Third Sunday after Pentecost - Rev. William H. Lamar IV

This week Rev. William H. Lamar IV explores the themes of peace, suffering, and the role of community in addressing pain. He emphasizes the importance of allowing suffering to be voiced and challenges the misconceptions surrounding the reasons for suffering. Through the lens of the biblical figure Job, he discusses the complexities of friendship during times of hardship and the need for solidarity in the face of injustice. The sermon calls for a re-examination of theological beliefs that blame individuals for their suffering and advocates for a compassionate response to those in pain.

You can experience the full service on the Metropolatin AME YouTube channel.
Find the bulletin from this week's worship here. 

Text:
Job 4:1-8
Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered:2 “If one ventures a word with you, will you be offended?
    But who can keep from speaking?
3 See, you have instructed many;
    you have strengthened the weak hands.
4 Your words have supported those who were stumbling,
    and you have made firm the feeble knees.
5 But now it has come to you, and you are impatient;
    it touches you, and you are dismayed.
6 Is not your fear of God your confidence
    and the integrity of your ways your hope?
7 “Think now, who that was innocent ever perished?
    Or where were the upright cut off?
8 As I have seen, those who plow iniquity
    and sow trouble reap the same.


Chapters
00:55 Understanding Suffering: The Story of Job
3:55 Stages of Suffering
11:10 Job's Honest Prayer
13:13 When Friends Are Wrong: The Role of Eliphaz
16:46 Eliphaz Represents Bad Theology