Congratulations on giving your first sermon, Samantha! What a big step for you, especially on your path to seminary. I found your sermon inspiring as well, especially with how you brought it to a meaningful and applicable conclusion.
Two other aspects I very much appreciate. First, your style is simple and clear without resorting to a bunch of jargon or theological declarations. Because you speak in simple and direct human terms, I think any sincere person of faith in any religion could find inspiration in this talk.
Second, you took a passage of Scripture, elucidated it, and made it applicable, focusing on what, to your understanding, it's trying to tell us in and of itself. That stands in stark contrast to those sermons in which preachers argue some other point (often to fit some other agenda, including political ones) and then cherry pick verses and even partial phrases from the Bible to support that argument. To me, that's exploiting the authority of the Bible for one's own purpose, rather than helping people to understand what the Bible itself is trying to say and helping them, as you've done, relate to and love God more deeply.
Congratulations on giving your first sermon, Samantha! What a big step for you, especially on your path to seminary. I found your sermon inspiring as well, especially with how you brought it to a meaningful and applicable conclusion.
Two other aspects I very much appreciate. First, your style is simple and clear without resorting to a bunch of jargon or theological declarations. Because you speak in simple and direct human terms, I think any sincere person of faith in any religion could find inspiration in this talk.
Second, you took a passage of Scripture, elucidated it, and made it applicable, focusing on what, to your understanding, it's trying to tell us in and of itself. That stands in stark contrast to those sermons in which preachers argue some other point (often to fit some other agenda, including political ones) and then cherry pick verses and even partial phrases from the Bible to support that argument. To me, that's exploiting the authority of the Bible for one's own purpose, rather than helping people to understand what the Bible itself is trying to say and helping them, as you've done, relate to and love God more deeply.
Again, well done!
What a beautiful compliment! Thank you so much, Kiran! I appreciate your encouragement and, as always, your support.