sermon, week 6 of 7

Jesus' suffering for us, but also to teach us: in his suffering and death we find our own suffering and death.

1. Preamble to the main sermon subject, first we address one of the topics of the book's first half about what is not among the list of essential things to believe as a Christian: Rejecting, Affirming, or Accepting homosexuality among God's followers. Conclusion: we mere mortals are not to judge, but instead to love.

2. Remember the 'patience of Job' when tried in so many ways. Scene also from Elie Wiesel's memoir of concentration camp abuses: inmates forced to file past gallows with dying fellows dangling and man behind Wiesel asks 'where is God now?' to which Wiesel answers he is here [in good times and bad].

3. Being a Christian is a group exercise, not a solitary pursuit. That includes bad times and good; fellowship in all ways: take up your crosses Together.

Reflecting on these words, I think of the Faith - Hope - Love trio and wonder about the connection to God's grace (generosity) and mercy (loving release). Perhaps the grace and mercy are what run through all facets of the trio, connecting and making possible each instance.

5.