RUF at the University of Tennessee: Recent Episodes
RUF at UTK
Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) is a ministry of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), specifically on college campuses. These sermons are from the RUF at UTK.
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Closing to the series and semester! Thanks to Tim Keller's material on the benediction.
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Edvard Munch, The Sun 1910-1911 (The Oslo University Mural) (image via Wikiart.org)
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Huge thanks to Shawn Slate for his notes on the passage, and Ben Robertson for illustration help
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thanks to Kelly Kapic's great book "You're Only Human: How Your Limits Reflect God's Design and Why That's Good News"
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Series title taken from Bobby Jamieson's wonderful book "Everything Is Never Enough"
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This wraps up our 35th Fall semester at UTK! If you would like to partner with this ministry follow these links:
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-Artwork by Vittore Carpaccio "Lion of St. Mark"
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-Artwork by Vittore Carpaccio "Lion of St. Mark"
Again, thanks to Robert Cunningham's thoughts on this text
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thanks to Robert Cunningham's thoughts on this text.
-Artwork by Vittore Carpaccio "Lion of St. Mark"
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thanks to Robert Cunningham's thoughts on this text
-Artwork by Vittore Carpaccio "Lion of St. Mark"
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Thanks to Robert Cunningham for some of these thoughts.
-Artwork by Vittore Carpaccio "Lion of St. Mark"
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Thanks to guest speaker and friend Robert Cunningham for being with RUF UT tonight!
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Mark 5:1-20
Big thanks to Robert Cunningham's work on this text.
-Artwork by Vittore Carpaccio "Lion of St. Mark"
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Thanks to Robert Cunningham's sermon on this text for a lot of tonights content.
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Thanks to Chad Scruggs and Robert Cunningham.
-Artwork by Vittore Carpaccio "Lion of St. Mark"
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Mark 1:35-45
Thanks to my friend Robert Cunningham on this text.
-Artwork by Vittore Carpaccio "Lion of St. Mark"
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Mark 1:1-11
**MISSPOKE at minute 14....ALL OF CHRIST'S DISCIPLES met Christ after the resurrection. Meant to say "all but one of Christ's disciples died for that claim."
-Artwork by Vittore Carpaccio "Lion of St. Mark"
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Conclusion to Psalm 23 series
**EDIT: Johnny Cash did not write "Hurt"...
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Follow up to Psalm 23:5. Thanks to Robert Cunningham's Upper Room Discourse Series.
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Psalm 23:4. This sermon is drawing on Skye Jethani's fantastic book "With: Reimagining the Way You Relate to God"
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Our campus staff Emily Wilson on the debilitating pressure to stay busy and the restorative rhythms of rest.
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Thanks to Robert Cunningham's sermons at TCPC on the Sermon on the Mount
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Matthew 6:9-13; Luke 11:1-13
Thanks to John Meinen and D.J Marotta's "Liturgy in the Wilderness"
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Matthew 6:5-14, Luke 11:1-4
Thanks to John Meinen at UVM for his thoughts here.
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Ephesians 2:19-22; 4:11-16
Thanks to Robert Cunningham and Brian Sorgenfrei for their thoughts here.
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Matthew 5:38-48
Thank you to Austin McCann and Robert Cunningham for their thoughts here!
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Hebrews 4:14-16, 1 Corinthians 7:7, Revelation 21:1-4Thanks to Robert Cunningham's thoughts and words on singleness from these passages
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Tonight I am completely borrowing the majority of the content for this topic from my friend Robert Cunningham. You can find more of his work on this topic here: https://www.gbcon.org/audio-archive
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Thanks to Joe Johnson and Matt Howell for their thoughts and words on dating.
Part one of a two week session on dating. All credit to Reid Jones, Matt Howell, and Britton Wood for their thoughts and words on this.
Exodus 20:12, Ephesians 6:1-4, Luke 14:26
Thankful to the thoughts of Robert Cunningham, Matt Howell, and others in this topic.
Indebted to Matt Howell's sermon on friendship here; so much of this is his work! Also reference the work of C.S Lewis in "The Four Loves" and Andy Crouch's thought on friendship.
Mark 12:28-34
Indebted to Matt Howells sermon on "Relating to God's Will" and the thoughts of Robert Cunningham.
Thanks to Tim Keller and Chad Bird for expositions of this text.
