Just Sitting Here Thinking: Recent Episodes
J. Vance Eastridge
A collection of sermons and lessons by Rev. J. Vance Eastridge of the United Methodist Church, including study series and ”introspective” character monologues. After more than 40 years as a pastor in the Holston Conference, Rev. Eastridge continued his ministry through the Virgil Anderson Sunday school class at Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church from 1995 to 2012.
Wednesday night presentation on the history of the Northern and Southern Kingdoms of Israel.
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Lesson on Isaiah, the beautiful language of prophecy, and the hope of the world to study war no more.
How the in-fighting between the Northern and Southern kingdom weakened the people while Assyria was growing stronger.
Challenging the people of Judah with the ways in which they were not following God's commandments.
Worshiping God means we treat each other better. When the people are suffering in great need and poverty, God wants justice to roll like a mighty stream, righteousness like a mighty river.
The prosperity of the church grows while hunger and poverty grows faster. "I despise your feasts." Until we meet the needs of our fellow people, we are not honoring God at all.
The role of a prophet, not to predict the future, but to point out to the people the coming consequences of our current actions. Calling out hypocrisy and the ways in which we are warned that we shall reap what we sow.
God's covenant with the people through Moses promises to protect the people in exchange for following the commandments.
From the teachings of Amos and Hosea to the days of Isaiah, "the sermon remains the same."
Why the greatest commandment is still to "Love one another."
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The challenges of the prophets Amos and Hosea, and their messages to the people from God. What did God mean then, and what the message mean today?
Condemning the people's raising of personal riches while neglecting the poor in their community. Resisting hypocrisy and practicing a life of love toward each other. Caring for others is essential for serving God.
The purpose of worship and the true message of what it means to be Christian, not just what feels good.
God wants us to feel better by becoming better people, not to shame us into submission.
The image of a God of wrath not grace comes from the Old Testament relationship with God.
God's will vs. our freedom to act, blaming God vs. taking personal responsibility. The importance of free will and the choices we make make us responsible for the world we make out of God's creation.
We are the sowers in the field, and the harvest and depends on what we sow in the name of God.
"Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream." (Amos 5:24)
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Urgent lesson for Independence Day on the religious groups crossing the Atlantic Ocean to worship freely, the faith of the individual founders such as Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, George Washington.
How the separation of church and state preserves religious liberty, and how the danger of ignoring the history of religion in America leads one group to suppress the freedom of others to worship and causes denominations to fight each other for sovereignty.
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In honor of Independence Day, we return to this timely discussion on the history of the church from the Holy Roman Empire to the Reformation, and the foundation of religious freedom in the American colonies up to today. (with Q&A)
The origins of Christian Nationalism in Rome through the 1600s, when Europeans fled to the American continent in order to escape persecution by national churches. Why a state religion historically always oppresses believers and is the opposite to true freedom of worship, and why it is fundamentally against the teachings of Christ.
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For Easter, we revisit this lesson on St. Mark's account of Jesus' resurrection and the history of its translation and revision. The importance of the three women who discovered the empty tomb and the enigma of Joseph of Arimathea.
The closeness of Mark and Peter, and ending the story with the Great Commission: the message to spread the Good News, heal the sick and poor of spirit, and to be the power of Christ in the world.
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An inspiring sermon on embracing risk over our fear of failure. The importance of striving for what is out of reach.
Shying away from our talents out of insecurity, while our talents are gifts given from God for a unique purpose to serve God.
How failure can be healthy, to be used and overcome but never accepted. Where we find ourselves in circumstances compared to what we envision for ourselves.
The need for the church to take risks to expand its mission and its vision of God's plan.
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Sermon on the invitation of Christ and the excuses we make to avoid the call, the lure of material attachments and our passions for other pursuits ahead of God.
The false expectations we place on God and ourselves. And how we can find the greatest joy by unlocking the barriers between us and following Jesus.
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Sermon for World Communion Sunday on behaving like Christ toward one another in a culture where we often condone dishonesty, unkindness, and aggression. Remaining steadfast in the core of Jesus' teachings of peace, love, and giving, while fighting the false gods of nationalism and greed. Trusting God to guide us and living with an eye always on Christ's example.
