Faith Lift
166 episodes - English - Latest episode: 1 day ago -Weekly Sermons from Rev Craig Gommer. Just a guy trying to help people find God in their lives and be Christ in their community and the world
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Episodes
A Holy Imagination
April 18, 2024 14:31 - 14 minutes - 19.4 MBJust as children develop a healthy imagination, children of God are called to imagine themselves being formed in the image of Christ, having power over sin and love for God and neighbor. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-craig-gommer/message
Here's My Heart
April 18, 2024 14:29 - 11 minutes - 16.4 MBThis week’s text could be read alongside our first text for the series (Luke 5:1-11). The parallels and connections between the two are palpable and powerful. Once again, Jesus offers Peter abundance. His journey—like ours—is not linear, but God’s grace continues to circle back to him again and again like a familiar chorus played on repeat. In this text, we primarily want to focus on Peter’s threefold redemption granted to him by Jesus’ question: “Do you love me?” We might imagine Jesus aski...
(Easter Sunday) And I Hope
April 18, 2024 14:27 - 14 minutes - 19.2 MBWe might expect that, after denying Christ, Peter would cower in shame—or perhaps even run away in an attempt to leave his past behind him. Instead, when he hears the news from the women, he doesn’t dismiss them like the other disciples. He gets up and runs to the tomb. When he peers into the empty tomb and sees the linen cloth, he is filled with awe. Even after the biggest failures, even after the worst case scenario has happened, can we run toward hope? Like Peter, will we keep going? Will...
"And I Hope..."
April 04, 2024 14:17 - 14 minutes - 19.2 MBEaster Sunday: We might expect that, after denying Christ, Peter would cower in shame—or perhaps even run away in an attempt to leave his past behind him. Instead, when he hears the news from the women, he doesn’t dismiss them like the other disciples. He gets up and runs to the tomb. When he peers into the empty tomb and sees the linen cloth, he is filled with awe. Even after the biggest failures, even after the worst case scenario has happened, can we run toward hope? Like Peter, will we k...
Teach Me
March 22, 2024 17:49 - 14 minutes - 20 MBOn this Fifth Sunday in Lent, Peter is often all or nothing—either resisting Jesus or drawing closer to him in earnest. In this scripture, we see a version of Peter who is hungry to learn. His posture is humble and open—he wants to absorb Jesus’ teachings like a sponge. He asks a question and expects a straightforward answer: “How many times should I forgive?” Instead, Jesus’ math is not predictable—it’s infinite. Forgiveness is abundant; grace is not earned. --- Send in a voice message:...
I'm Fixed Upon It
March 15, 2024 15:45 - 14 minutes - 19.8 MBFourth Sunday in Lent: When your world unravels and your beliefs are tested, you may cling to what you know. As Jesus foretells his death and resurrection, Peter protests. Peter is fixed upon the way he thinks things should go; he resists the pain of what will come. But Jesus is fixed upon his calling and calls Peter out. We may want to cling to easy or simplistic answers. Can you stay fixed upon your convictions while also expanding your perspective? --- Send in a voice message: https://...
Praise the Mount
March 06, 2024 16:04 - 13 minutes - 18.8 MBThird Sunday in Lent Matthew 16:13-20 “Praise the mount of God’s unchanging love. . . ” This lyric represents Peter’s mountaintop faith moment. It speaks to spiritual euphoria and feeling the closeness of God. In this story, Peter proclaims who Jesus is. He speaks with conviction. Peter claims his faith. If you had to speak your faith in one sentence or phrase, what would you say? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-craig-gommer/message
Rescue Me From Danger
March 01, 2024 15:17 - 17 minutes - 24 MBMatthew 14:22-33 As a new disciple, perhaps Peter wants to prove himself. Boldly, in the middle of a storm, Peter steps out of the boat to join Jesus who is walking on top of the waves. He, too, walks on water until the wind shakes his trust and he begins to sink.Many of us know what it feels like to be thrown off balance,to feel as if we’re sinking. In this story, we empathize with the desperation Peter feels as he cries out, and we pray for God to save us when we sink. --- Send in a voi...
