Preaching the Scriptures

  The Rev. Jeremiah Williamson Ephesians 4:1-16   Unity with a Higher Purpose   In an age of tremendous division and rancor, one might be tempted to revisit the merits of the work accomplished on the plains of Shinar.   Historically, the organizers of said work have been criticized for their efforts.   But, I wonder, in light of our own partisan conflicts and ideological turmoil, if those ancient efforts should not be at least conditionally lauded.   Perhaps you remember the story; it is found in the book of Genesis, the first book of the Bible.   In it, all of the world’s people gather on the plains of Shinar and decide to build a city.   Together.   The plans, apparently developed by universal consensus, featured a tower of great significance.   The tower would stand at the center of their venture and their identity.   So impressive was their single-mindedness, that even the hosts of heaven, who had apparently been m...

The Rev. Jeremiah Williamson Matthew 24:36-44 Advent Purpose Today begins a new year in the Church.   And so this morning is, in a sense, our New Year’s party.   Happy New Year! But I do realize this is probably not like any New Year’s party you’ve ever attended; we do things a little differently in here.   I mean, yes, we do have wine and music.   But we also read this epistle that says, “let us live honorably…, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness.”   No drunkenness or debauchery.   So, like I said, this New Year’s party is probably not exactly like any you’ve attended before. In fact, all of our Scripture lessons today, this first Sunday of the Advent season, noticeably lack that party vibe.   It is not just the letter to the Romans, it is also the Gospel.   Unless that woman grinding meal in Jesus’ little apocalyptic tale of terror just needed some “me” time, the sudden disappearance of her frie...