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?
Sermon Texts
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?