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Sermons

Posted in Uncategorized by tvrbaker@trinitycathedral.org
April 20, 2008

Upcoming preaching schedule: September 4,5, 11,12, 25,26

On weekends I preach, I usually preach at the Saturday 5:10 service as well as the Sunday services at 7:30, 9:00 and 11:15.

Audio files of all my Trinity Cathedral sermons are on Trinity’s website HERE.

I’ve created a Featured Sermons page with some of my sermons cataloged by category. The sermons below appear in chronological order.

Whose Kingdom? Sermon 8/29/10

Last modified on 2010-08-30 14:33:39 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Eat, Drink and be Merry, Sermon 8/1/10

Last modified on 2010-08-30 00:36:48 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Martha and Mary, Sermon 7/17/10

Last modified on 2010-07-24 22:05:12 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Sermon: The Harvest Is Plentiful, 7/4/10

Last modified on 2010-07-06 22:53:33 GMT. 3 comments. Top.

Casting out Demons, Sermon 6/20/10

Last modified on 2010-07-06 22:55:46 GMT. 3 comments. Top.

What do you See? Sermon 6/13/10

Last modified on 2010-06-16 17:51:24 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Trinity Sermon, 5/30/10

Last modified on 2010-05-31 04:02:31 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

That they All May Be One, Sermon 5/16/10

Last modified on 2010-05-24 01:13:56 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Don’t let the black screen fool you. There is a sermon there.

Call No One Unclean, Sermon 5/2/10

Last modified on 2010-05-07 17:15:59 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

If You Forgive the Sins of any . . ., Sermon 4/11/10

Last modified on 2010-04-13 05:51:23 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

God vs. The Mean People, Easter Sermon 2010

Last modified on 2010-04-05 23:54:26 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Mary’s Extravagant Love, Sermon 3/21/10

Last modified on 2010-03-25 05:15:43 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

God is not in the Earthquake, Sermon 3/7/10

Last modified on 2010-03-15 00:33:32 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

In the Wilderness, Sermon 2/21/10

Last modified on 2010-02-25 06:10:56 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

When It’s Sad, Sermon 2/14/10

Last modified on 2010-02-25 06:09:09 GMT. 1 comment. Top.

Today this Scripture is Fulfilled, Sermon 1/31/10

Last modified on 2010-02-02 16:03:28 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Sister Libby’s 1/17 Sermon

Last modified on 2010-01-26 07:21:50 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Baptism Sermon 1/10/10

Last modified on 2010-01-12 05:14:45 GMT. 3 comments. Top.

The Gospel According to Mary and Elizabeth, Sermon 12/20/09

Last modified on 2010-01-02 20:46:19 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Christmas Sermon

Last modified on 2010-01-03 02:12:31 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Two views from prison, Sermon by Brian Baker 12/13/09

Last modified on 2009-12-23 01:32:49 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

There Will be Signs, Sermon 11/29/09

Last modified on 2009-12-03 04:53:01 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

A Kingdom Not of This World, Sermon 11/22/09

Last modified on 2009-11-25 02:02:36 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

A Love Stronger than Death, Sermon 11/1/09

Last modified on 2009-11-02 23:07:46 GMT. 2 comments. Top.

Called to be Great, Sermon 10/18/09

Last modified on 2009-10-20 02:27:03 GMT. 1 comment. Top.

Last modified on GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Marriage and Divorce, Sermon 10/4/09

Last modified on 2009-10-07 02:14:47 GMT. 5 comments. Top.

This is definitely a longer sermon than normal. I could tell as I was preaching it that it was an important sermon for people who had experienced divorce.

If Your Right Hand Causes You to Sin, Sermon 9/27/09

Last modified on 2009-11-30 05:55:17 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

This is another sermon on one of the “difficult texts” in the Bible. Here Jesus tells his disciples, “If your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off.” The audio of the sermon is HERE.

Giving the Children’s Food to Dogs, Sermon 9/6/09

Last modified on 2009-10-11 04:56:49 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

This is a sermon on a “difficult text.” A foreign woman begs Jesus to heal her child. Jesus says, “No, it’s not fair to give the children’s food to dogs.” The strength and deep faith of the foreign woman leads Jesus to reconsider and even shift the direction of his ministry. This sermon talks about the difference between strength and power & uses the example of Sister Libby to illustrate such strength. This sermon also offers hope to us when we feel like dogs who don’t deserve to eat at the master’s table.

Remember Who You Are, Sermon 8/30/09

Last modified on 2009-10-02 03:24:49 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Sermon: Jesus said, “Unless you eat my flesh . . . .” 8/16/09

Last modified on 2009-10-02 03:21:31 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Sermon: This is my Body – Holy Communion 8/2/09

Last modified on 2009-10-02 03:21:47 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Feeding the 5000 & General Convention, Sermon 7/26/09

Last modified on 2009-11-02 23:15:26 GMT. 1 comment. Top.

