Good Shepherd Nashville

The Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost | Derek Axelson

This week we delve into the scriptural theme of manna, exploring its significance as a symbol of God's faithfulness, a tool for Israel's transformation, and a precursor to eternal life in the teachings of Jesus Christ. Highlighting various biblical passages, Derek emphasizes how manna served as both sustenance and a means of teaching obedience and trust in God, transitioning Israel from a slavery mindset to one of divine promise, maturity, and eternal life and offered beyond suffering and death. Derek links the sacrament of Jesus Christ to the manna, emphasizing Jesus as a personal and transformative gift from God.

The Tenth Sunday After Pentecost | Suzie Anderson

This week we explore Biblical healing through the stories of a little girl raised from the dead and a woman with an issue of blood. We discuss personal struggles with chronic pain, feelings of shame, and the understanding of healing in the Christian context. God's healing and salvation are not limited by human emotions or faith, and this sermon examines how Jesus' responses to illness and death illustrate his unwavering compassion and understanding.

The Eighth Sunday After Pentecost | Brian Goodwin

This week, Brian delves into the concept of the 'Christ mystery,' focusing on how it shows God's commitment to universal wholeness and shalom. By examining Paul's letters, Hebrew scriptures, and the teachings of Jesus, we see how God's involvement, symbolized through Christ, is meant to guide the building of a new kingdom. We are called to true shalom through contemplation and action while we guard against distractions that can diverge us from God's plan.

The Third Sunday After Pentecost | Bishop Todd Hunter

Summary
Bishop Todd Hunter discusses the concept of spiritual transformation versus spiritual formation, emphasizing the need for a radical change in one's character and desires to align with God's will. The discussion draws on biblical texts and personal experiences to illustrate the inherent sinfulness and rebellion in human nature and the process of being reformed and transformed through God's grace.
Outline
Spiritual Transformation
Difference between spiritual formation and transformation
Analogy of coming to Christ with pre-existing flaws and sins
Human Nature and Sin
Concept of radical evil and the ruined soul (Dallas Willard)
Personal rebellion and opposition to God before conversion
Biblical References
Genesis 3: Nakedness, fear, pain, separation, and death
Jeremiah 17: Deceitfulness of the heart
Romans 3: Universal sinfulness
Understanding Sin
Sin as missing the mark, not making one worthless
Luke 15: Parables of the lost coin, sheep, and son
Self-Examination and Reality
Importance of naming and understanding personal sin
The struggle with desiring true change
Repentance and Belief
Definition and significance of repentance (metanoia)
Belief as placing confidence in God
Living in the Kingdom
Invitation to deny oneself and follow Jesus
The transformational journey toward radical goodness
Practical Application
The need for self-abandonment in favor of God's work
Repentance and belief as the path to transformation
Conclusion
The importance of what we seek in life
The invitation to seek God and align with His will
 
 
 
 

The Second Sunday After Pentecost | Erik Willits

Summary
Ordinary Time is a liturgical season emphasizing the everyday, non-festive aspects of Christian life. In today's sermon, Erik addresses the concept of living faithfully during ordinary times, contrasting it with the feasting and fasting of other liturgical seasons. He discusses the importance of following the Ten Commandments and other rules, emphasizing that they guide Christians to a life that honors God and benefits the community. He acknowledges that some people may find spiritual practices like daily quiet time to be challenging or unfulfilling, but reassures listeners that God is present in all seasons of life. He concludes by encouraging listeners to love God and their neighbors, as taught by Jesus.
Outline
Understanding Ordinary Time:
Explanation of Ordinary Time in the liturgical calendar
Importance of rhythms in the liturgical calendar (feasting and fasting)
Comparison to everyday life
Experiencing God in Ordinary Life:
Addressing the challenge of spiritual practices feeling mundane
Reassurance of God's presence in ordinary times
The Role of Rules and Commandments:
Importance of the Ten Commandments
Examples of everyday rules and their purposes
The role of rules in different areas of life (family, work, country)
Perspective on Commandments:
Misconceptions about rules in Christianity
Examples of rules in different contexts (funny laws, Leviticus)
Importance of rules for healthy relationships and societal function
Jesus' Perspective on Commandments:
Jesus' teachings on the greatest commandments (love God and love neighbors)
Understanding the heart behind the commandments
Conclusion:
Encouragement to live faithfully during Ordinary Time
Reminder to follow commandments with love and purpose
Action Items
Read the 10 Commandments with a gracious tone, focusing on the positive intention behind each one.
Reflect on what the "yes" is behind each "no" or prohibition in the 10 Commandments.
Continue growing in knowledge, love, and faith in God during the ordinary seasons of life.
Consider ways to bring life, speak life, and help others during ordinary life.

Trinity Sunday Year B | Derek Axelson

Summary:
In today's sermon, Derek explores the profound concept of the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Using the analogy of speech and song, he explains the eternal and intimate nature of God's existence and relationship with humanity. Derek emphasizes that each person is a unique and cherished note in God's ongoing creation song, with a vital role and purpose planned since the beginning of time. Through this lens, he encourages us to recognize our inherent worth and the divine love that sustains us.
Outline:
Introduction to the Holy Trinity:
The Holy Trinity refers to Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Don't use "the" before Trinity, suggesting it adds a sense of distance from God.
Analogy of Speech:
Speaker, breath, and words represent the Trinity.
God’s speech is eternal and uninterrupted, unlike human speech which is limited.
Challenges in Human Communication:
Misunderstandings and limitations in expressing ourselves to others.
God's communication is perfect and unbroken, reflecting the divine nature.
Analogy of Song:
God's creation as an ongoing, eternal song.
Each individual is a unique and indispensable note in this divine song.
The Role of Each Person:
Every person is significant and cherished in God's creation.
God’s breath and power sustain all beings equally, regardless of perceived significance.
Call to Recognize Divine Purpose:
You are encouraged to see yourself as created good, with a unique purpose.
Because of this, we must avoid actions that cause dissonance or violence in creation.
Conclusion:
We have a valuable role to play in God's eternal song.

Good Friday Year B | Erik Willits | 3.29.24

John 19:1-37

The Third Sunday in Lent Year B | Suzie Anderson | 3.3.24

John 2:13-22

The First Sunday in Lent Year B | Brian Wallace | 2.18.24

Mark 1:9-13

The Second Sunday after Epiphany Year B | Zach Wallace |1.14.24

1 Samuel 3:1-20 & John 1:43-51