My sermon title today, inspired by “The Incredibles,” focuses on the real-life superhero children who walked the earth. Unlike the fictional characters in the movie, they didn’t wear masks or capes, nor did they have superpowers like invisibility or super speed. Instead, their powers were faith, compassion, and obedience. It is through their unwavering commitment to these virtues that they were able to make a profound impact on the world around them.
Speaking of strong women, world history has seen several. Margaret Thatcher was one strong woman who earned the nickname the Iron Lady because of her uncompromising politics and leadership style. Golda Meyer is known for her famous words “Send forth the Boys!” approving the operation “Wrath of God”. I personally like Chandrika Bandaranayake Kumaratunga for the outstanding principles and the intellect she displayed as a stateswoman even during the civil war. These names are just a few but there are many others.
A blessed new year to all of you. By no stretch of the imagination, the past two years have been an easy time. The pandemic has forever changed our world and yet here we are gathered to thank God for the brand-new year. Many have speculated the year 2022 will turn out to be a better year while others are not sure. It’s a “Hope for the best but prepare for the worst” scenario. If you ask me, I am clueless, but remain hopeful. Here’s why?
When I was an 18-year-old boy I saw a song on MTV that claimed my heart and mind. It was so beautiful I wanted to listen to it again and again very badly. Unfortunately, however, there was no YouTube or Spotify at that time. You had to purchase the Audio CD which I couldn’t afford. Still, I was so obsessed with the song that I bought a pirated copy for a fraction of the price after combing the black market. “Hope” is the name of that song and the artist is known as Shaggy.
I decided to title this message “Murder in the Pews” owing to three disturbing trends in the church. Number one is that abortion is becoming prevalent in the church as much as it is in the world. Studies show four in ten women who have an abortion are churchgoers. Number two is churchgoers justifying abortion on various grounds. Number three is the false teachings in the church justifying the decriminalization of abortion and expansion of the circumstances in which a woman can obtain the procedure.
Sun Tzu the author of the best-selling book “The Art of War” has said, “The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.” That saying reminds me of the Taliban taking full control of Kabul without firing a single round. I wonder whether they read the book! Today you and I may not be at war with human enemy forces but often we find ourselves at war with enemies such as ill health, fear, grief, and poor finances. Especially at this time in history when the whole world is affected by COVID 19.
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