This sermon begins with a description of my shifting understanding of this story. First I focused on trying to understand what actually happened. Then I looked at this as a story trying to move from a worldview based on scarcity to a worldview based on abundance. The sermon then shifts to using Jesus in this story as a model for how we can live our lives today. The sermon then looks at the shift that happened at The General Convention whereby we opened the door for blessing same sex unions and ordaining gay or lesbian bishops. The sermon also looks at how we can continue to be a church that welcomes people with a diversity of views.

Listen to the sermon HERE.

Sermon: What we Know and What God Knows, 7/5/09

Last modified on 2009-07-06 04:30:13 GMT. 1 comment. Top.

Sermon: She is Not Dead, 6/28/09

Last modified on 2009-07-01 11:24:54 GMT. 1 comment. Top.

Sermon: Peace, Be Still – Preached 6/21/09

Last modified on 2009-06-28 20:16:09 GMT. 2 comments. Top.

Sermon: Love One Another, 5/17/09

Last modified on 2009-05-18 14:57:25 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

A cell phone rang quite loudly during this sermon. I ended up joking about it (I usually just ignore such disruptions.) I don’t know if the ringing got picked up by the sound system so you may only hear my comments.

Sermon: The Ethiopian Eunuch, 5/10/09

Last modified on 2009-10-15 01:28:15 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Sermon: Easter Again – The Resurrected Christ Wants Something to Eat

Last modified on 2009-11-02 23:21:32 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Preached April 27, 2009

Easter 3 2009 from Brian Baker on Vimeo.

Easter Sermon 2009

Last modified on 2009-04-14 18:36:35 GMT. 1 comment. Top.

Sermon: My God, Why have you forsaken me? April 5, 2009

Last modified on 2009-04-07 21:22:13 GMT. 1 comment. Top.

Preached on Palm Sunday

Sermon: The Mystery of the Cross, March 22, 2009.

Last modified on 2009-03-24 02:17:14 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

This sermon was preached on the 4th Sunday in Lent and is based on John 3:14-21.

Sermon (Video): Take your Cross and Follow Me

Last modified on 2009-03-09 11:42:50 GMT. 1 comment. Top.

This sermon explores the shocking turn of events when Jesus leaveshis successufl ministry to head to Jerusalem where he will be crucified–and his invitation to us to follow in his footsteps. Based on Mark 8:27-38

Sermon: Remember you are Dust, March 1, 2009

Last modified on 2009-10-11 21:15:41 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

This sermon uses the poignant words of Ash Wednesday, “Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return,” as an invitation to a holy Lent.

You can listen to it HERE.

Sermon: Be Made Clean-Leprosy and the Economy, February 15, 2009

Last modified on 2009-10-11 13:29:12 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Jesus heals a unclean leper and in so doing, he becomes unclean himself. In the midst of the global economic crisis, this sermon looks at poverty as our leprosy du jour and invites the church to be a place of hope and healing.

To listen, click HERE.

Sermon: Healing, February 8, 2009

Last modified on 2009-10-10 16:12:00 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Jesus moves on from healing people because he is more interested in “proclaiming his message.” This sermon contrasts cure with healing and highlights the role of the community in the ministry of healing. Muffy Davis is used as an example of someone who is healed but not cured. This sermon was preached on a “healing Sunday” where prayers for healing were offered during the service.

To listen to this sermon click HERE.

Sermon: Inauguration/Being Gay is a Gift from God, January 18, 2009

Last modified on 2009-10-07 21:54:55 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

This sermon explores the purpose of the Church. It challenges the congregation to raise the dead. People are hungry for community, spiritual depth and a way to make a difference in the world. The church should be in the business if feeding those hungers. It connects those themes with the events around the presidential inauguration and Fr. Ed Bacon’s appearance on Oprah.

To listen click HERE.

Sermon: The Baptism of Jesus/Who we Really Are, January 11, 2009

Last modified on 2009-10-07 21:55:52 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Jesus experiences 3 epiphanies at his baptism. First, with the heaven’s ripped open, the barrier that separates heaven from earth is eliminated. The baptism illustrates the incarnation, or the union of heaven and earth. The second epiphany came with the descent of God’s Spirit as a dove. Jesus realized that he was the temple of the Holy Spirit. The third epiphany came through the voice that said, “You are my beloved son.” Jesus knows at that moment that he is God’s son, to carry on God’s work in the world. Baptism grafts us into those same epiphanies, those same identities. It includes a story from Fred Craddock.

To listen click HERE.

Sermon: Christmas

Last modified on 2009-02-04 02:22:02 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

To listen click HERE.

Sermon: Let it Be – The Annunciation

Last modified on 2008-12-31 23:05:10 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Here’s my sermon from the Sunday before Christmas:

Sermon: John the Baptist Preaching a Baptism of Repentance for the Forgiveness of Sin

Last modified on 2008-12-12 15:38:22 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Here’s my sermon from last Sunday, December 7. We did not get it videotaped so we only have an audio recording. To listen, press HERE.

Sermon: The Final Judgement, November 23, 2008

Last modified on 2009-02-04 03:13:39 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

To listen, click HERE.