Hebrews 11:8-9
Genesis 32:22-32
Hebrews 11:7; Genesis 6:8-22
Huge thanks to my friend Robert Cunningham. Arguments from Love and Justice taken directly from him.
Second sermon from our series looking at the case-studies of faith from Hebrews 11.
Hebrews 11:4
Genesis 4:1-16
Wrapping up Philippians and the semester! Thanks to Tim Keller's analysis of contentment and covetousness in his 10 Commandments work.
So much thanks to the work of Tim Keller in "Freedom of Self Forgetfulness" and a Philippians sermon from him in tonight's talk!
Welcome back to UT RUF! We are going through Philippians this semester and tonight we introduce the semester and the book of Philippians. RUF is a community, gathered around the gospel, with a mission of joy for the University of Tennessee!
Thank you to Matt Howell for the Waffle House illustration!
Matthew 5:17-20
Wrapping up the 10 Commandments by looking at how Jesus Fulfills the Laws meaning and the laws demands.
Thanks to Robert Cunningham for his thoughts on this text.
The last of the commandments: "Do Not Covet", using Exodus 20:17 and Philippians 3:7-14.
Exodus 20:16; James 3:1-12. The 9th Commandment
This semester we are studying the 10 Commandments. 10 Words given by God to train us in loving Him and loving our neighbor.
Thankful for Keller's thought on the ways we lie.
Exodus 20:15; Luke 9:1-10. The 8th Commandment
This semester we are studying the 10 Commandments. 10 Words given by God to train us in loving Him and loving our neighbor.
Thankful for Russ Whitfield of Grace Mosaic for his work on this commandment! Indebted to his thought on the ways we steal.
In our series on the 10 Commandments and we come to the 7th Commandment: "Do Not Commit Adultery."
Tonight we cover the Bible's ethic for our sexuality.
Significant portions of this sermon were directly adapted from my old pastor, mentor, and dear friend Robert Cunningham. His teaching from "The Good Of the Bluegrass Conference" held in 2022 in Lexington, KY is reflected and quoted all throughout this sermon.
Exodus 20:13, and Matthew 5:21-24.
Continuing through our series on the 10 Commandments, 10 Words given by God to teach us how to live well as we love our God and neighbor.
Text: Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:1-4
Continuing through our series on the 10 Commandments, 10 Words given by God to teach us how to live well.
Indebted to Russ Whitfield of Grace Mosaic for his teaching on the 5th Commandment
This semester we are studying the 10 Commandments. 10 Words given by God to train us in loving Him and loving our neighbor.
Indebted to the thought of Tim Keller on this text.
This semester we are studying the 10 Commandments. 10 Words given by God to train us in loving Him and loving our neighbor so that Good Things Might Run Wild
Exodus 20:1-3
This semester we are studying the 10 Commandments. 10 Words given by God to train us in loving Him and loving our neighbor.
Huge thanks to Robert Cunningham for his words on the Foundation of Love and the Application of Love.
"These are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." This semester we look at the Gospel of John which shows us the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, and how He offers the answers to life's biggest questions.
Thanks to Matt Howell and Robert Cunningham for many of the thoughts in this.
"These are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." This semester we look at the Gospel of John which shows us the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, and how He offers the answers to life's biggest questions.
Thanks to Matt Howell and Tim Keller's "Making Sense of God" for much of the content!
**beginning of audio was lost
This semester we’re going through a sermon series entitled, “Living In God’s Story As We Live In This World.” As you go through life, it’s easy to forget who you are and what story you’re a part of. Alasdyre McIntyre reminds us that before we ask, “What do I have to do today?” we must first ask ourselves, “What story am I a part of?” The story you’re living in informs the choices you make in the world.
The claim of the semester is this: if the story of Jesus is true, then His story completely changes how we live in this world. For we are not only a character in God’s story (because God’s story of redemption is still happening right now!), we are also a carrier of God’s story. We are called to carry God’s story of love and redemption into the world because we are also a character in the story who needed to be loved and redeemed too.
So every week we ask ourselves, “How does this biblical passage teach us how to live in God’s Story as we live in the world?”We will finish our semester series by looking at 4 stories surrounding the birth of Christ. This week we discuss the importance of believing the good news of Jesus as we try to make it in this beautiful but broken world.
TEXT: Luke 1:5-25
This semester we’re going through a sermon series entitled, “Living In God’s Story As We Live In This World.” As you go through life, it’s easy to forget who you are and what story you’re a part of. Alasdyre McIntyre reminds us that before we ask, “What do I have to do today?” we must first ask ourselves, “What story am I a part of?” The story you’re living in informs the choices you make in the world.