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Sermon on Eden, earth, creation, and how greed and selfishness prevent us from sharing God's gifts with each other. God has made us caretakers, and we have become claim-jumpers claiming God's creation for our own.
Because we are the caretakers also of one another, how racism, prejudice, violence and mistreatment are an affront to God and the gift of all creation.
And how we treat ourselves and live our lives is how we treat God's most literal gift to each of us.
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Inspiring All Saints Day sermon on the ultimate question of mortality and the reassurance we have in living on through Christ.
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Paul's message to give affection for what is above. Not living on autopilot, with only the minimum effort required.
Always challenging ourselves and setting goals beyond our ability in order to grow and to stay humble.
Building a relationship with God, and standing with courage and conviction for God's love.
The power of allowing our faith to widen our imagination and opportunities. Our invitation from God to live for something greater than ourselves and "brush our head against the stars."
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In honor of Independence Day, here is this discussion referenced in the previous episode on the history of the church from the Holy Roman Empire to the Reformation, and the foundation of religious freedom in the American colonies up to today.
Find the full playlist on YouTube
Visit the Website
Lesson for Independence Day on the religious groups crossing the Atlantic Ocean to worship freely, the faith of the individual founders such as Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, George Washington, how the separation of church and state preserves religious liberty, and danger of ignoring the history of religion in America.
Find the full playlist on YouTube
Visit the Website
Sermon on pioneers in faith, Francis Asbury, the story of the circuit rider, and the urgent vitality of the United Methodist Church.
The needs of people for us to minister have been constant, from arriving in colonial days to the Pittman Center in the twentieth century, and Methodists have always been ready to serve.
The power and importance of the connectional church as a collective fellowship of believers, focused and active in society to carry the flame of Christ's love.
The origin, history and continued mission of the Holston Conference. The growing call of United Methodism in America, and in the larger parish of the world.
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Brief sermon on being the light and peace of Christ, and the power and importance of the Holy Spirit.
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Brief lesson on the promise of the coming savior in the 1st century A.D. Jesus' contemporaries under foreign oppression concentrated on the abundance of material blessing, not the spiritual awakening. Judea under Roman occupation envisioned the Messiah primarily as a military ruler.
Some, including Zealots, were intent on taking prophecy into their own hands, and believed they could force God's actions. Humankind can do nothing to facilitate the prophecy, which will occur in God's own time.
The teachings of the prophets concluded:
-the kingdom would come with God's initiative
-the kingdom would be brought by the Messiah
-there would be great material blessings
-there would be great political and military strength
-there would be a great spiritual awakening
-it will be an eschatological transition: the beginning of end of time.
Jesus concentrated on the spiritual, never material or political or military; always about kingdom of God, never of this world. He would not conform to contemporary assumptions about the Messiah's role.
We are living in the time between the coming of the Christ and the final coming of the kingdom of God to Earth. Our task is to accept the gift of God's love and show God's love, inviting others into the kingdom.
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Sermon for a pastoral dedication on the call to ministry and feeling God's voice. The need for conviction to remain steadfast in your conscience, while keeping an open mind and submitting to trust in God.
Being informed, be able to be trusted, but not intellectualizing, meeting the needs of people with complex lives and sometimes heavy hearts.
Accepting, appreciating and loving them for who they are, without judgment. The challenge of making people feel closer to God, and how the material sacrifices cannot compare to the spiritual rewards.
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To celebrate Easter, we revisit this introspective monologue on the apostle Simon Peter from 2003. As always, no notes - just an extemporized yet structured meditation based on heavy research.
Also available in VIDEO at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjwG-eUhOOw&t=1329s
Lesson on the fundamental importance of grace and faith. Faith is our response to God. It must be a two-way relationship in order to deepen our connection and reveal God's presence in our lives.
Abraham is the father of our concept of faith, the first to make a covenant with God. God's call to Abraham to leave his homeland and create a new path. The conundrum of his call to sacrifice Isaac.
