First Baptist Church - Madison, WI

Pastor Tim tells the story of Pentecost, which is considered to be a story about the birth and unity of the Church.  The big takeaway of this story: God created a new identity of unity through the Holy Spirit.  The emphasis here is on new, not a unity that expects assimilation or places limits on outward expressions of diversity. Pentecost is a celebration of God's spirit of inclusion, of equity, of equality. The sermon text is Acts 2:1-21; the reading of the scripture is included in the podcast. The Rev. Tim Schaefer, pastor, preaching.

Pastor Tim preaches on how the church is set apart for a special purpose; our job as a church, as a community, as followers of Jesus, is to be that community where people are made to feel that they belong, to be that community that models the ministry of Jesus. The sermon text is John 17:6-19; the reading of the scripture is included in the podcast. The Rev. Tim Schaefer, pastor, preaching.

Pastor Tim comments on Jesus' preaching on love. What kind of love is Jesus talking about?  The English language has a limited lexicon for love, but the ancient Greek had many words for love. In each case in this scripture, the Greek word agape is used for love. Agape is an altruistic love, a selfless love; it is a love that requires faithfulness, commitment, even sacrifice.  Jesus is telling us to agape love each other, to sacrifice for each other. This is how we support each other and model the love of Jesus.  What does agape love look like to you? How do you show agape? The sermon text is John 15:9-17; the reading of the scripture in included in the podcast. The Rev. Tim Schaefer, pastor, preaching.

Pastor Tim preaches about the story of Philip baptizing the Ethiop1an eunuch. The Ethiopian eunuch in today's scripture is a sexual minority, a gender minority, an ethic minority, and a racial minority; he represents the ultimate outsider. What keeps the eunuch from being baptized? The Holy Spirit leads Philip to realize that nothing keeps the eunuch from being baptized. In this story we learn that God's plan includes all types of people; the Christian faith community is open to all.  But the question remains, how will we be Philip to the Ethiopian eunuchs in our midst? How will we practice this new form of evangelism?  The sermon text is Acts 8:26-40; the reading of the scripture is included in the podcast. The Rev. Tim Schaefer, pastor, preaching.

Pastor Tim preaches on the story of the Good Shepherd, where Jesus is modeling the way for us to be in relationship with each other, how we should care for each other, to protect, and to support each other. In this story we tend to identify ourselves with the sheep and Jesus is the good shepherd. But the story also invites us to identify with the good shepherd.  When we lead and comfort other people, when we advocate for social justice, when we stand up for each other, we are like the good shepherd. The sermon text is John 10:11-18; the reading of the scripture is included in the podcast. The Rev. Tim Schaefer, pastor, preaching.

In Genesis we learn that God has given us dominion over the earth. Our history tells us that we have interpreted dominion as synonymous with domination; humankind's domination of creation has resulted in degradation of the environment to the  point where creation cries out "I can't breathe."  We even dominate each other; domination permeates our culture. Pastor Tim suggests a better interpretation of the Genesis story is that, being created in God's image, we are called to be partners with God and to be caretakers of God's creation. The sermon text is Genesis 1:24-31; the reading of the scripture is included in the podcast. The Rev. Tim Schaefer, pastor, preaching.

Pastor Tim preaches on the story of the "Doubting Thomas", and offers an alternative explanation of the disciple Thomas. Thomas has the courage to ask questions before believing or disbelieving that Jesus was resurrected. The beauty of the Thomas story is that it gives us permission to question  - to question God, to question our faith, to question our relationship with Jesus. The Thomas story is also a challenge to be open to the questions asked by others. The sermon text is John 20:19-31; the reading of the scripture is included in the podcast. The Rev. Tim Schaefer, pastor, preaching.

Upon learning of the empty tomb and the resurrection of Jesus, the disciples had different reactions. Today's scripture suggests that there is not just one way to react to the empty tomb.  Each of us comes to Easter from different places in our faith journey, and with different live experiences. Pastor Tim asserts that this is O.K. Regardless of how we come to Easter, Jesus invites each one of us to come as we are and to find hope, transformation, and new life. The sermon text is John 20: 1-18; the reading of the scripture is included in the podcast. The Rev. Tim Schaefer, pastor, preaching.

