Sermons preached at Jubilee United Church in Toronto, Ontario.
Wondering about Paul's advice to the Ephesians (4:25ff) to be tenderhearted, let no evil come from their mouths and to be forgiving... finding a bit naieve for 2018 and wondering about Jesus as the "Bread of Life" (John 6).. Rev. Seli looks at some of the crazy things that Christians say...
Rev. Seli, in the wake of hearing of David being called out by the Prophet Nathan for taking Bathsheba as his wife after killing her husband (2 Samuel) and Psalm 51 in which David confesses his sin and acknowledges that he is a sinner since his mother conceieved him, wonders about sin - what it is, what it isn't and why it actually makes him hopeful. (Don't fall asleep -that would be sin.... you'll understand after you've listened)
Rev. Norm Seli engages with the story of Jesus feeding 5000 people with 5 loaves and 2 fish (John 6); he reflects on his experience at United Church General Council 43, the reality of privilige and racism and wonders how we might be different if we were to live from an assumption of abundance rather than scarcity.
Rev. Norm Seli engages with the story of the new King David dancing in the streets (2 Samuel 5:1-10) and King Herod responding to his step-daughter's dancing by beheading John the Baptist (Mark 6:1-3) ... and he wonders, why David dances; why Herod (Norm suspects) doesn't dance... and why we might choose to dance ourselves.
Rev. Norm Seli considers Paul's promise that God's grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:2-10) as well as some unfortunate words by the new King, David (2 Samuel 5:1-10) and finally Jesus' instructions to the Apostles as they begin their ministry (Mark 6:1-13) and wonders how we might talk about "Grace" and what it might actually mean to us in 2018.
Rev. Norm Seli engages with the story of Jesus' restoring to life the daughter of Jairus and the woman who touched his cloak- wondering what it might mean for us in 2018. What does this story and faith have to offer those of us who often find ourselves "going through the motions"
Rev. Norm Seli engages the story of David and Goliath (1Samuel 17:32-49) as well as the story of Jesus calming the storm (Mark 4:35-41) and wonders about the power of faith, the importance of authenticity and how we can be faithful with and for each other.
Rev. Norm Seli wonders about Fathers and Mustard Seeds, as we consider the parable of the Mustard Seed and Father's Day. A sentimental sermon on a relaxed Sunday.
Rev. Norm Seli engages with the story of Samuel and Eli in 1Samuel (3:1-20) and wonders if it's possible for there to be different types of wisdom; if God might actually speak different words to different people - and what we're supposed to do about that?
