Sermon: Hunting for the Kingdom…on the other side?

Mark 4:35-41       This past week at our presbytery gathering, we were challenged by Rev. J. Herbert Nelson, director of our Office of Public Witness in Washington DC.  You may remember him– he is good friends with James Parks and preached here at Hunting Ridge one Sunday when I was away.  He praised our Presbytery for being willing to confront the issues of racism, classism and poverty, and told us the rest of the denomination was watching us.  Because of the unrest last year and the ongoing anxiety about the upcoming trials of the police officers involved in the arrest of Freddie Gray, Nelson noted that if Presbyterians don’t move forward in being faithful to God’s plan for justice, security, community and healing for all of God’s people, God will certainly move on and use someone else to accomplish the plan!  He told us this was our time, a unique moment in history.  And then he said:  “Don’t blow it.”

Don’t blow it.  I took that to mean…. Continue reading “Sermon: Hunting for the Kingdom…on the other side?”

A mountaintop conversation

Ever wonder what Moses and Elijah said to Jesus on the mountain?  (Mark 9:2-9) Maybe it went like this:

Jesus: Great to see you guys! Mo and Eli, you rock! Your legacy has continued for centuries. It is truly an honor when people compare me to you all.

Elijah: Of course. Kind of the way people compare current quarterbacks with the quarterbacks of old. You are following in our footsteps as a leader of God’s people. We are the gold standard for being listeners to God and leaders of people, wouldn’t you say, Mo?

Moses:  Uh-huh! (big smile)

Jesus: No question in my mind. Since you are the gold standard, do you have any advice for me as I try to lead these folks? (point to congregation)

Continue reading “A mountaintop conversation”