Jesus Sought Me
February 22, 2024 16:27 - 17 minutes - 23.4 MBJesus doesn’t seek out trained rabbis and priests to be his disciples; instead, he calls a few Galilean fishermen to follow him and join his ministry. And yet, Peter and his partners drop their nets and follow Jesus. What is the beginning of your faith story? When has God sought you out? Have you ever felt like your calling was pursuing—or chasing—you? Did you resist? Did you follow? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-craig-gommer/message
The Cure for the Bad News
February 08, 2024 16:21 - 14 minutes - 20.1 MBSince the pandemic the constant reporting bad news has left many of us with “news fatigue” or anxiety regarding circumstances and events about which we can do nothing. We, the people of God, are “good news” people, however, and through the prophet Isaiah, God reminds us that no matter how bad the news seems to be, God is still at work. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-craig-gommer/message
Changing Direction
January 23, 2024 17:23 - 14 minutes - 19.4 MBMark 1:14-20 Simon, Andrew, James and John show us how to change direction and follow Jesus as disciples. The values of God’s kingdom are important guideposts along the way. When we share our love and knowledge of the kingdom of God with others, we move a little closer to the destination. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-craig-gommer/message
Who Am I?
January 18, 2024 16:05 - 14 minutes - 19.7 MBWe remember the baptism of Jesus by John each year. Jesus baptism identified him as God's son. So who are we? What does our baptism teach us in light of who Jesus is? We come to know who we are and whose we are. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-craig-gommer/message
We Make Room
December 27, 2023 20:05 - 12 minutes - 17.1 MBChristmas Eve: Luke’s Gospel tells us that when Mary gives birth to Jesus, she lays him in a manger, for there was no place for them in the guest room. Scholars argue about where, exactly, the birth occurs—and why. Was it in a stable or the living room of a simple peasant home? Was Bethlehem teeming with visitors who were also there to be counted in the census? Was Joseph’s family inhospitable because they disapproved of his marital situation? Regardless of where the birth occurs, we kno...
We Sing Stories of Hope
December 27, 2023 20:04 - 12 minutes - 16.5 MBAdvent 4 As soon as Zechariah’s voice returns, his first words are gratitude and blessing. He sings a story of praise for God’s protection and promise, and then he showers a blessing on his newborn son. He sings a story of hope. After Elizabeth proclaims blessings upon Mary, Mary sings: “My soul magnifies God; my spirit rejoices in God.” Mary sings about a God of liberation who pulls the powerful from their thrones and lifts up the lowly. Mary sings a story of hope, one in which justice ...
We Allow Ourselves to Be Amazed
December 20, 2023 17:23 - 15 minutes - 20.9 MBAfter Elizabeth gives birth, her neighbors and family celebrate with her. When it comes time to name the child, Zechariah affirms the name given by the angel and by Elizabeth. In that moment of affirming the promise, Zechariah’s speech is restored. Everyone is filled with awe. How often do you allow yourself to be amazed? Wonder is all around us—can we recognize it? As we learn how to rejoice in a weary world, can we live in a way that allows amazement and wonder to surprise us often? In...
We Find Joy In Connection
December 13, 2023 16:47 - 16 minutes - 22.3 MBAdvent 2: In community, our joy expands. When we can’t rejoice, we can carry each other’s joy. That is what Elizabeth and Mary do for each other. The good news begins to take shape in Elizabeth’s womb, but scripture tells us that she stays secluded, hiding her pregnancy from others—that is, until Mary arrives at her door, also pregnant. Perhaps Mary’s arrival is the inbreaking that changes everything for Elizabeth, for in that moment, her child leaps in her womb and she is filled with th...
Acknowledging Our Weariness
December 06, 2023 22:29 - 17 minutes - 23.5 MBAs Advent begins, we start by acknowledging the weariness, grief, rage, and hopelessness we carry—and we also affirm that we are made for joy. Joy is designed to live in a full house of other emotions. We start the season with Zechariah and Elizabeth; they have battled infertility and have lived many years steadfast in their faith. Perhaps they feel the weight of hopes and dreams unattained. The angel comes to Zechariah with a promise of good news, but Zechariah can’t fully receive it, a...
Who's Harvest?
