Good Shepherd Nashville

The Seventh Sunday After Pentecost | Austin Becton

This week's sermon discusses the theme of embracing human weakness to experience God's strength. We talk about examples of personal suffering to illustrate how God's grace is sufficient in all circumstances, urging honesty and vulnerability about weaknesses to foster healing and growth in Christlikeness.

The Fifth Sunday After Pentecost | Austin Becton

This week's podcast focuses on the Biblical message of generosity, highlighting Paul's letter to the Corinthians and emphasizing a life embodying God's generosity. We address the Good Shepherd parish's financial needs and call for community support. We close with a discussion of the importance of cheerful giving, heart-based discernment, and specific financial goals for sustaining parish activities.

The Fourth Sunday After Pentecost | Austin Becton

Summary
Today's sermon delves into the profound nature of patience as exemplified in two parables shared by Jesus. The message underscores the transformative power of trusting in God's timing and divine plan, even amidst seasons of apparent stagnation or uncertainty.

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.

Pentecost Year B | Austin Becton

Summary:
Today's sermon explores the profound significance of Pentecost, tracing its origins from a Jewish agricultural festival to the transformative moment when the Holy Spirit empowered the disciples to spread the gospel. This divine power, often misunderstood and misused, calls us to be Christ-like beacons of hope and healing in a world riddled with political corruption, social injustice, and racial discrimination. This sermon invites us to ponder and participate in the greatest story ever told, challenging us to live out our part in God's ongoing epic adventure.
Outline:
Historical Context:
Pentecost was originally a Jewish festival celebrating the first fruits of the harvest and the giving of the law to Moses.
The disciples of Jesus were in Jerusalem awaiting the Holy Spirit, as promised by Jesus at his ascension.
The Power of the Holy Spirit:
The Holy Spirit descended with a rush of wind and tongues of fire, enabling the disciples to speak in various languages and proclaim God’s deeds.
True power should bring life, hope, and healing.
The Last Days:
Early Christians believed they were living in the "last days," a period between Jesus' ascension and his eventual return when God's promises were being fulfilled.
Christians are called to participate in God's work during this time, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Modern Relevance:
The power of the Holy Spirit enables us to engage contemporary issues such as political corruption, financial uncertainty, social injustice, and racial discrimination
Living Out the Fifth Act:
We are living in a Shakespeare play with a missing final act. Christians should be committed to continuing the story of God’s work in the world.
We must live faithful lives, guided by the Holy Spirit, to embody Christ's message and participate in the ongoing divine narrative.
Action Items:
Read the book "Pentecost" by Emilio Alvarez to learn more about Pentecost.
Reflect on how to "turn up the volume on the Holy Spirit, and turn down the volume on everything else" in one's life.
Consider how to faithfully "work out the fifth act" and participate in God's story in the world today through the empowering of the Holy Spirit.
 
 

Easter Sunday Year B | Austin Becton | 3.31.24

Mark 16:1-8

Good Friday Year B | Erik Willits | 3.29.24

John 19:1-37

The Fifth Sunday in Lent Year B | Austin Becton | 3.17.24

John 12:20-33