when the man comes 'round Sixth Sermon from the book of Revelation: passages from chapters 17 & 19 Today’s scripture isn’t THE End , but it’s pretty darn close. This is the Final battle. The battle that ushers in The End. The battle where Good and Evil have it out. The battle that determines what The End will look like. And honestly, it doesn’t go down the way we were expecting. First of all, it’s no actual battling in this battle. There’s no fighting! Jesus just shows up. The only weapon he wields is his presence, his word. And it’s enough!!! Because secondly, the battle is over before it even begins! Jesus simply arrives, and his mere presence is enough to subdue the enemies of God. This Final Battle does not go the way we would expect. Without any fighting, concluding before it can even begin. Of all the surprises, though, the biggest is something of a detail , so let me read the passage to you: “(Jesus, the Rider of the white horse)
on borrowed time A sermon on the conclusion to Philippians : Seeing as my second month of sabbatical is about to begin, let’s play a little game ! One of the express intents of sabbatical is to provide rest . And while I could provide of list of the things that tire me out, I think we would all agree that what’s really tiresome about a vocation are its worries . So, let me ask you, what do you think I worry about? What do you think keeps me awake at night? Or, since you all know me, when have you actually seen me worrisome? Go ahead! Really think about it. The rest of the sermon will work better if you engage. What do you think I worry about? I came up with this idea for this game while working on the first draft of the sermon. Initially, I made a list of things I worry about. However , the prospect of reading that aloud seemed so dull and so trying that I couldn’t countenance the thought of subjecting you all to that. Nevertheless, now that I’ve asked, it only seems pro
i really want to roll with you a sermon on S. Paul's perfect opening salvo of 1 Corinthians : How’s it going ? How did last week go ? And how do you feel about this upcoming one? Or, what about you ? How are you ? I mean, really , how are you? Or, what about that old question? You know, the one clergy used to ask, but now , for whatever reason, never seem to anymore. You know the question. How is it with your soul ? Well, how is it? I mean it! How goes it? Take a moment to consider the inquiry. Whichever one you like, too. As it suits you. How are you ? How’s life ? How’s your soul ? Well? Honestly, you probably won’t be asked to consider your interior life this week. What’s more, you won’t be asked in a place like this . This is a space that’s as sacred as it is safe . You’re in practically the ideal place to consider how it’s going. Not only are you protected , eternity itself is also shedding its indelible light upon your reflections. Not bad. Huh? But that’s not all,
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