PODCAST · religion
Keep the Main Thing
by Pastor Lee Evenson
Keep the Main Thing Podcast is a collection of sermons and messages from Pastor Lee Evenson. Leland Evenson was an Ordained Lutheran Minister. It is estimated that over his 60+ years in active ministry, Pastor Lee as he was referred to, delivered over 5000 sermons, and presided over a thousand weddings and funerals. We have been able to obtain just a fraction of those messages, primarily from the late 80’s and early 90’s, and wanted to share them with his past congregations and new followers as well. We know there are a number of people excited to hear some of Pastor’s old messages and we are delighted we can do that.We look forward to sharing with you these still timely and impactful messages from Pastor Lee. We hope that hearing them again will bring back memories, inspire you, and continue to build up your faith.
Episodes
-
92. Prayer-Puzzle or Power
In today’s sermon, Pastor Lee continues a series he started on prayer. In this message he uses the letter R from the word prayer to teach us, that R can stand for Relationships. Emphasizing that is where the power lies. Prayer isn’t a puzzle to solve. It’s not a transaction or a technique. It’s a...
-
91. The Church at its Best
Pastor Lee opens with one of his most famous stories. In that story there is a single line that captures what Pastor Lee sees as the tragedy of the church. We’re afraid to follow the Lion of Judah into the future. Instead, we want to go back to see where He’s been. We have turned our churches…
more -
90. Not Good if Detached
Titled, “Not Good if Detached,” first delivered on April 28th, 1991. Pastor Lee opens with a personal story about leaving family after a visit. Having to be physically separated from those he loved so deeply was painful. Pastor Lee makes the observation: we’re not wired to be detached from the...
-
89. Wind At Your Back
The first Sunday after Easter, 1991. A sermon from Pastor Leland Evenson is titled “Wind at Your Back.” Pastor Lee addresses something many of us have experienced: the letdown that comes after a big event or an emotional high. Pastor Lee brings us into that room where the disciples were deflated...
-
88. What Are You Dying For?
Pastor Lee preaches from John 12:22-28, and he opens with a statement we’ve all heard. “I’m worth more dead than I am alive.” Pastor Lee does something striking: he agrees with that statement. But he takes it deeper. He suggests that Jesus Himself struggled with this reality—knowing that in some...
-
87. What Makes You Mad
Communion Sunday, March 3rd, 1991. The message from Pastor Lee is titled “What Makes You Mad.” Pastor Lee opens his sermon by reminding us something important: it’s not really worth getting angry over something small—like a penny, as he illustrates. God designed us with the emotion of anger. The...
-
83. The Turning Point
It’s Sunday, December 9th, 1990, and we find Pastor Lee and the congregation right in the midst of the Advent season. The title of Pastor Lee’s sermon is “The Turning Point,” and he bases his message on the Old Testament lesson from that Sunday, found in Isaiah 40:1-11. Pastor Lee opens with a...
-
82. Putting Faith, Love, and Hope to Work
It’s November 4, 1990 and it is All Saints Sunday. The title of Pastor Leland Evenson’s sermon is, “Putting Faith, Love, and Hope to Work.” Pastor Lee emphasizes that the Apostle Paul continually reminded the early Christians of the fundamentals of their new faith: faith, love, and hope. Pastor…
more -
81. Qualified to Give
It’s Sunday, October 14th, 1990, at Vision of Glory Lutheran Church. Pastor Lee’s message titled “Qualified to Give.” Is a short but powerful message that opens with a rather startling announcement: Maybe we’re not qualified to be givers. Pastor Lee explains to us that God doesn’t always care…
more -
80. The Prevention of Hangovers
Pastor Lee opens his message with a fascinating and bizarre story—the story of a house built entirely out of spite. A man, consumed by anger toward his neighbors, constructed a ridiculous, impractical house for one reason only: revenge. It became known as “the spite house.” Pastor Lee suggests…
more -
79. Gift Exchange
September 16th, 1990, and it’s titled “Gift Exchange.” This is a wonderful sermon about one of God’s greatest gifts to us—the Holy Spirit—and how that gift flows through us to others. Pastor Lee is preaching from Romans chapter 12. Pastor Lee reminds us that through God’s grace, we’re not only...
