October 1, 2006
Rev. Josh Longbottom's first sermon at Plymouth straight out of seminary was a call to action rooted in the church's covenant "In the love of truth..." and the gospel's message in Luke 9:1-6. As Longbottom said: "We are a place of extravagant welcome. No matter who you are or where you are in the journey of life, you are accepted as a fellow sojourner on the way and not asked to submit to a credo. We are big-tent Christians, which means we do not just tolerate or even just enjoy, we depend upon the differences we have in this community. That is how we've become a home for those who can't find a home anywhere else. That is how this sanctuary has become a sanctuary...
"Because I know the members of this church put their lives on the line to help African Americans escape the evils of slavery. I was told that I was brought here not to coddle your current faith, but to spend my time trying to figure out how to plot a path to justice that is as radical as your abolitionist groups. That, to me, sounds like the kingdom of God. It is the lure of the kingdom of God that brings me not just to church but to this church. (We) come here to practice the kingdom of God."
The disciples were sent out to proclaim the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God is a role reversal - the last shall be first, the mourners will be comforted, the meek will be heard without raising their voices, the poor will be honored and not chastised - the kingdom of God is synonymous with justice. A church earnestly seeking that kingdom offers a taste of God's justice.