Dane Lewis

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So far Dane Lewis has created 551 blog entries.

A Bonhoeffer Thanksgiving 2023

Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for and to rejoice in all of God’s good gifts to us.  And for me, whenever I think of God’s gifts, I pause to give thanks for all of my teachers, both those who stood physically in front of me and for all those who wrote great books that shaped me in ways I can’t begin to enumerate. And so today, I thought it would be good for us to read a section from one of my book-writing teachers. The following two paragraphs are from Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s classic book, Life Together: A Discussion of Christian Fellowship.   Since Thanksgiving is upon us, and since the main theses of these paragraphs is thanksgiving, I invite you to feast on what Bonhoeffer says here. He writes:  “Because God has already laid the only foundation of our fellowship and because God has bound us together in one

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Gratitude Overflows into Worship

This sermon is based on Psalm 100. You can also view each week's sermon/worship service on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5ncsq_QNvCv61bIwKUpP5A SERIES OVERVIEW: Gratitude makes all the difference. It increases our happiness, provides a deep sense of contentment, and fills us with all sorts of positive emotions. And that is why everyone tells us to work hard to cultivate an attitude of gratitude and promises that we won’t regret doing so. But gratitude produces much more than great emotions. Cicero knew the secret: “Gratitude is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all others.” And what a parent! Gratitude produces all sorts of significant spiritual fruit. This Thanksgiving season, join us as we explore the fruit produced by an overflow of gratitude. Trust me: you will thank me that you came. In fact, you’ll be more grateful for everything!  

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The Twisted Parable

You are probably wondering what a parable is. That’s easy. “Parables are imaginary gardens with real toads in them” (M. Moore). In other words, parables are harmless little stories until they grab hold of you and rip your head off. To say it much more nicely, a parable is more than a narrative with some homespun wisdom. Instead, it is a weapon of mass disruption designed to make the hearers think or, maybe more accurately, make them rethink everything they believe. In short, parables intend to distract an audience so that when the audience isn’t looking, it can hit them with the truth in a way they didn’t see coming! See, parables are not simple stories. They are stories with teeth. But to do that, parables employ the “unexpected twist”—a twist in the story that no one saw coming, a twist in the story that was shocking, a twist in

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Gratitude Overflows into Generosity

This sermon is based on 2 Corinthians 9:6-15. You can also view each week's sermon/worship service on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5ncsq_QNvCv61bIwKUpP5A SERIES OVERVIEW: Gratitude makes all the difference. It increases our happiness, provides a deep sense of contentment, and fills us with all sorts of positive emotions. And that is why everyone tells us to work hard to cultivate an attitude of gratitude and promises that we won’t regret doing so. But gratitude produces much more than great emotions. Cicero knew the secret: “Gratitude is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all others.” And what a parent! Gratitude produces all sorts of significant spiritual fruit. This Thanksgiving season, join us as we explore the fruit produced by an overflow of gratitude. Trust me: you will thank me that you came. In fact, you’ll be more grateful for everything!  

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A Flood of a Story

By now, you know the scoop. We often use scripts at the youth group (aka, the Edge). They are discussion starters, not finishers. They are created to make people think, not to give them answers.  And they are meant to help people see some of the stories in the Bible with new eyes or maybe even to feel the story for the first time. This script, I believe, does all those things. But you need to know a few things before you read it. First, you’re going to have to sing. Now, the songs should be familiar (except, perhaps, in one case), but unfortunately the words have all been changed. Sorry. The four songs are (in the order they appear in the script), “Sing to the Power of the Lord Comes Down,” (if you don’t know it, do me a favor and just pretend like you do), “God Bless America;”

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Gratitude Overflows into Humility

This sermon introduces our new series and is based on Romans 1:18-25. You can also view each week's sermon/worship service on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5ncsq_QNvCv61bIwKUpP5A SERIES OVERVIEW: Gratitude makes all the difference. It increases our happiness, provides a deep sense of contentment, and fills us with all sorts of positive emotions. And that is why everyone tells us to work hard to cultivate an attitude of gratitude and promises that we won’t regret doing so. But gratitude produces much more than great emotions. Cicero knew the secret: “Gratitude is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all others.” And what a parent! Gratitude produces all sorts of significant spiritual fruit. This Thanksgiving season, join us as we explore the fruit produced by an overflow of gratitude. Trust me: you will thank me that you came. In fact, you’ll be more grateful for everything!  

