We had it all wrong as kids. We used to think sticks and stones could do more damage to us. Most of us have learned, though, that words can wound ever deeper.

The rich and the poor live in different neighborhoods. Their children go to different schools. They probably attend different churches. However, they are more alike than different.

This was big for James. We must hear the word of God, of course. But it must not end there. James said we must then do the word of God.

Paul called them “the whole armor of God.” They are our protection against the dangers of the world: truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, etc.

What is more important to God: our faith or our works? Which is more important, orthodoxy, having right beliefs, or orthopraxy, having right actions? What is it that makes us acceptable to God - faith or works?

King David was wrong. He sexually abused Bathsheba. He had her husband murdered. Eighteen others died in the process. David clearly was in the wrong, and when the prophet Nathan confronted him, he admitted his wrong.

Unfortunately, the church is not exempt from sexual scandal. More and more we are learning of serial abusers in the church and coverups by church leadership. Some church leaders respond by shaming the victim or refusing to take their claims seriously. We can and must do better. The story of David and Bathsheba can give us some guidance.

In a time of acrimonious division in our country, the church has a ripe opportunity to be a unifying voice. In the church, everyone is welcome: gay, straight, liberal, conservative, Democrat, Republican, everyone. Paul says that Christ has broken down the walls of hostility that divide people. We must be careful that those walls are not erected again.

It was a big occasion. After a twenty-year absence, the Ark of the Covenant returned to Jerusalem. King David was so elated he danced before the Lord. But David’s wife, Michal, was scandalized. You’ll be surprised to learn why.

God calls the prophet Ezekiel, a mortal, to be a messenger to the Israelites in exile. Ezekiel’s mission is to remain faithful to God’s call despite the promise that they may be a stubborn people and refuse to hear what God has to say through him. As a society we have many ways of measuring success, and you can probably name a few of them. God’s call on Ezekiel’s life is not measured by the response of the people but by his faithfulness to be God’s messenger. In what ways do we pit ourselves up against the measures of success that society deems worthy over what God has called us to be, which is simply faithful?

Saul was the first king of Israel. His son, Jonathan, and David were close friends. Saul and Jonathan were killed in battle. David mourned. He learned what many of us know. Mourning is healing. The pastor will talk about this next Sunday.

The story of David and Goliath is one we likely learned in Vacation Bible School. It has an adult message, though.

Jesus often taught in parables—simple, relatable stories that conveyed a spiritual truth. The parables were about everyday life, a man going on a journey, a farmer scattering seeds. This sermon is about a little mustard seed that contained mighty power. What is the spiritual truth?

It was evening in the Garden of Eden, time of the evening breeze. Adam and Eve hid from God. Why? God was their Creator. For the first time, God had to ask what may be the most important question in the Old Testament: Where are you?

We don’t always think of mercy as a great power, but it is. It is the greatest power for changing the heart. Guns cannot do that. Red-hot anger cannot do that. Mercy is the power that changes the heart.

This Sunday is Pentecost, when we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit with fire and tongues. What is the meaning of the Holy Spirit for Baptists like us? We’re not ones to get carried away with emotion. I’m convinced our tradition has much deeper experiences with the Holy Spirit.

As we recognize our seniors for all their accomplishments thus far, we want them to know how proud we are of them! The world is their oyster, and Paul has some wise words on what it means to lead a life worth living as each of us live into God’s call on our life. We may have many callings in this lifetime, but they all stem from the call of Christ. In every season we are to strive for unity with our brothers and sisters no matter where our callings might lead us. The freedom in this call ushers us to live life to the fullest and it’s such a gracious gift.

It was a commandment. Not a suggestion. Not a recommendation. “This is my commandment,” Jesus told the disciples, “that you love one another as I have loved you.” It’s a tall order, isn’t it? Can we do it?