Lake Oconee Presbyterian Church: Recent Episodes
Lake Oconee Presbyterian Church
Sunday messages from Lake Oconee Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Eatonton, GA. Visit our website at lopc-pca.org.
We often use the word faith to describe belief in something unseen, but what does faith really embody? In this sermon excerpt from Luke 7:1-10, we see a Roman centurion demonstrate that true faith is born out of need & desperation; it sees its own weakness and inability, and it has to have the right object.
What does true obedience look like? It begins with the humble acknowledgement of our own sin.
Love is the basis of God's commands, and we see this in how love is demonstrated, difficult, and directed within Luke 6:27-38 as we explore loving those who hurt us and hate us.
In this sermon from Luke 6:12-26, we see Jesus choosing his underdog disciples, mirroring God's covenant with the twelve tribes of Israel, sneered at and held in contempt by the cultures around them. As we explore this passage, we are reminded that we, too, are called by Jesus for his glory and for the renewal of the world.
What do we learn from Jesus breaking Sabbath law to feed his disciples and heal a man with a crippled hand? We learn that the Sabbath is used to honor Jesus' lordship by offering restoration and healing - for the glory of God and for our joy.
Do we have a burden to bring those who don't know Jesus into his family by investing in them and inviting them into our lives and actively participating in theirs? Jesus lived this out in eating and drinking with sinners, and we take a look at his response to the judgement of the Pharisees in Luke 5:27-39.
In this sermon from Easter Sunday, 3-31-2024, we take a look at 1 Corinthians 15:50-58 and the ramifications of the resurrection. It means that we are to work to love our neighbor and to make a difference in the world with the same power that raised Jesus from the dead and will do so for us.
In this sermon from Palm Sunday 2024, we revisit Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem and how this humble man from Nazareth, riding on a colt, completely defied the expectation of a political king's stately procession - one of many expectations that Jesus turned upside down.
We know the story of the paralytic being healed after his friends lowered him down to Jesus through a hole in the roof, but have we ever paid attention to the difference between what the man wanted and what Jesus provided? The paralytic sought physical healing, but Jesus' first words to him were those of spiritual healing, "Your sins are forgiven you." Have you ever had a similar desire that was met with God's unexpected answer?
In this familiar passage that details Jesus healing the leper, we see the heart that Jesus displays in his loving response to a plea for mercy, and how ours should similarly display a burden for loving those around us.
The day that Simon Peter became a disciple of Jesus, he went from a hapless fisherman to one whose nets were succumbing to the weight of a mighty haul. In that rapid turn of events, Jesus was the catalyst and gave Peter a glimpse of his glory that changed the trajectory of Peter's life. Explore this pivotal New Testament passage with us as we connect the dots between Peter's response over 2,000 years ago and what ours should be today.
Is it possible to still worship and rejoice while acknowledging the anguish around us and mourning with those who mourn? The answer is yes and can be accomplished only through being intimately acquainted In this sermon excerpt, we explore his "True Authority" in Luke 4:31-44.
If Jesus were to give an inaugural or state-of-the-union address, what would it sound like? Luke 4:14-30 shows us, and it involves some surprising declarations.
What do we do when we feel that we don't have what it takes to measure up? We look to Jesus and see his response to areas of temptation that cause most of us to stumble. In this sermon from 2-11-2024, we explore Luke's famous chapter on the temptation of Jesus.
What makes those around us doubt the Christian message? In this sermon from 2-4-2024, Pastor Mike Palombo helps us take a look at the answer to this question and our three-fold response to it as we continue in our series, "Gospel of Luke: Love Came Down."
As an adult, watching "Home Alone," evokes all kinds of questions, especially, "How could you not realize your kid was left behind on a family trip?" Following the initial shock is a comedy of errors as Kate McCallister frantically tries to make her way across the ocean to her young son, Kevin. Mary probably felt the same rising anxiety as she and Joseph searched for days for their 12-year-old son, Jesus, who had stayed behind in Jerusalem following Passover. And where did they eventually find him? In the temple, asking questions that astonished the crowd. What is so important about this "Home Alone," circumstance that invites us to take a look at the heart of 12-year-old Jesus and what it teaches us?
