Whether we know it or not, we are still influenced by the eighteenth century preacher/theologian Jonathan Edwards. His famous sermon, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,” depicts God as vengeful and punishing. How different our world would be if we saw God as gracious.

Some call him a scoundrel. He certainly worked the system. Yet Jesus commended him, calling him “shrewd.” Is there a place for shrewdness in Christian faith?

“He was lost and is found!” the loving father said of his prodigal son.  What does it mean to be lost?  And more importantly what does it mean to be found?  

The Cost of Discipleship. It’s going to require something of you.

Isn’t it oxymoronic to place power and humility side by side? Many would think so. But not Jesus. He saw power in humility.

The writer of Hebrews describes the Christian faith as a race. We’re running this race, and those who have gone before us are our “balcony people.” They cheer for us.

The past couple of years have been emotionally challenging for many. The isolation, the disruption of work and family life, and the threat of contracting the COVID virus have pushed many into depression. Some scholars have suggested the writer of Ecclesiastes was given to depression. “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity,” he begins his writing.

“Go and marry a woman who is a prostitute and have children who come from this unfaithfulness,” God told Hosea. This seems like an unreasonable request. Hosea obeyed, and his marriage became a sermon to the people of Israel.

Weatherly has been characterized as a “doing” church. We are engaged in ministry. We could be called a Martha church. Yet Jesus commended Martha’s sister, Mary. Mary sat with Jesus and absorbed his presence and teachings. How do we find that kind of balance?

This Sunday we will ordain four deacons. Their ordination has been delayed due to the pandemic. Ordination services are always special.

The book of Proverbs personifies wisdom. She is a prophetess who speaks to the people. If wisdom could speak to us, what would she say?

They speak in tongues. They heal. They shout out. Sometimes they are “slain in the Spirit.” We call them the Pentecostals. But Pentecost belongs to all of us. Shouldn’t we all be Pentecostals?

“Our Father, who art in heaven….” We call it the Lord’s Prayer, but really it is the disciples’ prayer. The real Lord’s Prayer is in John 17. What did Jesus pray for? Us. That we would be one with all other Christians. Are we?

We think scientifically and critically today. John, who wrote the book of Revelation, did not. Can scientific, critically -minded people still believe in the afterlife?

Psalm 23 is beloved. And for good reason. It speaks for the good shepherd who tends his flock. The psalmist knew we are the flock of God, and God provides tender care.

Moses was a murderer. Paul persecuted the church. They both got off to a bad start. But how God used them! The same is true for us. God can help us recover from a bad start.

This Sunday is Easter. Our worship begins with the decoration of the living cross.

Everything culminates this Sunday with Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Notes of celebration will be in the air. But do not be fooled. The celebration will not last.

Mary was a loyal disciple. At a dinner, she took expensive perfume and anointed Jesus’ feet and then wiped his feet with her hair. It was more than a tender act of love, though. Symbolically she was preparing him for death.