November 30, 2023 19:04 - 16 minutes - 22.1 MBThe poor were not invisible in the villages of Jesus’ day — as they too often are for too many of us because of where we live. Our idea of mission often involves financial contributions from afar. But in the communities of ancient Judea and Galilee, the rich and the poor knew each other. Jesus seems more interested in a personalresponse to the needs around us. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-craig-gommer/message
Instant Karma
November 15, 2023 18:06 - 17 minutes - 24.6 MBMatthew 25:1-13 We’re happy to see wrongdoers punished. It’s why we watch “instant karma” videos where, for example, a car speeds recklessly down the road and gets pulled over just as we’re thinking, “Where’s a cop when you need one?” In the text, five bridesmaids took precautions to avoid humiliation; five others did not and suffered their own version of instant karma. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-craig-gommer/message
Christianity 101
November 15, 2023 18:04 - 19 minutes - 26.5 MBMatthew 5:1-12 Some college course numbering systems began in the early 1900s. Basic courses were identified and followed by the number 101. More advanced classes were tagged with a different number, like 201 or 301. Today’s text, The Beatitudes, offers a basic course in the principles of Christianity. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-craig-gommer/message
Showing Up Is Not Enough
October 24, 2023 16:44 - 19 minutes - 26.9 MBDirector/actor Woody Allen is known for a lot of quotes. But maybe his most famous quote is this one. Anyone want to guess what it is? “Ninety percent of life is just showing up.” Jesus tells a parable about a wedding banquet. But one guy just shows up and then gets tossed out? Why? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-craig-gommer/message
God is No Slumlord
October 24, 2023 16:38 - 17 minutes - 24.4 MBThey lure you in with low rent only to insist you live in dangerously low standards. They're not landlords, they're slumlords, and New York City has a website to crack down on the worst of the worst. Like New York City, the Kingdom of God has a similar problem. Only in this case, the problem isn't a bad, neglectful owner. God is no slum Lord. We're simply terrible tenants. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-craig-gommer/message
Can Giving Up be the Right Thing?
October 05, 2023 17:01 - 14 minutes - 19.5 MBMatthew 21:23-32 "Winners never quit and quitters never win." Vince Lombardi of football immortality may have been referring to the importance of perseverance. On the face of it, however, he had it wrong. Sometimes, the right thing to do is quit. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-craig-gommer/message
The Message of the Mayfly
September 26, 2023 15:05 - 16 minutes - 22.7 MBMatthew 18:21-35 What can a short-lived insect teach us about practicing forgiveness? Jesus knew the answer. Forgiveness is at the heart of Christianity. Like the endangered mayfly and its important role in nature, forgiveness supports an ecosystem of faith. But it’s in increasingly short supply as we let self-righteousness and revenge replace our capacity for grace. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-craig-gommer/message
Living a Faithful Life
September 06, 2023 15:23 - 18 minutes - 25 MBMatthew 16:21-28 Want to get rich quick? Want to play a wicked guitar? You might need to make a deal with the devil. If you don't know how, just look up articles on the subject. It's a notion that has a rich literary tradition and has given us the expression "Faustian bargain." We then move to Matthew to discuss Jesus' ominous retort to Peter following his apparently innocent comment about Jesus' personal safety and well-being. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/...
A Constructed Language Confession
September 06, 2023 15:20 - 14 minutes - 20.6 MBMatthew 16:13-20 Hundreds of languages are invented every year. So what kind of language was used when Peter confessed that Jesus was the Christ? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-craig-gommer/message
Is Anything Irrevocable?
August 24, 2023 15:31 - 18 minutes - 24.8 MBRomans 11:1-2a, 29-32 In a throwaway, disposable culture, is there anything that is “irrevocable”? The question is raised because the apostle Paul uses this word in his letter to the Romans. There are two irrevocables if we are to be the people of God: People of Mission and People of Mercy --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-craig-gommer/message
To Walk on Water or Stay in the Boat
August 15, 2023 16:37 - 21 minutes - 28.9 MBMatthew 14: 22-33 Peter showed both faith and skepticism in Matthew’s account of Jesus walking on water. We want an easy route to shore when we’re navigating troubled water, but the miracle we need might be learning how to sail. Whether we get out of the boat or stay in it is a matter of trust and faith either way. PLEASE NOTE: A video clip was played during part of the sermon. I apologize for any inconvenience in the audio quality. After the clip I conclude the sermon. --- Send in a ...
