This morning most ELCA congregations, including Advent Lutheran Church, celebrated God's Work Our Hand's Sunday. In addition, we explored the fruitful practice of risk-taking mission and service as part of an sermon series based on Robert' Schnase's book Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations (revised). Sermon My message, “God's Work. Our Hands. Every Day.” was based on I Corinthians 12:1, 4-12, 25-27 and Matthew 25:31-40. Risk-Taking Mission and Service I preached from Read More …
Great New Books for September 2024 (#2150)
The best new books I’ve read in the last month are Atypical This atypical list features no books with a perfect rating and none written by authors previously featured on So What Faith. The Still Speaking Writers Group has, however, been mentioned previously. Read More …
Responding to God’s Welcome (#2149)
This morning I kicked off a new five week sermon series on the Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations with a sermon on radical hospitality. This series is inspired by a revised and significantly updated version of a book bearing that name written by United Methodist Bishop Robert Schnase. And it builds on the eight week series that we finished last week: The Jesus Priorities (see Known by Our Love). Sermon My message, “All Are Welcome” was based on Leviticus 19:33-34, Hebrews 13:1-3, Read More …
Who is Greg Smith & What is So What Faith? (#2148)
I recently updated the About page here at SoWhatFaith.com for the first time in several years. Now, I'm sharing the copy below as a post so that Note: I'm aware that the about content below is written in third person while my remarks above (and my general commentary here on the blog is written in first person). About Greg Greg is a follower of the Way of Jesus who is committed to doing all he can to make the world a better place for all people. He is married to Dr. Susan Read More …
Known by Our Love (#2147)
Today I wrapped up an eight week long summer sermon series called The Jesus Priorities, which is inspired by a book with the same name by Christopher Maricle. Today’s priority was love. Sermon My message, “The Jesus Creed” was based on Mark 12:28-31. Love I preached loosely from this manuscript. You can watch a recording of the livestream here (the Gospel lesson begins at 22:04 and the sermon begins at 23:06). Excerpt Harvey Cox's imaginative story shows us what outsiders Read More …
Be An Imitator aka Be Like Jesus (#2146)
This summer I'm preaching a sermon series called The Jesus Priorities, which is inspired by a book with the same name that was written by Christopher Maricle. Today's priority was humility. Sermon My message, “Be an Imitator” was based on Philippians 2:1-11 (The Message). Humility I preached from this manuscript and, for once, tried to stick to it. You can watch a recording of the livestream here (the Epistle lesson begins at 23:34 and the sermon begins at 26:02), but please note Read More …
Guided by Love (#2145)
Passage for Reflection: Ephesians 5:1-14 I’ve traveled enough to know when to ask for help. More than once if I had set out on my own, I would have walked and wandered, but been clueless about what I was seeing and unable to understand what I was hearing. With the help of a skilled guide, however, the sights and sounds of the world around me became clear and I was able to more fully experience another culture. While securing a guide to help me make the most of a trip makes sense to me, Read More …
Valuing Children & Youth (#2144)
Advent Lutheran Church in Arlington, Texas, started anew today. We focused on the value and importance of ministry to, with, and for children and youth. This was part of an ongoing summer series exploring the Jesus Priorities (based on a book by Christopher Maricle) Blessing of the Backpacks The entire service focused on children and youth, including the blessing of the backpacks as many students head back to school tomorrow and others in the days and weeks ahead (begins at Read More …
The Best Sermon Ever (#2143)
This morning at Advent Lutheran Church in Arlington, Texas, we continued our exploration of the Jesus Priorities (a sermon series based on a book with the same title by Christopher Maricle). Today’s priority was “seek God's will.” Sermon My message, “The Best Sermon” was a passage commonly referred to as The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). Seeking God's Will I preached from this manuscript and, for once, tried to stick to it. You can watch a recording of the Read More …
Great New Books for August 2024 (#2142)
The best new books I’ve read in the last month are Abundant Lives Jesus never told a parable, preached a sermon, or wrote a book using the word flourishing. And, yet, the idea of flourishing or thriving or well-being is evident throughout his earthly ministry. Amanda Udis-Kessler effectively explores what it means for progressive followers of Jesus to live into the flourishing he envisioned and to promote the flourishing of others and of all creation. Expect this book to challenge, Read More …