Given by Rev. Madison Shockley April 3, 2022 Paul talks about status in his letter to the Philippians. He is trying to convince them that all human status is worthless compared to the status of every follower of Jesus. Many early Christian communities had trouble divesting themselves of their worldly status. It was especially difficult [...]
Given by Rev. Madison Shockley March 20, 2022 There are two creation stories in Genesis. The first story is a story of blessing. Humanity is created as a whole and is expansive. It is one of equality. The second is a story of shame. Humanity is created sequentially, male first, then female. This would eventually [...]
Given by Rev. Madison Shockley March 13, 2022 We begin this Lenten season with the story of Jesus's baptism and journey into the wilderness. It is there that Jesus confronts the "devil". The devil represents the power that always opposes humanity's desire to please the Divine. Humans have been dealing with the devil since the [...]
Given by Rev. Madison Shockley December 12, 2021 The message today is when times are hard, stay close to Jesus. Over the last few years, we have been tested. Life is hard for so many. Each person's understanding and relationship with Jesus is different and deeply personal. Throughout our life, this understanding evolves and changes. [...]
Given by Rev. Madison Shockley December 20, 2020 Our passage tells the story of the visit by an angel to Mary. The angel reminds her that nothing is impossible with God. For Luke, the theological assertion that Jesus was special to God and the evidence was shown throughout Jesus's life was the most important point. [...]
Given by Rev. Madison Shockley December 13, 2020 According to our reading, John was sent by God as a witness so others could believe in the Light. Jesus and John the Baptist are linked. Many mistook John for the messiah. Both were prophets preaching redemption and the arrival of a new world order, the empire [...]
Given by Rev. Madison Shockley October 18, 2020 Throughout Jesus's life, he is engaged in debate. During his ministry, the Pharisees were usually his opponents. For example, Jesus questioned them on what was more important to God, what goes in your mouth or what comes out of your mouth. Today's text has asked the question [...]
Given by Rev. Dr. James M. Lawson September 13, We are honored to have with us today, the esteemed Dr. James Lawson. The readings tells us the kingdom of God is at hand. These readings were chosen since the message of Christianity does not coincide with the teachings of Jesus. The words "kingdom of God" [...]
he reading today of Jesus meeting a Samaritan woman at the well is unique in several regards. First, the scene describes Jesus, a man, meeting a woman at a well. During this period of history, if you wanted to meet a woman, you went to the well...
The Gospel of John is a different kind of gospel from the other three. Matthew, Mark and Luke are known as the synoptic gospels. John's gospel views the life of Jesus in a different light. The early church almost did not include it in the Canon. There is no infancy narrative...
Matthew's story of Jesus in the wilderness is sandwiched between his baptism and the official start of his ministry in the Bible. It is similar to a coming-of-age story. It humanizes Jesus and connects us to him. This story is a metaphor. This is a spiritual journey where Jesus searches for meaning and a purpose in life.
Our reading today is typically known as "The Sermon on the Mount" or the "Beatitudes." Scholars of the Jesus Seminar believe the true translation equivalent is not "blessed are..." but "congratulations." These are strange congratulations though.
https://vimeo.com/190443224 Today's reading of the Parable of the Good Samaritan is one of the most well-known stories from the Bible. While it has some problems, it has a powerful message of compassion and generosity for us today. The first problem is the traditional interpretation of this parable is anti-Jewish, the "good Samaritan" and the [...]
Today's sermon by Neal Washburn comes to us from the Gospel of Luke, a parable within a story. Jesus is talking to a group of individuals who felt righteous but felt contempt for others. Jesus tells them the parable of a Pharisee and a tax collector
Jesus was a man. What did Jesus say? We don't know because ancient texts each tell a slightly different story.