The legitimacy of both Isaac and Ishmael as sons of Abraham and fathers of great nations, each having covenants with God. Christ's reconciliation of all nations through the covenant of grace.
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Lesson on Paul and the church at Corinth, and reconciling with God in our lives. Paul's journey to live with the values he preached, his need to gain the peoples' trust, and the need for all of us to lead by example.
In Christ, there is a new life. But it comes differently, at different times for different people. Why not everyone who becomes a Christian feels a "conversion experience."
John Wesley's example of a Christian wanting to feel a difference and preaching faith all the while searching for assurance, until finally finding it at Aldersgate.
We will always lead imperfect lives but try to do the right thing for others in the name of Christ,
with the the obligation to strive to be better as we accept the gift of grace.
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"Who do you say that I am?" Lesson on Jesus' great question to the apostles and Peter's answer, "You are the Messiah, Son of the living God." (Matthew 16:16)
The true meaning of being the Messiah and fulfilling the prophecy. The difficulty for the apostles to accept the ultimate sacrifice, and their dedication to a life of discipleship.
Finding our own calling and hearing what God is asking each of us. The blessings that come with living in Jesus' example.
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Sermon on the vital importance of education and guiding children early with Jesus' example.
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Sermon for World Communion Sunday on behaving like Christ toward one another in a culture where we often condone dishonesty, unkindness, and aggression. Remaining steadfast in the core of Jesus' teachings of peace, love, and giving, while fighting the false gods of nationalism and greed. Trusting God to guide us and living with an eye always on Christ's example.
Find the full playlist on YouTube
Visit the Website
Inspiring All Saints Day sermon on the ultimate question of mortality and the reassurance we have in living on through Christ.
Find the full playlist on YouTube
Visit the Website
A New Year's Eve lesson on finding and keeping balance in our lives.
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Classic and often-requested sermon of Rev. Eastridge's, always remade fresh and contemporary with the time of its telling.
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Sermon on Christ's purpose for the church. A call for each of us to take a stand for our faith and let our light shine, using the nails of loyalty, obedience, visibility, and evangelism.
The constant temptation of the church toward worldly interests instead of Christ's message of love and grace, not judgment, and sacrifice for others.
Christ's offer to us is not to be enchained by doctrine but freed by grace. Our religion must always have the nail holes of the fresh rebirth of faith.
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Happy Thanksgiving!
Mark 12:41-44
Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury.
Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.
Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.
They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything — all she had to live on.”
Successful living is a matter of gratitude, the awareness of God's goodness and the help of other people throughout our lives. Giving what you can with a glad heart and giving thanks with a grateful spirit.
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Sermon on becoming who we were born to be. Having the faith to boldly pursue living deliberately rather than eking out a fringe material existence. And finding in our reflection the image of God in which we were created.
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Emory University's J.J. Altizer once postulated to TIME magazine that "God is Dead." How we sometimes live as if God were dead or perhaps just fading away...
The comfort and the power of God's everlasting presence in the world and the universe. And how God continues working through Christ today in us.
Our faith is a living relationship with God.
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The meaning and purpose of the United Methodist Annual Conference. The foundation of Methodism and John Wesley's convictions, and the vibrance of the Holy Spirit that calls us to love and to serve.
The rugged life of circuit rider and the sacrifices of discipleship. "And are we yet alive?" The life of the chuch to unite and address the needs of our world together.
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The story of the Samaritan woman and the importance of truly knowing Jesus to share the Gospel. "I don't know who you are, but I'm glad you came." Learning to accept the differences of others to share in fellowship and accept the gift of grace.
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Sermon on how we were created to use our hands. The joy and blessing of work, allowing God to guide us in our actions. Our awareness of the suffering and injustices of others and honoring God by working to help others.
Jesus' call for social activism and the example of John Wesley. Standing as a church at the forefront of change in society for equality, tolerance, and love.
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Sermon on the ways we measure ourselves and our material judgments about life. How the discoveries of outer space and inner space puts into perspective our size and place in the universe.
Thinking big in tackling the challenges we face together, and thinking small in the actionable power of individual moments of grace. We can only make changes - big and small - one day at a time.
