CALLING OF A PROPHETIC CHURCH
/
THE CALLING OF A PROPHETIC CHURCH
This July and August, Rev. Michael is sharing with us a new sermon series, “The Calling of a Prophetic Church” – and does it ever have us thinking! After all, Jesus was moved and motivated by the prophets and even quoted them when defining his own God-given ministry, and following him as his disciples, we too are called to be a prophetic Church.
The prophets were women and men, young and old, and with different settings and set-backs and successes who were called to serve God in a special way: to speak the truth of God’s love and justice to the people down through the ages; and each did so to a unique set of circumstances and needs. This summer we are exploring the great stories of the calling of God's prophets. Some are very familiar, and some are not as well know to us, but every one of them is giving us insight into the prophetic tradition and the Church's inheritance and mission.
Every Sunday, we are sharing these sermons as part of our online worship, but you can access them at any time and engage in the deeper conversation Union Avenue is having this summer about our calling as a church:
“Burn Baby, Burn!” (1 of 7) explores the call of Isaiah (Isa. 6:1-10) and how, although he thought himself unworthy, God anointed and equipped him for holy work among the people. We too should trust in God to help us with any shortcomings so as to become the Church needed for today. You can watch and listen to this sermon here on YouTube.
“Jeremiah Was a Bullhorn” (2 of 7) explores the call of Jeremiah (Jer. 1) and how he was charged to bring a message of tough love to the people of Judah, leading them through difficult change and eventual joy if they would but heed God's word. Can we similarly summon our courageous voice for something righteous and just? You can watch and listen to this sermon here on YouTube.
“For Just Such a Time as This” (3 of 7) explores the call of Esther (Esth. 4:9-17) and how she had to risk her very life to confront the king and save her people from genocide. Does the Church today have the stuff of Esther to make the hard sacrifices necessary for the flourishing of its neighbors, come what may? You can watch and listen to this sermon here on YouTube.
“Go Directly to Nineveh” (4 of 7) explores the call of Jonah (Jonah 1-4) who disastrously said “No!” to his prophetic role and did everything he could to avoid God's work among the Ninevites, fearing he might have to give up his prejudice toward them. When has the Church through the centuries, like reluctant Jonah, been averse to doing God's bidding? What happens when people prefer their own activities and associations than God's? What can the Book of Jonah teach us so that we don't make the same mistakes? You can watch and listen to this sermon here on YouTube.
“Do I Have to Tell You Twice??” (5 of 7) explores the call of Huldah (2 Kgs. 22:3-20) and how she bravely chose to speak truthful interpretation of scripture and circumstances to the faces of those high in power. The thing is, the people had been told the truth of what God wanted before. A few times, in fact. When has the people of this land conveniently misshelved truth and history to maintain the status quo? How is the Church called to be prophetic witness to God's justice and Shalom, and speak again the truth about America's original sin and its legacy? You can watch and listen to this sermon here on YouTube..
“No Doubt About It!” (6 of 7) explores the call of Ezekiel (Ezek. 1:1-2:10), how he knew for certain that the Holy was present in his being called and how he was promised that people would know with certainty the Holy was in his prophetic ministry. Do people today recognize the Holy within the work of the Church? How do congregations stand out from other places and purposes of gathering together? What's the difference between Christian discipleship and church membership? You can watch and listen to this sermon here on YouTube.
“Be Not Weary in Well Doing” (7 of 7) explores the details of how Jesus himself was received as a prophet, defining his own God-given ministry to the people, while preaching in his hometown (Luke 4:16-30). You can watch and listen to this sermon here on You Tube.
More to come soon!!!