On this Palm Sunday, Pastor Tim preaches on two contrasting stories - the Palm text which features the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and the Passion text which foreshadows the crucifixion of Jesus and the final days of Jesus' life.  As Christians we are called to deal with the good and the bad. We can't have the Palm Sunday experience without the Passion Sunday experience; we can't have the resurrection without the crucifixion.  The two are inextricably linked. Two important lessons for us as a community of faith - first, we should appreciate both the good and the bad in life - the highs and the lows. Second, we have to focus simultaneously on personal acts of kindness towards each other and public care for those who are struggling. As Christians we have to learn to live in that space of tension where joy and sorrow meet. The sermon text is Mark 11:1-11; the reading of the scripture is included in the podcast. The Rev. Tim schaefer, pastor, preaching.

At the end of Jesus' public ministry, some Greeks asked to see Jesus. Jesus replied, "Whoever serves me must follow me". Pastor Tim uses this story to talk about what it means to be a disciple of Jesus, and to welcome those who want to serve Jesus alongside us. The sermon text is John 12:20-33; the reading of the scripture is included in the podcast. The Rev. Tim Schaefer, pastor, preaching.

Pastor Tim preaches on the story of the Israelites, after their escape from Egypt, encountering deadly snakes on the way to the promised land. God tells Moses to put a bronze snake on a pole and to instruct the Israelites to look at the bronze snake if they are bitten by a snake. The Israelites face danger all around them. God does not take away the threats, but He provides a beacon of hope. Pastor Tim's message: Don't become so focused with the threats on the ground that you are overcome with your situation.  Instead, look up and deal with the very thing that is troubling you. The sermon text is Numbers 21:4-9; the reading of the scripture is included in the podcast. The Rev. Tim Schaefer, pastor, preaching.

Pastor Tim proposes his updated "ten commandments" for the 21st century. The sermon text is Exodus 20:1-17; the reading of the scripture is included in the podcast. The Rev. Tim Schaefer, pastor, preaching.

Jesus tells those who would follow him to, "Deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me". Pastor Tim asks us to consider what that means to each us individually, and as a church, in the 21st century. The sermon text is Mark 8:31-38; the reading of the scripture is included in the podcast. The Rev. Tim Schaefer, pastor, preaching.

Pastor Tim uses the story of Noah and the flood, along with an ancient Mesopotamian story of a flood, to talk about suffering, a loving God, and creation. A question commonly asked is, "How could a loving God be responsible for such evil?"  Pastor Tim suggests that, perhaps the flood story is not about divine punishment, but rather is a warning of the natural consequences of humanity's careless behavior. God's covenant with Noah requires us to recommit to our role as caretakers of creation. The sermon text is Genesis 9:8-17; the reading of the scripture is included in the podcast. The Rev. Tim Schaefer, pastor, preaching.

On this Transfiguration Sunday, Pastor Tim preaches on Jesus' mountaintop experience. Rather than focusing on the visual aspects of the story, which is temporary, Pastor Tim proposes that we consider the story as a spiritual metamorphosis that persists. Jesus is transformed in a profound way through his mountaintop experience. Tim asks the questions: What has our mountaintop experience been?  What would it take for the church to be the mountaintop where we can all be closer to God and be transformed?  The sermon text is Mark 9:2-9; the reading of the scripture is included in the podcast. The Rev. Tim Schaefer, pastor preaching.

Pastor Tim preaches on discipleship. As illustrated by Jesus in his ministry discipleship requires not only words, but also action. Jesus is telling us, "Go and do likewise". The sermon text is Mark 1:29-39; the reading of the scripture is included in the podcast. The Rev. Tim Schaefer, pastor, preaching.

The author of the letter to the Colossians advised us, "Whatever you do, do it through your words and deeds, and do it in the name of Jesus."  Pastor Tim describes this as a characteristic of  discipleship. Being a disciple of Jesus means working towards the kingdom of God in the here and now to make the world a more equitable place. The sermon text is Mark 1: 21-28; the reading of the scripture is included in the podcast. The Rev. Tim Schaefer, pastor, preaching.

Using the story of Jesus walking the shore of the Sea of Galilee and the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Pastor Tim preaches on the cost of discipleship. He concludes with the questions: What does discipleship mean to us? How will we follow the example of Jesus and fight for the liberation of others? What costs are we willing to bear as disciples?  The sermon text is Mark 1:14-20; the reading of the scripture is included in the podcast. The Rev. Tim Schaefer, pastor, preaching.

On this weekend in which we celebrate the life of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Pastor Tim preaches on the Dr. King's vision of the beloved community. How does one build the beloved community? Pastor Tim reminds us that our awareness and experience of God takes place in community.  In community we experience the divine call of God. True discipleship requires us to share our call with others and for others to share their call and experiences with us. The sermon text is John 1:43-51; the reading of the scripture is included in the podcast. The Rev. Tim Schaefer, pastor, preaching.

