19Now we know that whatever the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. 20For “no human being will be justified in his sight” by deeds prescribed by the law, for through the law comes the knowledge of sin. 21But now, apart from law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed, and is attested by the law and the prophets, 22the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, 23since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; 24they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood, effective through faith. He did this to show his righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over the sins previously committed; 26it was to prove at the present time that he himself is righteous and that he justifies the one who has faith in Jesus. 27Then what becomes of boasting? It is excluded. By what law? By that of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28For we hold that a person is justified by faith apart from works prescribed by the law.

tags Sermons preaching

Episode 128: Revisiting the Drum Major Instinct

November 01, 2021The Rev. Dr. Alix Pridgen

A sermon revisiting “the Drum Major Instinct” which was first preached by J. Wallace Hamilton and adapted by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and based on Mark 10:35-45.

Mark 10:35-45

Image found at https://vocal.media/beat/the-honda-battle-of-the-bands accessed 11/1/2021

tags Preaching Sermons Gospel

Episode 127: When Stuff Stands In the Way

October 12, 2021The Rev. Dr. Alix Pridgen

Jesus invites us to let go of the stuff that is getting in the way of our relationship with God.

tags Preaching Sermons Gospel

Episode 126: Entering the Kingdom Like a Child

October 05, 2021The Rev. Dr. Alix Pridgen

Mark 10:13-16

People were bringing little children to [Jesus] in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” 16And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.

Episode 125: Expansive Power for Good

September 26, 2021The Rev. Dr. Alix Pridgen

Mark 9:38-41

38John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” 39But Jesus said, “Do not stop him; for no one who does a deed of power in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. 40Whoever is not against us is for us. 41For truly I tell you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose the reward.” (NRSV)