Would you agree that possessing knowledge about something is entirely different than experiencing it in person? This Sunday, we take a look at the story of Simeon and Anna, two individuals who believed in the promise of a Messiah and then held the proof of that promise in their own arms, instantaneously thrusting them from merely knowing to being known. And isn't that what we all long for? Being known and being loved.
You may think that the second chapter of Luke is only for December, but this Sunday, we're taking a look at the birth and early infancy narrative of Jesus from a new perspective. One of the things that strikes us in this passage is the unexpected representation of glory. It's not just the heavenly host striking terror and awe into everyday shepherds; it's a baby born into some of the lowliest of circumstances and becoming a "man of sorrows," who comes alongside us in our broken world.
In this sermon from Travis Skillingstad, we take a look at God using ordinary people like Zechariah, Elizabeth, and Mary, to accomplish extraordinary plans. What might God be calling you to do despite your limitations?
In this Christmas Eve sermon from Luke 1:26-38, we see Mary's response to the startling news that she will bear the Son of God.
At this time of year, many know the feeling of adding one (or two) more to the Christmas guest list. This Sunday morning, we get to explore this very theme as we continue in our series, "Luke: Love Came Down."
What is truth, and how can we trust it? In this sermon from the first of our series in Luke, we take a look at Luke's credentials as a Biblical historian and how it is that we can trust his manuscript.
In this sermon from the first Sunday of Advent 2023, Pastor Jeff Birch takes us through John 1:1-5, 14 as we see that Advent is more than just the few weeks leading up to Christmas; it's living/sharing the gospel message in anticipation of his ultimate return.
Is there a way to be righteously angry over the right things but carry out that anger in the wrong way? As we finish our sermon series in Nehemiah, Assistant Pastor Mike Palombo unpacks the final chapter as Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem and finds that obedience to God's law has quickly taken a rebellious and greedy turn.
What is involved in joyful worship? Worship must be God-exalting, filled with thanksgiving, and Gospel-centered.
Gospel renewal leads to gospel obedience, and Nehemiah 10 shows us how this most often works out in practical ways: in how we define and uphold our relationships, setting apart time for corporate worship and rest, and demonstrating concern and care for our local church.
What leads to repentance? The grace of God. And we see this at work in our exploration of Nehemiah 9.
As we continue our study of Nehemiah, we take a look at chapter 8. In this chapter, we see what happens once rebuilding the wall is complete. How can the people's response to the reading of the Word of God point us to a heart posture toward worship?
In this sermon from 10-22-2023, we take a look at Nehemiah 6 and are reminded that the Christian life is filled with challenges and resistance, and we see how Nehemiah models a Bible response to those obstacles.
In this sermon from 10-15-2023, we see that not only were the Israelites committed to rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem, but they were also led by Nehemiah to demonstrate their gratitude toward God by loving one another well and extending generosity through fair practices. In today's world, what would it look like for Christians to not only seek to build God's kingdom but to do so with winsome attitudes toward neighbors and communities?
What happens when we attempt to grow in godliness or take a step to build God's kingdom? We are met with resistance. How do we respond to that tension? Nehemiah gives us a clear example, and Pastor Jeff Birch walks us through what this looks like in this sermon from chapter 4.
In the sermon from pulpit guest Jim Sheppard, we take a look at five habits of the early church: (1) teaching; (2) fellowship; (3) the breaking of bread; (4) prayer and worship; (5) generosity
Did you know that the most popular baby names for the first half of 2023 are Liam and Olivia, followed by Noah and Emma? What didn't make the list are names like Eliashib, Zaccur, Meremoth, and Joiada. But what they like in modern popularity, these names make up for with a legacy that has survived the last 2,400+ years through a demonstration of faithfulness and unity as they worked together to glorify and worship the Lord. This episode takes a look at Nehamiah 3 as we explore, "Rise and Rebuild."
What do we typically do when we embark on a project? We prepare. But, as Christians, what do we need to do most in that same situation? We need to pray, not because we need prayer, but because we need to be in touch with the Lord who orders our steps, and in the case of Nehemiah, softens a king's heart to the request of his servant because, as Nehemiah 2:8 says, "...for the good hand of my God was upon me." We look more closely at this scripture from in our second sermon from the Nehemiah Sunday series as we're reminded that the good hand of God is still working and wielding for the sake of his children.