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Sermon on Eden, earth, creation, and how greed and selfishness prevent us from sharing God's gifts with each other. God has made us caretakers, and we have become claim-jumpers claiming God's creation for our own.
Because we are the caretakers also of one another, how racism, prejudice, violence and mistreatment are an affront to God and the gift of all creation.
And how we treat ourselves and live our lives is how we treat God's most literal gift to each of us.
Find the full playlist on YouTube
Visit the Website
Lesson on Isaiah awaiting the messiah and the coming of peace. The meanings of peace outside of conflict, between individuals, and within ourselves.
The importance of forgiveness over hatred, and the walls hatred puts up between us and God. The story of St. Francis, and our role as peacemakers to bring the kingdom of God to earth.
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For the second Sunday of Easter, we revisit this lesson on St. Mark's account of Jesus' resurrection and the history of its translation and revision. The importance of the three women who discovered the empty tomb and the enigma of Joseph of Arimathea.
The closeness of Mark and Peter, and ending the story with the Great Commission: the message to spread the Good News, heal the sick and poor of spirit, and to be the power of Christ in the world.
Find the full playlist on YouTube
Visit the Website
For Easter we revisit this lesson about how, on that day, the pain and grief of Jesus' mother and disciples was transformed into joy. The Resurrection of Jesus means the resurrection of all and triumph over death through the love of God.
Find the full playlist on YouTube
Visit the Website
In the continuing tradition of Rev. Eastridge's introspective character monologues, here is an earlier, different take on the character and experience of the father of the church, Simon Peter, and his witness to the ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus.
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For Palm Sunday, we finish the journey to Jerusalem with the question of how to follow and spread the peace that Jesus knows and brings, to beat swords into ploughshares and ourselves become peacemakers.
The Prayer of St. Francis, and Luke 19:42 - "If only you knew the things which make for peace."
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Sermon on our collective journey through Lent and the gift of peace through Jesus. How we hesitate to seriously open our hearts to Jesus because of our subconscious resistance to change. Knowing that change is painful but that our relationship with Christ transforms us, making all things new. Coming to our own Gethsemane and making our choice to follow Him.
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Lesson on Paul's letter to the church at Rome and his vital message which lies at the core of Christianity.
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Sermon on living in the way of peace and the meaning of shalom..
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Sermon on the power of faith in healing and Jesus' reflections on Jerusalem.
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The parable of the pearl, the story of the magic stone, the danger of overlooking true joy and meaning in our lives while trying to conquer our aspirations. In today's world it's hard to tell the difference between the stones and the pearls.
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Sermon on the simple life that gives fulfillment. Parsing through all the voices in society competing for our attention and the values they hold. The sacrifices we make to get ahead, the danger of burning through the good parts of life in order to satisfy artificial goals and grab meaningless treasure. The necessity and mystery of grace in our lives.
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Sermon on the story of Jesus making the blind beggar see. Who do we trust in a world of vested interests and ulterior motives? Where do we find a credibile source after being continually disappointed by our leaders in society, work, and politics?
The values we need to anchor us in an ever more complicated world - integrity, trust, learning the basis for our beliefs, and gaining wisdom from our own experience. We can rely always on God for steadfast and constant truth to anchor us.
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Carrying God's truths and love out into the world, and how we can only love God by loving one another.
Sermon on using our God-given gifts in life. The importance of exercising our talents to keep them honed, and exercising our faith to keep our spiritual life fresh and renewed. The importance of taking time in the busyness of life for our spiritual health, and the joy that comes into everyday life from regular prayer and reflection.
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Sermon on finding hope through loneliness, hopelessness, and abandonment. When we feel forsaken by God by the silence we feel, and how we hide or distance ourselves from God out of that fear that God will not be there when we feel most alone. The story of Francis Thompson and "The Hound of Heaven."
Often the one light in darkness is the promise that God will never leave us, and how that affirmation can give us the courage to live and continue on. How we can share that hope with others to pull each other out of the darkness.
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Sermon on the jacket lapel, representing the place where we place the messages of all the pins, jewelry, tags and bumper stickers in our lives. The symbols we wear and the priorities we show to the world, and the towel as a symbol of service and discipleship. How we become disciples when we take up Christ's mantle of service to others.
