JR.'s Sermons

Religion far too often is a tool of oppression. People in power often uses biblical texts to justify their oppression. We explore one of these texts in 1 Peter and see that the text was originally meant for liberation. Then we explore how we can hear the text today in a way that calls us to work for justice in our every day lives.

2001 embodies the myth of progress in its iconic opening sequence: technology will ultimately save us. But Peter reminds the early Church that they are saved not by their own efforts, but by what God has done for them through Jesus. The practice of Sabbath teaches us to say no to the god of Progress and rest in the life God invites us to.

Much sci-fi is about the promise of a pain-free life. But Wall-E points out that a pain-free life might not actually lead to our flourishing. Peter opens his letter to suffering Christians by reframing how they understand the pain they’re experiencing. He invites them to see their pain as an invitation into Jesus’ crucifixion. He illustrates how God works through pain to make us whole.

Easter celebrates Jesus' resurrection, his victory over death, and our invitation to new life. But in a world where there's no such thing as a free lunch, how can we trust that God really wants best for us? A classic Twilight Zone episode and a Ke$ha song help us see exactly why the resurrection proves God is good and worthy of our trust!

How often do we have to ask, “What did you say?” because we weren’t listening to someone? If that’s true in our distracted, busy lives, how much more true is it in our faith? On Palm Sunday, we ask how Jesus’ followers could have so thoroughly missed Jesus’ mission to be crucified. How could they not have been listening? How can we be diligent in listening for God to speak during this Holy Week?

Sometimes, being good is easy - just minor tweaks to a bad habit. But there are sins that live deep in our bones that seem impossible to change. These sins test our faith in a God who brings life from death. To these bone-deep sins, God speaks life. How can we trust in God's life-giving power and find victory over even these evils?

We live in a culture plagued by certainty. Everyone is sure they see each issue or situation with perfect clarity. Deep down, we know that’s not true, that no one is always right. How can we learn some humility - and how can that humility free us to see from God's perspective?

All too often, we equate faith with feeling. If we don't feel God, we must lack faith. But true faith is trusting God's character and calling even when we don't sense God's presence. By responding in faith to God, we find a deeper faith than we thought possible.

What is it like to be on the receiving end of ME? What kind of legacy am I leaving? Who is in my wake? God's call of Abram invites us to consider how we can leave a legacy of life.

We don’t like rules. Especially when it comes to religion, we see rules as God’s way of restricting us, keeping us from living a full, fun life. But the story of the first sin reveals that God’s “rules” lead to life for us. How can we turn to God in faith and find the life God calls us to?