Rian Adams Sermon “Shield: Carrying the Weight of God.” Second Sunday of Lent, Year C A shield normally has one job… the difference between life and death can be how well a shield does that job. A shield’s job is to protect. In the Genesis passage God identifies as a shield – protector – to Abram… Gen 15:1 “Abram, I am your shield.” It’s clear from the beginning of the story, God desires a relationship with Abram where God protects and guards him.There are many layers in God’s announcement, “I am…
Pentecost: John’s Critique of Our Preoccupation With Sin By The Rev. Rian Adams Pentecost is the time of the church year where Christians celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit. However, over the years it’s also been a confusing time for me personally. Mostly because sermons tend to focus our attention on how the Spirit came (e.g. rushing mighty wind) or when the Spirit came (e.g. when the church was gathered in one mind… unity) instead of why. The Gospel lesson for Pentecost Sunday gives us a good look at why. As…