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Voting in the Garden

Feel free to skip this paragraph (it’s the same one from before; same old, same old for you, but for a first-time-blog-reader, it is probably helpful; plus, I get paid by the word). Every once in a while, to kick off a discussion at our youth group (aka, the Edge), we have a script. They are not necessarily designed to give answers. Instead, they are meant to make people think or to think differently about things. We want people to look at things differently, to see things in a different light and to feel the story (and not just “think the story”—or worse, “I already know the story”). Yes, it is also entertaining (at least, I hope it is entertaining); and yes, it is a conversation starter and not the end of a conversation. So, here’s the deal: I’m happy to share these scripts, but you will have to provide

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A Whole Lot of Turning

You’ve read this paragraph already—feel free to skip it if you have: Every once in a while, to kick off a discussion at our youth group (aka, the Edge), we have a script. They are not necessarily designed to give answers. Instead, they are meant to make people think or to think differently about things. We want people to look at things differently, to see things in a different light and to feel the story (and not just “think the story”—or worse, “I already know the story!”). Yes, it is also entertaining (at least, I hope it is entertaining); and yes, it is a conversation starter and not the end of a conversation. So, here’s the deal: I’m happy to share these scripts, but you will have to provide your own voices.    Relationships are important. The New Testament makes that explicit. We are called to love one another (Jn.

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“20 Years of Standing at the River’s Edge”

This sermon celebrates the 20th anniversary of our congregation and is based on Joshua 3:6-16. You can also view each week's sermon/worship service on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5ncsq_QNvCv61bIwKUpP5A SERVICE OVERVIEW: Every year, we have a “State of the Ministry Address.” Traditionally, that means we look at where we are, where we’ve been and where we want to go in the upcoming year. Every year we do that. Except, that is, for this year. That’s right, there will be no State of the Ministry Address this year. Instead, we will have a “Celebration of the Ministry Address.” What’s the difference? Instead of looking at where we are or where we are going, we want to devote our attention to what God has done and is doing in our midst. And we have 20 years of things to celebrate! Join us for our first ever CMA where we will sing of God’s

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A Six-Letter Church

You’ve read this paragraph already: Every once in a while, to kick off a discussion at our youth group (aka, the Edge), we have a script.  They are not necessarily designed to give answers. Instead, they are meant to make people think or to think differently about things. We want people to look at things differently, to see things in a different light and to feel the story (and not just “think the story”—or worse, “I already know the story!”). Yes, it is also entertaining (at least, I hope it is entertaining); and yes, it is a conversation starter and not the end of a conversation. So, here’s the deal: I’m happy to share these scripts, but you will have to provide your own voices.   Lots of people struggle with church.  They just don’t like it.  But maybe what they don’t like is bad church. And maybe what they need

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“The ‘So That'”

This sermon is based on 2 Timothy 3:16-17. You can also view each week's sermon/worship service on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5ncsq_QNvCv61bIwKUpP5A SERIES OVERVIEW: Question: “What has four wheels and flies?” Now, that’s a question, but how would you feel if I never shared the punch line.  Would you be frustrated? I would! I hate starting a story, but never getting a chance to finish it. Last spring, we started a Sunday school class called, “Focus on the Bible.” It was designed to look at how we are to interpret, understand and apply the commands of the Bible to our lives today. Unfortunately, the class ended before I could share the “punchline”! The whole reason for the class was to build a foundation so we could intelligently interact with several critical biblical passages that speak to our identity as a church (and without all of that, it will be very hard

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Reading the Bible Edgewise

This script takes place at the Edge [youth group] on a typical Friday night. It’s a conversation between six friends about reading the Bible. Today, there are two big questions: “First, why do you read the Bible?” And then, “How do you go about reading it?” In other words, when we are reading the Bible, what should we be looking for? Enjoy.   Reader 1: I’m telling you, we got sidetracked a few weeks ago and never dealt with the question! Reader 2: What question?   Reader 1: Why did God give us the Bible?  Reader 3: Are you kidding me? That question? We’ve talked about that question a thousand times! Yeah, yeah, yeah -- wisdom, sin, redemption, God’s story of his people. I tell you, I’m tired of this question. In fact, I want a new question, something like, “Is there ever such a thing as a just war?” Or

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“The Many More Methods of Moving (from the then and there to the here and now)” Part 2

This sermon is based on I Timothy 6:1-2. You can also view each week's sermon/worship service on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5ncsq_QNvCv61bIwKUpP5A SERIES OVERVIEW: Question: “What has four wheels and flies?” Now, that’s a question, but how would you feel if I never shared the punch line.  Would you be frustrated? I would! I hate starting a story, but never getting a chance to finish it. Last spring, we started a Sunday school class called, “Focus on the Bible.” It was designed to look at how we are to interpret, understand and apply the commands of the Bible to our lives today. Unfortunately, the class ended before I could share the “punchline”! The whole reason for the class was to build a foundation so we could intelligently interact with several critical biblical passages that speak to our identity as a church (and without all of that, it will be very hard

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Garden Lies

Every once in a while, to kick off a discussion at our youth group (aka, the Edge), we have a script.  They are not necessarily designed to give answers. Instead, they are meant to make people think or to think differently about things.  We want people to look at things differently, to see things in a different light and to feel the story (and not just “think the story” – or worse, “I already know the story). Yes, it is also entertaining (at least, I hope it is entertaining); and yes, it is a conversation starter and not the end of a conversation. So, here’s the deal: I’m happy to share these scripts, but you will have to provide your own conversations because I am only giving you one half of the package (and I hope the best is yet to come). This first script takes place in the Garden