YOU Give them Something to Eat
August 09, 2023 15:25 - 15 minutes - 21.2 MBbased on Matthew 14:13-21 "The feeding of the 5,000" Jesus has fed us both physically and spiritually, and he wants us to do the same for others. When we help him serve the wonderful abundance of God’s generous gifts, there will always be enough for everyone. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-craig-gommer/message
Nothing Can Separate US
August 03, 2023 18:10 - 16 minutes - 22.8 MBSuspension bridges are built only when conventional bridges are impossible — like building a bridge from Europe to Africa over the Strait of Gibraltar.So what can bridge the chasm between fear and hope? Between despair and joy? God through Jesus Christ can! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-craig-gommer/message
God's Rebranding: Life in the Spirit
July 19, 2023 15:27 - 15 minutes - 20.8 MBBased on Romans 8:1-11 It is not unusual for a business or major corporation to suffer an image problem and decide to rebrand. When rebranding occurs it often succeeds in polishing the corporate image. But sometimes it doesn't. In all of this, we find a metaphor for the work of the Spirit of God in our lives. "Rebranding" might be too weak of a term, however. In some ways, it's almost like a complete makeover. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-craig...
The Apostle Takes a Selfie
July 14, 2023 15:10 - 15 minutes - 21 MBBased on Romans 7: 15-25a Admit it. You've taken a selfie. It's not just for teenagers -- even President Obama has been caught snapping a few. So perhaps you wouldn't be surprised to know that the apostle Paul has taken a self-portrait and shared it with the world. But, like so many selfies, what he shares isn't all that pretty. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-craig-gommer/message
Fatal Fixations
June 27, 2023 14:40 - 13 minutes - 18.8 MBRomans 6:1b-11 Perseveration (perSEVeration) is a brain condition that causes us to persist in fatally destructive behaviors. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we too are distracted and our minds occupied in things that turn us away from God. But all hope is not lost. We can turn around and get back on the path of faith. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-craig-gommer/message
We Have Access To God
June 27, 2023 14:36 - 17 minutes - 24.2 MBRomans 5:1-8 As disciples of Jesus Christ, we’re called to have an open-door policy — open to God’s grace, holding the door open for others, and holding ourselves open so they may discover the faith within us. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-craig-gommer/message
Abraham's Game Changing Faith
June 12, 2023 16:32 - 15 minutes - 21.3 MBRomans 4:13-25 Being righteous does not come from moral perfection. Abraham’s faith is the biggest game-changer in Christian history. It shows us how to get right with God through faith in Jesus Christ — both now and eternally. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-craig-gommer/message
Not Made to Sit
June 12, 2023 16:31 - 15 minutes - 20.8 MBMatthew 28:16-20 Many of us would say that we have a favorite chair. It might have taken us some time to find, but once we did, it was ours. We're not always comfortable in chairs. And so we search for the perfect one that suits us best. A new analysis, however, asserts that human beings are not made for sitting down. Standing and lying down, yes. But not sitting. Does Jesus say the same thing? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-craig-gommer/message
Becoming a Windcatcher
June 01, 2023 16:15 - 14 minutes - 20.1 MBThe apostles received a spiritual recharge on Pentecost and declared the wonders of God to a group of strangers. We can do the same through worship, ministry and mission, and share God’s power with the world. They became Windcatchers, how do we catch the Holy Breathe of God to continue the mission Jesus gave us? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-craig-gommer/message
Jesus Never Quits on Us
May 17, 2023 14:37 - 14 minutes - 20.1 MBThrough the pandemic there came a phenomenon called quiet quitting. While it refers to how folks do or don't do their jobs, Jesus never quits on us. Jesus never takes his foot off the gas of discipleship and keeps us moving forward. He remains engaged with us through his truth, his life and his love, and he calls us to stay connected with him. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-craig-gommer/message
Heart Trouble?
