The following quotes have been on my mind this week...
"If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I am commanding you today, by loving the Lord your God, walking in his ways, and observing his commandments, decrees, and ordinances, then you shall live...” ― Deuteronomy 30:16
“The life of a nation is secure only while the nation is honest, truthful, and virtuous.” ― Frederick Douglass
The month of February is Black History month which invites us to remember the contributions of African Americans throughout the history of our country. In an embarrassing moment last week, the person in the office of the President of the United States did not know who Frederick Douglass was.Frederick Douglass lived during the nineteenth century and was "an African-American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman. After escaping from slavery in Maryland, he became a national leader of the abolitionist movement in Massachusetts and New York, gaining note for his dazzling oratory and incisive antislavery writings."
Thinking about Frederick Douglass took me to his words above as well as to the words of the writer of Deuteronomy which will provide the basis of this Sunday’s sermon.
In these times, and in this social, political, and religious season, we’re reminded that at the core of our faith is the challenge to love God and love neighbor. Frederick Douglass reminds us too that “alternative-facts” have no place in a country such as ours...or any other country for that matter.
While these days are challenging for many of us, my prayer is that we will strive to be people of faith, love, humility, grace, hope, and peace.
I hope to see you in service at 10:30 on Sunday!
Sincerely,
First Baptist Church of Denver is a welcoming and affirming, inclusive Christian community that embraces diversity, engages personal faith, and serves with compassion.