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Sermon reflecting on the television series "Quantum Leap" and the importance of taking quantum leaps in our own life. In reflecting on the past, propelling us into the future, and stretching our abilities to improve our lives through faith.
David's journey from fear to triumph, Saul's conversion experience into Paul, and Rev. Eastridge's personal journey as a young man from confusion and ambivalence into a life of discipleship. Reflecting on the impact of one summer evening with a young local evangelist named Billy Graham.
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An introduction to Paul's letters to Titus and Timothy, and the challenges and critical decisions described in the early church. The importance of unity and openness, and the crucial need and power of prayer.
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Classic and often-requested sermon of Rev. Eastridge's, always remade fresh and contemporary with the time of its telling.
Find the full playlist on YouTube
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A special Christmas lesson on the promises of "the baby in the box." Celebrating the fulfillment of the prophecy of the Messiah and the hopes and faith of all who believe in Him. The impact the hope of a child can have to transform a world.
How Christ has brought about those changes, to open the minds of the people to tolerance and acceptance, and to open the souls of humanity to reconciliation with God.
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Advent lesson on Joseph, the responsibilities upon him and the sacrifices he endured for the love of his wife and the child he raised as his son. The dangers and hardships they faced in the communities they crossed, desperate to keep the child safe. The values he instilled in Jesus as a young man and the heartbreak of a nurturing father at the end.
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Lesson on 2 John's message of the spiritual walk we take together. Walking in truth and not living out a biased faith. The search for truth is a lifelong quest. Walking in love with one another, and putting our love into action to help each other.
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Lesson on Paul's letter to the church at Corinth, the fractions and divisions among the devotees of Paul and of Apollos. Setting a foundation with the basic beliefs of the church, the importance of grace and the means to live together as Christ would have us.
The quality of life within the church community, the need to love one another and our church, and our responsibility for the legacy of the church. Real leadership and the need for unity and the common pursuit over individual egos and personal desires. Bringing the church forward into society with love, repentance, and looking to God.
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Sermon on becoming who we were born to be. Having the faith to boldly pursue living deliberately rather than eking out a fringe material existence. And finding in our reflection the image of God in which we were created.
Find the full playlist on YouTube
Visit the Website
Lesson on the Proverbs with themes of integrity, righteousness, and community. The contradictions within the book and the wisdom to discern, acknowledging the complexity of life. The importance of listening to our own conscience and the "inward witness."
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Rev. J. Vance Eastridge passed on October 13, 2022 at 95. He leaves behind a loving wife and large, loving family. He also leaves behind thousands of thankful people whose lives he touched through pastoral care, his earnest and charismatic voice and poetic writing, and through gentle daily kindness, grace, and love.
He pastored to more than a dozen congregations of hundreds across two states over 40 years. In retirement he wrote a memoir, a collection of essays and poems, and a treatise on Methodism, while he continued preaching weekly through the Virgil Anderson Sunday School Class for 16 more years. His voice continues on this podcast...
Here, upon the occasion of his own, is an Easter lesson about how, on that day, the pain and grief of Jesus' mother and disciples was transformed into joy. The Resurrection of Jesus means the resurrection of all and triumph over death through the love of God.
Find the full playlist on YouTube
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(Romans 14:13) Lesson on Paul's efforts to build community, new rituals and traditions at the very beginning of Christianity. The need for understanding among each other and avoiding judgment, warning against creating barriers to others' faith.
How cooperation between peoples of different beliefs is the foundation of the church. The importance of keeping an open mind and evolving our beliefs over a lifetime.
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Lesson on the attempt by Jonah to deny the call to minister to those he hated, and the futility of trying to run away from God. But from that is the comfort that God never leaves us. Each of us called by God to use our talents based on our gifts, strengths and joys.
