A Different World is Possible

Clifton Kirkpatrick

Professor of World Christianity and Ecumenical Studies,
William A. Benfield Jr. Professor of Evangelism and Global Missions

September 15, 2017
Luke 4:14-21

We are living through a series of disasters that seem to be a dress rehearsal of the end times.  The human-made ones are tearing apart our human fabric.  We are living in a time of great evil.  What can we do to change?

Restoring Creation and Reconciling the World

Cliff Kirkpatrick
Professor of World Christianity and Ecumenical Studies

April 22, 2016
Genesis 1:1 - 2:3
Earth Day Service

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.

Choose Life!

Clifton Kirkpatrick

Visiting Professor of Ecumenical Studies and Global Ministries

Feb. 10, 2012
Deuteronomy 30:15-20

John 10:7-10

In place where we have so much and where we are part of the “empire” that shapes for good or ill so much of the world, our religious life so often seems to be captured by a survival mentality; by an uncertainty about our future; and by a genuine anxiety about the role of our mainline churches.

Our partners around the world would urge us to take a risk, to “choose life” – to put our lives on the line for a world where justice, peace, respect for creation, and community with God can be a reality in our time.  In doing so, we – like them – will find life, the life that God intends for all humanity. Listen to the sermon.  Read the sermon outline in PDF.

Turning the World Upside Down ‐ Our Christian Calling

Clifton Kirkpatrick

Visiting Professor of Ecumenical Studies and Global Ministries

September 24, 2010

Acts 17: 1‐15
I Corinthians 12: 4‐14

Have we become “Decaffeinated Christians” lacking in the full power and punch of the gospel? Do we lose congregants because we bore them to death? How do we regain the strength of the early church when being Christian was anything but boring? Listen to the sermon. Read the sermon outline in PDF.

A Different World is Possible-The Accra Confession: A Call for Economic and Ecological Justice in the Heart of the Empire

Clifton Kirkpatrick
Visiting Professor of Ecumenical Studies and Global Ministries

April 26, 2010
Festival of Theology Lecture

The Accra Confession states that working to create a more just economy is essential to the integrity of Christian faith, and calls upon Reformed Christians to engage injustices in the world as an integral part of their churches’ witness and mission. Listen to the lecture. Read the lecture in PDF.

Reconciled Diversity: An Ecumenical Vision for the 21st Century

Clifton Kirkpatrick
Visiting Professor of Ecumenical Studies and Global Ministries

Feb 11, 2010
Convocation
II Corinthians 5:19, NRSV

Ecumenism, while it has had a tremendous impact on the churches and the faithfulness of their witness, has made its most profound impact by offering Christians a fresh insight into the heart of the gospel. Listen to the sermon. Read the sermon in PDF.

A Different World Is Possible

Clifton Kirkpatrick
Visiting Professor of Ecumenical Studies and Global Ministries

September 18, 2009
Amos 5: 21-24
Mark 1: 14-20

Some say that Calvin and parties don’t mix, but Louisville Seminary needs to celebrate our roots in the reformed tradition. Professor Kirkpatrick considers Calvin, his message, and how we can interpret that message in today’s world. Listen to the sermon. Read the sermon outline in PDF.

Render unto God the things that belong to God

Clifton Kirkpatrick
Visiting Professor of Ecumenical Studies and Global Missions

December 3, 2008
Isaiah 2: 1-4
Luke 20: 19-26

A sermon offered on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Louiville Seminary celebrates Human Rights day through worship and through the commissioning of students and faculty who will be traveling to two parts of the world where human rights are fragile, South Africa and Israel/Palestine. Two of the lectionary texts for Dec. 3 call for turning swords into ploughshares and rendering unto God the things that are God’s. These texts inspired Christians sixty years ago to call for a universal declaration of human rights – and should do so for us as well in the 21st century. Listen to the sermon.