The Apostle Paul tells the church in Corinth that they need to “discern the body of Christ” or else they will be celebrating the Lord’s Supper in an “unworthy manner.” What does it mean to “discern the body” today, when an “average church member” is more likely to be a Liberian teenager, a South Korean […]

Jesus’ parable in Matthew 21 seems patently unfair to those of us who are steeped in meritocracy, who believe that one should be paid according to one’s productive value instead of what one needs for a just daily wage. The parable exposes our way of life to be far from the Reign of God.

In Matthew’s gospel we see an emerging church, looking for ways to ensure that when someone loses their way, there is a process in place built on integrity, truth, and an unabashed belief that everyone is worth the work that it takes to achieve reconciliation.

In the confrontation between Simon and Jesus, we see a long-simmering theological question arise: Does being chosen by God entitle us to benefits or does it obligate us to service?

As the last sermon in our series based on Isaiah 6:1-8, this is a sermon for people who don’t need a sermon on why you don’t need a sermon.

In the Reformed tradition we have been trained to jump from confession directly to pardon. In Isaiah’s story there is a moment of purging in between the confession and the pardon, which makes transformation an integral part of the process of guilt and forgiveness.

Last week we heard the story of Isaiah’s vision of God’s glory. This week the story continues when Isaiah is immediately cognizant of his own sinfulness. Our dinginess and God’s glory bring out the most in each other.

Isaiah’s vision in Isaiah 6:1-8 is the focus of our Sunday services in August. This week, we “begin at the beginning,” with Isaiah’s stunning description of being in the presence of God’s beauty. That act of receptivity is what worship is all about.

Guest Preacher, Jennifer McCullough Creative Organizer for Youth Ministry