This is a part of a series of meditations discussing what we refer to as “Means of Grace.” To assure a shared understanding of our discussion, let us provide some definitive frames of reference. In This Holy Mystery, a paper formally adopted by the United Methodist Church in 2004, we are provided with these words […]
Today is designated by the United Methodist Church as Human Relations Sunday, a decision undoubtedly resulting from its proximity in time to the birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The subject of Human Relations is extremely broad, encompassing a wide variety of issues and challenges. As I prepared to speak with this devout […]
As we just completed our local elections and we contemplate the 2020 national elections, which are already becoming increasingly pervasive in our thoughts and the daily news, it seems appropriate that we consider how our Christianity affects our role in politics. The relationships between our religions and our governments, often referred to as “church and […]
This morning we are going to consider the “Prince of Division.” In the sixth verse of his ninth chapter Isaiah tells us Jesus will be “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. But our Gospel reading quotes Jesus as saying, “I came to bring fire to the earth…. Do you think that I […]
Our epistle reading this morning begins with words written by Paul to Timothy, “There is great gain in godliness combined with contentment.” As I read that, my attention was caught by the word, “contentment,” a word I have given little thought to since I learned what contented meant as a child reading a can of […]
Thanks to modern technology, I have 25 translations of the Holy Bible literally at my fingertips via a keyboard. This enables me to easily compare translations and select those I consider to be most appropriate for each occasion. I read the following from the New King James Version: “Blessed are those servants whom the master, […]
Although there are exceptions, most of our worship services in the Methodist and other Christian traditions include a sermon – perhaps designated as a message, homily, commentary, or meditation. The idea is that a pastor or other preacher or speaker will draw from prayer and scriptures ideas that he or she shares with a congregation. […]
Our life experience has taught us that there are at least two ways to approach a project, a task, a problem, or anything we want to accomplish. The best or better way is to obtain as much relevant knowledge as possible, give the matter an appropriate amount of thought, make any preparations that may be […]
When we think of communication between God and humankind or among ourselves, we tend to focus on verbal exchanges. Indeed this is obviously an important means of communicating. We learn from the words of scripture, we verbalize prayer, and we rely heavily on what is said and heard and what is written and read. But […]
Among the many rich resources given to us in The Holy Bible are the commandments. We can draw an analogy between the numerous commandments in the Bible and the instructions given in most formal training, whether written or oral. Training teaches one what to do to accomplish certain things. It can be generalized or very […]