Real peace. Real people.: Recent Episodes
Jonathan Bourman
Why Did He Do It?A SERMON BASED ON Mark 7:31-37His miracle was for one man and one man alone. He brings him to a private place, heals him, and then tells him to tell no one about it. Why was Jesus willing to take the time to make such a narrow impact when he could have made this man well in front of hundreds? Because it wasn’t about the crowd. In this moment, the Savior’s focus was on one man. And Jesus used this moment to bring this man healing for his life and healing for his soul.
A "Good Person"?A SERMON BASED ON Romans 9:30-10:4If we are looking for a good person, we’ve found one. No, she’s not living under our roof, he’s not staring back at you in the mirror. We find one “good person” in our life: Jesus. It is Jesus who knows what perfect obedience is. It is Jesus who knows what perfect love is. Jesus is the only “good person” we know. But he doesn’t keep it to himself. He gives his goodness to us so that we can share in the Father’s favor. This is how we begin our lives of obedience.
The Offensive Bread of LifeA SERMON BASED ON John 6:51-69In general, when people are faced with an idea that they find offensive, they do one of two things. 1. They turn their back on the idea, the person, or the movement. Or 2. They wrestle to get comfortable with this scandalous thought. In John 6, as Jesus ends his Bread of Life discourse, the disciples wrestle with Jesus' teaching and give us a path forward when we are presented with a section of God's Word that makes us uncomfortable.
A Feast of WisdomA SERMON BASED ON John 6:35-51Jesus continues his “Bread of Life” discourse as he reminds that disciples that God himself is the one who draws sinners to himself. This is a stark reminder that the wisdom of God is NOTHING like the wisdom of this world.
A Lasting MealA SERMON BASED ON John 6:24-35Tragically, the best meals don’t last forever. Whether it’s the steak that you spent WAY too much money on or it’s that Thanksgiving meal that you fondly remember, we always find ourselves being hungry again. In these beginning verses of Jesus’ conversation about the bread of life, we find him reminding the people that he offers something better. He offers something that is not temporarily satisfying, but eternally filling!
WITH YouA SERMON BASED ON Mark 6:45-56What does Jesus mean when he tells us he will be with us? And how is that helpful? When you are going through scary situations or rough patches in life, why does the presence of God matter? In our reading for this Sunday, we are reminded of a simple truth: there is no one we would rather have with us than our Savior.
Everything Means EverythingA SERMON BASED ON 2 Corinthians 9:8-11What can be used to serve Jesus? Often, we shrink the scope of service far beyond the way God presents it in Scripture. God has filled each and every Christian up with exactly what they need AND MORE so as to serve others and serve him. God is so generous with his blessings toward us and allows for so many opportunities for service that we are forced to stop asking what can be used to serve God and start asking WHAT CAN’T be used to serve God?
Inconvenient CompassionA SERMON BASED ON Mark 6:30-34When Jesus looks at you, what do you suppose he see? I’m sure he sees your day to day desire to walk in his ways. However, whether we want to admit it or not, he also sees our shortcomings. He sees the deep rooted sin. He sees the ways that we stray from him. But instead of being disgusted or disinterested, he is compassionate. His heart breaks for us. This is the heart of the gospel. This is our heart.
God's RepresentativesA SERMON BASED ON Titus 1:5-9When we take on the awesome task of serving Jesus in life, we can overlook the fact that we aren’t just to speak his words, but we are to model his behavior. That is the standard that God places on those who want to be overseers in his kingdom. Our first concern might be that we can’t live up to that calling… who can?? The same way that we depend on God’s grace for our salvation, we depend on his grace in dealing with us as we strive to do our best to represent him in his kingdom.
"It's Not You... It's HIM"A SERMON BASED ON Ezekiel 2:1-7When a couple breaks up because one party is dissatisfied with the relationship, you might hear him or her say to their partner, “It’t not you, it’s me.” The person is taking responsibility for what is objectionable in the relationship. God tells us that when we face rejection for the gospel, we need to keep in mind that the person isn’t rejecting us… they’re rejecting God and his Word. This reminder comforts us knowing, “It’s not you… It’s HIM.”
Only SleepingA SERMON BASED ON Mark 5:21-24,35-43In the account of Jesus dealing with a grief stricken father and raising his daughter from the dead, Jesus’ attitude astounds us. In the face of mourning and tragedy, Jesus shows calm, cool confidence. Why? He knows who holds all of the cards. This attitude is an attitude of faith. It’s an attitude, by grace, we can mirror.
In the Back of Your BoatA SERMON BASED ON Mark 5:35-41Did he even care? This was the question on the minds of the disciples as they scurried around the boat trying to make sure that it wouldn’t sink. They were doing their part, but by all accounts, Jesus wasn’t doing his. But this was not even remotely true! Even if Jesus didn’t frantically spring into action, it wasn’t as if the situation was out of control. Jesus was still in the back of the boat.
Kingdom Work for DummiesA SERMON BASED ON Mark 4:26-34Do we make it more complicated than it is? Spreading the Kingdom of God can seem like such daunting work. But do we overthink it. God says, “preach the gospel.” We have to do more than that, right? In his 2 parables that Jesus shares with us today, he tells us not to overthink it. Go forth with the gospel, and let him worry about the rest.
Don't Believe Your EyesA SERMON BASED ON REvelation 20:1-6Is Christianity winning? I think most who examine the falling church attendance throughout the country and the lack of respect for Christian institutions would say no. Christianity seems as if it’s on the ropes. But don’t let your eyes deceive you. Christ still sits on his throne. Knowing this is key to reading the book of Revelation and is vital to your walk in the faith.
Do You Really Deserve a Break?A SERMON BASED ON MarK 2:23-3:6People get burnt out when they continuously work without a rest. It should be no surprise, then, that the same applies to our spiritual lives. If we spend our time loving and serving those around us without any time for spiritual R&R for ourselves, we inevitably burn out. Thankfully, the rest we have a God who knows that. He knows you so well that he is willing to say, “for your own good, take a break!” We take a break, we rest every time we find our ease of heart and mind in what Jesus did for us.
The Triune God Doing "Triune God Things"A SERMON BASED ON Romans 8:12-17Every other religion has a god. This god is described in a variety of ways: powerful, wise, angry, loving, perfect, flawed… every religion thinks something about their god. What should we think about our Triune God? Who he is is revealed to us by what he has done. This week, we discover a God who reveals himself as a God who is more complex than we could possibly imagine. We understand more and more about him as we see his work in our lives. Let’s take a look!
Selling the Holy Spirit ShortA SERMON BASED ON Acts 2:1-21The power of God is present inside the walls of our church on Sunday morning. Some people might even say that they can feel it. But as you exit the doors, it might feel like things go “back to normal.” Just you, your strength, and the problems of the day. In our reading from Acts, we learn that on the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was poured out on the church with a purpose. Jesus wanted his people to know that the power to change hearts, work faith, and save souls was a power far beyond the power of human beings. Yet, it was human beings that God chose to use as his instruments for that power.
His Ascension Draws Him CloserA SERMON BASED ON Ephesians 4:7-16In many ways, the ascension of Jesus ties a boy on his earthly ministry. He had defeated sin, the devil and hell itself. But that doesn’t mean Jesus is done. He still has an agenda even as he sits at the right hand of God the Father. Hear about that agenda in this Sunday’s sermon.
But How Do I Do It?A SERMON BASED ON John 15:9-17Even the most casual Christian understands a basic principle of Jesus’ teaching and the teaching of Scripture: love those around you. Rarely, the problem is not knowing if we should love our neighbor or our God. The problem is execution. So how do go from a place of understanding God’s call to love to making it happen? We look to the model of our love.
Remain, Remain, RemainA SERMON BASED ON John 15:1-8Your connection to Christ need not be tenuous. When he says, “Remain in me,” he isn’t calling on us to do the impossible. Instead, he is calling us to make use of the means that he has established to keep us near to him. In all of this, we understand a critical point: Jesus and Jesus alone is the one who keeps our relationship strong. In that resolute relationship, we find ourselves bearing fruit.
Don't Settle for the Hired HandA SERMON BASED ON John 10:11-18Paying someone to do a job usually works out. You give them a sum of money, sometimes a large sum of money, and they do their work well and on time. But that’s not always the case. Sometimes, the one motivated by simple money isn’t willing to sacrifice what it takes to get the job done well. In John 10, Jesus points out the difference between the Good Shepherd and the hired hand. See the difference in our sermon for this weekend!
More Than A SloganA SERMON BASED ON 1 John 1:5-2:2Do we have something worthwhile to say? Or are the words that Christians speak just as relevant and useful as any common catchphrase of the world? The Apostle John delivers phrases that stick in our mind, but they carry more weight than anything the world offers. Why? Because they are rooted in truth and reality!
"Stop Doubting and Believe"A SERMON BASED ON John 20:19-31When Jesus says “stop doubting,” we can’t help but notice an edge in his voice. In fact, he says that those who believe without seeing are blessed because they didn’t NEED to make God prove himself. When the doubts of life come our way, how should we react? Do we wallow in them and allow them to take ownership of our mind, or do we answer them with the truth of the resurrection?
How Are You Doing?A SERMON BASED ON Job 19:23-27The hymn I Know that My Redeemer Lives is based on the words of Job, uttered when he was in the depths of despair and was forced to still find his hope in a God who seemed to abandon him. The reason these words of Job and the song writer are so poignant is that in the midst of trouble, the resurrection of Jesus changes death and life itself. If Christ has been risen from the grave, why on earth should I walk around being afraid of dying? And if death is not my primary concern in life, how does that shape my worldview?
Real SacrificeA SERMON BASED ON John 19:17-30On Good Friday, Jesus isn’t beaten just to gain pity. He’s not nailed to a cross to score your sympathy. He doesn’t die for your tears. Here at the cross, we see these beautiful juxtapositions. At the same time, we see the wrath of God, the innocent helpless looking sacrifice, and the seeming defeat of Christ himself. But if we blink, we see at the same time the love of God, the strong redeemer, and the victory of our Lord. Come to the cross and see!