The claim of the semester is this: if the story of Jesus is true, then His story completely changes how we live in this world. For we are not only a character in God’s story (because God’s story of redemption is still happening right now!), we are also a carrier of God’s story. We are called to carry God’s story of love and redemption into the world because we are also a character in the story who needed to be loved and redeemed too.
So every week we ask ourselves, “How does this biblical passage teach us how to live in God’s Story as we live in the world?”We will finish our semester series by looking at 4 stories surrounding the birth of Christ. This week we discuss the well-known passage of Jesus’ birth. We will see the reality of why we are so afraid, the revelation of joy in the midst of our fear, and the response to dream again and slow down when we find ourselves living in fear.
TEXT: Luke 2:8-20
This semester we’re going through a sermon series entitled, “Living In God’s Story As We Live In This World.” As you go through life, it’s easy to forget who you are and what story you’re a part of. Alasdyre McIntyre reminds us that before we ask, “What do I have to do today?” we must first ask ourselves, “What story am I a part of?” The story you’re living in informs the choices you make in the world.
The claim of the semester is this: if the story of Jesus is true, then His story completely changes how we live in this world. For we are not only a character in God’s story (because God’s story of redemption is still happening right now!), we are also a carrier of God’s story. We are called to carry God’s story of love and redemption into the world because we are also a character in the story who needed to be loved and redeemed too.
So every week we ask ourselves, “How does this biblical passage teach us how to live in God’s Story as we live in the world?”This week we continue to look at the story of Jonah and his resentful heart at God’s love and mercy. We learn that resentment comes from an idolatrous heart, it leads to loneliness and fragility, and how God pursues us in our resentment with patience and compassion.
TEXT: Jonah 4
This semester we’re going through a sermon series entitled, “Living In God’s Story As We Live In This World.” As you go through life, it’s easy to forget who you are and what story you’re a part of. Alasdyre McIntyre reminds us that before we ask, “What do I have to do today?” we must first ask ourselves, “What story am I a part of?” The story you’re living in informs the choices you make in the world.
The claim of the semester is this: if the story of Jesus is true, then His story completely changes how we live in this world. For we are not only a character in God’s story (because God’s story of redemption is still happening right now!), we are also a carrier of God’s story. We are called to carry God’s story of love and redemption into the world because we are also a character in the story who needed to be loved and redeemed too.
So every week we ask ourselves, “How does this biblical passage teach us how to live in God’s Story as we live in the world?”
This week we continue to look at the story of Jonah, where we are invited to live a life of repentance and the freedom that comes from it.
TEXT: Jonah 2-3
This semester we’re going through a sermon series entitled, “Living In God’s Story As We Live In This World.” As you go through life, it’s easy to forget who you are and what story you’re a part of. Alasdyre McIntyre reminds us that before we ask, “What do I have to do today?” we must first ask ourselves, “What story am I a part of?” The story you’re living in informs the choices you make in the world.
The claim of the semester is this: if the story of Jesus is true, then His story completely changes how we live in this world. For we are not only a character in God’s story (because God’s story of redemption is still happening right now!), we are also a carrier of God’s story. We are called to carry God’s story of love and redemption into the world because we are also a character in the story who needed to be loved and redeemed too.
So every week we ask ourselves, “How does this biblical passage teach us how to live in God’s Story as we live in the world?”We continue our series by looking at the book of Jonah for the next 4 weeks. The story of humanity is that we run away from God. We run away because we want control, we think we’re better than others, and we look to other things besides God for our identity. But though we run away God always pursues us in love. He pursues us intensely, by confronting us, and even takes our place. Jonah reminds us of the gospel: we’re never too bad that we are beyond the reach of Gods grace; and we are never too good that we are beyond the need of Gods grace.
This semester we’re going through a sermon series entitled, “Living In God’s Story As We Live In This World.” As you go through life, it’s easy to forget who you are and what story you’re a part of. Alasdyre McIntyre reminds us that before we ask, “What do I have to do today?” we must first ask ourselves, “What story am I a part of?” The story you’re living in informs the choices you make in the world.
The claim of the semester is this: If the story of Jesus is true, then His story completely changes how we live in this world. For we are not only a character in God’s story (because God’s story of redemption is still happening right now!), we are also a carrier of God’s story. We are called to carry God’s story of love and redemption into the world because we are also a character in the story who needed to be loved and redeemed too.
