#Sermon

[a-daughter-of-jesus-christ]

[soisaidfine]

Ethel Cain: a mother is a very special thing: my great-grandmother’s funeral back in 1995 ♡

magnolia-grove asked: where do the sermon samples on Strangers come from?

mothercain answered (Feb 3, 2023): my great-grandmother’s funeral back in 1995, same as family tree intro ♡

Ethel Cain: Family Tree (Intro), Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, Outside Lands Music Festival (August 2023)

sermon: “a woman, a mother, a mother is a very special thing. other than the lord jesus christ, i think that a mother is one of the most precious gifts that god gives to this world, cause a mother is the one who loves and has the warmth and always seems to be there when we need it. a mother is a very special thing. a mother is a very special thing.” - Family Tree (Intro) - Ethel Cain

. . .

sermon: "God is telling you and I there is death, for all of us. But then we find that the scriptures also tell us that we have a great promise, that there is a better place for those who believe in the lord Jesus Christ" - Strangers - Ethel Cain

. . .

'So I met him there and told him I believe (I believe, yeah)' - Sun Bleached Flies - Ethel Cain

. . .

'Jesus is the real thing. Are you the real thing?'

Sermon, Perry First Church of God, Perry, Florida

[leaderlamby]

Daily Sermon #106

Shoutout to alterhumans.

Shoutout to therians.

Shoutout to otherhearted.

Shoutout to otherkin.

Shoutout to fictionkin.

Shoutout to objectkin.

Shoutout to plantkin.

Shoutout to foodkin.

Shoutout to factkin.

Shoutout to alterhumans with common types who feel "basic".

Shoutout to alterhumans with uncommon types who feel like they're the only one.

Shoutout to alterhumans who are out.

Shoutout to alterhumans who are still in the closet.

Shoutout to alterhumans who don't get support.

Shoutout to alterhumans who don't know their specific labels.

Shoutout to polytherians/polykin.

Shoutout to alterhumans with vague labels that are hard to explain.

Shoutout to alterhumans with hyper-specific labels who are just seen as cringy roleplayers.

Shoutout to alterhumans who used to identify themselves as kinnies because they were misinformed.

Shoutout to fictionkin who are accurate to their source.

Shoutout to fictionkin who are vastly different from their source.

Shoutout to fictionkin who aren't taken seriously because of who their fictotype is.

Shoutout to neurodivergent alterhumans.

Shoutout to neurotypical alterhumans.

Shoutout to queer alterhumans.

Shoutout to cishet alterhumans.

Shoutout to kingenders.

Shoutout to alterhumans with flickering types.

Shoutout to alterhumans who love themselves as they are.

Shoutout to alterhumans who hate themselves for being so different.

Shoutout to alterhumans who get lots of mental shifts.

Shoutout to alterhumans who hardly get any mental shifts.

Shoutout to alterhumans who are super connected to their types.

Shoutout to alterhumans who feel disconnected from their types.

Shoutout to alterhumans who knew they weren't human since they were a child.

Shoutout to alterhumans who are just now figuring out who they are.

Shoutout to spiritual alterhumans.

Shoutout to psychological alterhumans.

Shoutout to emotional alterhumans.

Shoutout to coping alterhumans.

Shoutout to alterhumans with gear.

Shoutout to alterhumans who have no gear.

Shoutout to alterhumans who love quadrobics.

Shoutout to alterhumans who never use quadrobics.

Shoutout to alterhumans in systems.

Shoutout to alterhumans who get physical/vocal triggers.

Shoutout to alterhumans who have a lot of memories, good or bad, of their past/other lives.

Shoutout to alterhumans who can't remember anything of their past/other lives.

Shoutout to alterhumans who live up to all the stereotypes of their type.

You are seen.

You are safe.

You are loved.

You will always have a home here. 🤍🤍🤍

[illustratus]

Homily of an Apostle in Roman Ruins - Circle of Giovanni Paolo Panini

[warriorsofgodchannel]

[a-scream-in-the-void]

I have never hear a sermon/message/word in any church that spoke out against domestic violence, physical, sexual, or emotional child abuse by parents/family, or talk about the many issues that cause people to be unhoused. I have, however, heard plenty that denounced the LGBTQ community, addicts, and victims. Seems like the planks are blinding them to what is in their back yard.

