The truth is that every one of us, like the field in the parable, is a big messy mixture of wheat and weed, good and evil. As Martin Luther wrote, we are each at the same time both sinner and saint, and we can recognise the truth of this when we reflect on our own lives with honesty and humility.
God's Kingdom
Pentecost 7 sermon
We are called to be sowers of the Kingdom of God in all the corners of our lives. Just imagine if seeds of love, mercy, justice, humility, peace, and truth were scattered abundantly by every person who is part of the body of Christ so that all corners of the world burst into colourful, riotous, joyous life. The Kingdom of God would absolutely flourish!
Pentecost 5 Sermon
Let’s pray for honest self-awareness, and remember that we are called to be the hand, the face of Jesus for one another. We are called to be workers in and for the building of the Kingdom of God here today.
Because, if not here, where? And if not now, when?
Pentecost 3 Sermon … How do we continue to be people of hope?
This morning, I’d like to talk about hope. I’d like to talk about hope because I am aware of finding it increasingly challenging to be hopeful.
I find it difficult to hold onto hope when I read of world leaders – and social media influencers – who seem intent on attacking those they have cast as their enemies, and in the process cause the suffering of so many.
I find it difficult to hold onto hope when one man attempts to murder another man in Belfast, and then people with powerful voices whip up feelings of fear, resentment, anger, and hatred that lead to nights of rioting on the streets of cities in Northern Ireland.
I find it difficult to hold onto hope when people in Edinburgh are living in poverty, hungry and with no means of making a meal for their children, sleeping on our streets with no secure place to lay down and rest tonight.
I find it difficult to hold onto hope, so I’d like to talk about hope.