the country which is lifting up such a vision. By covenanting with each other around a shared statement of faith The Common Confession our congregations seek to bring clarity to the modern Lutheran message, build trust among fellow-workers in Gospel, and move forward together within the Church with a common goal and direction. Through cooperative projects, shared resources, and mutual support, we are committed to communicating an intentional Christian witness that is founded on confessional Lutheran theology and grounded in the authority of the Word of God.
It is not the intent of LC3 to form a new denomination or church structure, but to inspire a positive and active Lutheran witness within our present context. Like the mission societies of former generations, we have come together to help each other be faithful in our common calling to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, both at home and abroad.
They also offer some bible studies and suggested youth resources
http://www.lutherancore.org/
Their links and resources page list a number of very helpful resources that will help you and others discover Lutheran and Biblical answers to questions such as:
Who is the Lord Jesus Christ?
What is the Gospel of Salvation?
What is meant by the Authority of Scripture?
What is a Common Confession of Faith?
What does the Priesthood of All Believers look like?
How do we understand marriage and Family?
What is Mission and Ministry of the Congregation?
Lutheran Devotional
Small Catechism
Luther Biography
Luther's Theology
Lutheran Church
For Pastors
Quality Journals
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Daily Devotional books
Reading the bible daily is a great way to stay connected with God and see how God is interacting with the world.
Time out with God 2009 provides Christian devotions, by Australian writers, for each day of the calendar year. Each meditation is a "time-out" of about three minutes, and consists of a Bible reading, some thoughts on that passage, and a short prayer. The devotion writers' thoughts are life-related and centred on the message of God's love for people shown in Jesus Christ.
The devotions can be used for individuals, families and groups and do indeed provide you with "a word from God". Time out with God is available at http://www.acresources.com.au/index.php?page=shop.product_details&category_id=18&flypage=flypage-ask.tpl&product_id=623&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=118&vmcchk=1&Itemid=118
Be still and know that I am God...daily devotions for every day of the year. This daily devotional is based on selected reflections written over a three-year period by the author whose challenging, thoughtprovoking, and personal reflections invite the reader to pause, be still, and know the presence of God. Begun as a daily discipline of quiet time, each day includes a Scripture reading, the author's reflection, and a concluding prayer. An inspiring resource for teens and adults, the book includes special holiday devotions for Christmas, Easter, and more
Be Still and know that I am God is available at http://www.augsburgfortress.org/store/item.jsp?clsid=181760&productgroupid=0&isbn=0806652306
Everyday with the Savior This collection of 365 daily devotions, plus several devotions for special days, is written in the tradition of the well-known Portals of Prayer.
These short meditations cover a variety of themes with each one connecting a common topic with God’s presence and power as revealed in His Word. Scripture readings and prayers are included with each devotional. Everyday with the savior is available at http://www.cph.org/cphstore/product.asp?category=&part%5Fno=124152&find%5Fcategory=WEB%5FALL&find%5Fdescription=&find%5Fpart%5Fdesc=devotions
365 Little visits 7 volumes available. Each devotion has an invocation, bible reading, story and prayer. These are ideal for families and class rooms. To find out more visit http://www.cph.org/cphstore/Category.asp?find%5Fcategory=80173&find%5Fdescription=Little+Visits
Time out with God 2009 provides Christian devotions, by Australian writers, for each day of the calendar year. Each meditation is a "time-out" of about three minutes, and consists of a Bible reading, some thoughts on that passage, and a short prayer. The devotion writers' thoughts are life-related and centred on the message of God's love for people shown in Jesus Christ.
The devotions can be used for individuals, families and groups and do indeed provide you with "a word from God". Time out with God is available at http://www.acresources.com.au/index.php?page=shop.product_details&category_id=18&flypage=flypage-ask.tpl&product_id=623&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=118&vmcchk=1&Itemid=118
Be still and know that I am God...daily devotions for every day of the year. This daily devotional is based on selected reflections written over a three-year period by the author whose challenging, thoughtprovoking, and personal reflections invite the reader to pause, be still, and know the presence of God. Begun as a daily discipline of quiet time, each day includes a Scripture reading, the author's reflection, and a concluding prayer. An inspiring resource for teens and adults, the book includes special holiday devotions for Christmas, Easter, and more
Be Still and know that I am God is available at http://www.augsburgfortress.org/store/item.jsp?clsid=181760&productgroupid=0&isbn=0806652306
Everyday with the Savior This collection of 365 daily devotions, plus several devotions for special days, is written in the tradition of the well-known Portals of Prayer.
These short meditations cover a variety of themes with each one connecting a common topic with God’s presence and power as revealed in His Word. Scripture readings and prayers are included with each devotional. Everyday with the savior is available at http://www.cph.org/cphstore/product.asp?category=&part%5Fno=124152&find%5Fcategory=WEB%5FALL&find%5Fdescription=&find%5Fpart%5Fdesc=devotions
365 Little visits 7 volumes available. Each devotion has an invocation, bible reading, story and prayer. These are ideal for families and class rooms. To find out more visit http://www.cph.org/cphstore/Category.asp?find%5Fcategory=80173&find%5Fdescription=Little+Visits
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