Using the story of Jesus' baptism, Pastor Tim calls us to remember our own baptism and what it signifies. It is not enough to ask who Jesus is, but we also have to ask, "How can we follow Jesus?"  How does our baptism change our minds about the world around us, and how we participate in it? The sermon text is Mark 1:4-11; the reading of the scripture is included in the podcast. The Rev. Tim Schaefer, pastor, preaching.

Pastor Tim preaches on the prologue to the gospel of John, in which the author writes of the Word that was with God, and was God, and became flesh and lived among us.  John describes Jesus as the Light of the world; our role is to reflect that light into dark places. The sermon text is John 1:1-5, 10-14, 16-18; the reading of the scripture is included in the podcast. The Rev. Tim Schaefer, pastor, preaching.

Pastor Tim interprets the story of Jesus being brought by Mary and Joseph to the temple to be presented to God. Simeon and Anna, who were in the temple, recognized that Jesus was special. They recognized that Jesus had been made in the image of God, and had been set apart for a divine purpose.  Pastor Tim asks the question: What if we could look past a person's present circumstances and truly see them as being created in the image of God? Created for a divine purpose? Might we then recognize Christ in each other? The sermon text is Luke 2:22-40; the reading of the scripture is included in the podcast. The Rev. Tim Schaefer, pastor, preaching.

Pastor Tim tells the story of the wise men coming from the east to pay homage to the baby Jesus. This story has been embellished over the centuries since the gospel of Matthew was written. Pastor Tim strips away the embellishments to get to the core of the story and what its message is for us today. The sermon text is Matthew 2:1-12; the reading of the scripture is included in the podcast. The Rev. Tim Schaefer preaching.

On this third Sunday of Advent, Pastor Tim tells the story of the angels appearing to the shepherds and telling them of the birth of the Messiah. The shepherds are invited to come and see this new thing that God was doing. The Christmas story gives us hope for a better future, while challenging us to be involved in shaping that future. The sermon text is Luke 2: 8-20; the reading of the scripture is included in the podcast. The Rev. Tim Schaefer, pastor, preaching.

On the second Sunday of Advent, Pastor Tim preaches on the song of Mary, in which the power and the justice of God is celebrated. Her song depicts a God that remembers the lowly and cares for the needy and Mary identifies herself with the lowly and oppressed. The author of Luke gave this song prominence to amplify the voices coming from the margins of society. Pastor Tim poses the question: How do we, as a church, amplify the voices of those at the margins of society? The sermon text is Luke 1:46-55. Rev. Tim Schaefer preaching.

On this first Sunday in Advent, we look for hope. Pastor Tim preaches on finding hope in a time of turmoil and uncertainty, of a pandemic and racial strife. The sermon text is Isaiah 9:2-7; the reading of the scripture is included in the podcast.  The Rev. Tim Schaefer, pastor, preaching.

In his final sermon, our transitional pastor, the Rev. Dr. Michael Newheart preaches on the famous passage in the 25th chapter of Matthew. Michael asserts that this passage illustrates that love wins, laughter wins, and letting go wins. What does this passage have to do with laughter? Listen to find out. The sermon text is Matthew 25:31-36; the reading of the scripture is included in the podcast. 

In the parable of the talents, the faithful slaves were told to "Enter into the Joy of Your Master". Pastor Michael invites us to enter into the joy of our master and identifies recent national events and developments in our church as blessings for which we can rejoice. The sermon text is Matthew 25:14-30; the reading of the scripture is included in the podcast. The Rev. Dr. Michael Newheart, transitional minister, preaching.

Pastor Michael provides a biblical analysis of the religious references in Joe Biden’s first speech to the nation as the President-Elect.  The sermon text is Matthew 25:1-13; the reading of the scripture is included in the podcast. The Rev. Dr. Michael Newheart, transitional minister, preaching.

On this Remembrance Sunday, Pastor Michael talks about remembering a great cloud of witnesses, namely parents, grandparents, other loved ones, close friends who have died. The sermon text is Hebrews 12:1-2; the reading of the scripture is included in the podcast. The Rev. Dr. Michael Newheart, transitional minister, preaching.

When Jesus was asked what was the greatest commandment, He responded in essence with the familiar, "Love God and love your neighbor". Pastor Michael elaborates primarily on what it means to love your neighbor. The sermon text is Matthew 22:34-40; the reading of the scripture is included in the podcast. The Rev. Dr. Michael Newheart, transitional minister, preaching.