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The Story of Ruth and Naomi (Part 2) Picking up on their return from Moab to Judah, we see Ruth's sacrifice and dedication to her mother-in-law, and Naomi's grief andfeeling of being forsaken by God. Meeting wealthy and generous Boaz, and the fortuitous arrangement that could provide for them both. The historical context of the story, Moab, the ending of the Babylonian exile and the attempt to reconstruct the nation. Ezra and Nehemiah's destructive eviction of foreign immigrants including ancestors of David, and God's desire for all peoples to live together - as the kindness and love exemplified by Boaz. The kindness and love of Jesus that we are to show, and the small acts that can make such a difference in each others' lives.
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One of the most intimate personal bonds between characters in the Bible is that of Ruth and Naomi, as told in the Book of Ruth. Lesson on trust, friendship, family, bravery and loyalty through seemingly insurmountable struggles.
But first, it's open floor for questions and discussion following the introspective on John Wesley.
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Lesson on the aftermath of September 11th, ruminations on anger and forgiveness, and the dilemmas of modern conflict. The story of the Canaanite woman whose girl was possessed by a demon, and the power that drives us to do endure humiliation and sacrifice for the people we love.
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Lesson on the history of the Temple in Jerusalem, and its importance to Judaism and to Jesus in childhood and the beginning of His ministry.
The Ark of the Covenant, the architectural dimensions and different parts of the Temple, and the Holy of Holies.
Solomon's decree for it to be a place to pray and find forgiveness, and provide inclusive shelter and acceptance for all people.
How we all need a place to worship where we can feel both the awe and intimacy of God's presence.
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Lesson on Proverbs 6 and the traits in humans that God abhors - arrogance, lying, a wicked heart toward others, a knowing thirst for sin, destroying the lives of others, bearing false witness, and creating disharmony.
How the values of integrity, loyalty, faithfulness, humility and resisting judgment and prejudice toward others are passed down from our elders, and specifically through father Roby Julius Eastridge of Mountain City, Tennessee.
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Lesson on the importance of wisdom, Job's quest for wisdom, and the triumphs and downfall of King Solomon's reign. The seven pillars on which wisdom is based - prudence, humility, discretion, insight, plus knowledge, reason, and openness.
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Lesson on the disciplines of faith, sharing with the needs of the community, the gift of communicating with God, and fasting for grief, reverence, and repentance - and practicing all with humility. Being the salt of the earth, and the life-long quest for purity and positivity to reflect the light of Christ.
Lesson on St. Mark's account of Jesus' resurrection and the history of its translation and revision. The importance of the three women who discovered the empty tomb and the enigma of Joseph of Arimathea. The closeness of Mark and Peter, and ending the story with the Great Commission: the message to spread the Good News, heal the sick and poor of spirit, and to be the power of Christ in the world.
Watch the VIDEO version at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WCJnvTe-_c
Sermon on the Apostles witnessing the Transfiguration and their journey of discipleship, having the faith of a child and real humility before God and in the world, from St. Francis and Mother Teresa to a Tennessee farmer named Dewey Strange. Accepting the cup of Christ fills us with the courage to stand up against tyranny and racism for justice and grace.
In honor of Independence Day, we repost this discussion referenced in last week's episode on the history of the church from the Holy Roman Empire to the Reformation, and the foundation of religious freedom in the American colonies up to today.
Lesson for Independence Day on the religious groups crossing the Atlantic Ocean to worship freely, the faith of the individual founders such as Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, George Washington, how the separation of church and state preserves religious liberty, and danger of ignoring the history of religion in America.
First: Where is God during tragedy? - a discussion in the aftermath of the December 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami that killed almost a quarter million people.
Lesson on the transition of John the Baptist to Jesus beginning his ministry, finding disciples, and his critical first message to the world. The need for repentance to see "I am the truth" and the good news of the kingdom of God.
Lesson on the healings of Jesus and Peter, and the power of faith for the benefit of others. The difference between healing and curing, and the role of the church in healing and serving the spiritual and physical needs of the people. The story of Dr. Robert F. Thomas and his journey from minister to doctor, becoming one of the first to bring modern medicine to the remote Smoky Mountains of Tennessee in the 1920s.
Lesson on the emergence of baptism, the history of ritual washing in Judaism, and the origin of John the Baptist. Also the question of transformation and the significance of Jesus' baptism as a symbol of the start of his ministry.
