Sermons on growing in faith (Page 4)
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Sermons on growing in faith (Page 4)

DEEP COMMITMENTS: REFLECTION

Luke 2:41-47 John Wesley, the founder of the 18th Methodist movement and what became the worldwide Wesleyan tradition, was an advocate for theological reflection and education for all people (regardless of their social status). Embracing the intellectual component of our humanity, he believed that “reading Christians are growing Christians. When Christians cease to read, they cease to grow.” Consequently, he believed that reason (along with experience, scripture, and tradition) is one of the fundamental sources we draw upon in order…

Giving Generously

In the final chapter of the revised material for the Growing in Faith, we reflect on the great commandment and giving generously. Jesus was frustrated with the religious leaders of his day. Jesus charged, “They do not practice what they teach” (Matthew 23:3). He was concerned with the cumbersome burden of the rules, standards, directives, and laws the religious leaders in his day dictated. In the midst of all this, Jesus called his followers to the great commandment: “Love God…

Reaching In Love

The revised material for the Growing in Faith classes affirms that “as we root our lives in grace and grow in faith, we are transformed and woven deeper into the fabric of God’s love, … embracing a life of love and welcome. We call this reaching in love at The Table. Reaching in love begins with the practice of hospitality as a way of life and then extends into generosity, by allowing our lives to express the generosity of God”.…

Growing In Faith

Chapter 2 of the book “Growing in Faith” quotes a passage of Richard Rohr to help us understand what faith is: “For Jesus, faith is not opposed to not believing in God, it doesn’t mean you go to church, or that you’re into religion or that you say “Lord, Lord” (Matthew 7:21). Faith for Jesus is the opposite of anxiety.” The story of the Syro-Phoenician woman is a story about faith. It is the story of a “very daring woman”,…

Rooted Lives

What does it mean to be rooted in grace? It means we do not stand on our own achievements but on God’s gift. It means our failures do not define us, because God’s grace is greater than our weakness. It means our lives grow differently: we are freed to forgive, empowered to act with courage, enabled to love beyond measure. Grace roots us in God’s steadfast love, and out of that rootedness, fruit grows — justice, compassion, holiness, and joy.…

The Road Isn’t Straight

Too often, we’ve been told that a successful life is a linear one. But in reality, our lives unfold with many unexpected twists and turns. The Magi follow a star, embarking on a long journey in a foreign land in order to honor the newborn Christ. Instead of returning to Herod as commanded, they trust their dreams and go home by another way. Their road isn’t straight, but God “makes a way in the wilderness” (Isaiah 43:19) as they follow…

Hope is Worth the Risk

Hope is vulnerable and can feel like a tremendous risk, especially if you’ve experienced loss or trauma. But Mary shows us a resilient hope that takes risks—she risks her body to bear a son who will become the hope of her people. Similarly, Joseph makes a risky choice to stay with Mary; dismissing her quietly would have kept him safe. But instead, he chooses hope. He chooses to trust the angel, and it makes all the difference. It can feel…