Unity Worth PreservingA SERMON BASED ON 1 Corinthians 10:16-17Keeping a group of people together isn’t an easy thing to do. A church is no different. Personalities loom large. Opinions are stated (maybe overstated). Things fall apart. So how do we preserve and defend the unity in a church? At the Lord’s Supper, God gives us a rich opportunity to find safety in the oneness that we share at his table.
Making A Strong EntranceA SERMON BASED ON Mark 11:1-11Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem isn’t exactly understated. It is one of the few times that Jesus indulges the fanfare. The expectation of those in the city was that he would be this strong warrior on their behalf. They believed that he had the strength to answer their cries of “hosanna” which means “please save us!” And he would. Jesus would be that Savior… but maybe not the one everyone expected.
“You Are Mine”A SERMON BASED ON Isaiah 43:1-7Many of the problems in life are created by us. We might not love admitting it, but it’s true. When we cause those problems, what does God say to us? Does he give up on us and let us wallow. Isaiah 43 answers that very question as God speaks to his people.
Sin - SolvedA SERMON BASED ON Ephesians 2:1-10How is the problem of sin solved? If you ask members of Christian churches around the world, you might get a variety of answers. But Scripture offers one answer. You are saved BY GRACE ALONE… but what does that mean?
Worship Is Worth Our TimeA SERMON BASED ON John 2:13-22We live in a world in which everything is on-demand. You could order a blender today and it will be on your doorstep by the end of the day tomorrow. You can pay your mortgage on your phone from the couch. Everything is instant. Everything is convenient. Everything is done on your timeline. So why not worship? Why would we gather together? Why would we build a space to be used to its fullest once a week? What is so important on a Sunday morning that we drop everything and show up?
Bearing Our CrossesA SERMON BASED ON Romans 5:1-11It doesn’t take long to realize that we have certain crosses to bear in this life as a result of our Christian faith. We deal with persecution and hatred. We are forced to make difficult decisions that others don’t have to make. It makes us ask the question: why? Why would God give us these crosses? Is it because he needs to see more from us? Is it to punish us? Or does he have so much more in mind for us?
Is This Some Kind of Joke to God?A SERMON BASED ON Genesis 22:1-18When God asked Abraham to do the impossible, Abraham gathered his things and was determined to carry out exactly what he had been called to do. Abraham was willing to do whatever the Lord had called him to do for two reasons. Check out Abraham’s reasons and make them your reasons!
A Transfiguration Unlike Any OtherA SERMON BASED ON Mark 9:2-9As the Lord Jesus prepared to approach his suffering and death, he undergoes this transfiguration. It is one of those moments in which it seems that heaven connects with earth. Holiness and perfection are on miraculous display. Jesus is finally seen as he really is. But that still leaves us with one question: WHY?
An Unworthy EnemyA SERMON BASED ON 1 Peter 5:6-11You might not like to think about it, but the devil does actually exist. He is our adversary and the adversary of the church of Jesus. I don’t think most of us wake up with that prowling lion on our minds, but that doesn’t mean that he isn’t hard at work. In our reading, Peter tells us that while the devil doesn’t quit, we still don’t need to cower in fear. Instead, we find our safety in the grace of Jesus.
Who’s in Charge Here?A SERMON BASED ON Mark 1:21-28Can you be the boss of your own life? Can you control your destiny? You might think you can. But look back on the last few months of your life. Were you able to make all your problems go away? Probably not. So what do we do when we realize that we’re not actually in total control over our lives? How can we get comfortable with that?
The Kindness in His CallingA SERMON BASED ON 1 Samuel 3:1-10Our approach to God matters quite a bit. Whether it is in worship or in our daily study of his Word, the way we come before him matters. Will we come before him with pride in our hearts, thinking we know best. Or will we go before him humbly with nothing on our tongue other than: “Speak, Lord, for you servant is listening”?
It Begins with BaptismA SERMON BASED ON Romans 6:1-11“So, what does your church teach about baptism?” Romans offers our explanation for us! The simple truth found in God’s Word, that he is delivering on his promise of forgiveness, life and salvation in Baptism, is found in clear terms in Romans 6. If you have any questions about Peace’s teachings concerning baptism, please reach out to our pastor!
Power and GraceA SERMON BASED ON Matthew 2:1-12In our narrative about the 3 wisemen who came to visit Jesus after his birth, we learn 2 truths about how God reaches his people. He does so with power and he does so with grace. When God goes after someone, he REALLY goes after them.
God’s Special TreasureA SERMON BASED ON Exodus 19:1-8New year. New me. The beginning of the year is a time when people rebrand themselves. They try to form new habits and see themselves in a different light. They also try to make sure other people see them a certain way. Is that what we need? Do you need a rebranding in 2024? If you do, maybe start here: see what God says about you.
Here for YOUA SERMON BASED ON John 1:1-18Why on earth did Jesus leave his throne in heaven? Why would he descend from perfection and enter a world that is full of pain and turmoil? Why would Jesus be willing to show up in this world and face ridicule and rejection? We answer all of these questions in our sermon on Christmas Day!
A Faith Found in DetailsA SERMON BASED ON Luke 1:26-38When you watch someone fall short on their promises over and over again, you are likely to assume that they won’t break that pattern any time soon. Does it sometimes seem like we treat God that way? Do we treat him like a loved one who says nice things, but never comes through? Or do we treat him and his promises as they really are? In our sermon, learn that your God and his promises are resolute and unimpeachable.
Joy > HappinessA SERMON BASED ON Isaiah 61:1-3,10-11Does God care about your happiness? He cares about your salvation, he cares about your physical body, he cares about your mental state… how could he not care about your happiness, right? But what happens when the things that make you happy run contrary to what God wants for your life? Today at Peace, we dive into the idea that happiness in circumstances and joy in Christ are fundamentally different ideas… and one is much more important than the other.
Prepare to Meet HimA SERMON BASED ON Isaiah 40:1-11When preparing for guests over the holidays, you are likely meticulous in your preparation. Things don’t slip by you if the company coming to visit you is important or dear to you. When preparing for Christ to come, are we as meticulous? In a time when it seems like all our preparations are “buy this” and “clean that,” how can we get our hearts ready for the arrival of the most important guest? We’ll use the words of Isaiah to explore just that!
Sheep Don't Need to Be Told to Be SheepA SERMON BASED ON Matthew 25:31-46What do you think of when you hear the words “judgment day”? People think of all of the ominous pictures that come with those words. In fact many people, even Christians, are left feeling afraid when they think of judgment day. But can we look at it from a different angle? Rather than with fear of a verdict, might we see judgment day in a different light. Let’s dive into Matthew 25:31-46 to understand how we ought to feel about this “final” day.
What Makes Service "Faithful"?A SERMON BASED ON Isaiah 1:10-18In Isaiah, the people give God their best. However, it seems as if their best isn’t enough for God. In our sermon based on Isaiah, we’re going to talk about what exactly makes our service to God faithful. How can we know that we are living God pleasing lives? Isaiah gives us a path.
A New JobA SERMON BASED ON Luke 5:1-11When you start a new job, there is almost always one moment in which you go, “I’m not sure I’m going to be able to do this.” That seems like it would have been an acceptable response if that’s what Peter said to Jesus. In our reading from Luke this week, we learn a little something about Peter’s new job. In the same way, we learn something about our new job in the kingdom of believers.
“We Feebly Struggle… They in Glory Shine!”A SERMON BASED ON Revelation 7:9-17Jesus says that his followers will endure tribulation. Paul tells us that Christians will put up with all sorts of hardships. In our reading from Revelation 7 for this Sunday, we see what the ending looks like. It might be difficult to see how all of this turns out okay… so God gave John just a glimpse of what to expect from eternity with him. Let me tell you: it’s as good as it gets.
“I Know” Trounces “I Think”A SERMON BASED ON Romans 3:19-28There are things that it is okay to be uncertain about, but your eternity isn’t one of them. Throughout Christianity, there are denominations whose teachings cause their followers to say, “I think my relationship with God is good.” But that’s not good enough. No, based on Scripture, we should have some certainty in our relationship with God.
God’s or Caesar’s?A SERMON BASED ON Matthew 22:15-22“Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” Great. Now all we have to do is figure out what is Caesar’s and what is God’s. As we look at the words of Jesus in their context and we look at what Paul has to say on the matter, we find out that although church is certainly not the place for politics, God does call us to live a certain way when dealing with those in authority. So what should we give to our authorities and what should we give to God? We’ll explore that question in our sermon…
A Story of Insane RejectionA SERMON BASED ON Matthew 22:1-14Who would say no? There are invitations we receive that are just too good to pass up. Who would say no to going on an all expenses paid vacation? Who would say no to a free meal at the finest restaurant in town? In fact, these offers likely seem too good to be true. Jesus tells us a story about inanely refusing an offer that is too good to pass up. But the offer isn’t for dinner or a vacation… this offer has eternal consequences.
Shocking PatienceA SERMON BASED ON Matthew 21:33-43How long is God willing to deal with us? I hope we would ask that question in an effort to understand his mercy rather than to test it. God was willing to bear with his people for generations as he sent prophet after prophet to bring them back to him. Finally, he sent his Son who was rejected. This begs the question: Is God too patient with us?
Spiritual InsincerityA SERMON BASED ON Matthew 21:23-32No one wants to be a hypocrite. That word cuts people to the core simply because it is an attack on someone’s entire character. Being fake in your dealings with people is a mistake. Being fake in your spiritual dealings… that’s just dangerous. So how is it we can be spiritually sincere? What do we need to “be real” about our faith life?
The Insane Generosity of GodA SERMON BASED ON Matthew 20:1-16What do you deserve? It’s a complicated question. What do you deserve from your spouse? What do you deserve from your employer? What do you deserve from your neighbor? In this sermon, we are going to explore this question: “What do you DESERVE from God?”
A Church that’s Quick to ForgiveA SERMON BASED ON Matthew 18:21-35No one is confused: Jesus tells us to forgive those who repent. It isn’t so much that we don’t know if we should forgive our fellow brother or sister in the faith who wrongs us and asks for our forgiveness… it’s figuring out how to actually forgive when you’ve been hurt deeply. The solution: not a firm had telling you to forgive, but a compassionate Savior who has declared that you have been forgiven.
