Easter
Do You Love Me? Lessons from the third Sunday in Easter
Resurrection is not a one-and-done event. It is a way of seeing. A way of being. A rhythm of grace that pulses through every act of love, every turning of sorrow to song.
Relational peace
When Fences Fall
"How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!" - Psalm 133:1 -- The fence between their yards had stood for thirty years, a silent reminder of an argument neither neighbor could fully remember. Then came the storm that toppled it.
Genesis
Podcast: I am your brother, Joseph
Today I preached from Genesis 45:1-15. It's the story of Joseph revealing himself to his brothers who do not recognize him. Of course, there's a lot to this story, and it's one of the great stories of the Hebrew Bible. It is also
bless the world
Sermon: What Does the Lord Require of You?
I'm preaching this sermon tomorrow based on Micah 6:1-8. In light of current events, and the divisions within our culture, God's people need to hear again the call to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. I hope your Sunday is glorious!
2 Samuel
Sermon: How The Mighty Have Fallen
What a week this has been for our nation! I'm preaching this sermon tomorrow in light of the shooting at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, the debates over the Confederate flag, and The Supreme Court ruling that marriage is a right open to all couples, including those of
Community
Pittsylvania County Unites for Prayer Vigil
Pittsylvania County Unites for Prayer Vigil.
forgiveness
5 Questions We All Ask About Healing
I preached from Mark 1:29-39, last Sunday, and chose to address the issue of healing. The 5 questions that I think we all ask about healing are: 1. Why does illness and suffering exist? 2. Why did Jesus heal? 3. Does God still heal today? 4. Why isn'
Cultural Competency
What Paula Deen Should Have Learned
By now the story that Paula Deen casually admitted she had used racial epithets is old news. Further revelations that she also considered a “plantation-themed” wedding complete with white-jacketed African American men waiters contributed to the narrative of Deen as racially-insensitive at best, and racist at worst. The admission by
Easter
Sermon: The Implications of Being Sent By Jesus
Here's the sermon I'm preaching for the second Sunday of Eastertide. I trust your Sunday will be a wonderful day filled with hope that the resurrection brings, just as it brought hope and possibility to the first disciples. The Implications of Being Sent By Jesus John
Jeremiah
Podcast: The Days Are Coming
On the final Sunday of Lent we are looking at Jeremiah 31:31-34, where God says that "the days are coming" when those in captivity in Babylon will have a new covenant with God. That new covenant was unimaginable to the people of Jeremiah's day because
Culture
Why Rush Limbaugh's Apology Fails
Rush Limbaugh continues to hemorrhage sponsors and at least two radio stations as the controversy over his personal attack on Sandra Fluke continues. Whether you like Rush Limbaugh or not -- and frankly I don’t – this is an interesting case study in offense and apology. When Limbaugh’s apology
Podcasts
Podcast: After 9/11, Forgiveness Cancels A Debt
This is the podcast of the sermon I preached on the 10th anniversary of 9/11. I titled this sermon After 9/11 Forgiveness Cancels A Debt. Appropriately the revised common lectionary Gospel reading for that day came from Matthew 18:21-35 which presents Jesus' teaching on forgiveness. I