So every week we ask ourselves, “How does this biblical passage teach us how to live in God’s Story as we live in the world?”This week we look at what it means to live as a beloved child. The waters of baptism remind us that we belong to God and are beloved by God as we face temptations in the wilderness.
**This was a sermon preached at Resurrection Presbyterian Church in Knoxville on July 11, 2021 (originally preached at Summer RUF in Memphis, May 25, 2021).
When you are afraid, Psalm 23 reminds us that we have a Good Shepherd who loves us, we must face the darkness, Jesus is with us in the darkness, and the darkness doesn't win.
TEXT: Psalm 23
** The next 5 talks on the podcast are ones given at Ridgehaven Family Camp (July 5-9, 2021).
The first was an invitation to rest from the 4th commandment (originally preached at Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church on June 29, 2021).
The remaining 4 talks are on the topic of Glorification and the future hope of glory in the Christian faith (originally given at RUF Beach Week 3, May 15-19, 2021).
Note: given that this was for a special weeklong camp, there will be a few stories/illustrations you have heard before!
TEXT: 2 Corinthians 5:16-18, 21
** The next 5 talks on the podcast are ones given at Ridgehaven Family Camp (July 5-9, 2021).
The first was an invitation to rest from the 4th commandment (originally preached at Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church on June 29, 2021).
The remaining 4 talks are on the topic of Glorification and the future hope of glory in the Christian faith (originally given at RUF Beach Week 3, May 15-19, 2021).
Note: given that this was for a special weeklong camp, there will be a few stories/illustrations you have heard before!
TEXT: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; 5:6-9
Special thanks to Brian Sorgenfrei and Matt Howell (for the crazy engagement story at the beginning).
** The next 5 talks on the podcast are ones given at Ridgehaven Family Camp (July 5-9, 2021).
The first was an invitation to rest from the 4th commandment (originally preached at Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church on June 29, 2021).
The remaining 4 talks are on the topic of Glorification and the future hope of glory in the Christian faith (originally given at RUF Beach Week 3, May 15-19, 2021).
Note: given that this was for a special weeklong camp, there will be a few stories/illustrations you have heard before!
TEXT: Revelation 21:1-6
Special thanks to Brian Sorgenfrei.
** The next 5 talks on the podcast are ones given at Ridgehaven Family Camp (July 5-9, 2021).
The first was an invitation to rest from the 4th commandment (originally preached at Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church on June 29, 2021).
The remaining 4 talks are on the topic of Glorification and the future hope of glory in the Christian faith (originally given at RUF Beach Week 3, May 15-19, 2021).
Note: given that this was for a special weeklong camp, there will be a few stories/illustrations you have heard before!
TEXT: 2 Corinthians 5:1-5
Special thanks to Brian Sorgenfrei.
** The next 5 talks on the podcast are ones given at Ridgehaven Family Camp (July 5-9, 2021).
The first was an invitation to rest from the 4th commandment (originally preached at Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church on June 29, 2021).
The remaining 4 talks are on the topic of Glorification and the future hope of glory in the Christian faith (originally given at RUF Beach Week 3, May 15-19, 2021).
Note: given that this was for a special weeklong camp, there will be a few stories/illustrations you have heard before!
TEXT: Exodus 20:8-11
We finish the semester with a 3-week mini-series in the book of Revelation entitled: "Visions of Hope." It's been a long year. The book of Revelation gives us overwhelming, powerful, beautiful visions of hope captured in the person of Jesus. So each week we'll look at a different vision of hope and ask ourselves,"How does this image give us hope in the Christian life?"This week we look at a vision of hope for our future. What do the final two chapters of Revelation teach us about heaven and earth? About where this world is headed and why it is good news? What does it mean that Jesus claims to be 'making all things new'? For all those who have experienced death, sorrow, tears, pain, and disappointments... God has a word of hope for you from Revelation 21.
TEXT: Revelation 21:1-6
We finish the semester with a 3-week mini-series in the book of Revelation entitled: "Visions of Hope." It's been a long year. The book of Revelation gives us overwhelming, powerful, beautiful visions of hope captured in the person of Jesus. So each week we'll look at a different vision of hope and ask ourselves,"How does this image give us hope in the Christian life?"This week we look at a vision of hope for people who feel weak. John presents Jesus in our passage both as a lion who is strong and powerful, and a weak lamb who was slain. What does this teach us about grace? About God's love for us in our weakness? What we learn is that anything worth living for in life requires vulnerability and risk. But it's precisely in our weakness that our Savior Jesus meets us.