[one-time-i-dreamt]

My friends and I were out to get iced coffee and for some reason we stopped at the church my dad is pastor at (wasn't even Sunday????) and we stopped in time to hear his sermon and all he said was "Gay rights." I never heard cheering so loud. 

[lokavisi]

My friend gave an absolutely beautiful sermon at our UU congregation yesterday about what healthy mysticism looks like. It's one of those things I can struggle to articulate when someone asks me how I could possibly believe in something so fantastical without scientific proof. Or when dealing with extremely spiritual people who think scientific fact has no place in their understanding of the world. This is one of those things that I wish everybody, on both ends of the spectrum, understood. So I'll let her explain it to you better than I ever could 😁

Side note: You can follow her blog on the Glasse Witch Cottage website or Facebook page. She has decades of experience in witchcraft and paganism and is a fountain of knowledge. And like myself, she is both UU and Heathen!

[godoverus]

It wasn’t until Eve bit into the fruit that her eyes were opened to sin. It wasn’t until then she felt the need to hide from God, because she knew she was naked - she was ashamed.

It is because of the same shame that women still hide. Whether it’s behind makeup, hair, clothes, filters, achievements - whatever it is. The lies of the enemy in our ears, telling us we’re not pretty enough, we’re not thin enough, we’re not smart enough, we’re not good enough.

For how beautiful it would be if we lived freely and confidently, embracing the truth of who we are as daughters of God. To walk unburdened by insecurities, knowing that we are fearfully and wonderfully made in his image.

Just like Eve in the innocence of Eden before knowledge of sin, we could revel in the beauty of our existence.

[artandthebible]

The Sermon of Saint John the Baptist

Artist: Lucas Cranach the Elder  (German, 1472–1553) 

Genre: Religious Painting

Date: 1537-1540

Medium: Oil on Panel

Collection: Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, Bilbao, Spain

John the Baptist appears in the wilderness as one who prepares the way of the Lord. In his preaching he calls for repentance because the kingdom of heaven is at hand, and he warns that baptism brings with it the call to bear fruit worthy of repentance. (Matthew 3:1-12)

[yagirlyubnub]

“Really? A sermon? In a place like this?”

“There’s nobody here anyway…”

[a-daughter-of-jesus-christ]

[forhisgrace]

Comparison

(notes from a mini - sermon i heard yesterday!!)

Galatians 6:4 | 1 Samuel 17:38-40

• normal part of life

• comparison is a thief -> steals identity and purpose

• David called a runt by his father while Saul was described as ‘very handsome’. yet David didn’t compare himself because…

• …David knew his identity and his purpose !!!

• which comparison is a thief of!

• David knew his identity: he was A Part of Gods Kingdom -> gave him assurance

• my identity only in Jesus, not other things (e.g. talents or no. of friends)

• if you don’t have a purpose, you’ll only follow others…

• … pursue YOUR identity and YOUR purpose - we are all people different

• we all have a purpose - God makes no accidents/mistakes

• your identity ≠ your purpose (e.g. purpose may be to be a teacher but identity is always that you are a Part of Gods Kingdom)

• social comparison is double edged sword - not purely negative-> can allow for growth

• Saul’s armour didn’t fit David (1 Samuel 17:38-40) -> others’ situations don’t fit us !!

• comparison can be inspiration or contradiction (of Gods word/gifts/plan)

• don’t subtract God’s Gifts to you for what seems appealing (e.g. don’t wish for a flashy lifestyle when your lifestyle now makes you seem warmer/kinder to others)

• comparison can inspire improvement (e.g. to be more like a friend whose very kind)

• if you cannot control comparison, TRUST GODS PLAN (Jeremiah 29:11)

• …for God has planned your steps

[leaderlamby]

Daily Sermon #73

Reminder that Lamb cannot STAND KFFs (Kin For Fun).

"Kin" is a noun, not a verb, and it does not mean "closely relate to", it means being part of that family/group.

Saying "I'm kin of Lamb" means I *am* Lamb, not that I closely relate to them.

This is like kids on tiktok 'self-diagnosing' themselves with autism or Tourette's for the trend while clearly knowing nothing about it.

It's just disrespectful to the actual community.

It makes it look like who we are is a choice and our struggles aren't real.

It makes it look like it's just a fun quirky thing to be otherkin/fictionkin.

