Entries by Roland Park

Disputing with God: God’s Will Be Done

What if faithful prayer includes questions, fear and even disagreement with God? In the final sermon of the “Disputing with God” series, Pastor Mark turns to Jesus in Gethsemane and the Spirit who meets us in our weakness.

Disputing with God: Persistence

What happens when a difficult biblical story challenges not only our understanding of Jesus, but also the God we have constructed for ourselves? Pastor Mark reflects on the Canaanite woman, the boundaries we draw, and the persistent love of God that refuses to leave us unchanged.

Disputing with God: Advocating for Others

In this sermon on Genesis 18, Pastor Mark Hanna revisits the story of Sodom and Gomorrah and invites us to read it through the biblical call to hospitality, not exclusion. He explores how Scripture asks us to wrestle with justice, mercy, covenant, and the ways our lives are bound together. This sermon offers permission to bring our questions, doubts, and evolving images of God into a living faith.

Sermon Discussion Guide: Disputing with God: Advocating for others

This discussion guide invites reflection on Genesis 18, hospitality to strangers, and the relationship between justice and mercy. Use these questions to explore how Scripture can lead us toward greater love of God and neighbor. Wherever you are in your faith journey, there’s a place for your questions at RPPC.

Disputing with God: Repairing Relationships

In this sermon on Exodus 33 and 34, Pastor Mark reflects on idolatry, certainty, and the living God who refuses to fit neatly into our boxes. Through Moses’ honest dispute with God, we are invited to consider a faith rooted not in formulas or fear, but in relationship, mystery, love, and repair.

Disputing with God ~ Appealing to God’s Mercy

In this thoughtful reflection on Exodus 32, Pastor Mark explores the story of the Golden Calf through the lens of mercy, freedom, and relationship with God. Wrestling with questions about anger, compassion, and human responsibility, the sermon invites us to consider what it means to be genuine partners with God—and why faithful questioning may be a sign of deep trust rather than doubt.

Sermon Discussion Guide: Disputing with God ~ Appealing to God’s Mercy

This discussion guide invites individuals and groups to reflect more deeply on themes from Pastor Mark’s sermon, including divine mercy, human freedom, faithful questioning, and our partnership with God. Through scripture reflection and practical questions, participants are encouraged to explore how love, compassion, and responsibility shape our faith journey today.