Discipling Life

Have you ever felt like the world is spinning out of control? Between the nightly news and the noise on social media, it is easy to believe that the bullies, the empires, and the exhausting cycles of outrage have already won. We watch powerful people make terrible decisions, and we wonder if justice is just a dream. We continue to witness stories of violence, corruption, and uncertainty. Leaders embrace the appearance and language of religion and faith to cloak their evil designs. Daniel was familiar with the power of empires. ( Daniel 7:9-14 ) One night, God gave Daniel a vision that flipped the script on everything we think we know about power. Daniel writes, “As I watched, thrones were set in place, and an Ancient One took his throne, his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames, and its wheels were burning fire” (v. 9). This is not the image of a distant God. This is the Ancient of Days, the true king of the universe, taking ...

It can be unsettling to watch the news or scroll through headlines and see injustice unfold on a global scale. Nations rise in power, conflicts erupt, and it can feel as though wrongdoing goes unchecked. In those moments, we may quietly wonder if justice will ever truly come, or if the world will simply continue as it is. Psalm 9 speaks directly to this deep human longing for fairness. The psalmist writes with a heart full of praise because he recognizes that there is a higher authority who sees everything. The psalm speaks into that deep longing with a steady and hopeful voice. “He judges the world with righteousness; he judges the peoples with equity” (v. 8). This is not a distant or indifferent God. This is a God who sees clearly and judges rightly. While human systems may fail, God’s justice is rooted in truth, fairness, and a deep concern for all people, especially those who are vulnerable. The psalm also reminds us that God is not only a judge but a refuge. “The Lord is ...

This was one of those weeks when the lectionary texts are incredibly full of possibilities. We could look toward Isaiah’s call for us to be a light to the nations or follow the invitation of Jesus to “come and see.” But my heart has been especially moved by John the Baptist’s profound declaration: “Behold the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” It feels like a text that belongs to Holy Week. It reminds us that from the very beginning Jesus is focused on his mission. Behold the Lamb of God that Takes Away the Sin of the World Author:   Alan Swartz Churches:   Ebenezer UMC and Black Creek UMC Date:   January 18, 2026 (The Second Sunday after the Epiphany) Scripture References:   Isaiah 49:1-7; Psalm 40:1-11; 1 Corinthians 1:1-9; John 1:29-42 Introduction: The Abundance of the Word The lectionary texts for this Sunday presented a unique challenge for me. There are some weeks when I look at the lectionary texts and pray, “Lord, what in the world do you want...

 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. ...