Pastor Michael asserts that we belong to God, and all that we do flows from that sense of divine belonging. We also belong to the state, and our relationship to the state is grounded in our relationship to God. The sermon text is Matthew 22:15-22; the reading of the scripture is included in the podcast. The Rev. Dr. Michael Newheart, transitional minister, preaching.

Pastor Michael preaches on the parable of the wedding feast, as portrayed in Matthew. The version of this parable in Matthew is full of violence, while the version in Luke doesn't. The first century, like our 21st century, is full of violence. The kingdom of heaven offers a challenge to that; Jesus challenges us to look at our situation and compare it to the kingdom of God. The king sent slaves to call people to come to the wedding feast. God is calling us to a life of love, peace, freedom, and forgiveness. Do you hear God calling? Michael's third point: being chosen counts. God, in his sovereignty, is the chooser. Man proposes, but God disposes. The sermon text is Matthew 22:1-14; the reading of the scripture is included in the podcast. The Rev. Dr. Michael Newheart, transitional minister, preaching.

On this World Communion Sunday, Pastor Michael preaches on unity in the Christian church. First, the worship of one Lord can heal our broken humanity. Second, our faith can heal our broken relationships with other people, other religions, and other groups.  Our faith in God listens to others, our faith opens us up to others. Third, in baptism we are drawn into one Lord and one faith. The sermon text is Ephesians 4:1-6; the reading of the scripture is included in the podcast. The Rev. Dr. Michael Newheart, transitional minister, preaching.

Pastor Michael preaches on the story of Jesus' authority being questioned by religious authorities of the day.  Pastor Michael interprets this story in terms of power. We question authority in order to spread power around to all the people and using our power to create a just and equitable society. The sermon text is Matthew 21:23-32; the reading of the scripture is included in the podcast.  The Rev. Dr. Michael Newheart, transitional minister, preaching.

The Rev. Tim Schaefer, guest preacher, discusses the parable of the laborers in the vineyard.  The dominant interpretation of this parable associates the vineyard with Israel and the landowner with God, so the parable is about salvation. Tim proposes a different interpretation that focuses on the real life implications for the here and now. Tim raises the question of whether Jesus is talking about real world economic justice in this parable. Is Jesus challenging our ideas about economic fairness? Should we put more attention on the needs of the most economically vulnerable? Tim does not offer answers, but suggests that we should be discomforted by this parable. The sermon text is Matthew 20:1-16; the reading of the scripture is included in the podcast.  The Rev. Tim Schaefer preaching.

Do you hold grudges and have trouble forgiving people who offended you? Jesus addresses this in the parable of the unmerciful servant. The message is clear; we should forgive others, as God has already forgiven us. The forgiving lifestyle is a choice. The sermon text is Matthew 18:21-35; the reading of the scripture is included in the podcast. The Rev. Dr. Michael Newheart, transitional minister, preaching.

Pastor Michael preaches on conflict resolution in the church. He asserts that a healthy congregation addresses conflict well and an unhealthy congregation addresses conflict poorly. He offers three points about addressing conflict well. They are: (1) triangulation is strangulation, (2) the "Is" have it, and (3) Christ means conflict confronted. What does Pastor Michael mean by all this? Listen in and find out. The sermon text is Matthew 18: 15-20; the reading of the scripture is included in the podcast. The Rev. Dr. Michael Newheart, transitional minister, preaching.

This week we look at the story of Jesus predicting his suffering, death, and resurrection.  Pastor Michael asserts that the crux of Christian existence is found in how one relates to suffering, both one's own suffering and the suffering of others. Does it draw one closer to God, or does it push one away?  The sermon text is Matthew 16:21-28; the reading of the scripture is included in the podcast. The Rev. Dr. Michael Newheart, transitional minister, preaching.

Pastor Michael tells the story of Jesus and Peter engaging in name-calling of the best kind. Pastor Michael offers an offbeat interpretation of this story; we are to be name-callers, calling people by their rightful names, and calling out the good things that we see people doing. The sermon text is Matthew 16:13-20. The reading of the scripture is included in the podcast. The Rev. Dr. Michael Newheart, transitional minister, preaching.

Pastor Michael tells the story of a Canaanite woman who asked Jesus to heal her demon-possessed daughter.  Jesus turned her down, but the woman was focused on Jesus as healer, was persistent, and was witty in responding to Jesus' refusal. Her great faith won Jesus over. Pastor Michael declares that we should be persistent in calling out the demon of racism in our society and in ourselves. The sermon text is Matthew 15:21-28. The reading of the scripture is included in the podcast. The Rev. Dr. Michael Newheart, transitional minister, preaching.