Why Say the Difficult Thing?A SERMON BASED ON Matthew 18:15-20You can think of 1000 reasons not to talk about sin. Maybe the first reason on that list is that it’s just plain uncomfortable. So why would we do it? If there is a possibility of risking our relationship with a brother or sister in Christ, why would we bring a sin up? What is the benefit? We convince ourselves that the loving thing to do is keep our thoughts to ourselves and hope that the brother or sister can deal with it themselves. But Jesus gives us a different way, a better way of handling that situation. His way truly shows love.
The Cross then the CrownA SERMON BASED ON Matthew 16:21-26The crosses of our lives can be shockingly heavy. There are times in which it feels as if they’ll nearly crush us. In those moments, we are called to look at the one who carried our cross first. And because he won the crown, your crown is waiting for you!
A Church that REALLY Knows JesusA SERMON BASED ON Exodus 34:5-10Getting to know God is maybe the simplest yet seemingly difficult task for the Christian. We find ourselves asking, “What does God want me to know about him?” “How am I supposed to understand the great I AM?” The reality is, understanding God and the things he wants us to know about him isn’t all that complex.
Walls in God’s ChurchA SERMON BASED ON Ephesians 2:13-22What barriers are tolerable in the Church of God? It would be insane to put up barriers based on what football team you support. No one would think to cause divisions in a church based on whether you drive an SUV or sedan. But what about worship style? What about politics? What about social status? Those barriers are a little more serious. But are they justified? In our sermon, we’ll answer the question: Do barriers belong in God’s Church?
Feast or Famine, Jesus is Still LordA SERMON BASED ON Matthew 14:13-21“What happens if…?” It’s a question that lurks in the back of most people’s minds. “What happens if I have to get a new car?” “What happens if I can’t pay for a new A/C unit?” The reality is, no one could predict the future and tell you exactly how that problem will be resolved. However, based on this narrative of Jesus feeding over 5000 people, it is clear that even when situations seem most dire, the God who is able to turn a snack into a feast is still in control.
What Do You NEED From God?A SERMON BASED ON 1 Kings 3:5-15King Solomon asked for wisdom when he could have asked for practically anything else from God. He asked for wisdom not to show off or to simply make his life easier. Instead, he asked for wisdom for the purpose of serving in the capacity to which he had been called. The question is: why could he ask for something so selfless?
The Believer in an Unbelieving WorldA SERMON BASED ON Romans 1:18-25Talking about the wrath of God might make us uncomfortable. Because of his great power, it might make us nervous to think of him as a God who has the capacity for wrath. But it shouldn’t. In fact, we should be thankful that God doesn’t cozy up to sin. Instead, he pours out his wrath on sin in Christ so that the sinner might go free.
Planted By the WordA SERMON BASED ON Matthew 13:1-9,18-23The parable of the Sower and the Seed shows us how recklessly God scatters the Word in his world. He is willing to share the Word with anyone and everyone. The outcome of that sharing, however, is not always what we would like it to be. This week, we examine why we can have confidence in the all-powerful Word, even when we don’t see the results in front of our eyes.
Are You Tired of the Struggle?A SERMON BASED ON Romans 7:15-25aPaul was tired and he knew you would be too. When we talk about the struggles of life, often we find ourselves looking outside ourselves: health issues, financial problems or entities of this world trying to lead us into sin. But today, I submit to you that it is even more important to understand the internal struggle better than all of those that happen on the outside. Let’s walk through the sinful struggle we all deal with and the comforting solution that Paul delivers to us and the end of the reading.
PrioritiesA SERMON BASED ON Matthew 10:34-42God pretty explicitly calls for the Christians priority list to go as follows: 1. God. 2. Everything else. It seems bold, especially when you consider all of the things and people that fall into second place on the list. Your spouse, your kids, your siblings, your friends… everyone. But instead of looking at this as a difficult command from God, perhaps we should see it differently. In this sermon, we explore how loving God (who loved us first) above everyone else causes us to love everyone else even better.
Preach the WordA SERMON BASED ON Matthew 2 timothy 4:1-8Preaching the Word isn’t easy. That’s not a new thing. Paul tells young pastor Timothy that preaching the Word is sometimes fun and exciting. At other times, it’s difficult. The words get stuck in the back of our throats and it feels like it’s easier to just say nothing. In our sermon, Paul gives us encouragement not to regard ourselves in the way that the world sees us and instead turn to the Word and allow it to speak for itself.
Describing the IndescribableA SERMON BASED ON Matthew 28:16-20If I told you to describe the Holy Trinity, would you be able to? When we talk about the Trinity, we find our brains being twisted into knots… and for good reason! When we try to describe the indescribable God of the universe, there are going to be some moments when we throw our hands up and say “I don’t get it!” so instead of getting stressed out trying to fit God into our brains, we simply listen to what he says about himself and repeat it. This is how we understand God… we listen to him.
God Uses Imperfect ToolsA SERMON BASED ON Exodus 3:1-15If God was only willing to carry out his work through flawless people, not much would get done. Therefore, God in his perfection chose those things that were imperfect to carry out his work. What incredible grace God displays when he says “I’m willing to use you!” to each and every one of us. In this sermon, we explore how God used Moses, a flawed servant, to carry out some pretty significant plans for his people.
He Never Stops WorkingA SERMON BASED ON Acts 1:1-11We all know that person in our lives. He or she is that person who doesn’t seem to have an off switch. If you ask them to do something, they will do it to the fullest, wildly exceeding expectations. In so many ways, you could look at this Ascension account as the end of Jesus’ work. He had wrapped up Salvation for all of mankind… that seems like he’s done his fair share of work. Yet, in the Ascension story, we see how he just keeps working. Let’s explore the type of work he is carrying out for you and through you.
Worship Something BetterA SERMON BASED ON Acts 17:22-31If you look around this world, you see a lot of worship. A TON of it, is little more than self-worship. And those forms of worship promise happiness and satisfaction that they just can’t deliver. In our reading for today, see how Paul presents an alternative to a people whose worship lives are a bit of a mess. He gives them something better. He gives them someONE better.
The Inclusivity of GraceA SERMON BASED ON John 14:1-11Jesus declares, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” What does this mean for us? What does it mean for our friend down the street who doesn’t know her Savior? In this one verse, Jesus brings a stark warning to humanity while also delivering an invitation that includes the entire world.
A Shepherd Who ChasesA SERMON BASED ON Psalm 23There are times in which it feels as if we are “on our own” in this life. Psalm 23 speaks to that feeling. As he writes, you hear the confidence of King David as he speaks truth about life and death that stands the test of time. Jesus is our Good Shepherd and because of that, we have a peace unlike any other.
He Lives to Give Us Proof and PeaceA SERMON BASED ON 1 Peter 1:3-9Jesus didn’t need to prove himself to his doubting disciples. He isn’t under some obligation to offer us proof. And yet, because of his great love for us, he does just that. He offers us proof through the testimony of contemporaries through his Word.
Where Can I Go for Hope?A SERMON BASED ON Luke 24:13-35The disciples on the road to Emmaus had a truck load of questions and very few answers. They had watched the events of the weekend unfold and somehow, understood less than they did at the beginning of the prior week. It’s that confusion that brought them anxiety and hopelessness. And in our reading, we take on that hopelessness the only way we know how.
Is the Tomb Still Empty?A SERMON BASED ON Matthew 28:1-10If Jesus’ body lay in the tomb on Sunday morning, the disciples’ hearts would have never found rest, the women who followed Jesus would have been eternally disappointed, and there would be no reason for us to gather. If Jesus had not been raised, we could never be quite sure that he defeated sin and death on our behalf. But because he’s risen and the grave couldn’t hold him, everything is changed.
Life for the DeadA SERMON BASED ON Romans 8:11-19“If the Spirit lives within you, then…” The end of that sentence matters. People will tell you that Christians should live with a different type of perspective on the world. In Romans, we’re going to explore how the Holy Spirit causes us to naturally live with a different perspective. Because he lives in you, you have peace at every turn in your life.
Sight for the BlindA SERMON BASED ON John 9:1-7,13-17,34-39Few of us struggle with full blown physical blindness. Many more of us struggle with spiritual blindness. Christ puts simple truths in front of us and we avert our eyes, slam them shut, or gouge them out so that we don’t have to witness them. That’s the sinful nature talking. But in our reading for this Sunday, Jesus proves that he doesn’t just place truths in front of us. He goes the extra mile of opening our eyes and causing us to understand through his Word.
Water for the ThirstyA SERMON BASED ON John 4:5-26The interaction between Jesus and the Samaritan woman teaches us something about ourselves. Jesus sees in her all sorts of needs; physical, emotional and, yes, spiritual. Which does he address first? In our reading for today, we explore how Jesus meets our need for living water FIRST and see how that overflows into every part of our lives.
A Gift for the WorldA SERMON BASED ON Romans 4:1-5,13-17How should we talk about our salvation? When someone asks you, “why are you confident in your salvation,” what do you say? In our sermon, we come up with an answer to that question that highlights the absolutely free, no strings attached nature of salvation.
A Champion for the DefeatedA SERMON BASED ON Matthew 4:1-11Loss after loss after loss. That seems to be the pattern of the Old Testament. Beginning with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, the world has been filled with men and women who are duped and conquered by the Liar. In our reading for this Sunday, we see the script flip as Christ makes good on his Father’s promise to crush the serpent’s head. In the wilderness, we get to see victory in the making.
Ash Wednesday: A Humbled HeartA SERMON BASED ON MattheW 6:1-6,16-21This service stands as the beginning of Lent. Lent is a time of reflection, when mankind takes a step back and really considers what caused Jesus to go to the cross. And the answer is simple: our sin. Just as there is a time for rejoicing, there is also a time for mourning. We mourn over the evil things we have done to others as well as all of the good that we leave undone. However, we don’t mourn without hope. We mourn in a way that makes us desperate to lean in and see the empty tomb 6 weeks later on Easter Sunday.
Jesus’ Glory for YouA SERMON BASED ON Matthew 17:1-9The glory of Jesus is shown in its fullness on Transformation Sunday. This image presented to us at the top of the mountain is fascinating and marvelous… but what does it mean to us? In this sermon, we learn just how important this moment was not just for God’s Son whom he loves, but for us as well.
