Paul's Missionary Journeys Text with Maps embedded      

Paul's Missionary Journeys Text Only           

Slides with Maps & Dates   No Text

Saul, a fiery young graduate student from Turkey, started his travels as a traditional religious Jew intent on jailing heretics. During his journeys he became the founder of Christianity. Saul, whose Roman name was Paulus, made four missionary journeys by cargo ship and Roman road teaching in synagogues and soap boxes wherever he went.

His itineraries are scattered through Acts and hinted at in his Letters to the Churches, so here is a brief summary picture of the journeys. St. Paul's journeys were spiritual as well as physical, so we can also reflect on how Paul's spiritual journey might have similarities to our own. 

First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles, April 10 2016

Two Baptisms

Today is the Baptism of the Lord. Scripture shows us two baptisms; water and Spirit. Humans are the only creatures who are both animal and divine. The "old self" that dies in water baptism is our human, animal nature. The second baptism of the Holy Spirit wakes us up to a new life. This broken-down chariot of our physical bodies is no longer self-driving. Google may build safe self-driving cars, but as we know, a world full of self-driving bodies makes for a world of continuous catastrophic car wrecks.

Water baptism is the beginning of the Christian journey. The baptism of the Holy Spirit can happen at any time - before, during or after water baptism. We ask for the Holy Spirit to enter us and take the wheel. It can make for an exciting and wonderful trip that never ends.

Sermon at First Presbyterian Church of Scipioville - Scipioville, NY    January 10, 2016

Spiritual History of The Shakers (Illustrated) Video Version

From Colonial times through the turn of the 20th Century, Central New York has been the home of a wide variety of religious schismatic groups and social utopian experiments. The Shakers are one of this remarkable number of religious and social movements. The "Shaking Quakers," so called for their ecstatic spiritual dancing, split off from mainstream Quakers in late 18th Century England and took root in the Albany area. We usually associate the Shakers with simplicity of furniture, design and lifestyle, but the Shakers were also a fascinating group of "practical utopians" who felt Christ's second appearance was immanent – and lived that way.

First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles, November 15, 2015

All Saints on Hallowe'en

All Saints Day today, and All Souls Day tomorrow are occasions for remembering and honoring our dead ancestors, parents, siblings and friends. By allowing Lazarus to die, and then restoring him to life with a powerful word, Jesus demonstrated the restoration to life of sleeping, dying Judaism and the transition to a new vital rebirth of faith for all the nations.

Like Lazarus' sister Mary, we weep, we remember and we honor our dead. They are in the great cloud of witnesses cheering us on. There is something else we can do. Forgive them for anything, no matter how small, they may have done harmful to you; and ask their forgiveness for any slights, any harms, any lack of love shown, any injury caused by you, either thoughtfully or unintentionally.

Sermon at First Presbyterian Church of Scipioville - Scipioville, NY    Nov. 1, 2015

The Eye of the Needle

(Video version)

Mark, Chapter 10, tells a great story. The parable of the rich man, or the rich, young ruler according to Luke. Have you ever heard someone rich, famous or successful announcing they will “give back?” Doesn’t the idea of “giving back” sound a little off-key? At first reading, the parable of the rich man appears to be about the evils of money and a call for redistribution of wealth. But, there is much more to this familiar story. The Gospels often teach by using a progression of events, one series of events and parables illuminating the next. This story is not about money. It’s about faith; what real faith is – and what faith is not.

Sermon at First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles Oct. 11, 2015

The Perfect Woman

Proverbs teaches about the perfect woman, but it turns out Proverbs is speaking of all of us - the Church is the bride of Christ. Christianity turns the world on its head. But the world likes it right side up. Much of the world uses religion to help accomplish worldly ends. Religion as a high return hedge fund or justification for power grabs. The disciples didn’t fully understand, and they were with Jesus in person for three years! It’s no wonder we have trouble understanding. But, let’s be honest. There is an apparent conflict between Jesus’ teaching and success in our careers – isn’t there?

Our readings today teach us the virtues of being single-minded and the cost of being double-minded.

Sermon at United Ministry of Aurora - Aurora, NY   Sept. 20, 2015

Wisdom

Wisdom teaches us the divided life is a life of anxiety and dread. We have a strong incentive to kill our old divided self and become transformed into sons and daughters of God. Big words. Transformed into children of God. Exactly what does that mean? If I could tell you plainly and clearly exactly what it means to be children of God, I would, and so would the Bible.  Part of the mystery is there are no words, no language that can communicate what we are to become. But, we get glimpses and hints.

Sermon at United Ministry of Aurora -  Aurora, NY   Sept. 13, 2015

Tradition! Tradition!

We don’t really want to change. Our cultural traditions support our animal nature. We at heart want to be animal Alphas. “Go Bills. Go Sabers. Go Blue Devils! We’re number One! USA! USA! Kill ‘em, crush ‘em. Bring home the trophy, the medal,...the meat!”