May 11, 2023 14:37 - 14 minutes - 20.3 MBHeart disease is the number one cause of death for men and women in the US. There are steps we can take to keep our hearts healthy. But what about our spiritual heart health? Jesus says "Don't let your hearts be troubled." How does Jesus help us keep our spiritual hearts healthy? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-craig-gommer/message
Facing our Fear
April 11, 2023 15:58 - 12 minutes - 17.4 MBDo you know that in the Bible, the phrase "Do Not Be Afraid" is found in many forms 365 times? On that Easter morning, the woman ran from the tomb of Jesus in fear but yet with great joy at the tomb being empty. Going out to live and offer the good news can strike fear in us but knowing Jesus goes before all the time, we can truly head the words Do Not Be Afraid. . --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-craig-gommer/message
Awake O Sleeper!
March 22, 2023 15:47 - 17 minutes - 24.5 MBPaul in his letter to the Church at Ephesus writes "You were darkness, but now you are light." We are called to reflect and shine the light of Christ in the world. Through what we say and what we do we call the world to Awake O Sleeper! Rise for the Dead and let the light of Christ shine in you. How are you shining the light of Christ in the world today? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-craig-gommer/message
The Other Samaritan
March 15, 2023 15:33 - 16 minutes - 22.4 MBThe woman that met Jesus at Jacob's well received the living water Jesus spoke of. She left her water bucket behind to tell people about Jesus, to come and see. She like the apostles left it all behind to follow Jesus and tell others about him. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-craig-gommer/message
Believe God
March 15, 2023 15:31 - 16 minutes - 22.4 MBAbraham's faith led to righteousness. That is made him right with God. Why? Because Abraham believed God. Not believed In but believed. We believe in a lot of things but believing God, through faith makes us right with God. Do you believeGod through Jesus Christ? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-craig-gommer/message
Be God's
March 01, 2023 16:04 - 14 minutes - 20.4 MBFirst Sunday of Lent Matthew 4:1-11 The Devil tempted Jesus not to do something, but rather tempted Jesus to be someone other than he was called to be. The world does the same thing to us. The many temptations of the world dont call us to do something but rather to be who we are not. Ultimately we are to take on something to Be God's. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-craig-gommer/message
Being Spiritually Mature
February 16, 2023 18:24 - 14 minutes - 20.2 MB1 Corinthians 3:1-9 Paul in speaking to the Corinthians is frustrated and worried for the community. The quarreling and fighting within are causing divisions. Paul calls upon them to learn to be spiritually mature. To know Christ, eating the meat of faith and not the milk of an immature faith. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-craig-gommer/message
Knowing Nothing But Christ and Him Crucified
February 16, 2023 18:19 - 15 minutes - 21.4 MB1 Corinthians 2:1-16 Technology has a way of pulling us in a and not letting go. As people of faith we can use technology to live and grow in faith or we can let it use us. Paul makes it clear regardless of technology we need to know nothing but Christ and him crucified. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-craig-gommer/message
The Sign of the Cross
January 31, 2023 16:50 - 12 minutes - 17.5 MBWhy do our Catholic/Lutheran/Episcopal brothers and sisters make the sign of the cross at certain times. Making the sign of the cross often happens at odd moments. For example, many baseball players make the sign of the cross as they step into the batter’s box. Some soccer players do likewise before attempting a penalty shot. Is this merely a superstitious practice? A good-luck ritual? The cross symbol is also a wildly popular item of jewelry. Why would one wear a cross — the symbol of unspe...
Take a Different Route Home
January 11, 2023 17:54 - 18 minutes - 25.5 MBThe story of the Magi finding Jesus and offering gifts is a cherished story. So much to talk about. But we focus on Matthew 2:12 about having a dream and going home a different way. When we encounter the Christ of Christmas we ought to be going home another way. Another way that leads to a new way of being and a new way of seeing. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-craig-gommer/message
A Not So Silent Night
January 11, 2023 17:52 - 13 minutes - 18.6 MBOn Christmas Eve we hear the story of the birth of Jesus. It was anything but a silent night. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-craig-gommer/message
Mary, Full of Grace
December 21, 2022 16:45 - 17 minutes - 23.5 MBWhen the Angel Gabriel greets Mary, the words are Greetings you who is highly favored. Favor here means grace. We throw that word grace around a lot. But what does it mean for Mary and for us at Christmas? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-craig-gommer/message