Graceful Christianity by Dr. Kevin Thomas

Many of us have deconstructed the faith of our youth. It can be a liberating but scary thing. Is it still safe to believe? Is there anything to believe in? John the Baptist had some of those same questions. Jesus answered them in a way that offers us hope.

Sometimes religious people stigmatize those facing mental health challenges and addiction, either blaming them or accusing them of a lack of faith. Those stigmas harm people, beautiful people created in God's image. We choose to embrace people as they journey on the long walk through mental heath issues and addiction. Church should be a place that supports healing.

This message deals with the difficult topic of suicide. Too often the church either remains silent about suicide, or it shows up with toxic theologies to shame people about suicide. It is tragic, but it is not an "unpardonable sin." It should not be a source of shame for loved ones. In this message I try to offer hope, healing, and prevention. 

The holidays are quickly approaching. For many of us, they will be "the most wonderful time of the year," but for many others, they will be the loneliest time of the year. While the world parties, many of our neighbors will experience isolation. We can make a difference. We are only well when our neighbors are well. Let's dedicate ourselves to expanding loving community during this season.

As we celebrate All Saints Sunday, we remember loved ones who have gone before us. We never really "get over" grief. We don't leave loved ones behind. Today we'll talk about how they move forward with us, encouraging us as we go.

We are experiencing times of trouble, but "there will be an answer. Let it be!" This message confronts the challenging circumstances of our time by offering both a calm assurance that God has not forgotten us and a call to action to defiantly represent God's love and joy in a world that has forgotten both.

For centuries, we've used the Bible to hurt women. But when we use the Bible to hurt people, we're reading it wrong. Jesus came to liberate us. This message encourages us to liberate ourselves for the religious misogyny that has already done far too much harm.

This message is the second in our series, "The Gospel According to John, and Paul, and George, and Ringo." The Beatles spoke out about the evil of segregation even while many churches remained silent or even promoted racial division. As they cried out then, the church must cry out now about the evils perpetrated in our culture. This message will invite us to cross lines and break down the walls that divide people.

This message begins our series, "The Gospel According to John, and Paul, and George, and Ringo." Yet, Beatles Mania has come to Birmingham First United Methodist! Today, we affirm that God is love, and love is the defining characteristic of those who follow Christ. In a religious culture so fond of litmus tests for the faith, let's take our cue from Christ. Love is all you need.