-
78. Did You Find Your Keys?
We’ve all been there—that frantic search for our keys. That moment of frustration and helplessness when we can’t find them. Pastor Lee uses that simple, relatable experience as the launching pad for this message titled “Did You Find Your Keys?” September 9, 1990.
-
77. Treasure Hunt
Pastor Lee’s sermon is titled “Treasure Hunt.” He reminds us that we don’t always recognize the true value of things. This blind spot can cause us to miss out on much of life because we invest our time and resources in the wrong places. Pastor Lee tells us that in our culture, we’ve changed the...
-
76. Dealing with the Side Effects
This sermon from July 15, 1990 is titled “Dealing with the Side Effects”. Pastor Lee makes an observation, that in life, there are side effects—and most of them we’d rather avoid. He draws a clever parallel to those moments when a doctor prescribes medication and then warns us about potential…
more -
75. High Visibility
A message is from July 1st, 1990, titled “High Visibility.” Pastor Lee uses his days on the farm, explaining that when the crop was ready, getting the harvest completed was paramount. Jesus used harvest imagery repeatedly in his parables and teachings as well. Pastor Lee exhorts us not to lose…
more -
74. What Am I Going to Do with You?
It’s June 17th, 1990—Father’s Day. The title of Pastor Lee’s sermon carries a question we’ve all heard, and probably all said: “What am I going to do with you?” As Pastor Lee points out, this familiar line usually comes from a place of frustration, exhausted patience, or even anger. But he asks…
more -
73. Fire Alert
Pastor Lee delivers his sermon for Pentecost Sunday 1990. Titled “Fire Alert.” Pastor Lee suggests we need fire alarms in our lives that detect not when we have a fire, but when our fire is going out. He, of course, is talking about our spiritual fire. Pastor Lee reminds us of something vital:...
-
72. Heading for Home
It’s Mother’s Day 1990. Pastor Lee preaches a message called “Heading for Home.” But this isn’t just a Mother’s Day sermon. It’s a challenge to every adult who cares about the generation growing up behind them. He calls us to help young people understand their true destiny—that this world isn’t...
-
71. Is Your Heart In It?
In this message from April 29, 1990, Pastor Leland Evenson explores the many conditions of the human heart—both physical and spiritual. Drawing from Luke 24 and the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus, Pastor Lee reminds us that we seldom do anything well if our hearts aren't in it. He...
-
70. Living on the Bright Side
Today’s message from Pastor Lee, titled “Living on the Bright Side,” was first given on Easter Sunday in 1990. He dives into this message by reminding us that living for Jesus is not a once-a-week “fix,” but a pillar of our home, which we should live by day in and day out. Pastor Lee explores…
more -
69. More Than Fun and Games
Today’s message from Pastor Lee, titled “More Than Fun and Games”, was delivered on March 25, 1990. Pastor Lee introduces us to what he believes to be one of the deadliest diseases in America: Boredom. Pastor Lee points out how boredom has the world obsessed with entertainment and leisure. The...
-
68. Life is Precious
Perhaps the title of this sermon, “Life is Precious”, seems trite or a worn cliché. Yet we can never be reminded enough of how precious life is. On March 18, 1990, Pastor Lee took a broad swipe at this multifaceted subject. Pastor Lee doesn’t dive deep into any one characteristic of the subject....
-
67. Breaking the Self Addiction
A message from Pastor Lee titled, “Breaking the Self Addiction”. Pastor Lee uses the example of what would happen if you drilled a hole in a record album that was off-centre. He accurately asserts that you would have only a bunch of noise and very strange sounds coming from your phonograph....
-
66. Thermostats and Thermometers
Pastor Lee exhorts us to not let the world determine how we act or react, based on the temperature in the room. That we are to be thermostats, not thermometers. Pastor Lee uses a number of metaphors as examples as to how we should live in this world. Urging us to enjoy the Christian life by…
more -
65. Lifetime Guarantee
Pastor Lee’s message titled “Lifetime Guarantee” was first given on February 11, 1990. Pastor Lee uses the Old Testament lesson from that Sunday, which was found in Deuteronomy 30. It was Moses’s last message to the Israelites, as they were about to enter the promised land. Pastor Lee reminds us...
