In a new series on "Half Truths" based on Rev. Adam Hamilton's book "Half-Truths: God Helps Those Who Help Themselves and Other Things the Bible Doesn't Say," we'll reflect on the nature of Scripture and then consider some of the "myths" that people attribute to the Bible.
World Communion Sunday celebrates the unity and diversity of the universal Christian community. As we gather around the Lord's table, we recognize our unity in Christ, joining with others worldwide in Holy Communion. We give thanks to God for His boundless love that unites us all. We open our eyes to see the reflections of Christ in every person on earth, and we celebrate our differences and embrace His children everywhere.
We often think of Paul alone, but he worked in concert with many others. While each of us can do good on our own, when we come together, God multiplies what we give. Together, we can do more good than we ever could alone. And God has not left us on our own, struggling to find Him without direction. Rather, He has come among us and, sends us forth to do His work in the world.
Jeremiah and the prophets show that, in the naming of our struggles, we are able to move forward toward change. One word for this is "lament." And God, our strength and hope, has not left us on our own, struggling without direction. Rather, He has come among us and, in the Scriptures of the synagogue and the church, has us the reliable record of His presence.
When Nehemiah shared the vision God placed on his heart - to rebuild the broken walls of Jerusalem - the people responded not with hesitation, but with unity and action. Today, we are also called to build - our church, our community, and the work of God's kingdom. We seek the courage to act, the wisdom to lead, and the faith to trust that God's hand is upon us.
David's early story teaches us not to lash out, and to worship with abandon. When David as the Israelite King welcomed the Ark of God into Jerusalem, he danced with all his might before the Lord. He wasn't worried about appearances or holding back - his heart overflowed with gratitude and joy for God's presence among the people.
Join us for a joyful romp down a yellow brick road, somewhere over the rainbow. Though not a Biblical figure, Dorothy Gale of Kansas demonstrates Biblically sound leadership - empowerment and encouragement rather than heirarchical decree - as she travels with a group of friends through Oz.
Being brave is not a singular occurrence. It's a journey that we can choose to undertake every day. God creates in us a clean heart and renews a right spirit within us, so that we may always choose the more excellent way. So that, when we reach pivot points in our life, we can push past our fears and act with strength.
The stories of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt inspire us to live and work with certainty in an uncertain world. We ask God to light a lamp before us so that our feet do not stumble, and to make our path clear so we may never wander from His chosen way.
From the burning bush to the Pentecostal flame, God burns into our world in such a way as to break through our contentment with a status quo rooted in oppression and inequality. God emboldens us by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, and with the fire of His calling.