Gathering the Outcasts of Israel

Amy Plantinga Pauw, Henry P. Mobley Professor of Doctrinal Theology

Isaiah 56:1-8

December 1, 2006

This sermon was preached in Caldwell Chapel on World AIDS Day, Dec. 1, 2006. The service was a collaborative effort among members of the Theologies of the Global South class. Isaiah 56:1-8 proclaims that God gathers the outcasts of Israel, and declares them to be the guardians of God's covenant, the loyal servants of the Holy One, the lovers of God's name, and heirs of God's promised future. Likewise, the outcasts of our day, especially those suffering the shame and stigma of HIV/AIDS, are at the head of God's banquet table, and the rest of us are invited to join them. Listen to the homily. Read the homily in PDF format.

“Commanded to Give Thanks”

Garnett Foster, D.Min. Studies, Polity and Director of Field Education and Ministry Placement

“Commanded to Give Thanks”

Psalm 136; I Thessalonians 5:16-18

November 17, 2006

"The writer of I Thessalonians commands us to give thanks. That indicates that thanksgiving is not an emotion, but a discipline, a practice of the Christian faith - and a practice that transforms us." Listen to the sermon. Read the sermon in PDF format.

“God's Politics of Love”

Johnny B. Hill, Assistant Professor of Theology

“God's Politics of Love”

1 John 4:16-21
November 3, 2006

"...the Apostle John offers us a refreshing and radical vision of God's way of ordering human relationships, community, and public life. By grounding love of God in the creative space of relationships with others John provides enormous insight to what it means to live faithfully, courageously, and prophetically today-not just for interpersonal relations but ordering social life as well." Listen to the sermon. Read the sermon in PDF format.

Batya, The Daughter of God

Patricia Kathleen Tull, A. B. Rhodes Professor of Old Testament

Batya, The Daughter of God

Mark 4:21-32 , Exodus 2:1-10
Oct. 27, 2006

The Pharaoh's daughter's immediate action to save the child she found in the reeds set in motion much larger liberation than she could have imagined. We never know how our mustard seeds of faithful action will grow. Listen to the sermon. Read the sermon in PDF format.

“Second Sight”

Susan Garrett, Professor of New Testament

“Second Sight”

Psalm 22:1-11; Mark 8:27-38

October 13, 2006

The ideas we form of how others should act may keep us from understanding others and ourselves. We can be so blinded by our expectations of others that we can't accept them being or doing something new. Listen to the sermon. Read the sermon in PDF format.

Luke 19:1-10

Marion L. Soards, Professor of New Testament

Luke 19:1-10

Sept. 22, 2006

"Jesus' encounter with Zacchaeus in Luke 19 illustrates the eternal truth that God's grace saves us in and through Jesus Christ. That is, grace takes us and makes us to be the people that God would have us to be." Listen to the sermon. Read the sermon in PDF format.

Psalm 125

Patricia Kathleen Tull, A. B. Rhodes Professor of Old Testament

Psalm 125

Sept. 8, 2006

Psalm 125 proclaims that those who trust in God are are "like Mount Zion, which can never be moved, but abides forever." Ironically, Mount Zion has historically been located in three separate places in the course of Jerusalem's history. This sermon explores the ways that even this fact helps us better understand the nature of trust in God, which is always on the move, yet is rooted in the bedrock of divine faithfulness. Listen to the sermon. Read the sermon in PDF format.

Is God a Man of War?

Johanna W.H. van Wijk-Bos

Dora Pierce Professor of Bible
Professor of Old Testament Emerita

Isaiah 42:10-17
September 15, 2006

With righteous anger, on can ask if God is truly a man of war?  With her own translation of Isaiah 42 Bos answers this question. Listen to the sermon.