Young people in particular, are thirsty for spiritual experience. All people want to understand the meaning of their lives. Church should be the place for this. But, often what seekers find is wishy-washy talk about being nice to each other, condemnation of others, judging others for how they observe our traditions,  instruction on the “right” traditional way to worship God or even political action recommendations.   We forget that the only “tradition” that will guide us all into a Christian life is the transformation of self, of loving God, not judging our neighbor, and loving our neighbor as ourselves.The creator, the lover of our souls, is gazing at us longingly, hoping and encouraging that the brothers and sisters of Christ emerge.

Sermon at United Ministry of Aurora -  Aurora, NY    August 30, 2015

Tuning Up

One Creator created the Universe and established operating principles by which the Universe works. Sort of a Composer who also conducts. A Composer who conducts is engaged in both creating and in bringing his work to life. We human beings in all our variety are the Conductor’s orchestra, the performers.  Many believe the score has been written in advance for each of us, each instrument, and it’s our job to be in tune and play our part well. Some are first trumpet; others second fiddle. We have all been assigned our chair and talent. Each is necessary.

The Composer’s operating principles govern the physical world, although as Conductor, he is free to intervene and rearrange the score. (We call those interventions, miracles.) Modern physics views the universe as constructed of fields of tiny, invisible vibrating strings. Think of angel harps or cherub violins. When we play or live out of tune – you know it. When we are in tune, you feel it. If we really tune in and listen to Jesus teaching, these principles are plain to see.

Sermon at United Ministry of Aurora  -  Aurora, NY    August 16, 2015

A Teaching Moment

The Hebrew word for the Bible is, “Torah,” which means “teaching.” Jews believe one Creator created the Universe and established operating principles by which the Universe works. When the Bible was composed, humans were barely human.  So the operating principles are described in terms humans could understand at the time. God appeared to Abraham and then Moses giving difficult but simple instructions.

As time went on, we were ready for a little more instruction. The Prophets explained these instructions, the operating principles of the Universe, at a higher level. Centuries later, when the time was right, God himself took on human flesh and made the operating principles even clearer. So I think of the Bible as a User’s Manual for Human Beings. This morning’s New Testament lessons are a good example of how the Bible teaches us at different levels, or layers, all at the same time, using the same words.

Sermon at United Ministry of Aurora  -  Aurora, NY     June 28, 2015

Mendelssohn, Mozart and Power

(Video version)

Music has been a key part of worship everywhere and in every era - from pagans playing pan pipes to Doris Hill playing organ pipes, from Buddhist Heavenly Chant to the Chancel Choir, from Sufi Dance to EmBellishment, music has always been central to every worship experience around the world. And, even though some Islamists want to ban music today, music has always been a part of Islam as well.

Why is music so central to worship? It has to do with the most important Law, which Jesus teaches is;
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might - Me'odechoh. Music helps us unlock the power of faith "with all our might."

First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles April 19, 2015

Merton's Silent Revolution

Thomas Merton was a monk who launched a silent revolution in his 1949 autobiographical Seven Storey Mountain. Before Merton, John the Evangelist in the first century, the Desert Fathers in the fourth, the Celtic Contemplatives in the eighth, Theresa of Avila and John of the Cross in the sixteenth century, each at the Spirit’s direction fired contemplative birth and rebirth within the Church. Each was sometimes violently rejected by the Church authorities at first. But the Holy Spirit persists.

In the West, the Contemplative movement is a powerful movement of the Holy Spirit now underway. This movement adds a dimension to our Christian life of liturgy, scripture study, good works and praying using words: Praying without words.

First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles, November 9, 2014

Next Year in Jerusalem

The Presbyterian Church USA is weighing several one-sided overtures condemning the State of Israel, and calling for Disinvestment, Boycott and Sanctions. The General Assembly will vote for or against these overtures this summer. This is the third time anti-Israel overtures have been presented. I am embarassed, but unfortunately not surprised by the fact of these overtures. This talk is both a story of my family history and a personal reflection on why Jews care about this issue, and a close look at what the New Testament calls the Christian Church to do and be with respect to the Jews.

In my judgment, these overtures lead the Christian Church back into mediaeval times. What a shame for Presbyterians to be at the head of this Crusade.

First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles, May 4, 2014

The Bulldog and the Paragon

Today we celebrate The Baptism of the Lord. This marks the end of the Christmas season and the beginning of "Ordinary Time." What is Baptism, and why did Jesus have to be Baptised?

Sermon at First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles, January 12, 2014

God Loves A Good Story - Jesus and the Parables

God loves a good story. Characters, plot, twists of fate, unexpected turns, surprise. Jesus smacked it to us with his short stories, the Parables. Familiar characters, plots with twist and double twist. Luke 15 - The Prodigal Elder Son. Luke 16 – How to be a Good Dishonest Steward. We’ll look at how Jesus used the Parables to teach.

First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles, November 17, 2013

Why AreThere Such Extremes of Misery and Suffering in the World?

