It’s a Jungle in There!
Have you ever noticed how many animals show up in the pages of Scripture? From the very beginning in Genesis to the closing images in Revelation, we see creatures that walk, crawl, swim, and fly included in God’s story.
Throughout the weeks of summer, our church will take a wild and wonderful journey called “It’s a Jungle in There!” This sermon series will explore the various animals in the Bible and the faith lessons they help us learn. Each week, we will look at a different animal or creature in Scripture and discover what it reveals about God’s nature, our faith, and how we live in God’s world.
We will encounter serpents, and frogs, locusts, and gnats, lions and bears (but no tigers,) ravens, eagles, and doves, sheep, a whale with a prophet in its belly, and even a talking donkey! And before we are done, we will tackle the questions that kids (and adults!) love to ask, “Why aren’t dinosaurs mentioned in the Bible?”
This series may sound playful, and in some ways, it is. But underneath the fun lies something more profound. These animals help tell the story of a God who is creative, surprising, powerful, and compassionate. They remind us that the same God who created the stars and the seas and the creatures of the earth also created you and me, and knows us by name. God meets us in unlikely places and calls us to live with wonder, humility, and faith.
I hope you will make plans to worship at FUMCWF each Sunday this summer, either in person or on YouTube. These sermons are for all ages and faith stages, intended to be experienced in community. I hope these sermons spark great questions and conversations about how God’s Word connects us to God’s world. A companion discussion guide for small groups is also available for those who want a deeper exploration.
I am looking forward to this journey into the jungle together. Bring your Bible and a friend and come discover the beauty, the humor, the grace, and the challenges that we find in Scripture. It really is a jungle in there!
With love, and joy, serving as your pastor-
John McLarty