Sermon: The Importance of Spiritual Practice, November 9, 2008

Last modified on 2009-10-15 17:02:16 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

This sermon is based on the challenging parable of the wise and foolish bridesmaids in the 25th chapter of Matthew’s gospel, where the wise bridesmaids do not share their oil and the bridegroom does not allow the unprepared bridesmaids to enter the wedding banquet.

To listen click HERE.

Sermon (video): Pre Election, November 2, 2008

Last modified on 2009-10-12 01:20:49 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

I am a firm believer in not ignoring the elephant in the middle of the room. If there is something on which the community’s attention is focused, I am inclined to address it. That was definitely the case with the 2009 presidential and Proposition 8 election. On Nov. 2, everybody was anxious about the election. They were also concerned about what would be preached in pulpits about the election. Also, the church was full of visitors. On that Sunday, our attendance grew about 15%, a growth that would be sustained in the months that followed.

Sermon Video: Taxes to Caesar, October 19, 2008

Last modified on 2009-02-04 03:20:54 GMT. 1 comment. Top.

Sermon: As the Economy Falls, September 28, 2008

Last modified on 2008-10-27 04:00:17 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Sermon: The Parable of the Wedding Banquet – Video of Oct 12 Sermon

Last modified on 2008-10-27 04:00:55 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Sermon: As the Economy Falls, Year A – Proper 21

Last modified on 2008-10-27 04:06:50 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Preached September 28, 2008. To hear the sermon, press HERE.

Sermon: Forgiveness – Year A, Proper 19

Last modified on 2008-09-23 04:30:25 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

To Listen to the Sermon, PRESS HERE.

Sermon: Take My Cross – Year A, Proper 17

Last modified on 2008-09-03 14:03:50 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

To listen to the sermon, PRESS HERE.

Sermon: Cananite Woman – Year A, Proper 15

Last modified on 2008-08-25 21:04:56 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Jesus harshly refuses to heal a woman’s daughter by saying, “It’s not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” To listen to the sermon, PRESS HERE.

Sermon: Feeding 5000+ – Year A, Proper 13

Last modified on 2008-08-06 14:38:23 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

How can we respond to extreme need when our own resources are depleted. Jesus models the answer in this sermon. To listen to an mp3 recording, PRESS HERE.

Sermon: The Parable of the Weeds and the Wheat – Year A, Proper 11

Last modified on 2008-07-30 05:10:39 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

To listen to an MP3 recording, press HERE.

Sermon: The Parable of the Sower – Year A, Proper 10

Last modified on 2008-07-30 05:00:08 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

To listen to an MP3 recording, press HERE.

Sermon: July 2, 2008 During Bishop Robinson’s Visit

Last modified on 2008-07-30 04:47:00 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

On the second day of Bishop Robinson’s visit, he celebrated and I preached. At his sermon the previous day, he preached from the chancel (rather than the pulpit) and he commented on each of the three lessons. For fun, I decided to preach a sermon that combined his style of preaching with the fact that he was there (so the 4th lesson was him.) It was great fun.

To listen to an MP3 recording of the sermon, press HERE.

Sermon: Bishop Robinson at Trinity Cathedral

Last modified on 2008-07-03 03:57:18 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Bishop Robinson preached at Trinity Cathedral on July 1, 2008.

To listen to an MP3 recording, press HERE.

Sermon: Year A, Proper 8

Last modified on 2008-07-03 03:55:23 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

To listen to an MP3 recording, press HERE.

Sermon: Not Peace but a Sword – Year A, Proper 7

Last modified on 2009-10-12 01:17:48 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

In the gospel reading for this Sunday, Jesus says he did not come to bring peace, but a sword and that family members will be set against one another. This was the Sunday after the Gay Pride Parade and we had people protesting outside the Cathedral. Having protesters at the church was a new experience and many parishioners were anxious as the service started. During the service, however, the mood shifted. After the service, people went to the kitchen and prepared a cart with refreshments and they went out and served the protesters. It was remarkable to watch.

To listen to an MP3 recording, click HERE.

Sermon: Be Still and Know that I am God – Year A, Proper 4

Last modified on 2008-06-24 03:32:16 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Be still and know that I am God. This sermon invites us to enter the quiet, still place in the center of our being that can’t be touched by the troubles of everyday life. From this place, our attitude at our deaths is “Thank You!”

To listen to an MP3 recording, click HERE.

Sermon: Consider the lilies of the field. – Year A, Proper 3

Last modified on 2008-05-30 05:45:47 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Consider the lilies of the field. Jesus invites us to step away from a life of constant anxiety and live in the present Kingdom of Heaven. This sermon explores generosity as a spiritual discipline. (Warning: this sermon is longer than usual. Long sermons bug me but sometimes they just happen.)

To listen to an MP3 recording, click HERE.

(BTW I’ve posted my preaching schedule on the sermons page)

Sermon: What’s After Resurrection? – Year A Easter 7/Ascension

Last modified on 2008-05-06 22:43:00 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

After 40 days w/ the resurrected Christ, the disciples ask, “When will you restore the fortunes of Israel?” In other words, “This resurrection is nice and all, but when will you get around to doing something practical, like lowering the cost of gasoline?” This sermon explores the implications of the resurrection in our lives.