A good question. Many ask it, or wonder on it. Theologians and serious thinkers starting with Job have asked this question. The presence of extreme misery and suffering in the world has caused many to doubt the existence of God or to become atheists.

Skaneateles, like the rest of the world, is located somewhere to the east of Eden and way, way south of Heaven. There was no misery or suffering in Eden. We explore what Archbishop Desmond Tutu might have meant when he said that God looks to we frail human beings he has created, and says quietly, "Help me. Help me."

Sermon at First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles, July 14, 2013

Letter to Texans

I want to propose a letter to Texans. Here is the situation. A brother in the Lord, born a Jew, has recently been moved by the spirit to become a Christian. He wishes to join the Church in Texas. He wants to be a Christian. He has questions. This letter to Texans, the church he is joining in Texas, is to answer his questions and even to build up the faith of the Church in Texas – and maybe help us confirm our own. I hope you will join with me in this letter, and that you will want to add your signatures in greetings.  And, we might actually send it off to the Church in Texas.

First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles, April 21, 2013

A Letter to Hebrews: A Brief Explanation of Why We Are Christians

Towards the end of the New Testament, this mysterious letter by an unknown author exhorts us to keep learning and growing towards becoming mature Christians, to open up to the spritual reality that surrounds us. The basics, the ABC of Christianity are not enough. A great cloud of witnesses are rooting for us, eager to help. Maybe this letter contains the answer to what Priscilla taught Apollos? Maybe it was even written by this brilliant woman disciple? If so, we can understand why its authorship might have been kept secret from the patristic world of the past.

First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles, November 18, 2012

The Meaning of The Cross

What did Jesus mean when he says, "If you would follow me, take up your cross." Does Jesus mean he wants us to drag a piece of wood through the streets? Does he mean we should lift up a wooden cross at the head of our armies as we march, or paint white crosses on our chain mail? Unlikely. The Cross points to willing sacrifice of self. The Cross was a passive actor in Jesus' willing sacrifice of Self. Do not forget the empty tomb that could not hold Jesus. Death of self can be followed by resurrection, and a glory so great we can only see and hear glimpses and hints. "Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor has it entered into the heart or imagination of man, what God has prepared for those who love him." How do we show our love for God? "I urge you, present your very selves to him, a living sacrifice." This Church offers you opportunity to do this. Take it.

Sermon at First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles, Veteran's Day - November 11, 2012

The Real F Words; Focus, Fearless, Forgiving

The human eye needs focus. The visible pagan idols of metal and wood were attractions and distractions from the Invisible God. From golden calves, to Asherah poles, from clay idols to modern screens, distractions compete for our focus. We go where we look. Without focus on our God from whom we depend, our animal fears get the better of us, and we fall back into sin. When fearful, we don't forgive. When we don't forgive, we don't love.

Sermon at First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles, July 15, 2012

Earth Day, Moses and Fracking

"Fracking" is a controversial issue in the Lake Skaneateles watershed area. "Fracking" is a term coined for using chemicals and hydraulics under pressure to fracture rock deep under the Earth in order to release hydrocarbons for energy use. As Earth Day approaches, let's look at what scripture has to say about fracking. Moses discovered there is a time to fracture and a time to speak.

First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles, April 15th, 2012

The Sources of Temptation and Sin - Sermon February 26, 2012
Audio

Jesus was tempted in the desert, as are we. Scripture and modern psychology agree there are three great temptations common to all humans, and, there are seven deadly sins we commit when we yield to these three temptations. God also provides seven grace-given virtues as spiritual armor against these sins. This first Sunday in Lent is a good time to explore our Lenten warm-up practice of perseverance, of resistance to the Devil, because during the year, we will face the real thing. Let's get ready.

Sermon at First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles, Feb. 26, 2012

Opening Romans (version with slides)

Paul's Letter to the Romans is the foundation text of the Christian religion and profoundly influenced Christian theologians from Augustine to Luther. The Letter to the Romans addresses the question, "What exactly is this new religion, Christianity, and what must I do to be a Christian." Our Adult Bible Study recently studied Romans for ten weeks. This is a short and I hope thought-provoking "Opening of Paul's Letter to the Romans."

First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles, November 20, 2011

Meat, Not Milk - Sermon July 31, 2011

Our Bible teaches us at four different levels. The first level tells the story, this is what happened. This is the core of what we teach our younger children in Sunday School. Sermons, like this one, are drawn from the second level, the teaching level. At the third level are hints, connections and glimpses that let us peek under the tent of heaven. The fourth level, exploration of these hints and glimpses leads to spiritual discernment, to wisdom.

There is a fifth level, a Mystery level completely inaccessible by our reasoning minds. It is food for our soul and spirit. This mystery level is beyond our conscious awareness, but it is always active at every level of study, from the time we hear our first Bible story as children until the last Psalm is read at our funeral.

Sermon at First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles, July 31, 2011