Sermons by Rev. Chris Kliesen Wehrman

Joseph’s Dreams

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 1:18-25, New International VersionItalicized names/words are added from the Tree of Life Version JOSEPHS: 18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: MARYS: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit, the Ruach ha-Kodesh. JOSEPHS: 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he…

Love & Thunder

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 3:1-12, The Message 1-2 While Jesus was living in the Galilean hills, John, called “the Baptizer,” was preaching in the desert country of Judea. His message was simple and austere, like his desert surroundings: “Change your life. God’s kingdom is here.”3 John and his message were authorized by Isaiah’s prophecy: Thunder in the desert!Prepare for God’s arrival!Make the road smooth and straight! 4-6 John dressed in a camel-hair habit tied at the waist by a leather strap. He…

An Unexpected Feast

SCRIPTURE: Exodus 3:1-14, The Voice Translation Note: [ ] indicates change for gender inclusionItalics are used by The Voice Translation. “Adonai” and “hineni” are used in the Tree of Life Version. Narrator: 1 Now Moses was shepherding the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian. One day he led the flock to the farthest end of the wilderness, coming to Horeb, where the mountain of God stood. 2 There, the Special Messenger of the Eternal appeared to Moses…

When the Way Opens – Or Closes

SCRIPTURE: Revelation 3:7-13, The Message The Message to Philadelphia7 Write this to Philadelphia, to the Angel of the church. The Holy, the True – David’s key in his hand, opening doors no one can lock, locking doors no one can open – speaks: 8 “I see what you’ve done. Now see what I’ve done. I’ve opened a door before you that no one can slam shut. You don’t have much strength, I know that; you used what you had to…

Misogyny, Violence and Lust, Oh, My!

SCRIPTURE: Revelation 2:18-29 (Message to Thyatira), NIV These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze. 19 I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first. 20 Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual…

Dancing in the Rain

SCRIPTURE: Revelation 2:8-11 (Church of Smyrna), MSG 8 Write this to Smyrna, to the Angel of the church. The Beginning and Ending, the First and Final One, the Once Dead and Then Come Alive, speaks: 9 “I can see your pain and poverty—constant pain, dire poverty—but I also see your wealth. And I hear the lie in the claims of those who pretend to be good Jews, who in fact belong to Satan’s crowd. 10 “Fear nothing in the things…

The Body of Christ: Paint by Number

SCRIPTURE: Romans 12:9-21 New International Version, The Message, New Living Translation[What is bracketed] and circled numbers were added for our reading last Sunday. 9 Love must be sincere. Don’t just pretend to love others. Hate what is evil, what is wrong; cling to what isgood. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring one another above yourselves.[In other words:]➀ 9-10 Love from the center of who you are;➁ don’t fake it.➂ Run for dear life from…

Rx: Wow

SCRIPTURE: Philippians 4:4-13 (NIV) 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is…

Jesus’ Itinerary: NOT a Vacation Plan

SCRIPTURE: Luke 9:51-62, Good News Translation, The Message, First Nations Version 51 When it came close to the time for his Ascension, Jesus gathered up his courage and steeled himself for the journey to Jerusalem. 52 He sent messengers ahead of him, who went into a village in Samaria to get everything ready for him. 53 But the people there would not receive him, because it was clear that he was on his way to Jerusalem and they wanted nothing…