Jesus Takes Sin SeriouslyA SERMON BASED ON Matthew 5:21-37What do we make of sections of Scripture like this one from Matthew? In it Jesus, who has such a forgiving heart for mankind, lays down the law. He places the standard by which we live so high that we can’t help notice that we don’t measure up to it. He takes the general concept of sin seriously, but he also takes our individual sins seriously. This thought is enough to make us want to crawl in a hole and hide. But Jesus doesn’t leave it there. He says, “I take sin seriously FOR YOU.”
You Are… So BeA SERMON BASED ON 1 Peter 2:9-12What is our motivation for good works? Do we do them because we have to? Do we do them because we are letting someone down if we don’t? Do we do them because those good works have the power to save us? It is a question that faces every denomination of Christianity. In 1 Peter 2:9-12, Peter answers that question. We don’t live out our faith because we are forced to. Rather, we live out our faith because we just can’t help it. “By God’s grace, you are a Christian… so be a Christian.”
God's Weakness > The World's StrengthA SERMON BASED ON 1 Corinthians 1:26-31When we think of our God, the last thing we think of is weakness. Yet, when unbelievers think of the means by which Christians are saved, worship their God, and speak to their Savior, they see foolishness and weakness. It’s in these things that God delights. God’s standard for strength and wisdom are so different from the world, that God uses the weak to shame the strong and the foolish to shame the wise.
The Ugliness of the Cross is BeautifulA SERMON BASED ON John 1:29-41John the Baptist calls Jesus “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." This title is packed with meaning. In our sermon for this week, we explore how these words bring to mind the picture of death atoning for sins and destruction bringing forth life. These indeed are the ugly, yet beautiful, truths of the cross.
“To Fulfill All Righteousness”A SERMON BASED ON Matthew 3:13-17“Who needs what they already have?” This was the question that clearly resonated in John’s mind. When Jesus asked John to baptize him, John was stunned. “You don’t need baptism. I need to be baptized by YOU!” He didn’t understand why perfect Jesus would have to be baptized for the forgiveness of sins. But Jesus answers that question: “to fulfill all righteousness.” We’ll dive in and discover the meaning of these words in our sermon.
God Chooses the UnexpectedA SERMON BASED ON Matthew 2:1-12Humans create their plans and God laughs. King Herod formulated a plan to dethrone the Christ before he was even 2 years old and God got his way. Not only did he get his way, but he used Herod’s plan to assist in bringing 3 magi to faith. If God could use Herod for that, what else could he use?
What’s in a Name?A SERMON BASED ON Matthew 1:1-16When we approach sections of the Bible that appear to be a list of random names that no one cares about, what should we do with them? In our sermon, Pastor Timothy Spaude takes us through this list of names, speaks about their significance, and shows each of us that we find significance in the eyes of God just like those people who have their names written in Scripture.
An Uncontainable MessageA SERMON BASED ON Luke 2:1-20The shepherds play a shockingly significant role in the story of Christ’s birth. It is clear that God uses these men to show us 2000 years later that the message of a Savior being born for human beings has a profound impact on those who hear it. In our sermon, we’ll see the impact that Jesus’ arrival made on the lives of these men, on our lives, and on the lives of everyone who will ever hear the Gospel message.
God With UsA SERMON BASED ON MATTHEW 1:18-25The name “Immanuel” is packed with meaning. Simply put, it means God with us. But the concept of God coming to walk with his people is anything but simple. It means not just that he is with you when you’re crushed by sin, it means that he takes the sin on his shoulders and bears it for you. It means not just that he tries to give assurance to you in times of doubt, but instead he crushes that doubt. In our sermon, we’ll explore how “God with us” changed everything in the lives of Mary and Joseph… and it changes everything in our lives as well.
The Messiah Handles DoubtsA SERMON BASED ON MATTHEW 11:2-11How can we reassure ourselves when we are in times of doubt? We could look inward and try to convince ourselves that we are “okay” by saying it over and over again. Or we can look outward. In Matthew 11, when John is faced with doubt and uncertainty, Jesus doesn’t turn him inward. He turns him outward to his Savior who proved time and time again that he was the promised Messiah.
The Loving JudgeA SERMON BASED ON MATTHEW 3:1-12Repenting before a judge would normally be intimidating. Being that bare, that vulnerable with someone that sits in a place of power over you is rightfully scary. It makes you want to hide and conceal the worst parts of you. But not with the Loving Judge. No, he allows us to be completely open with him in repentance and gives to us a gift that most judges wouldn’t give: FREE and FULL forgiveness.
OUR King is ComingA SERMON BASED ON MATTHEW 21:1-11Our Advent season kicks off with a bang as Jesus Christ, the King of all and Lord of Nations, comes to his people. But he doesn’t come as some vengeful, terrifying monarch. Instead, he comes for a different reason: to bring peace. But this peace is not a peace the world has known before. It is life giving, eternal peace for all of God’s people.
A Reason to be ThankfulA SERMON BASED ON DEUTERONOMY 8:10-18There are times in our lives in which we look around and it is difficult to find things for which we can be thankful. In our sermon reading, we’re shown that we shouldn’t look around at current circumstances as the main source for our thanksgiving. Instead, we ought to look back, see how our God rescued us, and how he has blessed us throughout our lives.
Stand FirmA SERMON BASED ON LUKE 21:1-11Dealing with the challenges of the world can feel downright impossible. What makes that struggle more difficult is when we go into it blind. We become more afraid of situations when we are left with questions. “Will I get through it?” “How long will it last?” “What will ultimately fix the problem?” Jesus impresses upon his followers the fact that worldly problems will constantly be with those who live in his name. At the same time, he places tools in our hands to stand firm when we are forced to stand up under the crosses of our lives.
The Struggle Ends in VictoryA SERMON BASED ON REVELATION 21:1-6In a world of sin and corruption, it’s no surprise that we struggle. We deal with the wicked things done to us and the consequences of the wicked things we do to others. Sometimes, life gets so overwhelming that we want to throw our hands up and finally say, “enough already!” But it’s then that God calls us to look forward and see what John saw in his vision: a powerful God bringing to an end all heartache and suffering for his people.
“And THE Truth Will Set You Free”A SERMON BASED ON JOHN 8:31-36When we live away from the truth, there are consequences: we see God differently and we see our relationship with him through a warped lens. In John, Jesus reminds his people that holding close to his teachings, trusting in his Word above all other words spoken here on earth, cause us to live according to THE truth. And that truth, the truth that God speaks upon you, gives us freedom from guilt and sin in this life.
Our Impossible SalvationA SERMON BASED ON LUKE 18:18-30In Luke 18, we see Jesus address the age old question. It’s a question that every religion, every nation of people have wrestled with: What must I do to be saved? Jesus causes us to rethink this question as he crushes our hearts with the law and restores our hope with his life giving Gospel.
Praying ConfidentlyA SERMON BASED ON 1 JOHN 5:13-15Prayer can be an intimidating blessing. When bow our head in prayer, we become all the more conscious that we are addressing the divine. Our prayers escape our mouths and directly hit the ears of God… so they better be good. Is that how you think of prayer? Does it seem like something you have to get just right so as to convince God that you actually need what you are asking for? We’ll explore how the redemption of Jesus COMPLETELY shifts the way in which we approach our divine Father.
Thanking a God Who Rescues SinnersA SERMON BASED ON GENESIS 8:15-22The bigger the gift, the bigger the thanks. There’s something special about getting a gift that you wouldn’t or couldn’t get for yourself. When Noah climbed on the ark, it must have been difficult for him to imagine what kind of thanks he would owe to God when the flood was over. But when he disembarked from the ark, he realized just how spectacular God’s gift of life for him and his family really was. This text causes us to ask ourselves, “What kind of gift has God given me?”
Who Am I That I Can Give?A SERMON BASED ON 1 CHRONICLES 29:1-2,10-18Giving is one thing. Joyously giving… now that’s something else. It is easy to see giving of ourselves as a task we need to check off the list. How often does giving become tedious? Do you sometimes wish you would give of yourself a little less? In 1 Chronicles, King David shows us the joyful attitude with which we are to give to God. But he doesn’t stop there. He reveals to us the source of his joy that never wears out.
Living in Our Time of GraceA SERMON BASED ON LUKE 16:19-31What will we do with our time on this earth? Jesus puts two stories in front of his listeners and forces us to realize that the two people in those stories spent their time of grace in different ways. One had his focus on the here and now and couldn't be bothered by the future. The other must have spent his life dreaming of a future with God. Luke 16 calls us to think of life not as the be-all and end-all. Instead, we ought to see it as a prelude to eternity.
Contentment in the Now, Contentment for the FutureA SERMON BASED ON 1 TIMOTHY 6:1-10,17-19How can we be content? The world would have you believe that you are always just a few more dollars from contentment. Society hangs contentment out in front of you as if it is always around the corner. But the reality is, no matter how much we have, contentment is always a challenge and sometimes feels nearly unachievable. In this sermon, we see how contentment in Jesus is the only way in which we can truly find rest in our current life and in the life to come.
God’s Faithfulness to the UnfaithfulA SERMON BASED ON HOSEA 3:1-5We pray that we never find ourselves having completely run away from God and his graces. We pray that he keeps us near to him all the days of our lives. In Hosea, God offers his people a reminder. Even though they had turned their backs on him and even though there are times when WE turn our backs on him, God still chases us down with his unrelenting love. In our sermon, we examine how God lovingly comes after us and how he brings us back to him using his law and grace.
A Life and Death SituationA SERMON BASED ON DEUTERONOMY 30:15-20There are parts of Scripture that sometimes take some explaining and navigating. There are complex histories and contexts. There are phrases that we need to read a few times before we feel as if we have a good grasp on what God is saying to us. This is not one of those times. God, through Moses, couldn’t communicate in any clearer terms. There is death without God and there is life with him.