It's a part of our actual identity, we have no choice in it, and we are our kintypes, we're not just like "oMg ThIs ChArAcTeR iS lIkE mE".

I support pretty much anything as long as it's not actively harmful.

This is.

[pastorelpa]

John 5:8-11

Hope of Healing

Thank you, dear Lord, for curing my greatest ailment. For taking away the plague of sin and restoring my spiritual health through Jesus. I confess my sin and I gratefully receive Your forgiveness for You are faithful and just. You have a plan that nothing can prevent from happening. Thank You for caring for me in the midst of Your marvellous creation.

Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath. The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed. He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk. (John 5:8-11)

The Lord cares for you deeply. He provides signs, He loves you unconditionally, and He has a unique plan for each of us. He alone has the authority to judge our actions, and He is always ready to forgive. God is love, and His love is perfect and everlasting. Faith isn't about trying to save others or convincing them to be saved. It’s about finding peace within yourself and your actions, recognising the divine plan laid out for you, and trusting that you are walking the righteous path. Regardless of the challenges or what others might say, remember that the Lord is the one who forgives and saves your soul. He is love.

Sin brings unrest, uneasiness, doubt, insecurity, and no good deeds in return. By following His plan and trusting only in Him, He will heal and guide you through life. Don't be swayed by what others believe is righteous. The plan God has for them is not the same as the one He has for you. Focus on your unique journey with the Lord, and trust that His love and guidance will lead you to peace and fulfilment. In this passage, we witness Jesus' miraculous power and learn important lessons about faith, mercy, and the authority of Christ. Let us delve into the story of the man by the pool of Bethesda, and explore its profound implications for our lives today.

In John 5, we find Jesus in Jerusalem at the pool of Bethesda, a place where many disabled people waited for the waters to stir, hoping for healing. Among them was a man who had been an invalid for 38 years. Jesus approaches him and asks, "Wilt thou be made whole?". The man explains his predicament, and Jesus, full of compassion and authority, simply says, "Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.". Imagine the man's astonishment and joy. After 38 years of suffering, he is instantly healed. This miraculous healing shows us that Jesus has the power to restore and transform our lives. No matter how long we have been struggling or how dire our circumstances have been, Jesus is able to make us whole. The man's response to Jesus is immediate. He doesn't hesitate or question; he simply obeys. He rises, takes up his bed, and walks. This immediate obedience is a testament to his faith in Jesus' words.

In our own lives, how often do we hesitate when Jesus calls us to action? How often do we question His commands or delay our response? The man’s immediate obedience challenges us to trust Jesus fully and act on His word without delay. When Jesus calls us to rise, take up our bed, and walk, He is inviting us to step into a new life of faith and freedom. However, the story doesn't end with the man's healing. As he walks with his bed, the Jewish leaders confront him, saying, "It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.". They are more concerned with the letter of the law than the miraculous work of God that had just happened before their eyes. The healed man responds, "He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk.". He recognises Jesus' authority and prioritises His command over the traditional interpretation of the Sabbath.

This encounter teaches us an important lesson about legalism and compassion. The Jewish leaders were so focused on their rules that they missed the miraculous work of God. Jesus, on the other hand, demonstrated that mercy and compassion take precedence over rigid adherence to the religious law. The man's defence of his actions points us to the ultimate authority of Jesus. He acknowledges that the one who healed him has the right to command him, even if it goes against societal norms. This recognition of Jesus' authority is crucial for our faith.

In our own lives, we must also acknowledge Jesus' authority. His commands may challenge societal expectations or religious traditions, but we are called to follow Him above all else. Jesus' authority is rooted in His love, compassion, and power to heal and save. By submitting to His authority, we align ourselves with His divine plan for our lives. As we reflect on this powerful passage from John 5, let us remember the key lessons it teaches us. Jesus has the power to heal and transform our lives. We are called to immediate obedience to His commands. Compassion and mercy take precedence over rigid religious legalism. We must recognise and submit to Jesus' authority in all aspects of our lives.

Let us be inspired by the faith and obedience of the man by the pool of Bethesda. Let us trust in Jesus' power to make us whole, respond to His call without hesitation, and prioritise His commands over all else. May we walk in faith, knowing that Jesus is with us, guiding us, and healing us every step of the way.

Amen

With love, Pastor Elpa

[funbearer]