Pastor Michael tells the story of the disciples being terrified in a windstorm on the Sea of Galilee and Jesus walking on the water to save them. He uses this story to illustrate the source of our power in the storm we are currently experiencing - the COVID pandemic.  What is the source of our power? Pastor Michael points to the practice of prayer, a sense of God's presence, and worship of our Lord. The sermon text is Matthew 14:22-33; the reading of the scripture is included in the podcast. The Rev. Dr. Michael Newheart, transitional minister, preaching.

Our guest preacher, the Rev. Dr. Paula Hall, tells the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand.  Her recommendation is to eat at J.C.'s cafe; the menu has no bounds. Place your order with the Chef, but realize that you may not get what you order, but you will get what you need. Her thesis is that people have needs and J.C. specializes in knowing people's needs and meeting those needs. The sermon text is John 6:1-14; the reading of the scripture is included in the podcast. Dr. Hall is the Assistant Pastor of Worship at Beloved Community Church UCC in Accokeek, Maryland.

Pastor Michael preaches on three parables in Matthew about the kingdom of heaven.  These parables illustrate three characteristics of the kingdom of heaven: curiosity, kindness, and the kingdom of heaven costs all.  The sermon text is Matthew 13:44-52; the reading of the scripture is included in the podcast. The Rev. Dr. Michael Newheart, transitional minister, preaching.

Pastor Michael preaches on the parables of the mustard seed and yeast. These parables characterize the sovereignty of God in this way: God's rule starts small, grows tall, permeates all. The sermon text is Matthew 13:31-35; the reading of the scripture is included in the podcast. The Rev. Dr. Michael Newheart, transitional minister, preaching.

During this pandemic the parable of the sower calls us to cultivate an attitude of abundance instead of a mindset of scarcity, so proclaims Pastor Michael. We live in a world with a mindset of scarcity. But the Gospel tells us that there is enough to go around for everybody - enough resources, enough honor, enough love. Pastor Michael applies this parable to life in the midst of a pandemic and racism. The sermon text is Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23; the reading of the scripture is included in the podcast. The Rev. Dr. Michael Newheart, transitional minister, preaching.

Are you feeling weary and burdened? In today's scripture Jesus says, "I will give you rest." He also says, "Take my yoke upon you, for my yoke is easy." In the Old Testament and Jewish tradition, a yoke is a metaphor for a spiritual discipline. We experience God's rest by taking on some form of spiritual discipline, which can be prayer, service, and worship. The sermon text is Matthew 11:25-30; the reading of the scripture is included in the podcast. The Rev. Dr. Michael Newheart, transitional minister, preaching.

Pastor Michael preaches on the story of Abraham being commanded by God to offer his son Isaac as a burnt offering. What are we to make of this story? Pastor Michael makes two points. First, this story depicts a God much different than the God that Jesus knew, or that we find elsewhere in the Old Testament. This story calls us to exam the kind of God that we serve. Pastor Michael declares that God is not asking us to offer our children as a burnt offering, but that God wants us to offer ourselves as a burning offering - on fire for peace and justice. Second, the story of the binding of Isaac calls us to examine what we must do as followers of this God of Life. The sermon text is Genesis 22:1-14; the reading of the scripture is included in the podcast. The Rev. Dr. Michael Newheart, transitional minister, preaching.

Pastor Michael tells the story of Hagar, the slave woman who had a son by Abraham. She and her son are kicked out of the house and banished to the wilderness. God sees her plight and provides for her, just as He will for us. The sermon text is Genesis 21:8-21; the reading of the scripture is included in the podcast. The Rev. Dr. Michael Newheart, transitional minister, preaching.

Pastor Michael tells the story of Sarah, the wife of Abraham, who laughed when God said that she would bear a son at the age of ninety. In these anxious times, Pastor Michael challenges us to laugh. Laughter offers us transcendence, community, and presence. Laughter de-centers us from ourselves and re-centers us on God. God invites us to laugh with Him at the absurdities of life and what He is doing in the world. The sermon text is Genesis 18:1-15; the reading of the scripture is included in the podcast. The Rev. Dr. Michael Newheart, transitional minister, preaching.

On this Trinity Sunday, Pastor Michael describes three aspects of God: God is our creator, God is our redeemer, and God is our sustainer. The sermon text is Matthew 28:16-20; the reading of the scripture is included in the podcast. The Rev. Dr. Michael Newheart, transitional minister, preaching.