God Think the World of You... And That's EnoughA SERMON BASED ON LUKE 14:1, 7-14The world calls us to worry about ourselves first and foremost. We’re told that we need to look out for ourselves because no one else it. Yet, in Luke we see Jesus calling us to stop worrying about ourselves. He calls us to take a look around in our lives and find the ways in which we can put our neighbor first. And that takes confidence. Not confidence in ourselves, but confidence in a Savior who, in every way, has put us and our salvation before himself.
Our Right to God’s KingdomA SERMON BASED ON LUKE 13:22-30What is our right to God’s kingdom? Do we earn it? Do we even have one? In our sermon, we take a look at God’s invitation to us to enter his kingdom through the “narrow door” that he has opened to us through his son. He encourages us not to try to find our own way in through what we do, but to make every effort to cling to the right to heaven that Jesus has freely given us.
Is It Worth It?A SERMON BASED ON HEBREWS 12:1-13Do you wish your Christian race was going a little more smoothly? Does it feel as if things should be easier? Is it sometimes difficult to stand under the discipline of God? The writer to the Hebrews calls us to find a different perspective on the discipline of God. Instead of seeing anger and wrath in his discipline for us, we should see his love for us and our well-being shining through.
Between the Cross and the Crown A SERMON BASED ON HEBREWS 11:1-3,8-16 As we live our lives here on earth, we do so with the mindset that we haven’t arrived at the finish line yet. We’re still journeying. With eyes of faith, though, we see the finish line. We see our true homeland, the heavenly city with foundations. This sermon explores the better realities that faith sees.
What Would You Do for More? A SERMON BASED ON LUKE 12:13-21God doesn't condemn earthly wealth, but he is concerned about our attitude towards it. He wants to be the King of our hearts, and he doesn't want us to be lured away by worldly desires. He desires that our hearts would be set on him and on him alone. And he proved it by giving up his Son to win for us an inheritance that this world cannot give.
Approaching the Lord as Children of Abraham A SERMON BASED ON GENESIS 18:20-32After hearing about the Lord’s plans for Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham approaches the Lord. Face to face with God, Abraham prays. This sermon explores this gripping back-and-forth conversation and applies it to our lives of prayer.
The One Thing Needed A SERMON BASED ON LUKE 10:38-42In our world of “go, go, go” and efficiency and productivity, sometimes we forget to take a break. Maybe we even feel guilty if we stop to catch our breath when so many other things need to get done. This sermon explores Jesus’ gracious invitation to sit at his feet and rest.
The Storyteller’s Story A SERMON BASED ON LUKE 10:25-37Jesus tells a familiar story of an unsuspecting robbery victim and an unexpected hero. This sermon explores what the Good Samaritan means for us today and why it’s so important to remember who’s telling it.
The Shepherd Cares for His Flock A SERMON BASED ON 1 PETER 5:1-4What are people’s opinion of pastors these days? What do you think of pastors? In these verses from 1 Peter 5, we are privileged to overhear Peter’s instructions to pastors. This sermon picks up on this conversation and explores what it means to have a pastor.
Embracing Change with Confidence A SERMON BASED ON 1 KINGS 19:19-21When we encounter major changes in our life, it can often be uncomfortable. God’s prophets, Elijah and Elisha, faced a lot of change all at once. From burnt out ministers of the gospel, to oxen being slaughtered, to God's call being heeded, this portion of God’s Word shows us how we can embrace change with confidence.
Jesus Rescues One More A SERMON BASED ON LUKE 8:26-39Immediately after Jesus calms the storm, the disciples ask each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and waves obey him!” In the event that immediately follows, Jesus shows that he not only has the power over the wind and waves, but also over all evil. This sermon takes a look at Jesus’ rescue of a demon-possessed man.
Blessed! A SERMON BASED ON NUMBERS 6:22-27How many times do you think you’ve heard the words of the blessing spoken at the close of a worship service? Dozens of times? Hundreds? Maybe even thousands? This sermon from Pastor Joe Lindloff (Hope - Irmo, SC) helps us meditate on these words and how the Triune God continues to bless his people.
The Spirit Works Wonders A SERMON BASED ON ACTS 2:1-21On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was poured out on the disciples and worked amazing wonders. Almost 2,000 years later, we celebrate that the Spirit is still working his amazing wonders!
The Ascended Lord Blesses His Church! A SERMON BASED ON LUKE 24:44-53 Goodbyes are a part of what it means to live on this earth. Jesus’ disciples experienced a goodbye as their beloved Teacher and Savior ascended into heaven. This sermon from Pastor Joe Lindloff (Hope - Irmo, SC) takes us to Jesus’ Ascension and what it means for his Church today.
Steady Joy A SERMON BASED ON REVELATION 21:21-27“The future is looking bright.” When’s the last time you heard someone say that? Maybe it’s been a while. So many things in the world right now seem to paint a dark picture for the future. When that’s the case, it’s hard to feel any joy. This sermon seeks to provide us with a steady joy right now by fixing our eyes on the bright future of heaven.
Heaven is Real A SERMON BASED ON REVELATION 21:1-7In this vision, John sees a new heaven and a new earth. He looks with wonder at the new Jerusalem. Though its beauty may seem too good to be true, Jesus confirms its reality. This sermon explores the exciting realities of heaven and what that means for you right now.
Here are Points to Ponder for Life Groups.
Worthy is the Lamb A SERMON BASED ON REVELATION 5:5-14John sees the most magnificent worship service. He sees countless angels and hears the praise of all creation. At the center of this heavenly worship service stands a Lamb. This sermon explores why this Lamb is worthy of all praise.
Here are Points to Ponder for Life Groups.
A Vision of the Church Victorious A SERMON BASED ON REVELATION 7:9-17 A farewell sermon from Peace’s founding pastor.
Here are Points to Ponder for Life Groups.
More than a Happy Easter A SERMON BASED ON REVELATION 1:4-18Here, we see John encounter the risen Christ in a vision. We notice that John's experience of the risen Christ is not happy at all when we do. He is so overwhelmed that it appears he falls unconscious because of the incident. Jesus is not interested in helping John or us to a happy Easter. He wants something far more critical to happen. This sermon explores what that is.
Here are Points to Ponder for Life Groups.
The Meaning of Christ's Crucifixion: Barabbas A SERMON BASED ON LUKE 23:13-25It is possible to know what happens in history or a story but not know why. This idea is essential with the crucifixion. Many know that Christ was crucified. What isn't always well understood is why. This sermon clarifies through the teaching of Luke why Christ was crucified.
Here are Points to Ponder for Life Groups.
Christ Is Our Cornerstone A SERMON BASED ON LUKE 20:9-19Just three days before his death, Jesus tells a parable that foretells his coming rejection. Jesus elaborates on this parable by quoting a verse from Psalm 118. “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” This sermon will explore how Christ, the rejected stone, is the perfect cornerstone to build on.
Here are Points to Ponder for Life Groups.
Our Gracious Father Draws Us Near A SERMON BASED ON LUKE 15:11-32The Parable of the Prodigal Son is a story told by Jesus and loved by many. It has been told and retold countless times, and for good reason. Both the younger and the older son were lost in different ways. The motives of their hearts are depicted in the story and give us a lot to consider. However, the main character of the story is neither of the two sons. It’s their gracious father.
Here are Points to Ponder for Life Groups.
Christ’s Call for Repentance A SERMON BASED ON LUKE 13:1-9This sermon tackles the subject on the minds of many Christians during the season of Lent: repentance. First, it defines repentance. Next, it looks at the way Jesus clears the way for the Spirit to work it in our hearts. Finally, it shows that repentance is the turn to Christ, our Caretaker.
Here are Points to Ponder for Life Groups.
Jesus, the Messianic Prophet, grieves Jerusalem. What are we to do with this? What makes this prophecy different and compelling? This sermon considers this great prophecy of Jesus and uses it to call everyone in various ways to the motherly love of Jesus.
The Fight for Your Freedom A SERMON BASED ON LUKE 4:1-13What does spiritual claustrophobia feel like? It can feel like you’re being smothered and crushed by the devil’s temptations. See how Jesus battles against the devil and liberates you from any feelings of spiritual claustrophobia. Jesus has fought for your freedom and won.
The Perfect Peace of Jesus A SERMON BASED ON PSALM 110Psalm 110 is a titan of a Psalm. Of all the Psalms quoted in the New Testament, Psalm 110 is most quoted. But why? What is it about? This sermon walks the listener through the Psalm, showing that it brings us the perfect peace of Jesus.
Blessed Way A SERMON BASED ON PSALM 1Psalm 1 tells us how to make the journey that is our lives on earth. In doing that, it describes the blessed life. This sermon explains how the Psalm sets up life as a journey and then meditates on the ramifications of that for our lives.
Christian Community is Countercultural A SERMON BASED ON ROMANS 12:14-21After Paul opens his readers’ eyes to God’s mercy and grace, he directs their attention to a picture of authentic community. This is a community that might look unusual and backwards in the eyes of the world. But backwards isn’t bad. In fact, it can be lifesaving.
Good News Makes a Great Difference A SERMON BASED ON ISAIAH 6:1-8Isaiah hears the Lord’s voice go out from his throne: “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” God wants us to hear his voice, too. He wants us to think about that question and to respond in faith. Our sins have made us unworthy, but the good news of the gospel has made all the difference.
Searched and Known A SERMON BASED ON PSALM 139Psalm 139 is one of the greatest devotional works in the entire Old Testament. It's called a devotional work for a reason. It requires us to be devoted to it. There is so much inside of it that we must contemplate deeply. This sermon is devoted to this great Psalm and the God who breathed it into existence that we might know him.
A Meditation on Christian Meditation A SERMON BASED ON PSALM 19Interestingly and ironically, the word meditation has come to connote specific bodily postures, soft music, and mental blankness. This connotation is the opposite of the word’s denotation, which is not the absence of mental activity, but its presence. This sermon is a meditation on the meditations that the Lord invites us to in this great Psalm. It rises to a meditation on the Lord being our rock and redeemer.
Jesus Goes Above and Beyond A SERMON BASED ON JOHN 2:1-11 Jesus performs his first miracle at a wedding in Cana. He gives his new disciples a glimpse of who he is by going above and beyond in providing the best of wine. And this is only the beginning. This sermon will explore how Jesus goes above and beyond any sort of limit that we could possibly come up with.
