of sermon themes
How does each sermon connect to this theme?
As October invites us to consider what we were created to be and to do, November continues that reflection by turning our attention toward the purposes for which God has created us. To be created by God is more than simply to exist; it is to receive life as a gift and to discover that our lives can participate in His ongoing work in the world. Throughout November, we will explore the many ways this calling takes shape:
November 1: On the first Sunday of the month, Psalm 130 leads us to the understanding that having experienced the hope of God’s redemption, we are called to share hope with others, becoming witnesses to His mercy and interceding for those in eternity.
November 8: For the second Sunday, the sermon will interpret Colossians 3, where a metaphor of clothing is used to encourage us to put on Christ, and reflect Him in the world.
November 15: On the third Sunday, Isaiah calls us to arise and shine, to come from darkness into the light of Christ.
November 22: On the fourth Sunday, the USA celebrates Thanksgiving Sunday (use the relevant DSG and SG, “Created… to give thanks”). For those who celebrated in October, the sermon will focus on being created for new life - both the new life we experience now and the life to come.
November 29: On the fifth Sunday, we begin the season of Advent with a look at Mary and her calling for a purpose which God prepared for her. God also calls us to participate in His purposes.
November midweek: Finally, in the sermon chosen for the midweek, Paul encourages us to follow faithful examples and live with our hearts fixed on our calling for citizenship in heaven.
Each of these themes point us to the One who creates, renews, calls, and sustains us. In this Season of Thanksgiving, we give thanks not only for being created by God, but for how He continues to shape our lives through Christ and calls us to live for His purposes.
With thanksgiving,
John S Schnabel