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“The Many More Methods of Moving (from the then and there to the here and now)”

This sermon is based on Matthew 7:24-27. You can also view each week's sermon/worship service on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5ncsq_QNvCv61bIwKUpP5A SERIES OVERVIEW: Question: “What has four wheels and flies?” Now, that’s a question, but how would you feel if I never shared the punch line.  Would you be frustrated? I would! I hate starting a story, but never getting a chance to finish it. Last spring, we started a Sunday school class called, “Focus on the Bible.” It was designed to look at how we are to interpret, understand and apply the commands of the Bible to our lives today. Unfortunately, the class ended before I could share the “punchline”! The whole reason for the class was to build a foundation so we could intelligently interact with several critical biblical passages that speak to our identity as a church (and without all of that, it will be very hard for

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The Last Priest in The Last Kingdom

This is our last post on “The Church in The Last Kingdom” and so, at last (because you had to know this was coming) are five of my favorite quotes from this series that will last for years in my memory. Uhtred on loyalty: “The truth of a man lies not in the land of his birth, but in his heart.”  Uhtred and Alfred on luck: Uhtred: “As a warrior, I have not been tested, lord, and I’ve been lucky.” King Alfred: “I haven’t quite worked out a theology of luck. Can there be such a thing as luck if God is sovereign?” Uhtred: “If God is with you, you’re a lucky man.” Brida on how to reject unwanted romantic advances: “I prefer the company of the gods to stupid men.”  Father Beocca on trouble: “You cannot invite a serpent into the garden and be surprised when it slithers on

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The Curious Case of the Clashing Commands

This sermon is based on Genesis 17:9-14. You can also view each week's sermon/worship service on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5ncsq_QNvCv61bIwKUpP5A SERIES OVERVIEW: Question: “What has four wheels and flies?” Now, that’s a question, but how would you feel if I never shared the punch line.  Would you be frustrated? I would! I hate starting a story, but never getting a chance to finish it. Last spring, we started a Sunday school class called, “Focus on the Bible.” It was designed to look at how we are to interpret, understand and apply the commands of the Bible to our lives today. Unfortunately, the class ended before I could share the “punchline”! The whole reason for the class was to build a foundation so we could intelligently interact with several critical biblical passages that speak to our identity as a church (and without all of that, it will be very hard for

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A Priest Who Makes a Difference

Today, we want to look at a sidekick. Now, let’s be honest, there are sidekicks and there are sidekicks, and we have no time for anyone in that first category. We want to talk about someone who would be right at home with the great sidekicks of all time. And how do you know if a sidekick is worthy of such honor? Easy! You don’t even have to mention their name. All you need is a list of the heroes, and their name is right there. For instance, who is the sidekick for each of these ten heroes (hint: two of the sidekicks in this list are women!)? We have (1) Han Solo, (2) Sherlock Holmes, (3) Johnny Carson, (4) Fred Flintstone and (5) Harry Potter. That ends round one. Take a breath. Okay, here’s round two. We have (6) Wallace, (7) Don Quixote, (8) The Green Hornet, (9) Peter

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The Curious Case of Archaic Commands

This sermon is based on Leviticus: 19:1-3, 13-14, 18-19, 26-28. You can also view each week's sermon/worship service on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5ncsq_QNvCv61bIwKUpP5A SERIES OVERVIEW: Question: “What has four wheels and flies?” Now, that’s a question, but how would you feel if I never shared the punch line.  Would you be frustrated? I would! I hate starting a story, but never getting a chance to finish it. Last spring, we started a Sunday school class called, “Focus on the Bible.” It was designed to look at how we are to interpret, understand and apply the commands of the Bible to our lives today. Unfortunately, the class ended before I could share the “punchline”! The whole reason for the class was to build a foundation so we could intelligently interact with several critical biblical passages that speak to our identity as a church (and without all of that, it will be

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The Priests and the Sin of the Church

One of the things that you’ve got to love (got to love) about the Vikings (aka, the “Danes”) is their spectacular names. There was King Gorm the Old, Harald Bluetooth, Sven Forkbeard, Ivan the Boneless, Sigurd Snake-in-the-Eye and Kierkegaard. Okay, Kierkegaard wasn’t a Viking, but he was a Dane. And like the Vikings, he had a problem with priests and pastors and the church. Now, to be fair, when he had a problem with the church, he wrote a scathing critique; when the Vikings had a problem with the church, they ransacked it. But maybe that’s just “tomayto, tomahto; potayto, potahto.”  We’re looking at the Netflix series, The Last Kingdom (please note, this series is not for everyone and is rated mature for gore, language and some nudity and some awful church practices). The Last Kingdom is the story of a Saxon (read English) born, Dane (read Viking) raised warrior

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