-
64. Broken Instruments for God’s Symphony
Titled, “Broken Instruments for God’s Symphony”. It is the third sermon in a three-part series based on 1 Corinthians, the first chapter. It was first presented on January 28, 1990. Pastor Lee invites us to lean into the emotions we might have from the times in our lives when we were overlooked…
more -
63. United We Stand
Today’s podcast is part two of a three-part series Pastor Lee presented in January 1990. It is titled “United We Stand”. Pastor Lee based this series of sermons on Paul’s letter to the Corinthian church. Pastor Lee, using 1 Corinthians and other examples from the New Testament, shares that even…
more -
62. Letter of Confirmation
We’re moving on to the 1990s with a sermon from January 14, 1990. It is titled “Letter of Confirmation”. An inspirational message that was part one of a three-part series of sermons, based on I Corinthians. Using Paul’s letter to the Corinthian Church, Pastor Lee reminds us that life gets better...
-
61. Avoiding ‘Customized’ Religion
On “Christ the King Sunday” on November 26, 1989, Pastor Lee delivered a sermon titled, “Avoiding Customized Religion”. Pastor Lee begins by quoting a columnist from the St. Paul Pioneer Press, who, after the October 1989 earthquake in the Bay Area, wrote in his column that we are not in charge…
more -
60. And That’s The Thanks He Gets
Pastor Lee has a get-rich-quick scheme he wants to offer all of us. No, not a risky investment. No, not a special stock pick. And certainly not a gambling tip. It’s a secret he knows. The secret to being rich is to be grateful. That the way to true riches is through a grateful heart.
-
59. A Climate of Growing Faith
“A Climate of Growing Faith”. October 1, 1989. Pastor Lee takes us into a discussion about faith. Pastor Lee points out that Jesus suggested faith, which can be as small as a mustard seed, is enough to “move mountains”. Pastor Lee brings home that a small faith is a mighty faith. Although a small...
-
58. Exclusive Rights
Pastor Evenson brings us a sermon titled “Exclusive Rights”. It was first given on September 3, 1989. This is a great message on what it looks like to give Jesus exclusive rights to our lives, and a few of the fruits of that relationship, that we will enjoy by giving our whole selves to Christ....
-
57. Regrets Only
The title of this message speaks for itself. It is called “Regrets Only”. Coming out of the Gospel Lesson found in Luke 13:22-30, Pastor Lee plays off of the often-used term we see on formal invitations, and reminds us that beyond all of the regrets we might have in life, none will compare to the...
-
56. Hang Tough
In podcast #56, Pastor Lee preaches from the Epistle Lesson found in Hebrews 12:1-13. He also references Hebrews 11 in what he calls the “Hall of Fame of believers”. Pastor Lee effectively uses ‘running’ as a metaphor throughout this message as he exhorts his parishioners to have the endurance to...
-
55. Hope for the Best
In a sermon “Hope for the Best”. Pastor Leland Evenson helps us look at the distinction of two different perspectives of the phrase, “I’m hoping for the best”. He asks his audience, are people saying hope for the best with resignation – no anticipation or excitement? Or when you say hope for the...
-
54. Needed – Diving Appointment
We’re not sure what the title was for this sermon. The CD we recorded from had the title “Needed – Diving Appointment”. Regardless of whatever the title was, this is a great message for everyone. Taking the Gospel lesson from Luke, the story of Mary and Martha, Pastor Lee outlines his sermon…
more -
53. Your View of Life
Pastor Lee opens his message by reading a letter he received from a woman who had visited his church a few Sundays prior. He shares how this woman’s experience compels us to see – really see – the people God puts in our path. Then using the story of the good Samaritan, he walks us through three...
-
52. Avoiding Pitfalls of Discipleship
A message from Pastor Leland Evenson titled, “Avoiding Pitfalls of Discipleship”. First given on Sunday June 25, 1989. A sermon that was given shortly after Tiananmen Square protests and just before the Fourth of July holiday. Pastor Lee uses those two events to highlight the cost people are...
-
51. Minimum Daily Requirements
We’re looking in on Father’s Day 1989. Using Proverbs 23:24 as his backdrop, Pastor Lee begins his talk with the idea that the Christian home could be – using his quote – “on the endangered species list”. His ability to present observations of the world was one of his gifts. In this sermon, circa...
-
50. So What’s New?
This podcast marks the 50th podcast of Keep the Main Thing. We start this year off by bringing you a sermon from January 7, 1990. Pastor Lee uses the Old Testament lesson to outline all the ways that having a relationship with God can be a new adventure, leading to a richer, more meaningful life....