A Prayer for the King and his Kingdom A SERMON BASED ON PSALM 72Psalm 72 can easily seem like a relic of Hebrew thought that has little to do with a Christian in today's world. This sermon dusts the great prayer off, showing that it is a psalm that paints a picture of the Messiah and his kingdom. Through that imaging, the Psalm creates the longing for which it calls, becoming a prayer that calls for what the Psalm describes about the Christ and his coming kingdom.
The Song of Christmas A SERMON BASED ON PSALM 98Christmas often moves by so quickly. Not only is that true, but we can even have the possibility of being bored with what it means because we have heard it before. This sermon explores why this happens and, through the teaching of Psalm 98, considers three reasons why Christmas is and must be a song of the heart.
The Incarnation Reveals God A SERMON BASED ON EXODUS 33:18 - 34:7God reveals himself to Moses in one of the greatest sermons ever preached. This helps us to think about how God reveals himself to us: as a baby boy in the manger. When God took on human flesh, he revealed himself to all the world. The incarnate God in the manger is our Savior.
The Wonder of Christmas A SERMON BASED ON HEBREWS 2:6-8Christmas is upon us. The writer to the Hebrews helps us to marvel at this baby in the manger. We see that God cares deeply for mankind. God became a man to save mankind. The Creator came to earth to save his creation. This is the wonder of all of human history.
The Resilience of Christmas A SERMON BASED ON LUKE 1:39-55This time of year, Christians very rightfully look at Mary and see the first person who receives the news that Jesus is the Christ in faith. She becomes not just the mother of God; she also becomes a model for how faith operates. In this meditation on Mary's song, which we call The Magnificat, we see Mary as a model of how the gospel gives a resilient faith to Christians as we weather our lives, which wait on God and his salvation in Christ.
Joy in the Most Unlikely of Places A SERMON BASED ON LUKE 3:7-18John the Baptist doesn’t beat around the bush. He gets right to the point and tells the crowd to bear fruits of repentance. This sermon will take a closer look at these fruits of repentance and seek to uncover the joy that is rooted in Christ.
The Seriousness of Advent A SERMON BASED ON PSALM 66The days leading up to Christmas for Christians have always been a very serious time. This can be jarring to people not used to that kind of pre-Christmas experience. However, it's necessary. This sermon on Psalm 66 introduces us to why Advent is taken so seriously and what is involved in meeting God according to the call of the poet of the Psalm.
Don’t Let the World Get You Down A SERMON BASED ON LUKE 21:25-36As we begin this Advent season, we look ahead not only to Christ’s coming in Bethlehem but also to his coming again at the end of time. Jesus opens our eyes to see that his coming is near. The signs are all around us. Jesus shows us how to interpret these signs, and he invites us to examine what’s happening in our lives so that we are ready for his coming.
Turn, turn, turn! A SERMON BASED ON ECCLESIASTES 3:1-15Peter Seeger ripped the lyrics of Ecclesiastes 3 wholesale for his song entitled "Turn, turn, turn." Then, the Byrds set it to a new tune, and it went straight to the top of the charts. He added very little to Solomon's original poem. "Turn" was one of the sole additions. That little word helps interpret the poem. This sermon uses that word to gather up Solomon's teaching about how we should respond to so much of our lives that are totally in God's hands.
Remembrancing your Creator A SERMON BASED ON ECCLESIASTES 12:1-8It may be challenging to bring together Solomon's extravagant poetry initially. This sermon notices that, makes it cohere, and then applies it to life with God. Life is not a right. It is a gift of grace. On the one hand, we are to receive that life daily, appreciating it. On the other hand, we will want to depend on our Creator in faith, becoming children again before we do because of age.
Here are the slides from the informational meeting after church.
The Preacher wants all searching to end. What is the end of searching for him? It is meeting God at the judgment. This sermon, preached on Last Judgment Sunday, brings the Preacher’s teaching to our moment and shows how it places the Christian on the other side of judgment.
The Gospel According to Solomon A SERMON BASED ON ECCLESIASTES 7:15-22Solomon gets our minds whirring with his words of wisdom. How are we to live? Solomon presents us with two extremes. The answer, however, is not somewhere in the middle. The answer is the gospel. This sermon will clarify the gospel message according to Solomon and provide us with true wisdom for our lives under the sun.
Discipleship Will Cost You Your Life A SERMON BASED ON MARK 10:35-45Dietrich Bonhoeffer once said, “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.” Bonhoeffer eventually died for his faith, but this fact holds true for all Christians. The call to discipleship involves a death to self. It means that discipleship isn’t about “me.” Discipleship is so much bigger than that. It’s about our Savior and living a life for others.
Three Money Lies and the Gospel Truth A SERMON BASED ON ECCLESIASTES 5:10-20Here the Preacher deals with lies we tell ourselves about money. They tend to sound like, “I have to have enough, or I won’t be secure.” Or, “I need more of it so I can be happy.” These lies enslave us, making us stingy and insecure. The Preacher has truth here that will set us all free. What he does here is push back three money lies and leave us with one hopeful truth.
Carpe Diem!A SERMON BASED ON ECCLESIASTES 9:7-12“In the moment of our talking, envious time has ebb'd away. Seize the present; trust tomorrow e'en as little as you may” (Horace). There are your famous lines from the Roman poet. In that translation, "carpe diem" is translated as "seize the present." As we advance from Horace, it's become somewhat commonplace. It's the idea lurking behind the acronym YOLO or the tattoo you occasionally see "memento mori." It's worth pointing out that the world's most famous and arguably most insistent carpe diem passages are in the Christian Bible in the book of Ecclesiastes. However, the seizing is less an act of our sheer will and more an act of reception of God's pure and unbridled grace.
The Provocation of InjusticeA SERMON BASED ON ECCLESIASTES 3:16-22We may very well see more injustice in our world than ever before in human history. This does not mean there is more of it. It simply means that because of technology, we see more of it. This does affect us. We are, perhaps more often than ever before, deeply provoked. How should we respond? Arguably, Solomon gives us the most extended response to human injustice that you'll find anywhere in the Bible. He guides us with wisdom so that we might even enjoy our lives as we live amid a very provoked and provoking world.
The Meaning of LifeA SERMON BASED ON ECCLESIASTES 2:1-11The book of Ecclesiastes is deeply earthly in viewpoint, poetic, proverbial, and topically always challenging. Take, for example, the opening line of the opening poem: "Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity." (Ecc. 1:2 KJV) That’s a full-blown confrontation of us all. It's nothing less than a challenge to the meaning of our very existence.
Jesus Knows Exactly What He’s DoingA SERMON BASED ON MARK 8:27-35What started as a nice conversation between Jesus and his disciples quickly escalated into quite the confrontation. In one moment, the disciples thought they knew who Jesus was. In the next, they were questioning everything. It seemed like it was all suddenly spiraling out of control. But things were going right according to plan. Jesus knew exactly what he was doing.
We Christians in the West may need to be eased into this. We often do not take the demonic all that seriously in our thinking. Paul challenges our bias. He also lays the groundwork for all spiritual warfare: who the enemy is, where we fight, and how we fight.
See What God Does With Hearts A Sermon Based on mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23Jesus teaches us an important lesson about human hearts. The Pharisees had thought they could be clean in God’s eyes by washing their hands just the right way and by following all sorts of customs. Jesus explained how being clean or unclean is really a matter of the heart. When it comes to our hearts, Jesus protects them from any feelings of uncleanness and washes them so that they are perfectly clean.
These verses get skipped in most Christian churches in North America today. They are too much for listeners and for the clergy called to preach them. Why are they too much? Has Paul gone off the rails? Or have we? This sermon examines these questions in light of the gospel of Christ and emerges on the other side, showing that Paul’s teaching is Christ-centered, loving, and powerful in the Christian life.
Your heart has vessels. You know that from high school biology class. But, did you also know this? Your heart also is a vessel. It needs to be filled. This lesson from Paul explores two wrong ways people try to fill the heart and then gives one proper way. Your heart was always made to run on God, the Holy Spirit.
In this text, Paul gives examples of what it means to put off the old self and put on the new one in the Christian life. This sermon covers most of his examples under this question: what words should we speak? It places that theme into the contemporary context where words can go more wide and deep than ever before. It also gives questions that will help the Christian discern what words are appropriate when, as we live for the Lord who was and is our fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Paul compares and contrasts two different kinds of life in this Scripture: the Gentile life and the Christian life. He makes this comparison because they are the only two kinds of lives a person can live. This sermon, following Paul, makes the same comparison. It compares what life is, how drives in life are managed, and where this life comes from/goes to.
We live in a very divided culture. Sadly, church leaders have seen those divisions walk right into the Church. Even worse, it seems that no one can even agree on what truth is anymore. How does the Church respond to that? How can she maintain her unity? This sermon walks through this section of Ephesians to discover the biblical answer to the real-world problem of division we are currently facing.
God’s Word is so timely. Always. This sermon takes up the theme of racial reconciliation that God has already effected in the Church through the cross of Jesus. It shows how in the Church it is already a gospel reality in which we live, and now we celebrate.
This sermon is a teaching on the above verses. It exposits the text under the theme of God’s grace, looking at various teachings as it does so. Included in the sermon are teachings on the natural human condition, what Christian conversion entails, and the role good works play in the life of the Christian.
Paul has a strong theme of praise running through this section. To what may it be compared? A faucet, a river, or a geyser? This sermon worked through the teaching in this Scripture to show how praise erupts in the life of the baptized, a geyser of praise to God!
With some of Jesus’ stories, we have to ask: what does this mean? We have to spend time shoveling out all the meaning from the stories. However, with some of Jesus’ stories, we must ask a different question. This one: what does this do to us? These stories fall into the latter category. They work on us to dismiss in us the stories of the rocket ship and the black thumb.
Peace has turned a corner in its life. This sermon moves the third commandment into the life of Peace to explain why now is the chosen time to return fully to its ministry, having gone through this time of Covid. It looks at the tension between the third and fifth commandment and God’s good purpose in giving us the commandment: to give us Christ.
