This morning I preached at Northridge Presbyterian Church in Dallas, Texas. This is one of many ways the congregation has continued to expand its partnership with White Rock Center of Hope. I’m especially grateful to the Rev. Betsy Swetenburg, Northridge’s Pastor and current WRCH Board member, for the invitation.
Sermon
My message, “Who am I?” was based on Psalm 8. The passage was selected as the congregation is in the midst of a sermon series titled Psummer of Psalms.
Sermon Excerpt
Many years ago, when I was just starting out in ministry, I found myself lying on my back on the church lawn.
I got myself into this position when a VBS small group leader decided her young charges needed to slow down a bit after several high energy games. At her direction, we all found a patch of grass, laid down, and looked up to do some cloud watching.
Every child immediately saw things in the sky. I can’t remember all of the animals and other characters they were able to see among the abstract arrangement of clouds. I do, however, remember how excited they were when an airplane entered our overhead scene. As it entered the clouds one of the young theologians exclaimed “they’re flying all the way up to God!”
This morning we are continuing a summer series on the Psalms with an exploration of Psalm 8 – a Psalm that begins and ends with a similar observation: O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.
This is important because Psalm 8 is the first of several Psalms classified as a hymn of praise and the only hymn in the book of Psalms that is spoken entirely to God. Some of the words may sound familiar to you for a number of reasons, including . . . (read full manuscript or watch below)
So What?
Those who follow the Way of Jesus need regular reminders that we are not self-made people. Instead, we are God-created creatures made in God’s own image who are tasked with living in God honoring ways. And, a big part of our identity is our relationality – including the ways in which we live with love for God, self, neighbor, and all of creation.
For other recent sermons preached at WRCH ministry partner congregations, check out
- Preaching Hope (July 2023) – St. James Episcopal Church
- Preaching Difficult Discipleship (June 2023) – Eastminster Presbyterian (PCUSA)
- Preaching Abundant Life (April 2023) – Central Lutheran Church (ELCA)
Or for a much longer list (all including sermon manuscripts and video), check out the So What Faith Sermon Page.
