Advent: Waiting and Working for the Kingdom
The Rev. Dr. J. Barney Hawkins IV launches us on a new church year by exploring the meaning of Advent and its call to work for justice and righteousness.
What Do You Want with Me, Jesus?
Dr. Bill Self digs into the dramatic story of the healing of the demoniac from Mark 5, and introduces us to Jesus the Tormentor, the Liberator, and the Disturber.
A Vision for the City
The Rev. Dr. Scott Weimer, pastor of a thriving urban congregation, explores Christ's calling on the church in the city today.
What God Values in Stewardship
The Rev. Dr. Scott Weimer takes a timely look at what it means to be stewards of God's resources in our lives as believers.
Being Saints of God
Bishop Keith Whitmore reveals that the saints we celebrate for All Saints' Day include each one of us.
Shackles That Won't Shrink!
The Rev. Gary Manning, recipient of Virginia Theological Seminary's 2009 John Hines Preaching Award, reflects on God's unmitigated, unmerited, and unrelenting grace--and what it compels us to do in the world.
Good News?
Bishop William Willimon reveals how Jesus often shatters our expectations about what it means to follow him: "Jesus is not a technique for getting what we want out of God; Jesus is God's way of getting what God wants out of us."
The Peril (and the Promise) of Being Met by Jesus
Bishop William Willimon explores Jesus' encounter with a wealthy would-be disciple, and offers challenging insights on the cost of following Christ.
Let The Little Ones Come Unto Me
Bishop Will Willimon examines Jesus' teachings about divorce and children, and shares powerful insights about God's limitless love.
To Make the Wounded Whole
The Rev. Dr. Ken Carter examines the spiritual practices mentioned in James 5--confession, intercession, and healing--and helps us understand how to practice them in the 21st century.
Insignificant Greatness
The Rev. Stephen Lewis takes a fresh look at Christ's definition of what it means to be great in the reign of God.
The Heartbreaking Messiah
The Rev. Dr. David Lose explores the phenomenon of shattered expectations in light of Christ's question of his disciples, "Who do you say that I am?"
Standing in the Tragic Gap
The Rev. Dr. Trace Haythorn probes James' admonition to avoid showing partiality to the rich or the poor, reminding us that our congregations should welcome all to the table.
Looking in the Mirror
The Rev. Martha Sterne offers a thought-provoking take on the admonition in James 1 to be "doers of the word" and not hearers only. It starts by looking in the mirror.
Words of Eternal Life
The Rev. Dr. David Lose probes Jesus' difficult teaching in John 6:59-69, and how we should respond to it today.
The Woman Less Listened To
The Rev. Dr. David von Schlichten introduces the "woman less listened to"--the personification of wisdom from the Proverbs--and shares how to accept her invitation to living more fully.
Out of the Depths
The Rev. Benno Pattison offers an inspiring reflection on Psalm 130 that can bring comfort even in the depths of human experience.
The Thunk, the Gap, and the Six A's
The Rev. Mark Sargent offers a provocative and faith-stretching view of the life and teachings of the church in this postmodern age.
More Unexpected Jesus
The Rev. Sharon Hiers examines our expectations of who Jesus is and how Jesus acts--and invites us to be surprised.
RSVP to Jesus
The Rev. Sharon Hiers explores Christ's invitation to his disciples--and to us--to get away for a while to a deserted place.