Discipling Life

The book of Revelation, also known as the Apocalypse, is a complex and powerful New Testament writing that evokes a wide range of reactions due to its strange symbols, visions, and often challenging content. Despite its perceived difficulty, it offers a rich resource of theological treasures and a message of profound significance for its readers. Here are the major themes and concepts of the book of Revelation: Sovereignty of God The ultimate power and control of God is the most central theological theme in Revelation. God is presented as the "Alpha and Omega," the creator and consummator of the world and history. Despite appearances of chaos, confusion, or evil triumphing, Revelation consistently asserts that God is supreme and in control. God's sovereignty is exemplified not through coercive domination, but through the sacrificial work of the Lamb. The heavenly throne room, where God is seated, is depicted as the center ...

The Book of Revelation is addressed to seven specific churches in the Roman province of Asia Minor . The author, John, explicitly identifies these churches by name. Here are the seven churches: Ephesus Smyrna Pergamum Thyatira Sardis Philadelphia Laodicea Location and Context These cities were situated along the western coast of what is now Turkey, looking out on the Aegean Sea. They were connected by Roman roadways, forming a roughly circular route that a messenger would follow to deliver John's letter, starting from Patmos and going north through Ephesus, Smyrna, and Pergamum, then turning southeast to Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and finally Laodicea. The average distance between these cities was about thirty to forty-five miles. By the end of the first century CE, Christianity was an urban phenomenon, and these were sizable cities, with Ephesus being the provincial capital. Their Situations and Characteristics John wrote to these churches to addres...

 All Turned Around: When Up Is Down and First Is Last Proverbs 25:6-7; UMH 833, Psalm 112; Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16; Luke 14:1, 7-14 Proper 17c – August 31, 2025 – EUMC & BCUMC   This was one of those weeks when my sermon took on a different direction during the week. Sometimes the events of the week have that effect. One thing that my son Paul and I enjoy together is watching videos on YouTube of police chases. I am amazed at the sheer number of these videos. I wonder how many of these chases take place across the country. Certainly much more than what is represented in the videos because most states don’t allow the release of police car dash cams and body cams. The one clear takeaway from these videos is this: people sure make stupid decisions . We make decisions all the time – every day – even every hour – that make a difference not only in our own lives, but in the lives of others. These may involve a decision to act or a decision to not act. As much as ...

 Loosed by Love: Breaking the Bonds Scripture Texts: Isaiah 58:9b-14; Psalm 103:1-18; Hebrews 12:18-29; Luke 13:10-17 August 24, 2025 – Proper 16c – EUMC & BCUMC There’s something deeply moving about watching someone stand up straight after years of being bent over. That moment of straightening, of restoration, touches something profound in the human spirit. Today’s scriptures invite us into that sacred space where God’s heart for liberation meets human need, where divine grace encounters our deepest bondage, and where personal healing and social transformation unite to change not just individuals, but entire communities. The Divine Heart for Liberation Our God is a God of liberation. From the exodus out of Egypt to the Messiah’s proclamation of freedom for captives, the biblical narrative pulses with divine passion for setting people free. This isn’t merely about spiritual salvation – it’s about God’s comprehensive vision for human flourishing, where every form...

 Pruned for Purpose Sermon for August 17, 2025 – Ebenezer UMC & Black Creek UMC Year C, Proper 15, Ordinary 20 Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80, Hebrews 11:29-12:2, Luke 12:49-56   Reaping What We Sow Perhaps you are familiar with the saying that the Bible “comforts the afflicted and afflicts the comfortable.” The phrase highlights the transformative power of the Gospel, suggesting that it brings hope and solace to those who are suffering while challenging those who may be too comfortable in their lives. [i] We often find comfort in the scriptures when things are difficult. We take comfort in the image of our God as a Rock of our Salvation, a Good Shepherd, or of a Lord who carries our heavy burdens. [ii] As I was praying over the texts for this week another saying came to mind: those who sow the wind will reap the whirlwind. It reminds us that we will reap what we sow ( Galatians 6:7, 2 Corinthians 9:6, Proverbs 22:8 ). The expression comes from the prophet Hosea. ...

Pilgrims of Promise Sermon for August 10, 2025 – Proper 14c Genesis 15:1-6, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, and Luke 12:32-40 Ebenezer UMC & Black Creek UMC Biblical Preaching Let me speak for a moment about myself. I strive to be a biblical preacher. I start with the lectionary texts for a given week often looking for connections between the lessons. I then develop those connections into a framework for a sermon following the themes that spring up out of those texts. As the sermon develops, I may then look at other biblical texts that help in understanding those themes. I spend hours each week praying over the texts, meditating on the texts, and studying the texts. My desire is to please God in my study and in the proclamation of the Gospel message found in the texts. I seek to be faithful to our Wesleyan tradition and to faithful in “dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15, KJV). Since I usually plan ahead by weeks or for an entire season of the church year, each week’s s...