Search Results on David J Lose

All Are Welcome

David J Lose | Working Preacher

David Lose comments on Isaiah 56 and Matthew 15, daring preachers to take the risk of talking openly (and eliciting feedback) about what it means to feel welcome or unwelcome in a congregation.

Isaiah 56:1, 6-8; Matthew 15

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Hospitality, Community, Foreigner, Stranger

The "Adults-Only" Nativity Story

David J Lose | Working Preacher

Sermon Preparation or Illustration

David Lose describes two versions of the story of the Magi (Matthew 2:1-12), both true: the version that focuses on their gifts and adoration, and the version that deals with Herod's fear and resulting violence.

Matthew 2:1-12

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Epiphany, Incarnation, Adoration, Herod

Rest

David J Lose | Working Preacher

Sermon Preparation or Illustration

David Lose comments on Jesus' instructions, "Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest awhile," as way to reflect on how many of use have forgotten how to rest.

Mark 6:30-34, 53-56

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Silence, Solitude, Sabbath, Rest

The Butterfly Effect

David J Lose | Working Preacher

Sermon Preparation or Illustration

David Lose comments on the work of Shiphrah and Puah (Exodus), pointing out how little acts of faithfulness have the (sometimes unseen or unexpected) power to change the world.

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Good Works, Calling/vocation, Daily Living, Courage

The Oddest Christmas Carol

David J Lose | Working Preacher

Sermon Preparation or Illustration

David Lose considers the opening words to Simeon’s song in Luke 2:29, concluding that in these words Simeon accepts death because he is confident in God’s promised salvation—a promise he holds in his hands.

Exodus 1:8-22, 2:1-10

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Dying And Rising With Christ, Advent, Emmanuel, Simeon (new Testament)

Life, Death, and the Task of Preaching

David J Lose | Working Preacher

Article about Preaching

David Lose reflects on why preaching matters. By preaching the Christian story, we invite our hearers into it so that it becomes their story, and the promises of that story are heard and believed.

Luke 2:21-35

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Death, Faith, Hope, Preaching

Legion

David J Lose | Working Preacher

Sermon Preparation or Illustration

David Lose explores the theme of identity in the story of the demon-possessed man of Luke 8:26-39, reminding us to remember our God-given identity of being a beloved child worthy of love, honor, and respect.

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Baptism, Identity, Legion (demon), Demon

Cataract Surgery

David J Lose | Working Preacher

Sermon Preparation or Illustration

David Lose says that the experience of the tenth leper in Luke 17:11-19 can be seen as cataract surgery. "Ten men are healed, but only one SEES what has happened."

Luke 8:26-39

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Spiritual Blindness, Healing, Restoration

Dogs and the Kingdom of God

David J Lose | Working Preacher

Sermon Preparation or Illustration

David Lose discusses the interpretive challenges of Jesus' encounter with the Syrophoenician woman (Mark 7:24-37). The passage can make us "aware of the unexpected blessing and insight a stranger might bring to us."

Luke 17:11-19

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Hospitality, Diversity, Love, Syrophoenician

Four Words that Describe the Ministry of Jesus

David J Lose | Working Preacher

Sermon Preparation or Illustration

David Lose identifies four words that describe the ministry of Jesus, drawn from his healing of a man with leprosy in the gospel of Mark—compassion, touch, willing, lonely.

Mark 7:24-37

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Healing, Solitude, Compassion

Preaching the Anti-King

David J Lose | Working Preacher

Sermon Preparation or Illustration

David Lose comments on Mark 8:27-38: Jesus' call to his disciples to give up their lives in order to save them reveals the "inverted logic" of the Kingdom of God.

Mark 1:40-45

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Kingdom Of God, Identity, Meaning Of Life

Peter and the Pursuit of Happiness

David J Lose | Working Preacher

Sermon Preparation or Illustration

David Lose uses Jesus' restoration and commissioning of Peter (John 21:15-19) to encourage preachers in challenging congregations to let their salvation by grace make a difference in the way they live.

Mark 8:27-38

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Forgiveness, Change, Peter (person), Calling/vocation

Trinitarian Congregations

David J Lose | Working Preacher

Article about Preaching

David Lose sees Trinity Sunday as a time to explore what it means to be a Trinitarian congregation: called by the Holy Spirit to bear witness to Jesus for the sake of God's world.

John 21:15-19

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Trinity Sunday, Hope, Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit

“Vocation” in our Worship & Preaching

David J Lose | Working Preacher

Article about Preaching

David Lose's article reflects on vocation as the "logic for our worship and congregational life," encouraging pastors to lift up in worship the sanctity of daily labor and God's desire to use our everyday activities.

Matthew 28:16-20

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Work, Calling/vocation

Get Off the Couch and Into the Game!

David J Lose | Working Preacher

Sermon Preparation or Illustration

David Lose unpacks power dynamics of the burning bush episode, pointing out that God doesn’t reveal the divine character in a name, but by inviting Moses into a lifelong active relationship.

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Burning Bush, Yahweh, Moses, Discipleship

The Revolution Starts Here

David J Lose | Working Preacher

Sermon Preparation or Illustration

David Lose shares his insights on Matthew 5:38 where Jesus is outlining his vision of God's kingdom and issuing a summons to those who desire to be a part of it.

Exodus 3

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Sermon On The Mount, Love, Kingdom Of God

Just the Beginning

David J Lose | Working Preacher

Sermon Preparation or Illustration

David Lose’s commentary on Mark 1:1-8 suggests that the story of Jesus in Scripture is only the beginning of his story, and that our story continues the story of Jesus.

Matthew 5:38

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Advent, Awareness Of God, Devotion

"Do Not Be Afraid"

David J Lose | Working Preacher

Sermon Preparation or Illustration

David Lose suggests that Jesus' words to the disciples at the transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-9), "Do not be afraid," are "among the most important words not just in this passage, but in the whole of Scripture."

Mark 1:1-8

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Transfiguration, Courage, Resurrection Of Jesus Christ, Fear

Called to Be Salt and Light

David J Lose | Working Preacher

Sermon Preparation or Illustration

David Lose shares his insights on Matthew 5:13-20, encouraging pastors to think creatively about how to match up the gifts of the congregation with the needs of the community.

Matthew 17:1-9

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Sermon On The Mount, Service, Spiritual Gifts