The first Sunday in the second half of the Church Year is called Holy Trinity Sunday. It is the Sunday where the church asks its most vital question: who is God? This sermon answers that question. As it does, it pushes back against many of the beliefs that today’s people mistakenly harbor about God. Psalm 29 shows us that God is more than we think, giving us an experience of him.
Looking for the Holy Spirit in this Psalm is a little bit like playing Where’s Waldo. He is hard to see. He does not show up until verse 30. Why is it, then, the tradition of the Church to look at this Psalm for Pentecost? It may not offer a story of tongues of fire or the blast of the sound of a violent wind, but what it does do is provide the deeper, profound renewal that the Spirit gives. This sermon explores two “p’s” of renewal from the Spirit: playfulness and prayerfulness.
The Festival of Ascension of our Lord is in some ways a festival of images. We see Jesus ascend into heaven. That was not for him a physical necessity. It was for us a demonstration, a sight, of a great spiritual truth. Jesus is on high reigning for us, the Church. This sermon walks through the titan, Psalm 68, to get a sight of the various images of the ascended Lord to see what they mean for us today.
Christians are the original biographers. Why? God knows that that life stories give examples and inspire. This sermon looks at the story of Barnabas to encourage God’s people today. It makes three specific applications of his story for today’s believers to be encouraged in Christ and encourage each other.
This sermon looks at a heartbreaking problem in the Jerusalem church. Widows were going hungry in the church because of partialism there. What would the apostles do? They compose an apostles’ creed. This sermon looks at that creed and contemplates what it teaches us about a life of service. It examines two specific problems that arise in connection with service and how the gospel of Jesus solves those problems.
Last week, we examined what we called the first miracle of the Church for what it had to say about the Church's life. This week we make the same move, but with a different story. We examine the first major sin of the church and God's response to it to see what they say about life in the Church of the Risen Jesus. We especially notice that God wants faith and love to be central.
There is always a risk when today’s Christians encounter stories about miracles. We tend to think they don’t apply because they don’t happen quite that way anymore or that we have done them proper honor once we have noticed God’s power in them. This miracle, though, has many applications and much to ponder. It is nothing less them a reason to say I believe in the Church.
This is the story of what happened immediately after the risen Lord ascended into heaven. It is the record of a church in crisis. This sermon seeks to make the dynamics of the crisis more apparent to the listener. It also moves into an application to today’s Church as it seeks to live in light of Easter.
Isaiah gives a vision of the resurrection that God will provide when Christ comes again. This sermon examines the images that Isaiah offers in the vision. It sees the striking, hope-filled prophetic pictures through the tears that Isaiah says God wipes away. Easter is God fulfilling this prophecy in Christ.
When Christians tell the story of their Lord, they always include the story of his burial. Look at the early Christian creed in 1 Corinthians 15. Look at the later creeds known at the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds. The burial always get mentioned. Why? What is it about his burial that changes our lives so much that Christians cannot stop talking about it? This sermon gives a teaching on the burial of Jesus, applying it to the life of the Christian.
Mark takes us to the foot of the cross to experience and see the death of Jesus for us. The sermon takes us through the scene that Mark presents. In the end, we see that the darkness invites us into the light, that the agony calls us to peace, and that Christ's death teaches us to die in peace.
We are continuing to walk through Mark's account of Jesus' passion. Today we look at the story of Peter's denial of Jesus. As we do, we take the time to notice not merely what Peter gets so wrong, but, today especially, we notice what Peter really does get so right. He aspired to a supreme allegiance to Jesus. This sermon looks, in part, at how this kind of allegiance heals the world. It aims, though, to show how Jesus has a supreme allegiance to every Peter out there.
This sermon continues the series called The Passion of Jesus that moves through the account of Christ's passion in the Gospel of Mark. It looks at Jesus' trial. Should we see it as a mockery of justice? Should we view Jesus' refusal to engage in the proceeding as a rejection of its legitimacy? Why does Jesus stay silent and receive all the charges? There is another gospel view that changes every aspect of our lives.
Here in Lent, we are walking through Mark’s account of Jesus’ passion. This sermon looks deeply at exactly that: passion. First, we learn multiple passions are at work in us, and we need to align them with God’s passions. Second, we learn what happens when we don’t. Third, we learn of God’s passion for us in Christ.
Mark begins the story of Jesus’ passion with a story about a woman who broke her alabaster jar for him. This sermon explores the “why” behind what she did and how it questions our own “why” in life. Why do we do what we do? What matters? Does anything? She broke her alabaster jar because she thought it would. But why did she believe that?
This sermon enters the listener into the world of ashes and death. It, therefore, positions the listener as a beggar before God. The surprise comes when the sermon enters into the world of the gospel. Are we beggars?
This sermon looks with the Apostle Paul at transfiguration, that is, what changes and transforms us. First of all, it defines what we mean by transfiguration. Secondly, it examines the various kinds of people who need transfiguration, developing a typology of them. Finally, it explores in depth how transfiguration does and does not happen.
In this sermon, we go on a fishing trip with Jesus to receive what Peter received: a whole new life following Jesus. Maybe, we can put it like this: there is a before this sermon, and there is an after this sermon. From now on, we will see Jesus as the only thing we need in life so that we can drop everything and just follow him.
Luke has so many little episodes in this action-packed short account. How do they all fit together? What does it all add up to? It adds up to Christ’s resume, Christ’s composite picture - a look at Christ’s mission and ministry. There is a lot for the Christian to take in here. This sermon, though, boils it all down to three takeaway based on Luke’s storytelling. There is encouragement for our faith, insistence on our hope, and look at true love.
There are feelings that we associate with Jesus. There is, on the one hand, the enthusiasm that is often felt toward Jesus. Even modern polls show that. People like Jesus. Why is that? What’s going on? What should we think of that? There is, on the other hand, deep, unfounded hostility toward Jesus. Why is that? What makes Jesus someone who in this instance is almost thrown off a cliff and in another more famous instance someone who is crucified?
Paul not only talks the talk. Paul also walks the walk. He not only says that through Christ, we can boldly access God; he does access God through prayer. What a prayer! This sermon looks at two of the petitions that Paul prays, showing Christ in the listener and Christ for the listener. It helps to root the love of Christ in the experience of the Christian.
Today we celebrate the Baptism of our Lord as we kick off our season of Epiphany. We do so by looking at the anointing of David, the father of Jesus. We're going to see how through it, the Lord neither allows us to stay in unbounded grief nor unbridled optimism but rather grounds us in godly grit founded on our great Messiah, Jesus.
Everyone wants to know what Jesus was like when he was growing up. Did he joke? Did he skin his knee? What were his first words? This is such a fervent desire that people who aren’t Christians have even created stories about him that have landed in the official teachings of other religions. This account from Luke is precious to Christians because it is the one place where the Bible characterizes Jesus as a child. What can we learn from this story about the time Mary lost Jesus?
Luke 2b (the second half of Luke 2) seems to sit in the shadow of Luke 2a (the first half of Luke 2). This would not be a problem, except the chapter is a unit and is meant to build from one miracle to another. This sermon bridges the gap showing that the first miracle of Jesus being born leads to the second miracle of Jesus being born in people’s hearts. Simeon is the model for that. He tells us the meaning of Jesus.
This Sunday in Advent is our mountain peak just before Christmas. It’s the high point as we await the Christ child at Christmas. In keeping with that, this sermon looks at Isaiah's prophecy that is a direct prophecy of Jesus. It explores the threat of Jesus, the wisdom of Jesus, and the reign of Jesus. As it does so, it places the prophecy in our contemporary setting of 2020, asking listeners to make applications to their lives in time for the New Year.
This sermon seeks to take the great Immanuel prophecy of Isaiah 7 and place it into the manger of its context. It looks at the context of uncertainty, fear, and unbelief into which it was spoken. It shows that, finally, Isaiah 7 is a diagnostic of what it means to have faith. It, therefore, looks at the way that faith holds to the Word, fears God, and believes the evidence God provides that he is trustworthy and credible.
The Lord doesn’t here speak to his people. He speaks about them, but not to them. He speaks to his preachers. What is the significance of that for God’s people? How are they to view their preachers, what they say, and what they bring? This sermon explores Isaiah’s teaching that he gives to and about God’s preachers. They are one of the ways God prepares his people for his Son.
What does the world really need? It needs nothing but the full-on advent of God himself. This sermon explores how Christians are reduced to praying only for that. It, therefore, interacts with modern optimism, which is not sure that the end of this world is really necessary. It also looks at the way that Isaiah spiritually and prayerfully prepares Christian hearts for the final advent of the Lord. He does this magnificently, taking on our self-righteously and pointing us to Christ who is our only true righteousness.
In this culminating teaching from Jesus, he lays out what his final judgment will look like. This sermon looks at the key question in the teaching: who are the brothers and sisters of Jesus that he’s protecting. This sermon gives a biblical answer and calls Christians to reflect on that in three specific ways in their life.
Jesus tells his second parable in Matthew 25. It’s a story about how a master gives to his servants talents. The story is by turns scary, comforting, and inspirational. This sermon examines those spiritual reactions to this story, pulling together how the story supports each of those responses. It ends pulling it all together in a call to see Jesus as the generous master who is calling is to work for him while we wait.
This sermon begins a new sermon series based on Christ’s teaching of what his kingdom will be like when he comes back. This sermon looks at the first story he tells in the chapter: the parable of the ten virgins. It’s a story about watchful waiting. What does Christian waiting look like? This sermon shares four counsels on what watchful waiting looks like.
Today we take a look at the epic ending that Moses places onto his epic book, Exodus. What does he show us there? The glory! What makes it hard for us to keep seeing it? What assures us that it is always with us? The Glory in Exodus promises through this Word to lead us all the way to glory.
What is the Lord’s most amazing feat? The wonder that is more wonderful than the plagues? The miracles that are more improbably than the parting of the Red Sea? What is it that puts Moses’ jaw on the ground and ours too? This Reformation Sunday sermon reveals that the Lord characteristically forgives!
Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Life is a journey, not a destination.” He would have been more right if he would’ve said, “This life is a journey.” The point remains, though, that we are all in this life on a journey. What makes the journey worthwhile, good, and ok? This sermon maintains that the special, saving presence of the Lord is what does that. The very presence we need, however, is the presence we cannot have. Why is that and how does the Lord deal with that?