In this new Fall 2023 sermon series, we open with Nehemiah 1:1-11 and see the response of a true leader to the suffering of his people. Are we as burdened for those around us? Do we have the same desire to bring healing and restoration to our community?
In this sermon from 9-3-2023, Pastor Jeff Birch takes a look at the early church found in Acts 2 and reminds us of our own vision for our role within our community and the world.
Life is all about relationships, but we have a tendency to compartmentalize those into school, work, church, social clubs, and so on. However, in Paul's final chapter to the Romans, he focuses on the truth that mission is all about relationships both inside and outside the church walls. Why? Because we are created by a relational God and designed, first, for communion with him and with one another.
As we near the finish line in our study of Romans, we find Paul continuing to write about missions being so strongly associated with relationships, and one of the relationships that acts as a plumb line for our heart posture is how we feel about the poor. Do we actively engage with those around us who live in poverty (not always apparent in a community of wealth and gated amenities)? Or do we turn a blind eye or blame them for their circumstances? In a world where the disparity grows between the haves and the have-nots, we need this Biblical reminder.
"Missions exists because worship doesn't," is one of the most impactful lines from the book, Let the Nations Be Glad. And it could very well be the subtitle for Romans 15 and Paul's desire to preach the gospel where it isn't known. Do we have the same yearning, whether it involves going to the ends of the earth or just to the end of the street?
In a world of cancel culture and online mudslinging, how we treat one another is no small display of the posture of our hearts. This week, we continue in Romans as we are reminded to welcome one another as Christ has welcomed us.
Do you worship with people who are different from you in some way? If so, how do you approach these differences as a Christ follower?
We are made for relationships, and a Gospel-centered life is also a highly relational one. But how do we, as Christ followers, navigate the complicated world of relationships without judging others but, rather, welcoming and accepting them?
When we think about God, we often want to avoid the consideration of judgment, but understanding judgment means unraveling its misunderstanding. Pastor Jeff Birch walks us through this important attribute as we continue our series in Romans.
How do Christians love others through differences, especially when it involves other Christians? Pastor Mike Palombo walks us through Romans 14 as we look through a Biblical lens of unity among differences.
Pastor Mike Palombo delivers this message from Romans 13 in which we explore the real price of love.
What does it look like to submit to authority, even when that authority oversteps? LOPC's Youth Director, Travis Skillingstad, tackles this tough question with us as we unpack Romans 13:1-7.
We've all heard the phrase, "Don't get mad; get even," but does this apply to the Christian? How does our response to our enemies reflect a counter-cultural understanding of grace and forgiveness?
In this sermon excerpt from Romans 12:1-5, Pastor Jeff Birch preaches on the gift of belonging to God and to the body of Christ.
In this sermon from 5-21-2023, we unpack Romans 11:33-12:2 as Pastor Jeff Birch preaches on "Worship as a Way of Life." In this text, we see three things: (1) Worship is determined by the worth of God; (2) Worship is defined by giving God what he's worth; (3) Worship is driven by the depth of one's view of the mercy of God.
God's ways are higher and deeper than we'll ever know, but one thing we do understand is that following Jesus is a miracle of grace. In this sermon excerpt from 5-14-2023, we take a look at Romans 11 and "Our Merciful God."
When God changes us, he does so through his immeasurable kindness. Shouldn't, then, we also apply that same kindness to the way we treat others? In this episode, Pastor Jeff Birch unpacks this theme found in Romans 11:16-24 as Paul addresses his Gentile audience.
We've all had that moment - ok, moments - when we know that we've screwed up and wonder how God's grace can possibly work within the mess that we've made. Or what about when we make mistakes in front of non-Christians, and we start wondering if we've just derailed whatever curiosity they might've had? Sound familiar? If so, Romans 11:7-15 has an encouraging response!
Christians talk a lot about the word "grace," but what does it mean? Do we truly understand it and how it's inextricably woven throughout the gospel? In this sermon from 4-23-2023, we take a look at what Apostle Paul has to say about grace and the way it takes us by surprise.
We can check all the boxes of church membership and attendance but still completely miss being conduits of grace. Do we really understand the power of grace and the call of the gospel?