Lesson on one whom God called out of the wilderness, not as a prophet, but to proclaim God's displeasure with the people of Israel for the corruption of the temple, forsaking the poor, and intolerance of the people for each other. What does that mean for us today, and what are the church's responsibilities in caring for all people?
Lesson concluding this study of Revelation, final thoughts on the book as a whole, interpreting the final battle of good and evil, and finding love over judgment from God.
Lesson on the kingdom of God, the Jewish background and tradition of St. John's vision of heaven, and the history and significance of Jerusalem to Judaism and Christianity.
Lesson on the marriage of Jesus and his church, justification by faith not deeds, and salvation through the gift of grace.
Lesson on the further prophecies of Revelation, including the seven angels with seven trumpets and the ten kings, Roman persecution and early Christian martyrdom.
Lesson on the prophecy of the Seventh Seal and the Lamb who is worthy, and discussing the meaning of Christ's sacrifice at the crucifixion from the perspective of Luther, Calvin, Schleiermacher and other theologians.
To celebrate Easter, we revisit this introspective monologue on the apostle Simon Peter from 2003. As always, no notes - just an extemporized yet structured meditation based on heavy research.
Also available in VIDEO at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjwG-eUhOOw&t=1329s
Lesson on the background to the writing of the Book of Revelation - the Roman persecution of the Christians by the Emperor Domitian, St. John's exile to the isle of Patmos, and poetry and symbolism in the language of his visions.
The history of the church from the Holy Roman Empire to the Reformation, and the foundation of religious freedom in the American colonies which led to the war of independence.
Lesson on the history, authorship, metaphors and context of the Book of Revelation on Palm Sunday. Fulfilling the prophecy of the Messiah and Jesus as the sacrificial lamb.
Lesson continues with 1 John and the theme of love as a spiritual gift, the power and challenge of "Agape" love (love of God for us, and of us for God) that allows anyone from Mother Teresa to each of us every day to more deeply care for each other in the world and see each other with grace through Christ.
Lesson on the many ways the Bible shows, and many different religions agree that God is Love. Discussion of the "gospel of Love," the Apostle John, and the response of the John the Evangelist of the epistle of 1 John.
Lesson on Jesus' temptations in the desert - to live for oneself, fame, wealth and power. Living for others, for joy rather than possession, and finding true purpose and calling that gives a person real satisfaction and joy. The power of giving back blessings you reap in worldly rewards.
Lesson on Paul's letter to the church at Rome and his vital message which lies at the core of Christianity.
Lesson on John 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
One of the most intimate personal bonds between characters in the Bible is that of Ruth and Naomi, as told in the Book of Ruth. Lesson on trust, friendship, family, bravery and loyalty through seemingly insurmountable struggles.
But first, it's open floor for questions and discussion following the introspective on John Wesley.
John Wesley tells the intimate story of his own life and spiritual journey, as well as the birth of Methodism in this inspiring and candid introspective monologue. As always, no notes - just an extemporized yet structured meditation based on heavy research.
Lesson on finding the positive and life-affirming in the teachings of the book of Ecclesiastes.
Lesson on the Babylonian Captivity, destruction and rebirth, mourning and hope. God is not one to turn his back upon the people.
Lesson examining Jesus' exchange with the elders of the Temple at 12, the yearning of everyone to set out beyond their home and embark on life's journey, and the need later in life to find home again.
In celebration of Rev. Eastridge's 95th birthday, here is a special Easter introspective monologue as the apostle Simon Peter from 2003. As always, no notes - just an extemporized yet structured meditation based on heavy research.
Also available in VIDEO at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjwG-eUhOOw&t=1329s
Lesson discussing John 8:12 - "I am the light of the world; whoever follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."
Lesson on the meanings of Matthew 6:11 - "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst."
Lesson on the journey through - and intersection of - faith, judgment and eternal life .
Sunday school lesson on freedom, its importance, and what it really means - through a Biblical and historical perspective.
A brief history followed by a thoughtful character introspection of Joseph, the father of Jesus, told through his own eyes in monologue.