Randy Harris: Fully Human
Randy Harris says ours is a meddlesome God who is not content to leave us as we are, but who is forever at work to draw us together, and to heal not only the brokenness within us, but the brokenness between us.
Susan Pendleton Jones: Salt and Light
Being blessed is a gift of God, Susan Pendleton Jones says. Being a blessing to others is our most appropriate response to this gift. And we do that by being Salt in a world of decay and Light in a world of darkness.
Raj Nadella: When Comfort Alone Won't Cut It
Dr. Raj Nadella says Jesus teaches us that words of comfort for those who grieve or suffer should become catalysts for action. We are all blessed when we work to create the kind of community Jesus envisioned.
Kevin Strickland: Fishing in Unusual Places, Finding Faithful Fish
Bishop Kevin Strickland says we are called to fish for people as Jesus' disciples were--called to remind everyone that the prodigal, lavish, expansive call of God is for all people.
Charles Qualls: Two Powerful Stories and a Distraction
Two of John's disciples asked Jesus where he was staying, which was tantamount to saying, "We want to sit at your feel and be under your formation," Charles Qualls says. Only then did Jesus extend the invitation: "Come and see."
Charles Qualls: Water That Renews Us
When we are baptized, Charles Qualls says, we aren't just cleansed in some symbolic way. If we are faithful and willing, then we're also anointed into a lifetime alongside Jesus to bring about justice and righteousness here and now.
Monica Mainwaring: God's Name for You
In her sermon for the Holy Name of Jesus Sunday, Monica Mainwaring asks, what is God’s name for you? Some of us have carried the burden of names like Not-good-enough, Lost, Alone. God is giving you a new name: Beloved, Child of God, Redeemed, Blessed. Claim it.
Timothy Boggess: In the Dark
In his Christmas Day sermon, Rev. Tim Boggess says the message of Christmas is that whenever and wherever we find ourselves in the dark, we can trust that, because of Christ's birth, God is with us.
Jenny McDevitt: Joseph: A Higher Righteousness of Love
In her message for the 4th Sunday of Advent, the Rev. Jenny McDevitt says like Joseph, we have to make a decision, because the Christ child is waiting to be born-- waiting to change the world, if only we will welcome him and make space for him in our lives.
Talitha Arnold: And the Desert Shall Bloom
Blossoms in the desert, streams in the dry land. Blind eyes that are opened and lonely people led home. Talitha Arnold says that's the vision of Isaiah--joy that comes as a complete surprise. Joy that comes not from our deserving, but from all God's doing.
Talitha Arnold: The Fire This Time
In her sermon for the 2nd Sunday of Advent, Talitha Arnold says, may John's cry in the wilderness bring us back to the Creator of heaven and earth. May his cry change our lives that we might love this world--its people, its forests, its fields, this earth--as God so loves.
Theresa Thames: What Time Is It?
As she guides us into Advent, Theresa S. Thames says this is the season of celebration, joy, and wonder--not just in what was, but in what could be. Now is the time! Imagine how we could be instruments of grace, peace, justice, and hope in a battered, discouraged, exhausted, and torn world.
Matthew Gaventa: Best Position Player
Here's the gospel, Matt Gaventa says: More than it ever has, the world needs a church that moves. Because Jesus is on the move, and he always has been. And you can't follow Jesus by standing still.
Bill Carter: Living the Dream
Bill Carter says Isaiah offers a holy invitation to live the dream God has for us all. To live as generously as Jesus. To respect, serve, and love one another. It's not enough to have the dream; the dream must also take flesh in our lives.
Noel Schoonmaker: God of the Living
Noel Schoonmaker says resurrection is the conviction on which Christianity is built. Jesus not only proclaimed resurrection, he also personified it. For after he died on the cross, he arose from the grave, promising all who follow him that we shall likewise find life on the other side of death.
Regina Hassanally: Always Tell the Truth
Bishop Regina Hassanally says we are defined not by our sins; rather we are, as beloved children of God, first and foremost defined by grace--and this is the capital T Truth. It is a truth we need reminding of again and again until it takes root and forms us from the inside out.
Mandy Sayers: God's Star Student
Mandy Sayers says whenever anybody realizes they cannot earn their way into God's heart, that's when God's eyes begin to sparkle. Because that person is ready to serve - to share the love of Jesus with Pharisees, tax collectors, and everybody in between.
Ruth Pattison: Don't Let Go
Ruth Pattison asks, could Jesus' lesson on prayer mean that prayer is to listen for the whisper, 'don't let go'? Or prayer could simply be to answer the door, annoyed or not. Or prayer could be to wrestle with god in human form until dawn breaks.
Amy McCullough: Gratitude That Saves
Amy McCullough says Jesus sees us, as he did the 10 persons with leprosy. Moments when we experience Jesus seeing us are healing - they nurture our faith in the One who can transform us from isolated exiles into beloved children.
John Thompson-Quartey: Lord, Increase Our Faith
John Thompson-Quartey says by telling his disciples they only need a tiny faith to be agents of transformation, Jesus affirms our own daily lives as opportunities for God's grace to transform lives around us.