How does one preach in the middle of the summer and vacation time, when God is possibly the last thing on people’s minds? Unless there is a summer weather disaster or tragic shooting incident at a populated tourist attraction, the whole topic of God, life, and death matters all seem distant if not morbid. This is still the season when the church does its mission. Matthew 28:16-20 still applies: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Greek: Ethne). This week’s texts provide opportunities to raise the question of what god we are serving in our actions.
