In times that can feel like a modern apocalypse, Rev. Ben reinterprets apocalyptic biblical literature as a message of hope.
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Sermons (Page 7)
In the third of a series of peace sermons leading up to a vote on a peach church declaration, Ben considers two questions: What good would such a declaration do? And would military action to prevent atrocities be justified? Ben answers with the help of the Golden Rule and a passage from Mark.
Rev. Ben preaches on Ruth 1 and its lessons about immigration, showing how it calls us to remember our immigrant heritage and to treat migrants with welcoming compassion. Read Ruth 1 on Bibles.org
Rev. Ben celebrates the anniversary of the Reformation with a reminder to open our eyes to beauty and injustice alike.
Rev. Ben preaches on Job 38, drawing out lessons about the need to respond to suffering with reverence and sacred silence, and to not equate suffering with sinfulness. Read Job 38:1-21 on Bibles.org
Rev. Talitha preaches on Psalm 65, with its message of God’s abundance in the “middle spaces” between the solid center and the chaotic edges of our existence, and the ways in which it calls us to the work to be done. Read Psalm 65 on Bibles.org and for good measure: Read Psalm 85 on Bibles.org
On World Communion Sunday, Rev. Ben discusses the ways in which our environment shapes our personal, internal selves, and that this can be a path to discovering our common humanity. Read Galatians 3:26-29 on Bibles.org
Rev. Ben discusses James’ call to speak truth, and the ways in which this connects to generosity of spirt and clarity of vision. Also included: three-card monte and the St. Louis arch. Read James 3 on Bibles.org
If the requirements of a “just war” were met, there would be little or no war. However, at best governments have paid the doctrine lip service, and it has not prevented war. A new doctrine is needed, one that insists on protecting children.
Rev. Ben discusses Psalm 19, connecting it to our charge to care for the sacred things that have been bestowed upon us — such as the natural world — so that future generations will be proud of our actions. Read Psalm 19 on Bibles.org