Sermons on growing in faith (Page 3)
The Couch of Transformation
Worship this Sunday holds the biblical account of transfiguration from Mark 9.2-9 in conversation with the recently released film called Freud’s Last Session. Instead of viewing the film from the posture of feeling compelled to take sides with either Freud or Lewis, we instead invite you to notice Freud’s couch of transformation. Worship online with thetable.live. CCLI #805699 / CCLI Streaming #094804
For Most This Amazing Day
Rev. Brian McLaren writes about “Radical Resilience” in this way, “Each of those words is important. The word “radical” means going to the root, going to the depths, going beneath the surface…. So, radical resilience means radical, deep attention to the deepest roots of resilience. “Resilience” is the capacity to withstand and recover from hardship or difficulty. It has to do with the ability to spring back into shape after you’ve been beaten down or knocked over or bent over.”…
Taking God’s Love to Heart
Rev. Brian McLaren writes about “Radical Resilience” in this way, “Each of those words is important. The word “radical” means going to the root, going to the depths, going beneath the surface…. So, radical resilience means radical, deep attention to the deepest roots of resilience. “Resilience” is the capacity to withstand and recover from hardship or difficulty. It has to do with the ability to spring back into shape after you’ve been beaten down or knocked over or bent over.”…
Refuge in God
Rev. Brian McLaren writes about “Radical Resilience” in this way, “Each of those words is important. The word “radical” means going to the root, going to the depths, going beneath the surface…. So, radical resilience means radical, deep attention to the deepest roots of resilience. “Resilience” is the capacity to withstand and recover from hardship or difficulty. It has to do with the ability to spring back into shape after you’ve been beaten down or knocked over or bent over.”…
Come and See
Worship is rooted in John 1.43-51. Rev. Dr. Audrey West writes, “Who would imagine that God’s anointed one could come from a place so distant from the center of power? A messiah from Nazareth, in Galilee?! Inconceivable! … Whatever the genesis of Nathanael’s opinion, neither Jesus nor Philip argues with him. Instead, Jesus remains nearby and Philip simply invites Nathanael to ‘come and see;—apparently, not a bad evangelism strategy.” Worship invites us to wonder about who invited us to “Come…
We trust our belovedness
Worship online with thetable.live. CCLI #805699 / CCLI Streaming #094804
We root ourselves in ritual
This Christmas we acknowledge the weariness, grief, rage, and hopelessness we carry—and we also affirm that we root ourselves in regular rituals which are life giving for community. Worship online with thetable.live. CCLI #805699 / CCLI Streaming #094804
We make room
Luke’s Gospel tells us that when Mary gives birth to Jesus, she lays him in a manger, for there was no place for them in the guest room. Scholars argue about where, exactly, the birth occurs—and why. Was it in a stable or the living room of a simple peasant home? Was Bethlehem teeming with visitors who were also there to be counted in the census? Was Joseph’s family inhospitable because they disapproved of his marital situation? Regardless of where…
We make room
Luke’s Gospel tells us that when Mary gives birth to Jesus, she lays him in a manger, for there was no place for them in the guest room. Scholars argue about where, exactly, the birth occurs—and why. Was it in a stable or the living room of a simple peasant home? Was Bethlehem teeming with visitors who were also there to be counted in the census? Was Joseph’s family inhospitable because they disapproved of his marital situation? Regardless of where…
We Sing Stories of Hope
In Luke 1 as soon as Zechariah’s voice returns, his first words are gratitude and blessing. He sings a story of hope. After Elizabeth proclaims blessings upon Mary, Mary sings: “My soul magnifies God; my spirit rejoices in God.” Mary sings about a God of liberation who pulls the powerful from their thrones and lifts up the lowly. Mary sings a story of hope, one in which justice and joy are interwoven. As we prepare to celebrate Christ’s birth, may…
We allow ourselves to be amazed
After Elizabeth gives birth, her neighbors and family celebrate with her. When it comes time to name the child, Zechariah affirms the name given by the angel and by Elizabeth. In that moment of affirming the promise, Zechariah’s speech is restored. Everyone is filled with awe. How often do you allow yourself to be amazed? Wonder is all around us—can we recognize it? As we learn how to rejoice in a weary world, can we live in a way that…
We find joy in connection
This Advent we acknowledge the weariness, grief, rage, and hopelessness we carry—and we also affirm that we are made for Joy and Connection. In community our Joy expands. This week Mary seeks connection with Elizabeth and the two pregnant women carry each other’s joy. Through the prophet Isaiah, we hear God speak tender words of comfort; this is the comfort we can give to and receive from each other during this season. Worship online with thetable.live. CCLI #805699 / CCLI…