One Week in America

One Week in America

While the last seven days in America seemed normal to many citizens, a closer look reveals the incredible tension fueling divisions. From courthouses across the country to a bi-partisan infrastructure bill signed into law by President Joe Biden, a microcosm of real...

Hope Within a Divided Union

Optics can speak more clearly and thunderously than words. Such was the case when President Donald Trump delivered his State of the Union address this week. The scene was familiar for those who have watched past presidents give the annual address to Congress. The...

On the Road with Jesus: Not Peace but a Sword

A sermon by Jim Somerville, Pastor, First Baptist Church, Richmond, Va., August 18, 2013 The Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost Luke 12:49-56  “I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and...

Jesus’ Division Will Eliminate All the Others

It’s pretty typical for Americans to think we’re number one, especially when it comes to wealth. But we’re not. In terms of income per person, we rank behind Norway, Luxembourg, Singapore, Switzerland and Hong Kong. I suppose, still, that we can take...

How Jesus’ Divisiveness Created New Unity

When reading the New Testament, one discovers a great emphasis on love and unity. Indeed, the coming of the spirit at Pentecost is just one story that tells us that one of the primary works of the spirit is to unite together people from all walks of life in the...