Tag Archives: Sermon
Sermon: In which Avril temporarily agrees with Richard Dawkins
Let the horror that this story of the binding of Isaac provokes in us remind us that the sacrifice of children is never justified. Let our answer to every such ‘test’ be to protect the innocent, even when the powers that be tell us they must be sacrificed. That is the only responsible reading of this story, and the only way in which it can be foundational for our faith. Continue reading
Sermon: Even if we can’t raise the dead
When we worry that our own mission is a failure, we must also remember the failures of these very first missionaries, those who walked with Jesus himself. Judas betrayed Jesus, the rest deserted him, and they later failed to convince most Jews that Christian Judaism was the best way to carry on the Jewish tradition after the destruction of the Temple. Continue reading
Sermon: When Jesus is being all too clear
It is absolutely important for us, as Christians, to donate to the work of Uniting, and FoodBank Victoria, and other emergency relief agencies. But in the twenty-first century it is no longer enough to expect the rich man to share what drops from his table with the beggar at his gate. We also need to use our intellect and our connections and our articulate voices to ask why there is any poverty at all in wealthy Australia, even if that takes us into the realm of ‘politics’. Continue reading
Sermon: Calling God ‘She’
The fruits of the Holy Spirit include patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control. Sadly, I frequently fail to demonstrate the fruits of the Spirit on social media. Continue reading
Sermon: More about justice (really, Avril is obsessed)
Whenever we find ourselves tired and frustrated by injustice in the world, remember the story of the campaign against slavery. Continue reading
Sermon: Living as though the world were what it should be, to show it what it can be
But as Martin Luther King is quoted as saying: ‘The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice’ Continue reading
Sermon: It’s all new!
Sermon for Williamstown Uniting Church Lent 4, 6th of March, 2016 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 Today’s reading from Paul’s second letter to the church at Corinth, or at least the second letter of his to them that we have, is full … Continue reading
Sermon for the World Day of Prayer: Not much about Cuba but a lot about Child Abuse
To the great sorrow and shame of the churches, we no longer automatically inspire trust and loyalty and affection in our relationships with children. Continue reading
Sermon: Contra prosperity gospel
Our repentance will not always be pleasant. Sometimes it may be profoundly unpleasant and even a bit smelly. Continue reading
Sermon: A hen in a world of foxes
… we live in a world full of foxes, and sometimes we desire more protection than a mother hen can offer. Continue reading
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