Human beings have always been drawn to create sanctuaries, which are strikingly different from the space around them, and people have often devoted their greatest effort to those spaces (e.g. Stonehenge, cathedrals, the tabernacle/temple). Sanc
The Scripture calls us to “come into God’s presence” (Psalm 100:2). But is not God always present? Yes, but people are often preoccupied with other things. So the Scriptures urge us to “come awake” (Matthew, Romans, Ephesians) to God. Worship
The opening petition of the Lord’s Prayer directs us to focus upon God, recognizing God’s love, power, and goodness, and giving honor and glory to God.
Jesus, in teaching about prayer, draws his hearers from thinking about how they look to directing themselves truly to God. Genuine prayer involves doing what Mary did – sitting at Jesus’ feet and listening to what he was saying. This also means
Prayer as the practice of ongoing communion with God; prayer is not an emergency appeal to God but a receptive connection with God. Such prayer involves intentional focus; we need to “do things that draw us closer to God” (one of the Methodist
Faith in Christ involves not just feeling or sentiment but action – doing things that draw us closer to God, and engaging in ministries of outreach to others. We commit ourselves not simply to believe in God but to actively follow Christ.
In times of loss, we can find much in the Bible with which to identify, as many central Biblical stories are stories of severe loss, including a sense of the loss of God. Such loss comes to its climax on the cross. But in the depths God is at w
The crowd is always wrong, thronging to the leader who promises quick fixes, big earthly rewards, and glory. The crowd turned from Jesus because he proclaimed instead a challenging message. But we are called to hear that message, break from the
Lamentations says “Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord. Let us lift up our hearts as well as our hands to God in heaven.” (Lam. 3:40-41) These words were written when the people of Judah were in desperate circumstances, wh
St. Paddy’s Day is often a frivolous “holiday” or just an ode to all things Irish. But the real life of St. Patrick is an inspiring example of trusting in Christ and following His call to serve those who are far beyond our own circle.
The creation story says that we are all created in God’s image and that what God creates is good. It also indicates that “it is not good to be alone” and that we are created for one another. This can relate both to marriage and to the church co
A discussion of the apparent condemnation of homosexual practice in Leviticus, and how the central issue in the Leviticus laws is actually resisting the idolatry of the surrounding culture.
The real sin of Sodom and Gomorrah according to the Scriptures – Ezekiel 16:49 “This was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy.”
This sermon introduces the United Methodist debate on homosexuality and the need to rightly understand the Scripture. It also focuses on the Biblical call for respectful dialogue and spiritual unity.
The wise men rightly perceive what – and who – is worthy of our utmost allegiance, not the tyrants of this world, but the One who embodies the grace of God.
We find comfort in the presence, care, and guidance of God; but this is not just so we can be comfortable, but so that we can be instruments of comfort for others.