United Methodist Church of Kent Sermon Podcast
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The Sacrifice
The function of sacrifice in Biblical worship as a means of atonement. Ultimately, Christ is the final atonement for our sins and the way by which we can receive complete forgiveness and reconciliation with God.
The Real Priests of God
Through Christ, the final high priest, we are all made into “priests” in that we all have direct access to God, and we are all called to be leaders in particular ways, to be instruments of God’s grace in the world.
Holy Fire
Fire symbolizes multiple aspects of God. It is mysterious. It is dangerous – one approaches with respect and caution! At the same time, it provides warmth and light, guiding one’s way through the dark. It is powerful. Thus Jesus said,
Holy Food
Food has played a role in all religions, sometimes as a form of offering, and sometimes as a means of fellowship. The Scriptures call for an authentic “holy meal” in communion with Christ, and we are also drawn to include the Lord at our table througho...
Sacred Space
Human beings have always been drawn to create sanctuaries, which are strikingly different from the space around them, and people have often devoted their greatest effort to those spaces (e.g. Stonehenge, cathedrals, the tabernacle/temple).
Come Awake to God
The Scripture calls us to “come into God’s presence” (Psalm 100:2). But is not God always present? Yes, but people are often preoccupied with other things. So the Scriptures urge us to “come awake” (Matthew, Romans, Ephesians) to God.
Glory to God
We close the prayer ascribing glory to God. This is based on the ancient Jewish practice of closing prayer with a doxology. The life of faith ultimately lifts glory to God.
Am I God?
Rev. Douglas Denton examines where God fits in the overwhelming feelings of helplessness we can all experience.
Temptations
Temptation is a spiritual trial in which we are lured away from God. But God is with us in the midst of trial, to enable us to endure. To pray, “Lead us not into temptation,” is to look to God for strength hold firm in faith.