Eighth Sunday After Pentecost - Rev. William H. Lamar IV

In this week's sermon Rev. William H. Lamar IV continues to explore the complexities and suffering of life through the lens of Job. He challenges the notion that everything happens for a reason, sharing personal stories and theological insights that emphasize the importance of resilience and support from one another. Through the lens of the prosperity gospel and the story of his friend Kate Bowler, he illustrates that life can be unpredictable and painful, yet it is essential to find strength in community and continue moving forward together.

This week's text - Job 11:1-12
Then Zophar the Naamathite answered:2 “Should a multitude of words go unanswered,
    and should one full of talk be vindicated?
3 Should your babble put others to silence,
    and when you mock, shall no one shame you?
4 For you say, ‘My conduct is pure,
    and I am clean in God’s sight.’
5 But O that God would speak
    and open his lips to you
6 and that he would tell you the secrets of wisdom!
    For wisdom is many-sided.
Know then that God exacts of you less than your guilt deserves.
7 “Can you find out the deep things of God?
    Can you find out the limit of the Almighty?
8 It is higher than heaven—what can you do?
    Deeper than Sheol—what can you know?
9 Its measure is longer than the earth
    and broader than the sea.
10 If he passes through and imprisons
    and assembles for judgment, who can hinder him?
11 For he knows those who are worthless;
    when he sees iniquity, will he not consider it?
12 But the stupid will get understanding
    when a wild ass is born human.

Chapters
00:00 The Journey of Faith and Understanding
03:31 Challenging the Notion of Reason in Suffering
28:22 Living Beyond Chaos and Catastrophe