Last Sunday Maggie preached about the way God fathers us. The sermon explored the ramifications of God's fathering for how we make complicated decisions, using the universal church's conflict over welcoming LGBT people as an example. Her sermon explores some of the few Bible passages regarding same-sex sexuality and might be helpful if you have been looking for a serious and respectful engagement with scripture. If you missed hearing Maggie, here is your opportunity to read the sermon.
From the final paragraph of the sermon:
"But God doesn't tell us what to do. God doesn't make it simple for us. God has given us the freedom to make our own choices, and God has given us a set of tools to guide us in making those choices – our intellect, our morals and values, our collective history, our life experiences, our Bible, our personal relationship with God, and of course, our Savior. If we make every effort to use not just one or two of these gifts, but all of them, and if we are courageous enough to stand up and take responsibility for our words and actions, then we will be living out God's promise for our lives. And maybe, in doing so, we can make our Abba proud."
From the final paragraph of the sermon:
"But God doesn't tell us what to do. God doesn't make it simple for us. God has given us the freedom to make our own choices, and God has given us a set of tools to guide us in making those choices – our intellect, our morals and values, our collective history, our life experiences, our Bible, our personal relationship with God, and of course, our Savior. If we make every effort to use not just one or two of these gifts, but all of them, and if we are courageous enough to stand up and take responsibility for our words and actions, then we will be living out God's promise for our lives. And maybe, in doing so, we can make our Abba proud."