Sermons on Sin

Sin is that part of the human condition that separates humans from God. Sinfulness is not a wrong course of action, but sinfulness is a condition that gives rise to wrong and unhealthy choices. All humans are sinful and can’t overcome their sinfulness by their own deeds. All humans are saved by God’s grace which is a free gift for all given for the sole purpose that humans need it and God loves them. It makes no sense to judge people just because they sin differently from the one judging.

Turning Around to Follow Jesus

Turning Around to Follow Jesus – Matthew 4:12-23 Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near. John proclaimed these exact words when he began his baptismal ministry at the river Jordan (Matthew 3:2). And now, that John has been arrested, Jesus starts proclaiming these same words (4:17). The moment when Jesus’ ministry begins is when John’s ministry ends. Jesus proclaims the kingdom of God as soon as he hears that John cannot preach and prophesy anymore because he has…

Repentance – Luke 13:1-9

Repentance – Luke 13:1-9 It is Lent. It’s a time to reflect and to repent. Repentance is not a spiritual exercise to make you fell bad about yourself. But it is a time to reflect on our sinfulness while at the same time we are assured that God loves us no matter what. Repentance in the light of love and grace is about mustering the creative power of love and the will to liberate ourselves to be, as Luther puts…

The S-Bomb – John 7:53-8:11 and Luke 3:1-6

The S-Bomb John 7:53-8:11 and Luke 3:1-6 Some theological concepts are challenging for modern sensibilities. On one hand they require a long hard look in the mirror. This can be a good thing that leads to spiritual growth and closer connection to Jesus Christ. On the other hand they are used and abused to such a degree that they are rendered meaningless to much of the unchurched world. On top of that they illicit strong negative feelings in those who…

Weeding is a Theologian’s Favorite Activity

Weeding is a Theologian’s Favorite Activity The Bible is very explicit that judgement and punishment is the prerogative of God alone. However, this is a very simple message that many theologians do not want to comprehend. They want in on judging and punishing those who sin differently than they do. Rev. Olaf Baumann, sermon, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Port Angeles WA. Please check out our video ministry 1517 Grace Guerilla https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCv2aB-i9zHPqgh3NjUJ5-lg

The Light Yoke

The Light Yoke Your yoke is heavy. Your heart is poisoned. You can’t imagine that you will ever get out of the hole your dependency issues or broken relationships or hardened opinions or bad emotions or sickening fear or poisoned self image has put you in. But when you let go of all that and cling to Jesus instead, your yoke will be light. Believe me, it is a difference like day and night. Rev. Kristin Luana Baumann, sermon, Holy…

The Cold Heart – Hate vs. Love

The Cold Heart Oftentimes we blame God for the state of our world, our nation, and our personal lives, when, in reality, people are responsible for laws designed, policies implemented, wars started, and life choices made. But when the time comes to suffer the consequences of our choices, we do not wish to see our own part in all of this. There is only one way to remedy the situation: We need to get ourselves new hearts and new spirits,…

Sin of Ignorance vs. Wisdom

Ignorance vs. Wisdom Ignorance is the active process of avoiding wisdom. Ignorance is not the absence of knowledge. There are always things one doesn’t know, and given time and context one can’t know.  There can be many reasons to avoid and even fight wisdom. One is that we are comfortable with bow we see the world and we don’t like the changes that we assume will be the result of acquiring more wisdom. Another is that the fear that we…

Sin of Blasphemy vs. Praise

Blasphemy vs. Praise It is easy to praise God when we are cheerful. It is difficult to praise and easy to commit the sin of blasphemy when we are brokenhearted. But isn’t praising God just what we need when times get tough? Rev. Kristin Luana Baumann, sermon, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Port Angeles WA, 3/19/2017 Please check out the Grace Guerrilla! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCv2aB-i9zHPqgh3NjUJ5-lg  

Sin of Greed vs. Generosity

Greed and Generosity There seems to be no limit to what humans are willing to do to other humans for money. Mammon is the prime idol that led the faithful astray over the centuries. In contrast God is generous. God’s grace is abundant. Because we were created in the image of God we can only be truly human when we’re generous and not greedy. Rev. Olaf Baumann, sermon, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Port Angeles WA, 3-12-2017. www.go2trinity.org Subscribe to our…

Sin of Pride vs. Humility

Pride and Humility Pride is only a sin when it gets out of balance. You are proud of an accomplishment at work, great! It will inspire you to continue to strive for success. But, you think you are the only one who can save your family, your company or the world, calm down, and show some humility! A healthy dose of humility will make you understand that you are not the center of the world, nor the center of your…