Summary: Numerous biblical stories describe apparent “outsiders” who have clear vision and insight. Because of those people, the supposed “insiders” gain a new, better, or enlarged perspective on the values and virtues they hold dear. Such stories can also remind a nation that an insular approach to the wider world and cultures is liable to degrade our most cherished values.
Read the full document, which is part of the American Values Religious Voices letter-writing project, here.
Preaching Acts in Easter (Year B)
Summary: The book of Acts depicts daring communities of faith. They dare because, in various ways, they open themselves up to defying or surpassing the limits imposed by the status quo. Preachers who work with Acts during Easter might look at the lectionary’s assigned texts as examples of how believers bear witness (following Jesus’ words, “You will be my witnesses,” in Acts 1:8) to the new realities that God makes possible as a result of Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and ascension.
Read the full article at Working Preacher.
Bible commentary: preachers & teachers
Acts 1:8 acts of the apostles church easter generosity hospitality Leadership preaching repentance salvation sermons witness