Hope – A Topical Summer Sermon Podcast
Today, July 31st 2011, the people of Provo Community United Church of Christ had to say farewell to Felipe Dominguez as our music director. We used this occasion to reflect on the topic of "hope". From the Red Sea, over Mary's conception to Augustine's sermons and Bach's chorales – the history of music is a history of hope. Welcome to this exciting journey that we are even stretching out into the 25h century.
Necessary Sacrifice
In the letter to the Hebrews, Jesus is seen as the great high priest, whose presence in suffering and death abolished the need for such sacrifices. Even President Obama thinks the debt crisis can be resolved with sacrifices:
Slave turned brother
Paul wants Philemon to treat his returning slave with kindness and love. Roman law allowed slaveowners to punish escaped slaves harshly. Onesimus may have run away because of a disagreement with Philemon. In this kind of situation, a slave might ask a trusted third party (like Paul) to intervene. What does this letter say about how Christians should treat one another? What can we learn from Paul’s example and the actions he took on behalf of Onesimus?
Equal pay for equal work?
Equal pay for equal work? Not with God!
Instead Jesus insists on Freedom of contract.
When the workers who were hired first thought they would receive more than the others, and they complained when all were paid the same, Jesus shrugged: ‘I have not cheated you. After all, you agreed to do a day’s work for one silver coin. Now take your pay and go home.’
Forgive seventy times seven
Have you ever had to forgive someone for something?
Did your willingness to forgive improve your relationship with that person?
What would the world be like without forgiveness?
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, if my brother keeps on sinning against me, how many times do I have to forgive him? Seven times?” “No, not seven times,” answered Jesus, “but seventy times seven,”
Royal Homoeroticism
Did you know that David, the Greatest of All Kings, had a homoerotic relationship with Jonathan?
David wants to care for his friend’s children just like family does.
Greatest of All Kings
Yesterday’s and today’s stories portray David’s nobility and magnanimous nature. This is clearly indicated in the sparing of Saul’s life, not once but twice. The greatest king we’ve ever had must have a supernobel mind, right?
When do Bible heroes go to the bathroom?
Much could be said about why David chose not to harm Saul when he had the chance. But the one phrase that really caught my attention is a little off-topic:
“He came to a cave close to some sheep pens by the road and went in to relieve himself.”
The future king of Israel taking a bathroom break in the middle of something important!
The day after Comic-Con 2011 this question could be answered like the following one:
When Do Superheroes Go To The Bathroom?
What’s after death? – A Topical Summer Sermon Podcast
Praise the Holy One
Hannah is mocked by her fellow wife because she can’t get pregnant and her husband (Elkanah) keeps talking about himself: “Am I not more to you than ten sons?”
Please check out my sermon outline on that one.