-
49. Dealing With Disappointment
Pastor Lee delivers a sermon titled, “Dealing With Disappointment”. Firstdelivered on Sunday, December 17, 1989. Pastor Lee preaches from the gospel lesson found in Matthew 11:2-11. This is an uplifting message from Pastor Lee. A great way to start out this new year, 2025!
-
48. Are You Ready For This?
It is the first Sunday in Advent in 1989. Pastor Lee reminds everyone that the world made a way for a newborn baby, who would be the Savior of the world, on that first Christmas day. We must be prepared to make a way for the second coming of the Christ our Savior. Here is “Are You Ready for This?”
-
47. With The End In View
Using Matthew Chapter 24 as the lesson, Pastor Lee encourages us to remember that it is all how we look at things that matters. How we see things will make a difference in our mood, our responses, and our overall well-being. Which is why Pastor Lee inspires us to look at all things, with the end…
more -
46. From Mourning to Dancing
Pastor Leland Evenson asks the question, are we heading towards a cemetery or towards a celebration? He says it all depends on whether you encounter Jesus, who can turn your mourning into dancing.
-
45. The Prevailing Wind
It’s Pentecost Sunday in 1989 when Pastor Lee delivered this sermon titled, The Prevailing Wind. Pastor Lee shares with us why the wind of the Holy Spirit is as critical today as it was for the disciples on the first Pentecost.
-
44. The More We Get Together
The title of Pastor Lee’s message is “The More We Get Together”. Pastor Lee shares with us that God’s favorite number is the number one. He suggests that unity among believers should be our highest calling. For the best Christian witness is showing the world a unified/loving church.
-
43. Learning a Foreign Language
“Learning a Foreign Language”. It was first given on April 23, 1989. Pastor Lee takes a divisive situation head-on that was going on within his parish. He uses the Bible’s prominent lessons, to Love one another, as his basis for delivering this challenging message to a hurting congregation.…
more -
42. Shepherd Security System
A sermon from Pastor Leland Evenson titled “Shepherd Security System”. From April 16, 1989. Pastor Lee’s talk is on 23rd Psalm. He describes Psalm 23 as “the best security system you can find”. Thanks to his upbringing on a farm, Pastor Lee effectively uses sheep as his real-life example, in...
-
41. The Surprise of Your Life
We all know that life is full of surprises. Today’s sermon from Pastor Leland Evenson is titled, “The Surprise of Your Life”. Pastor Lee presents us with three types of surprises. Pastor Lee uses the story of the apostle Paul’s conversion found in Acts Chapter 9, as well as the story of when…
more -
40. A Different Approach
Are you making music in your life because Jesus is at the center of your life? Or are you making a whole lot of noise because you have chosen to be at the center of your life? Perhaps you need a different approach. Podcast #40 sermon is titled, “A Different Approach”. It was first given on Palm...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
Keep the Main Thing Podcast is a collection of sermons and messages from Pastor Lee Evenson. Leland Evenson was an Ordained Lutheran Minister. It is estimated that over his 60+ years in active ministry, Pastor Lee as he was referred to, delivered over 5000 sermons, and presided over a thousand weddings and funerals. We have been able to obtain just a fraction of those messages, primarily from the late 80’s and early 90’s, and wanted to share them with his past congregations and new followers as well. We know there are a number of people excited to hear some of Pastor’s old messages and we are delighted we can do that.We look forward to sharing with you these still timely and impactful messages from Pastor Lee. We hope that hearing them again will bring back memories, inspire you, and continue to build up your faith.
HOSTED BY
Pastor Lee Evenson
CATEGORIES
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Keep the Main Thing have?
Keep the Main Thing currently has 94 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Keep the Main Thing about?
Keep the Main Thing Podcast is a collection of sermons and messages from Pastor Lee Evenson. Leland Evenson was an Ordained Lutheran Minister. It is estimated that over his 60+ years in active ministry, Pastor Lee as he was referred to, delivered over 5000 sermons, and presided over a thousand...
How often does Keep the Main Thing release new episodes?
Keep the Main Thing has 94 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Keep the Main Thing?
You can listen to Keep the Main Thing on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Keep the Main Thing?
Keep the Main Thing is created and hosted by Pastor Lee Evenson.
URL copied to clipboard!