We can think of this biblical story about the golden calf as a description of Israel's original sin. Of course, it was not the first sin in history, but it was the first public, shared sin of Israel, whom the Lord had just adopted as his own people. What can God’s people learn from it today? We can learn much about ourselves and our relationship with others, but also, most importantly, about our relationship with God.
Why do we leave places? Sometimes we leave to leave. We simply want to escape. Other times we leave to get somewhere. Of those two options, which was the Exodus about? Was it about getting away from Pharaoh? No, it was never about that. It was always about meeting with God. Our lives, too, are heading to that great time of meeting God. How are we to meet him? This sermon explores what this Scripture teaches.
We continue our march through the wilderness. Here we run into a most intractable foe: Amalek. It is a foe that picks off the vulnerable and the weak. How does the Church win in the battle? What do we learn? The Church holds up each other’s hands. This sermon looks at what the Church does and why she does it. More though, it looks at what Christ did for the Church when she failed in her calling. He fought all alone to hold onto us.
We have been delivered from Egypt. We have crossed the Red Sea in baptism. We have now headed out into the wilderness on our journey to God and his promised land. What’s it like? Sometimes the journey is arduous. This sermon draws a parallel between the testing these people were receiving and the testing of this generation in the current moment. It confronts the listener with the question: how are we doing with this text? Finally, though, it seeks to bring people to the Rock of our salvation, Jesus Christ, who gushes grace to us for our grumbling and continues to go with us on the journey.
Exodus speeds by much like our lives do: fast. It does so until, finally, it halts for a moment when the people are standing on a new shore of life. It then turns from a rush of narrative and prose into a whole chapter of poetry. Why is that? Why does Miriam sing? This sermon asserts that the parting of the Red Sea is a type that anticipates Christian baptism. Miriam sings, then, because God’s people need to understand everything this new life means. What does it mean? This sermon sings to you the answer.
The burden of this sermon is to communicate nothing less than the gospel of Jesus Christ. That is, of course, true for every sermon, but it is especially true of this sermon. The account here is the program of salvation that God unleashes, finally, in his great Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ. The evidence of that is how often this account is referenced in the rest of the Bible. What do we learn about salvation here? This sermon answers that critical question.
God’s judgment often makes people feel queasy, but should it? This sermon addresses the queasiness middle/upper-class Americans feel with the judgment of God by examining who God is and his judgment in detail. Is it rash or quick? This sermon shows that God’s judgment is slow and patient. Is it arbitrary, over-done, or cruel? This sermon shows that God’s judgment is always true and right and good. How can it be diverted? We can’t divert it, but God can. This sermon shows how God has.
There’s a stench coming off this part of Exodus, so say the Hebrew foremen. It is language that makes you ask, “What stink?” There is a lot of stink coming off the story from a number of figures: from Moses and Aaron, the elders, and the Hebrew foremen. Where is it and, what can we learn from it? Finally, we can learn the aroma of Christ!
Today we meet the God of the bush. He comes to a person and a people who thought that after 400 years, things may not ever change. His descent into the bush in his burning love and holiness shows that, despite appearances, God has heard and seen all their bitterness and pain. What does that mean for this moment? And does that bush still burn? This sermon claims that it does in the person of Jesus Christ.
Are you tired of the way things are? God has promised a way out. This sermon series based on the book of Exodus is an exodus of our own. It is an exodus, if not from other things in our lives, from depression, despair, despondency, and the pressing down of life. As we see the power and the might of God as he moves for us his people, we will grow in faith, hope, and love. This sermon begins the series, characterizing Moses, who points us to our great Christ!
This sermon finishes off our series on God’s government. It seeks to remind the listener of the truths we’ve covered while also answering the question of why all these reminders do matter for our lives now, putting them in the context of our baptism and our salvation given through it.
We are called Peace Church - not War Church. Because that’s true, we need to place politics into the right place in our hearts so that we can truly live in peace. In that effort, this sermon addresses politics directly. It looks at three aspects of politics: its power, the power that goes beyond it, and its point. Its goal is to bring Christ’s peace to politics in such a way that it enables us to be the peacemakers Christ has called us to be.
the prominence of those theories and the muttering around them seems to have increased. There are conspiracy theories about a one-world government, 5g and Covid-19, Soros, Gates, and even Dr. Fauci. In the last few months, there seems to have been even more talk of conspiracy. What is the Christian to do with conspiracy? This sermon explores that question, especially in light of Christ’s eternal gospel.
This sermon begins a sermon series that explores various issues related to the secular government in our country. This sermon lays a foundation for the rest of the series by giving a basic teaching on the similarities and differences between the Church and the State. It looks at both their origins and their power, celebrating both of these gifts to the world. It concludes with a use of the power Christ has granted to his Church on earth through the gospel.
This is one of Jesus’ more challenging teachings both because of its very nature but also because of the culture in which we live. We believe here in the meritocracy. We believe that equal work deserves equal pay. This turns over that understanding of the world so that we see the world as Christ does. In his kingdom, the world runs not on our merit, but on his grace.
We’re continuing to move through some teachings from Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew. Today we look at a teaching where Jesus calls for us to change and become little children. This sermon examines that teaching by looking at some of the different faces of children. On Father’s Day, it also takes a moment to consider how being a child also means having the Father through Jesus.
This is a unique moment for us to consider what a true priority is. It’s, however, also so much more. This sermon aims to show that if Jesus were a priority he would be every priority there is. In other words, he is so much more than a priority. He is everything. He is the treasure and the pearl that bring us God.
This sermon enters the listener into the story of the aftermath of Eve’s fall into sin. It seeks to help the listener imagine Eve’s desperation and the way it has affected all of her children down to our day. It turns the corner on shame when it begins to exposit how the Lord responded to Eve’s shame with a covering of his own. On Holy Trinity Sunday, this allows the listener to grasp the glory of what the believer receives from the Lord by faith in Jesus.
Wider than the Ocean: PentecostA Sermon Based on John 16:5-11This sermon is to honor the Holy Spirit on Pentecost Sunday 2020. It examines the work of the Holy Spirit in light of the teaching of Jesus. It seeks to bring three convictions through the Spirit to the listener: a conviction concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment.
Wider than the Ocean: CertaintyA Sermon Based on Job 11:7-12This sermon is the cornerstone sermon in a new sermon series called Wider than the Ocean. As we move along in this time of pandemic, we have the opportunity to enter it anew with the certainty, faith, hope, and calling of Christ. We begin today by seeing how to find real certainty amidst all the uncertainty. The temptation is always to try to know what we cannot know. Life with Christ begins when we know what we can know and content ourselves with that.
The Fire of the Risen ChristA Sermon Based on John 21:15-25There are places that hold more meaning for you than at first meet the eye. The charcoal fire is one such place. It’s here where we find out just how much Jesus knows. It’s also where we find out just how much new life Jesus has given us. This sermon closes out this brief sermon series called Epilogue placing Christians back into the rich and important lives the Risen Christ has for them.
The Christ in Our BoatA Sermon Based on John 21:1-14Epilogues are awesome. They're the closing shot of the movie. They're the last page of the book. They're the story that happens after the story. Epilogues give you this burst of insight - a baseline if you will - for how the story will continue under the new conditions. Over the next two weeks, we're looking at John's epilogue to the resurrection of Jesus. This week we get a glimpse of the Christ in our boat.
Strengthened in Relationship with GodA Sermon Based on 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18If you could capture in an image what the Christian’s life like is with God, what image might you choose? This sermon will suggest in closing that it is the image of a light-hearted person. Why? It is God’s will for us in Christ Jesus that we receive the gifts of rejoicing, prayer, and gratitude. These three gifts combined give the Christian the ability to entrust their entire life to God.
Strengthened in Christ’s Second ComingA Sermon Based on 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11This world has a trajectory and a history, which culminated in Christ’s first coming. There is nothing more for Christ to do for our salvation. It is finished. What happens next? This sermon explores some of the apocalyptic tendencies of our historical moment, clearing the way to call the Christian heart to a sober awakeness because of what Christ has done for us and because of his imminent return.
Strengthened in True AmbitionA Sermon Based on 1 Thess. 4:9-12We are often ambitious for many things. We can tell what we’re aspiring for by looking at what we want in our future, what we regret about your past, or what we want for our children. This sermon fleshes out what God wants us to be ambitious for and strives in its own way to empower that with the gospel of the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ.
Jesus, Risen SonA Sermon Based on Matthew 28:11-20The stakes are high for this sermon. To speak on Easter Day into a pandemic is a high responsibility. This sermon explores this Scripture in two parts. The first part examines what an authentic telling of the Easter story looks like. The second part examines what an authentic response to that story looks like in the heart of the Christian. The Lord is risen! He is risen indeed!
Jesus, King of PandemicA Sermon Based on Matthew 21:1-11This Palm Sunday sermon is not a normal Palm Sunday sermon. It cannot be for obvious reasons in this pandemic. This sermon, however, aims higher than recognizing that difference. It aims to be transformational in the life of the listener by holding up who Jesus really is at this time: the King.
Hope in PandemicA Sermon Based on 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10We are coming together in Jesus’ name around the Word of God in the pandemic. We are doing it using the book of 1 Thessalonians. Today we examine the difference between faith in God and trusting in an idol. We discover the necessity of waiting, the beauty in waiting, and the end of all waiting.
Peace in PandemicA Sermon Based on 1 Thessalonians 1:1Peace is coming together in this time of the pandemic. We are meeting uncertainty with the certainty of the Word of God. We are meeting change with the changeless nature of God in Christ. We are meeting fear with the perfect promises of God. This is the first in a worship series that aims to speak clearly to this moment.
Jesus and Your TreasureA Sermon Based on Matthew 13:44-46This sermon takes a look at fraternal twin parables. It examines how these parables contrast but finally looks at how they are the same. In the process, the ways in which the kingdom of God is hidden from us naturally is revealed to us by Jesus. What is the pearl? What is the treasure? What does it mean to sell everything and leave the marketplace?
Pandemic Resource: How Should a Christian Act During a Pandemic? By Martin Luther
Pandemic Survey