The Limits of Forgiveness (9/17/17)

Genesis 50:15-21;Matthew 18:21-35

Peter von Cornelius, The Recognition of Joseph by His Brothers

On Sunday, September 17th, we considered the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant. In the Lord's Prayer, we ask God to forgive our sins, as we forgive those who have sinned against us. But is forgiveness an absolute commandment? Are there limits to forgiveness?

Hearing (Prophetic) Voices (9/10/17)

Ezekiel 33:7-11; Romans 13:8-14; Matthew 18:15-20

Duccio di Buoninsegna, The Prophet Ezekiel

I did something a little bit different on September 10. There was a lot of scripture, so I thought it would be helpful to present all of these texts because they all speak to the community that is Christ’s Church. These scriptures remind us that God is in charge, God loves us, and we are to approach one another with love, just as God loves us. This is the basis for Christian community. So, I’m going to offer a little bit of commentary before or after each of these texts, and then I’ll bring them all together in my sermon.

The Water Is Wide (9/3/17)

Exodus 3:1-15; Romans 12:9-21

Joe Schumacher, Burning Bush

On Sunday we examined Paul's Letter to the Romans and the instructions that he gave them on loving one another, loving their neighbors, and even loving their enemies. Why is this so difficult for us today?