The disciples first on the scene of where Jesus was buried were taken by surprise. After all, they looked for the living among the dead. How is it that we, also, look for life among the decay? Where do we spend our time and anchor our joy? Join us as we take a look at this most unexpected encounter with the risen Christ on Easter Sunday, 4-9-2023.
On this Palm Sunday, our new Assistant Pastor, Mike Palombo, takes us to the familiar passage of Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Riding on a humble donkey, Jesus wasn't the king that Israel expected, and his plans to build his kingdom still surprise us today. Could it be that we also expect a different kind of king?
Everyone loves a good story, and it's even better when told by a gifted storyteller. Jesus was a master storyteller and often employed the use of parables. This week, we take a look at "The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree" as Jesus addresses an issue that can make us uncomfortable: repentance. In a society where regret and remorse are common but poor substitutes, repentance is a much less chosen path that leads to true freedom and joy.
It’s the prodigal story everyone knows: Son demands inheritance; son leaves home and squanders inheritance; son returns home destitute; son is received by father with joy and feasting. But do we really understand this passage? How often do we see ourselves in the younger son without realizing that the older son is an equal representation of our entitlement? We who follow the rules can also be the most resentful when grace is lavished upon those who have made a mess of things. This Sunday, we take a fresh look at this familiar New Testament parable and how much in need we are of a true older brother – one who doesn’t give up on us and, instead, bestows unmerited grace.
Grief is no stranger to Christians. And yet, in our collective sorrow, we have hope. How can this be? As Christ followers, we believe not only in Christ's resurrection but also in a future glory that was glimpsed during Jesus' transfiguration, and we get to dive into this passage from Luke 9. As part of our series in "Lent: Encountering Jesus," it gathers momentum as we near Easter Sunday, but it will especially encourage our weary hearts. As CS Lewis once said, "If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world."
For the next several Sundays, we're taking a detour from our Romans series and will be focusing on the Book of Luke as Pastor Jeff Birch leads us through "Lent: Encountering Jesus." This special series will provide snapshots of Jesus from Luke's gospel and culminates with Easter Sunday.
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the roles, responsibilities, and commitments that are supposed to bring fulfillment? For many of us, life seems more complicated than it should be, and that can include our understanding of the gospel. This sermon takes a look at Romans 10:5-13 that emphasizes the simplicity of "The Message of Salvation," and we are so in need of this good news!
In our continuation of studying Paul's letter to the Romans, we take a look at Romans 9:30-10:4. In this passage, Paul answers the question, "Where does our struggle end?" by reminding us that we are accepted and completed in Christ.
In this sermon from February 12, 2023, Paul answers the question, "Can God be trusted?" by looking at the story of Israel and reminding them - and us - that we can only understand where we are by looking at where we've come from.
Romans 9:14-24
Is God fair and righteous? Can he be trusted? In this sermon from February 5, 2023, we take a look at this question and its answer found in Romans 9:14-24.
In this sermon from 1-22-2023, we take a look at Acts 20:17-35 as we install newly elected deacons and elders.
Has God's Word failed? We take a look at Romans 9:6-13 as we ask ourselves this question and discover exactly why Jesus came to die and reconcile us to himself.
We are back in our series on Romans (started earlier in 2022) and continuing with a look at Romans 9:1-5. In this chapter, we get to see Paul's heart that bleeds for his fellow Romans and how that compels us to look at our neighbors.
In this Christmas Day sermon, we take a look at The Magnificat found in Luke 1:46-56. In Mary's response to the announcement of her virgin pregnancy, we see a song of honesty and acceptance of God's will. We also see that Mary knew that God was aware of her circumstances and how she surrendered to his story.
In this Advent sermon, we look at Hebrews 9:11-14; 10:11-18 to understand why we need Jesus as a high priest to connect us to God. Pastor Jeff Birch explores (1) why we need union with God, (2) how Jesus did it, and (3) what it accomplished.
In this second sermon from our Advent series, "The Indescribable Gift," we take a look at Hebrews 2:5-18 and Jesus' ultimate superiority as the captain of our salvation.
Who or what do you listen to in order to define your reality, identity, meaning, and life? The only word that leads to freedom and flourishing is the authoritative word of Jesus, and in this first sermon in our Advent 2022 series, we take a look at his supremacy prophesied in Isaiah.
