"podcast" Tagged Sermons (Page 121)
Good Friday
For three years, Jesus spent his ministry challenging authority. He spent time with the outcast and the marginalized – ate with them, healed them, walked with them, loved them. He faced those who were in power – criticized corruption, subverted oppressive structures, advocated for religious reforms, and challenged the Roman Empire itself. He inspired many and threatened many. His was a message of love and a vision of justice for all people. But this message threatened those in power so much that they decided to execute him. They took this man of hope and killed him as an enemy of the state and threat to the peace of Rome. On this night we remember how God came to us bringing love and justice for all people and it was so offensive to this world that we literally wanted to kill God With Us by nailing Jesus to a cross. It’s enough to leave us feeling hopeless – feeble – alone…
Fifth Sunday In Lent
This year I was encouraged to go through a retirement planning program. At first, I felt old. Retirement planning, really? I’m not that old, am I? Then, I felt worried when I realized I need to save that much for retirement! Finally, I was confused. I was confused by the terminology and basics of financial planning. I can only imagine that those who aren’t theologically-trained feel the same way when I start talking about the bible and theology without any explanation. Since most pastors have no concept of personal finances, they tried to make this program incredibly easy. To do so, one page had a number line, scaled 1-5, and asked me to pick my “risk tolerance” – whatever that means. After reading the page over and over again I began to understand. A 1 was a lower risk and lower return, while a 5 was higher risk and higher possible return. The program suggested that if you’re nearing retirement, go for a 1 – low risk with a low, but more certain, return. Yet, if you have a longer time-horizon before retirement, go with the big 5! Sure, it is a higher risk, however there is a potential for a higher reward…
Fourth Sunday in Lent
Fire – it’s complex, it’s mysterious, and it’s destructive. In the United States, we’ve seen an alarming level of wildfires this year. Over 2 million acres have been scorched, which is 10 times higher than average.[1] Some people are not the same after these raging fires. We look with pain at their burnt bodies, and we tremble with fear gazing at their simmering homes. In the Bible, stories of God’s fiery wrath are used to motivate or control. Even the inquisition used flames to compel heretics to recant. However, fire is also life-giving. In fact, some species of trees need fire for their seeds to be released from the cones.[2] Fire invites community when we cuddle-up in front of the fireplace or tell stories around a campfire. Fire illuminates. Fire warms. Fire provides life…