Around the Horn (October 16)

Character in Absurd Times

We live in a time of expectant Advent yet, “Amidst such waiting, we are prone to despair when the institutions and relationships in our lives are far from what they can or should be. In marriage, in parenting, in relationships with broader family members, in friendships, in our professional lives, and in our churches, we can experience a legitimation crisis when disappointment inevitably unfolds. A creeping sentiment that a situation is hopelessly ridiculous and futile can deaden our resolve, courage, and constancy, manifested in thoughts and words along the lines of “Really? This is my marriage? This is my job? This is the relationship I have with my children and family? This disappointing, joke of a situation is my church, my home, my world, my life, etc.?” In precisely such times our character, or lack thereof, is invariably proved.” What can the LOTR teach us?

Roles of the Preacher

“What I am laboring to say is that the preacher’s purpose is not merely to express ideas or to put thoughts out among the congregation, even when they are worthy concepts derived faithfully from Scripture. The purpose of our proclamation, rather, is to announce and enact God’s Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. We do this by our words and our ideas, but also by our presence.”