The story found in Mark 5:1-20 is a sensational series of events. Jesus confronts a demon-possessed man living like a wild animal among the tombs. In an unforgettable display of sovereignty, Jesus simultaneously restores the man and sends the demons into a herd of pigs that drown themselves. What does this demonstration of authority and mercy mean for us?
In this sermon from 11-13-2022, Pastor Jeff Birch wraps up his "Why the Church?" series. The church can only be missional when it has been renewed by the Gospel.
In this two-part conclusion of our "Why the Church?" sermon series, Pastor Jeff Birch preaches from Galatians 2:11-16 and explores the Apostle Paul's blueprint for how to live out the Christian life. In this passage, we ask the questions (1) What is the principle? (2) How does the principle work? (3) Where do I live out the principle?
In this sermon from 10-30-2022, Pastor Jeff Birch walks us through Matthew 5:11-20 as we ask the question, "What does life for the church look like?"
In this sermon on John 4:31-42, we learn three things about Jesus' mission from the text: (1) It begins with heart submission. (2) It's carried in confident expectation. (3) It is sustained by paradoxical power.
In this sermon on 2 Corinthians 8:1-15, Pastor Jeff Birch explores how stewardship is a response borne from our understanding of God's grace toward us through Jesus Christ.
What do true treasure and wealth look like for the Christian? Pastor Jeff Birch explores this question in the context of Matthew 6:19-34.
In our conclusion of Jonah, we take a look at how God reveals his love for Nineveh in his response to Jonah's resentment toward their repentance. Do we have a heart for our own surrounding community that reflects that Jesus?
Jonah's spiritual temper tantrum is more than meets the eye. It teaches us about being honest in the presence of God, knowing the true condition of our hearts, and what we do with our anger. It also demonstrates God's faithfulness and grace toward us when we rebel against him.
In this sermon from 9-18-2022, we continue our study of Jonah and take a look at the Ninevites' response to God's message of impending calamity. Whereas Jonah had fled from the Lord when given the commission to go to Nineveh, the city's response to Jonah's prophecy demonstrates a three-prong example of spiritual transformation.
In this sermon from 9-11-2022, we find Jonah fresh from being vomited out of a large fish after three days in its belly. In the aftermath of his extraordinary experience, he is recommissioned by God to go to Nineveh. His restoration leads to a new beginning, a new purpose, and a new obedience.
In this sermon from 9-4-2022, we're in the belly of the beast with Jonah after he's been thrown overboard and swallowed by a large fish. Chapter two contains a beautiful prayer about the harsh reality of Jonah's situation (resulting from his disobedience), but it also ends with, "Salvation belongs to the Lord!" What a reassurance that, even with our own hearts "prone to wander," we belong to the God who saves.
In this sermon from 8-28-2022, we continue with the unlikely hero of Jonah, who is now on the run and finds himself in the middle of a raging sea with mariners who suspect their passenger may be to blame for their cursed voyage. Despite Jonah's disobedience, however, God brings deliverance to an entire ship of unbelievers.
As we continue with our series, "Why the Church?" we spend the first of several Sundays looking at what it means to miss the heart of God. We start with the life of Jonah, his commission from the Lord, the consequence of his disobedience, and the compassion of the Lord's response toward his reluctant prophet.
In Matthew 9:9-17, we see Jesus dining with the rejects and the down-and-out. His response to those who criticized his choice of company shows us how his love, sacrifice, and authority change everything.
In this familiar story of Zacchaeus found in Luke 19:1-10, we take a surprising look at how this event of a tax collector welcoming Jesus into his home helps us investigate a question that changed the world: "What did Jesus come to do?"
In this sermon from 7-31-2022, Pastor Jeff Birch takes a look at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-13) and what that means for the church's responsibility within our communities today.
In this sermon audio from our series, "Why the Church?" pastor Jeff Birch takes a look at Acts 1:12-26 and how we are taught to prepare our lives for mission through steadfast obedience, corporate prayer, renewed leadership.
In this sermon audio from 7-17-2022, Pastor Jeff Birch preaches from Acts 1:1-11 and answers the question, "What are the characteristics of the missional church?"
In the first sermon from our newest series, "Why the Church?" Senior Pastor Jeff Birch leads us through Genesis 11:27-12:9 and the call of Abram.