Listen to Audio
Jul 26, 2026 | Tim Moore
Preaching | Rev. Dr. Tim Moore
Sermon | "Ministry for This Life"
Scripture | Matthew 14:13-21
What good is faith if it never leaves the sanctuary?
When the disciples wanted to send the crowd away, Jesus had a different idea: feed them.
The feeding of the five thousand reminds us that faith is more than belief. It is something we practice. The Reign of God is not only about what comes next. It is about bringing healing, hope, justice, and compassion into the world right now.
This Sunday, Rev. Dr. Tim Moore explores what it means to be a church whose ministry makes a difference in this life.
Part 3 of our series, Being a Liberal, 21st Century Church, considers how justice becomes a lived expression of faith.
#BeingALiberal21stCenturyChurch #Justice #Matthew14 #FaithInAction #SundayWorship
Preacher's Note:
The feeding of the five thousand might never have happened if Jesus had listened to his disciples. They were ready to send the people away, but Jesus tells them to feed the people. Jesus emphasized ministry for this life. Salvation is to be experienced, here, in this life. Whatever comes next may be a special blessing, but the Reign of God brings salvation here and now.
Faith is a practice we live, not just beliefs we affirm. A liberal church that speaks of justice and inclusivity but does not actively practice these ideas in ways that appear transformative will be destined to be seen as irrelevant to younger generations and merely a place to mouth pious sentimentalities. Stan Dotson, who lives in Cuba in solidarity with Cuban churches and their people, was speaking with an older Cuban regarding justice. The gentleman quoted Eduardo Galeano: “Justice is like snakes who only bite those without shoes,” which is to say, there is no justice for the poor. An activist liberal church understands that reality and advocates for a Christianity that impacts this world for all—shoes or no shoes. [Justice]
#BeingALiberal21stCenturyChurch #Justice #Matthew14 #FaithInAction #SundayWorship