You probably shouldn’t read St. Paul’s letters, and definitely shouldn’t criticize them, without reading a 2010 book by Sarah Ruden, Paul Among the People: The Apostle Reinterpreted and Reimagined in His Own Time.  My college friend Dave Cox recommended this book, and I’m profoundly grateful.

If Oprah or Rush Limbaugh would say “Amen,” it’s probably the wisdom of the world.
1 Corinthians 1:18-31
July 24, 2011
God’s wisdom and mine
This summer at Corinth we’re talking about who God is and what God is like.  The “attributes” of God.  The bottom line is this.  There’s a God, and it’s not you.  When you know [...]

Ryan and Amanda, it is a special joy for me to be here with you on your wedding day.  Amanda, I’ve known you since you were a little girl, and I’ve watched you grow up into a beautiful person with a gentle heart for children and an amazing ability to get things done.
Ryan, you’ve been [...]

Mercy is your story.
Psalm 78:32-39
July 17, 2011
Plaintive cry
Let’s test your cultural acumen.  I’m going to give you twelve hints, progressively easier, until you figure it out what I’m talking about.
1.     It’s a song.

Justice and mercy met at the cross.
Psalm 94
July 10, 2011
Cry for justice
I’m never quite sure whether to bring the news into a sermon.  If a story has been dominating your attention and mine all week, should we try to get a biblical angle on it?  Or should worship give a respite from topics worn out [...]