Ephesians 2:14-22 (The Message) Sermon Excerpt A few weeks ago, Susan and I participated in Hodges University’s annual commencement ceremony. As professors, we know quite well how much the graduating class and their families look forward to that special occasion. This year we listened to remarks from a member of the graduating class and from a faculty member. While those short addresses were interesting, the one speech this year’s graduates are most likely to remember is the Read More …
Discipleship
Sermon: Be A Quitter (#1448)
Sermon Text: I Corinthians 1:10-17 (The Message) Sermon Excerpt Churchy Christians often say, “Wherever two or three are gathered in God’s name, God is present.” While they are likely right, practical Christians recognize that wherever two or three are gathered, many perspectives are present. And somehow, more often than we care to admit, extended conversations that highlight our differences turn into arguments. Good Christian people have been known to argue about nearly Read More …
Challenging Classism (#1445)
Cynthia Rigby, Professor of Theology at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, recently proposed that churches develop "concrete ways of challenging classism and promoting economic justice." She recommends that they accomplish this by honestly reflecting on the ways they themselves are complicit in fostering classism, and repenting of their own classist ways and re-committing themselves to being communities that do not privilege those who are richer over those who are Read More …
Monday Morning Sermon Quarterbacking (#1442)
Monday morning quarterbacking happens around the brunch/lunch table on Sunday, at the watercooler on Monday, and in so many other social gatherings throughout the week. Many sports fans engage in conversation about how they, in hindsight, would have done things differently in the big game (assuming they had been the coach). Likewise, many worship participants like to critique their minister's sermons in some form of post-worship conversation that often suggests a different preaching Read More …
Sermon: An Open Invitation (#1434)
Sermon Text: I Corinthians 11:17-34a (The Message) Sermon Excerpt What is it about kitchens that turn them into places for memorable conversations? Before I share what is perhaps my most memorable kitchen encounter, let me give you a little context. I had traveled with a rather large church group to another state to do mission work. We were quite a diverse bunch. The teenagers and college students represented many different Christian traditions, and also included a good Read More …
Sermon: Another Opportunity (#1427)
Sermon Text: Luke 13:1-9 Sermon Excerpt I can assure you that the saying “everything is bigger in Texas” is true when it comes to Christianity. A Christianity Today cover story concluded, “Dallas . . . has more megachurches, megaseminaries, and mega-Christian activity than any other American city.” Travel back with me to my world in the 1990s. I was living in Arlington, Texas – just outside of Dallas and Fort Worth. The area was very much as Christian as I am making it Read More …
Name It & Claim It (#1421)
Corrie Mitchell recently wrote an insightful piece about the popularity of the so-called prosperity gospel that focuses on ten Scriptures leading preachers in this movement often misuse. While I have heard many people try to dismiss this version (or, if you prefer, perversion) of Christianity as a fad or as something that reaches only a small number, the longstanding popularity of people like Kenneth Copeland, Joel Osteen, and Creflo Dollar suggest the movement is far too significant to be Read More …
Sermon: Reality Check (#1420)
Sermon Text: Matthew 13:24-30 Sermon Excerpt Summer is almost here. It is a magical time for children – a time without school and a time for family vacations. All of us who have traveled with children know to expect four very important words with some regularity during any trip: Are we there yet? We expect impatience with children for whom the joy isn’t in the journey, but the destination. But, what about ourselves? Are you anything like me when it comes to struggling with Read More …
Fencing Out the Homeless (#1419)
On any given night, many homeless people sleep in an alley between Central Presbyterian Church (Atlanta, GA) and the Catholic Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Those who do so not only feel safer than they do in other parts of the city, but also have direct access to the many outreach services provided by these congregations. Recently, however, the governing body of Central Presbyterian voted in favor of a proposal to build a fence to keep homeless people out of their Read More …
Smarter Sentencing Act (#1415)
I am one of almost 700 clergy and faith leaders who have signed an interfaith letter to Congress about the Smarter Sentencing Act. The Act (S. 1410/H.R. 3382) is "a step towards addressing racial injustice as well as reducing the mass incarceration that characterizes our current justice system." So What? As followers of the Way of Jesus, we must recognize the inherent dignity of all people and advocate for a criminal justice system that treats people justly and humanely. As people Read More …