Michael Toy
Michael Toy is an assistant professor of practical theology at the School of Theology at Moravian University, a seminary formed by the merger of Lancaster Theological Seminary and Moravian Theological Seminary. He has been involved in lay ministry professionally and as a volunteer for over a decade. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, writing, running, and searching for the best noodles in town.
Sermons and Bible Studies
The God of Hope, Advent 2 (A) – December 7, 2025
[RCL] Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19; Romans 15:4-13; Matthew 3:1-12 God is the God of Advent. As we hurtle towards Christmas, this liturgical season encourages us to pause and ponder the Advent themes of waiting, expectation, repentance, and hope. Today’s scripture lessons dig deep into these concepts, with Isaiah and the Psalmist both painting vivid […]
Enemies, Lent 2 (C) – 2025
[RCL] Genesis 45:3-11, 15; Psalm 37:1-12, 41-42; 1 Corinthians 15:35-38,42-50; Luke 6:27-38 “For many lives as enemies of the cross of Christ.” In his letter to the Philippians, Paul explains that these enemies of the cross are focused on earthly things and pursuing a hedonistic existence here in this life. There is no scholarly consensus […]
Wisdom and Understanding, Epiphany 6 (C) – 2025
[RCL] Jeremiah 17:5-10; Psalm 1; 1 Corinthians 15:12-20; Luke 6:17-26 There’s a piece of folk wisdom passed down each generation from violin teachers to violin students that when a string instrument is played well, the instrument itself improves. This bit of lore extends not just to violins, but to all string instruments, including the cello, […]
The God of Time, The Presentation – 2025
[RCL] Malachi 3:1-4; Psalm 84 or Psalm 24:7-10; Hebrews 2:14-18; Luke 2:22-40 God is the God of time. The readings appointed for this week in the lectionary each give a powerful reminder that God is not an aloof entity who stands above and outside of our world. We worship a God who has actually entered […]
Another Way, Easter 3 (B) – 2024
[RCL] Acts 3:12-19; Psalm 4; 1 John 3:1-7; Luke 24:36b-48 “Many are saying, ‘Oh, that we might see better times!’” The Psalmist’s words ring just as true now as they have throughout the centuries since they were written. The news is full of war, climate crisis, political polarization, violence, and suffering. It often feels impossible […]
Incomprehension, Last Sunday in Epiphany (B) – 2024
[RCL] 2 Kings 2:1-12; Psalm 50:1-6; 2 Corinthians 4:3-6; Mark 9:2-9 “Then God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” These words from the creation story are recalled in the reading today from Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. The apostle writes, “For it is the God who said, ‘Let light shine out of […]
Bearing Witness, Advent 1 (B) – 2023
[RCL]: Isaiah 64:1-9; Psalm 80:1-7, 16-18; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 13:24-37 Advent—that wondrous season of longing, penitence, and expectation—is upon us. The Advent candles and the purple or blue altar linens and vestments are pulled from their closets. This season is one of introspection and fasting, all in the service of entering into an embodied […]
A Bunch of Sheep, Easter 4 (A) – 2023
[RCL] Acts 2:42-47; Psalm 23; 1 Peter 2:19-25; John 10:1-10 You’re a bunch of sheep! Today, those words are hardly a compliment. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, heightened political polarization, and anxiety about war and climate change, the insult of “sheeple” is hurled against pretty much every group, no matter their position. The accusation […]
Gifts, Lent 2 (A) – 2023
[RCL] Genesis 12:1-4a; Psalm 121; Romans 4:1-5, 13-17; John 3:1-17 In 2015 two psychologists reviewed six studies on gift-giving, looking in particular at the kinds of gifts chosen. They divided the gifts into two categories: those based on the interests of the recipient versus those that reflect the giver’s personality or interest. It is probably […]
Wisdom and Understanding, Epiphany 6 (C) – 2022
[RCL] Jeremiah 17:5-10; Psalm 1; 1 Corinthians 15:12-20; Luke 6:17-26 There’s a piece of folk wisdom passed down each generation from violin teachers to violin students that when a string instrument is played well, the instrument itself improves. This bit of lore extends not just to violins, but to all string instruments, including the cello, […]
Bible Study: Advent 1 (C) – 2021
RCL: Jeremiah 33:14-16; Psalm 25:1-9; 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13; Luke 21:25-36 During Advent and Christmas, we will be using study prompts and other activities tied to the sermon for the week. Read the sermon aloud and follow up with spoken responses to the two questions at the end. Find our full sermon compilation for individual, small […]
Waiting, Advent 1 (C) – 2021
[RCL] Jeremiah 33:14-16; 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13; Luke 21:25-26; Psalm 25:1-9 It’s Advent again! It is that season where we are oriented—in everyday life as well as liturgically—toward Christmas. And yet, there are some stops we must make along the way. In today’s waypoint, our readings look forward to Jesus’ triumphant return. Today, we look to […]
Don’t forget to subscribe to the Sermons That Work podcast to hear this sermon and more on your favorite podcasting app! Recordings are released the Thursday before each liturgical date.
Receive Free Weekly Sermons That Work Resources!
