Sermons
The story of Paul’s conversion in Acts 9 is well-known. Paul is blinded and knocked to the ground by a vision of Jesus as he is traveling to Damascus to persecute Jesus’ followers. But while the focus of the story is on Paul, the hero of the story is just a regular follower of Jesus in Damascus named Ananias. Ananias already knows what it will take Paul another couple of decades to grasp: The mature fruit of spiritual growth is the ability to love even our enemies.
This sermon was delivered to Crawford Memorial United Methodist Church by Rev. Anne Robertson on October 11, 2020.
Grow
Psalm 1 tells us that the righteous "prosper" in all that they do. That isn't always, or even usually true. Or is it? Suppose the word "prosper" isn't talking about fame or material success? Nerd alert--the Hebrew words in this Psalm give us some direction. It's not a promise of worldly success;...
Water into Wine
Jesus changing water into wine at a wedding in Cana of Galilee is Jesus’ first miracle. He only does it because his mother pushes him, and John’s gospel is the only place that tells about it. But have you noticed that John's gospel doesn't call anything a "miracle?" John calls them "signs," and...
The Greatest of These
Lots of things in the Bible are confusing or open to many interpretations. But one thing that is crystal clear is the thing that should be crystal clear: What must I do to inherit eternal life? Jesus himself is asked that question and his answer is simple: Love. Love God and your neighbor as...
Prepared to Be a Blessing
At Crawford we are having a Service of Blessing, outdoors, on the first Sunday of each month. What we bless will change from month to month, but the theme remains the same: Let's counter the dark and difficult days in which we live with small acts of kindness and blessing. This video is in four...
Why Are We Here?
Our individual purpose and calling takes some discernment, but it's hard to figure out what God's purpose for us as an individual might be until we understand the general purpose for all human beings. Genesis 2:15 gives us that universal human purpose: To serve and protect the world. Come for the...
Dominion
Genesis 1:28 tells us that God gives "dominion" over the earth to human beings and tells them to "subdue" it. We have run wild with that and, in retrospect, it sometimes seems like a poor management decision on God's part. Entire theologies have been built around the idea that humans are the...