Dr. Goff was pastor at St. Luke United Methodist Church in Omaha, Nebraska, until summer of 1999. During that time, his sermons were posted on a section of the church's site, which became very popular with parishioners and non-congregational members alike. A summary of each sermon is below. You may click on the indicated link to view an entire sermon.

FAITH BASED REASON/HOPE Or is it? REASON BASED FAITH/HOPE
A PROCESS SERMON FOR 2004
The sermon title may seem to be a bit tricky but it is actually quite descriptive of an important difference in the world of 2004 when compared with the world of two thousand years ago. The general world view at the time of Jesus’ birth was that the world was controlled by spirits. God and the angels represented the good spirits who strived to improve the world. Satan and the demons were the evil spirits who sought to win the battle with good and make the world worse. Reason was based on that understanding of the world and hope for the world was based on faith that God and good would win.
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Biblical literature emphasizes the importance of human devotion to the "right" God, i.e. "no other gods before ME." Idolatry is a major Old Testament concern. Directing devotion inappropriately to Greek or Roman gods was a major concern of New Testament writers. Little attention is given to misdirected devotion in the contemporary church. Most of us are appalled, however, when cultists engage in insane activities. Should there be examination of, and concern about, our "objects of devotion"?
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Religious persons are often arrogant about their faith. It is not unusual for such persons to feel superior to others, believing theirs is the only "right way." Have you ever wondered why so many different approaches to religion seem to work well for those who embrace them? Is there a common thread, which, notwithstanding different rituals and "God-talk," runs through all approaches to religion, which demonstrate reverence for a Creator/ Sustainer, respect for creation, and a desire for caring relationships among all people?
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The importance of "faith" is at the core of traditional Christian teaching, biblical and otherwise. Biblical "faith" was based on a concept of God that was "friendly" to the prevailing world view of that day. Given the progress in understanding "how things are," how does one nurture a "faith" that is harmonious with our contemporary database of knowledge? Are there ways that a "course correction" can be affected while remaining true to the spirit of Christian tradition and while being as relevant in our belief system as the ancients were in theirs?
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Recent studies indicate that prayer often makes a difference. Prayer, for example, can help the ill regain health. The problem is that prayer does not always "work." Many prayed for healing from polio during the '50's. Some regained health, some remained handicapped, and some died. Everyone feels good when they have experienced a positive response to prayer. All of us who can be objective, however, must admit to having prayed with no positive "answer." Why?
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Christians sometimes become so enthralled with their own spirituality that they ignore the behavioral and attitudinal teachings of Jesus. It is one thing to learn from what Jesus shared in the "Sermon on the Mount." It is quite another thing to learn from his attitude toward, and behavior with, sincere persons who were not Jews like him. Was there a spirit of universality about Jesus, which needs to be translated into the attitudinal expressions and behavioral relations of all varieties of faith-seeking people today?
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Religious responses to human suffering are often primitive and harmful. Is God pleased when good people suffer? Is human pain the result of God's displeasure? Are the times when life is good an indication that God views us with greater approval than when times are difficult? What is the relation of God's approval and human behavior? How do the answers to these questions relate to Jesus and his death at an early age?
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The message of Easter is helpful and hopeful. It is important to everyone because it has to do with life, time, and immortality. What is that message? How can it make each of our lives more meaningful now? Does it apply only to those who believe certain things about Jesus? Is it exclusive or universal? What is a common sense response to this message that makes both the present and the future better than it would otherwise be?
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Should a distinction be made between spirituality, religion, and church? If so, what? How does one differentiate between superstition, spirituality, religion, and church practices? What values should one seek in a church relationship? Given the importance of the church to our society, historically and contemporarily, careful thought concerning its role in the future is important.
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The challenge of making wise choices today exceeds that of any previous generation. The proliferation of options is overwhelming. Included are matters related to conception, death, and everything in between. It is neither possible nor desirable to legislate law for every needed decision. It is essential that the best possible decisions be made, especially in matters relating to qualify life and death. What basic principles can guide us in these challenging times?
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The challenge of choices has never been greater for families than now. The rules are neither as binding nor as clear as they were a generation ago. The importance of family, however, has not diminished. In a time of tremendous opportunity, families struggle as they face fear and uncertainty. Recognizing that there are no guarantees for future familial bliss, are there guidelines, which, if followed, tend to nurture persons of all ages within the family structure?
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Success in living is a goal for most of us, but what is it really? Religious teaching often makes it seem wrong to be "successful," even though success for some is needful if, as religion proclaims loudly, concern for the poor is to be expressed meaningfully. Does God love wealth as much as we do? Is it possible to be wealthy and "godly"? What would happen to the poor if it weren't for the wealthy?
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After a ministry of 35 years at St. Luke United Methodist Church, Dr. Vernon Goff shares closing thoughts in his final sermon, "And In Conclusion."
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