Oct summary
of sermon themes
How does each sermon connect to this theme?
“The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims His handiwork. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge” (Psalm 19:1-2 NRSVUE). The beautiful, sweeping images of creation in the Psalms inspire awe, but also describe our own fragile creaturely condition, compared to them. God is majestic. We are not. The Psalms delight in holding up this majesty and authority, and ask us to reside in their powerful shade. “There is no speech... yet their voice goes out through all the earth” (19:3-4). God’s grandeur in creation is talking to us. Created in His image, He asks us to listen.
The sermons for the month of October, the beginning of our Season of Thanksgiving, will focus on how we respond:
Oct 4 On the first Sunday, we are in the very beginning, in the Garden of Eden where we find that we were created to tend and keep, as stewards of God’s beautiful creation.
Oct 11 For the second Sunday, we move from Genesis to Revelation, and discover that we were created to praise God, acknowledging His glory, honor, and power.
Oct 14 The sermon chosen for the October midweek, the Chief Apostle extends Christ’s invitation to choose freedom. The narrow gate leads to liberation, peace, and eternal life.
Oct 18 On the third Sunday, the sermon will expound on our being created to wonder and wait. The past is full of God’s wonderful works, and the future is full of His plans.
Oct 25 On the fourth Sunday, the well-known verse of John 3:16 confronts us with the truth that we were created for everlasting life, reminding us of this declaration of God’s unconditional love.
The Season of Thanksgiving brackets a time in the year where we can intentionally make time for reflection, worship, prayer, and gratitude to our Almighty Creator for who He is and what He has done. Approach these coming months with the intent to stir up recognition of God’s goodness in your families and congregations.
With thanksgiving,
John S Schnabel