The First Temptation: A Sermon on Luke 4:1-13

Scott C. Williamson
Robert H. Walkup Professor of Theological Ethics

February 22, 2013
Luke 4:1-13

The devil tempts Jesus to prove his authority as the Son of God by commanding a stone to become a loaf of bread.  Even though he is famished after forty days of fasting, Jesus trusts that God will provide. This story parallels the experience of Civil Rights figures, like Sister Pollard, who echoed Jesus’ trust in God. During the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955, Sister Pollard, in her seventies, walked to work and refused the offer of a ride by saying “My feets is tired, but my soul is rested.” She shows a faith that endures hardships while trusting in God’s providence.  The good news is that God has given us the bread of life, the bread that satisfies our hunger for justice and thirst for righteousness.  Listen to the sermon.

It Is the Worst of Times; It Is the Best of Times

It Is the Worst of Times; It Is the Best of Times

Kathryn L. Johnson
Paul Tudor Jones Professor of Church History and Professor of Historical Theology

February 7, 2012
Proverbs 8:1-11, 32–9:4
Philippians 1:3-11

Perhaps the challenges that in our context help to make this “the worst of times” for our church communities can be part of what can allow us, perhaps only retrospectively and with difficulty, that see it is also – not alternatively, but also – the best.  Listen to the sermon.  Read the sermon in PDF.

Let’s Just Do This

Delmetria Cayson-Combs
Master of Divinity Student

February 15, 2013
II Corinthians 5:20-6:10

We are called to be earthly ambassadors for the cause of Christ, but we can’t do anything without being reconciled with ourselves and each other.  Listen to the sermon.

Living by the Spirit

Clifton Kirkpatrick
Visiting Professor of Ecumenical Studies and Global Ministries
February 8, 2013
Micah 6:6-8
Galatians 5:22-26
The fruit of the spirit is one of the sweetest gifts we can receive in this life. Listen to the sermon.

Dangerous Dreams

Cynthia M. Campbell
Former President, McCormick Theological Seminary

November 16, 2012
John 10:14-16

The principle of compassion lies at the heart of all religions and ethical traditions.  We are called to a compassionate Christianity.  Listen to the sermon.

Money, Mission, and Responses to Global Poverty

Dr. Douglas Hicks
Provost and Dean of the Faculty at Colgate University

October 25, 2012
Henry H. and Marion A. Presler Lecture

The ethical dimensions of economic issues are explored in this lecture.  Listen to the lecture.