Epilogue
Faith of Our Fathers
August 28, 2022
Rev. Tim Sharpe
Using Genesis 19 and the story of Lot, the sermon warns that sin is not distant but a personal problem that requires repentance and help, acknowledges the congregation's hospitality, connects the text to contemporary wounds like abortion, and affirms that God can bring redemption even through brokenness.
Summary
The preacher thanks visiting ministers and notes the congregation's hospitality, then reads Genesis 19—the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and the disturbing aftermath with Lot and his daughters—to illustrate that sin often follows us home and is an inward, personal problem rather than a distant abstraction. Tying the text to current pastoral concerns (including the painful reality of abortion for many), the sermon urges honest recognition of sin, genuine repentance, and the willingness to ask for help instead of hiding in fear. Finally, it holds to hope: despite colossal failures and disgusting sin, God is at work to bring about redemption and display his grace even through broken systems.
Key Points
- Thanked visiting preachers and affirmed the congregation's hospitality
- Read Genesis 19 (Sodom and Gomorrah) and described the aftermath with Lot as a horrific, cautionary scene
- Emphasized that sin is not just 'out there' but a personal, inward problem that can follow us home
- Linked the biblical warning to contemporary wounds (e.g., the pastoral sensitivity around abortion)
- Called for repentance: turning from sin and turning to God, and admitted that many fail by refusing to ask for help
- Stressed that fear and denial enable sin, while seeking the Lord and help would be the right response
- Concluded with hope: God can work redemptively even amid colossal sin and broken systems to bring his glory and grace
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