Originally posted by SharpeMotherActually, I've already finished yours, but sorry you're going to have to wait.
HAHAHA, that is EXACTLY what they were doing to me. My husband warned me to not confront them on anything but I am stubborn.
Anyway, now that I've finally submitted my sermon I am finding it hard to be patient for the evaluations next weekend!
Originally posted by pawnhandlerThere is nothing on your heart to do?
I think I'll have to stick to my decision to sit this one out. There is absolutely nothing coming to me. I think of the sermon as being in terms of my "purpose" yet I can't see what "my" purpose nor what "pawnhandler's" purpose is.
Kelly
Originally posted by pawnhandlerI've heard it said that when Prince was in the recording studio and had "writer's block" or performing block, they would send in a bunch of women and that seemed to help.
I think I'll have to stick to my decision to sit this one out. There is absolutely nothing coming to me. I think of the sermon as being in terms of my "purpose" yet I can't see what "my" purpose nor what "pawnhandler's" purpose is.
Originally posted by kirksey957LOL All I could think of was "Jugs For Jesus." Actually, I thought of something while I was at church. Let me see what I can do.
I've heard it said that when Prince was in the recording studio and had "writer's block" or performing block, they would send in a bunch of women and that seemed to help.
Originally posted by pawnhandlerSee, the kind of advice you're gonna get in this exercise is like none that you will find in any theological training that I know of. We are free to give advice and consultation without being fired. But then again, it's not we're getting paid.
LOL All I could think of was "Jugs For Jesus." Actually, I thought of something while I was at church. Let me see what I can do.
Originally posted by kirksey957See, and yet we consistently fail to show you'all the honor and respect you deserve for the countless hours you put in... I'm ashamed of my ingratitude...
See, the kind of advice you're gonna get in this exercise is like none that you will find in any theological training that I know of. We are free to give advice and consultation without being fired. But then again, it's not we're getting paid.
Why are you here? I don't mean why are you sitting there, but what is your purpose on Earth? Why were you born? Does God have a special job for you?
If your life has been like mine, it's hard to answer that question at first. There is no doubt that God isn't calling me to find a cure for a major disease. I'm lucky if I remember to take cold medicine when I'm feeling miserable. He's certainly not calling me to make the world a more peaceful place, because there are few things I enjoy as much as arguing. I'm not destined to be either famous or infamous. I doubt people will name babies or streets or schools after me. But lest you think my existence is merely pathetic and as useful as condoms in a convent, look again.
In my first sermon, I showed you how my life changed and how you and I are important parts of God's never-ending creation. You looked at Psalm139 in a new way. In my second sermon, I used Luke 11:33 to show the importance of using the gifts God gave everyone, not just men. Although the reading was familiar, few people had really looked deeply into its meaning. My third sermon, based on John 13:14 was dubbed “your God is too small” It showed you that unless you're living your faith, you really don't have a religion at all; you're a fraud instead. Dear friends and neighbors, these sermons show you what my purpose is.
My purpose is to make your world bigger. My purpose is to introduce you to new ways of thinking, new pieces of information, new points of view. My purpose is to help you critically think about what you believe. You will not always agree with me. You may not always even take me seriously. But my words will be there in the back of your mind, telling you that there is more than one way to look at situations, to interpret readings and experiences. According to Proverbs 9:9, “Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.”
You are already wise men and women; no one doubts that. But many of you have lived mainstream lives, having the sorts of families growing up and in adulthood that fit neatly into half-hour television shows. Perhaps you have been blessed with loving parents, a loving spouse, healthy children, a safe place to live ... and your faith is simply another piece of this life. Perhaps you belong to a worship community that believes exactly as you do.
That's why you need me. I'm here to shake you up once in a while, to make you really think about what you believe and why. It is not enough to simply say “the Bible says...” Anyone can do that. You have done research and proven that you aren't simply parrots but care about your beliefs and are capable of backing them up. I can't help but think that our God prefers your thinking faith to those who simply echo their pastor's, parents', or friends' words ... but your thinking faith requires a nudge sometimes. Whether we journey together or separately, I hope we continue to make each others' worlds bigger.
Originally posted by pawnhandlerSermon withdrawn. When I came back earlier to delete it via edit, it was too late. So after thinking about it, I'll just withdraw it from the competition instead. Thanks.
Why are you here? I don't mean why are you sitting there, but what is your purpose on Earth? Why were you born? Does God have a special job for you?
If your life has been like mine, it's hard to answer that question at first. There is no doubt that God isn't calling me to find a cure for a major disease. I'm lucky if I remember to take cold medic ...[text shortened]... ogether or separately, I hope we continue to make each others' worlds bigger.
Originally posted by pawnhandlerWhy would you withdraw it? My husband and I thought it was a well-written message. Very interesting and intelligent.
Sermon withdrawn. When I came back earlier to delete it via edit, it was too late. So after thinking about it, I'll just withdraw it from the competition instead. Thanks.