Scripture: Genesis 9:8–17 So often when we read the Bible, familiarity is actually not our friend. It provides a challenge. That’s especially true with stories like Noah and the ark, which many of us have heard since we were little. It may be one of the first Bible stories that was ever read to us, […]
How can prayer carry us through a storm without shutting out our neighbors? Use these questions to explore the ark’s window, God’s care for creation, and the welcome we offer others.
What if Noah’s flood is not only a story of destruction, but also one of re-creation and grace? Pastor Mark reflects on second chances, forgiveness and God’s invitation to begin again.
Continue reflecting on Noah’s flood with questions about grace, forgiveness, repair, re-creation and God’s invitation to begin again.
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.
Continue reflecting on Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane with questions about honest faith, the Holy Spirit, fear-based images of God and the courage to trust that we are never left alone.
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.
Continue reflecting on “God’s Persistent Love” with questions about difficult Scripture, faithful disagreement, the barriers we create, and the God who continually challenges and pursues us in love.
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.
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.
Roland Park Presbyterian Church is a local community of faith that was founded in 1901. RPPC is an inclusive and welcoming member congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and More Light Presbyterians as well as an Earth Care and Matthew 25 Congregation that is pursuing justice, practicing hospitality and engaging curious faith. RPPC worships together each Sunday at 10:30 a.m.
Presbyterian Church (USA) and More Light Presbyterians