TEXT: Revelation 5:1-14
We finish the semester with a 3-week mini-series in the book of Revelation entitled: "Visions of Hope." It's been a long year. The book of Revelation gives us overwhelming, powerful, beautiful visions of hope captured in the person of Jesus. So each week we'll look at a different vision of hope and ask ourselves, "How does this image give us hope in the Christian life?"This week we look at the vision of hope in our uncertainties. Writing to a persecuted community in the Roman empire, John begins his apocalypse by giving his readers a powerful image of the risen Jesus. How might this image help them and us in the midst of our uncertainties? Jesus is with us in our fears and uncertainties.
TEXT: Revelation 1:9-20
Special thanks to Robert Cunningham.
This semester we’re going through a series entitled “The Ten Commandments: Let Good Things Run Wild.” The phrase comes from GK Chesterton, who explains that sometimes God says “no” to things, in order for us to say “yes” to something better. In the book of Exodus, after God rescues and frees his people from slavery in Egypt, he then gives them the law. The gospel reminds us that grace precedes commandments. Freedom always comes before obedience. We follow God as a response to his initiating grace. God gives Israel these 10 commandments as a way for them to live in the world, that they might be a blessing to the world, that good things might run wild. So every week we ask ourselves, “How does this commandment invite us into a beautiful and flourishing life? How does it let good things run wild?”This week we finish our series in the 10 commandments by looking at the 10th commandment: do not covet. This commandment delves into the desires of the human heart. We look at the source of coveting, the sin and struggle of coveting, and the secret to contentment.
TEXT: Exodus 20:17; James 4:1-3; Philippians 4:10-14
This semester we’re going through a series entitled “The Ten Commandments: Let Good Things Run Wild.” The phrase comes from GK Chesterton, who explains that sometimes God says “no” to things, in order for us to say “yes” to something better. In the book of Exodus, after God rescues and frees his people from slavery in Egypt, he then gives them the law. The gospel reminds us that grace precedes commandments. Freedom always comes before obedience. We follow God as a response to his initiating grace. God gives Israel these 10 commandments as a way for them to live in the world, that they might be a blessing to the world, that good things might run wild. So every week we ask ourselves, “How does this commandment invite us into a beautiful and flourishing life? How does it let good things run wild?”This week we look at the 9th commandment: do not lie. This commandment reminds us that words are powerful: they can destroy or heal. So we discuss the power of words, the temptation to lie, and an invitation to tell the truth.
TEXT: Exodus 20:16; Colossians 3:9-10; Matthew 5:37
This semester we’re going through a series entitled “The Ten Commandments: Let Good Things Run Wild.” The phrase comes from GK Chesterton, who explains that sometimes God says “no” to things, in order for us to say “yes” to something better. In the book of Exodus, after God rescues and frees his people from slavery in Egypt, he then gives them the law. The gospel reminds us that grace precedes commandments. Freedom always comes before obedience. We follow God as a response to his initiating grace. God gives Israel these 10 commandments as a way for them to live in the world, that they might be a blessing to the world, that good things might run wild. So every week we ask ourselves, “How does this commandment invite us into a beautiful and flourishing life? How does it let good things run wild?”This week we look at the eighth commandment: do not steal. This commandment takes us right to the generosity at the heart of God. Jarrett, the Intern on staff with us, shares the requirement, robbery, and reward that this law teaches.
TEXT: Exodus 20:15; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
This semester we’re going through a series entitled “The Ten Commandments: Let Good Things Run Wild.” The phrase comes from GK Chesterton, who explains that sometimes God says “no” to things, in order for us to say “yes” to something better. In the book of Exodus, after God rescues and frees his people from slavery in Egypt, he then gives them the law. The gospel reminds us that grace precedes commandments. Freedom always comes before obedience. We follow God as a response to his initiating grace. God gives Israel these 10 commandments as a way for them to live in the world, that they might be a blessing to the world, that good things might run wild. So every week we ask ourselves, “How does this commandment invite us into a beautiful and flourishing life? How does it let good things run wild?”This week we look at the seventh commandment: do not commit adultery. This is the commandment of broken hearts. We discuss what the Bible says about sex, love, pleasure, and marriage. We talk about its beauty, its brokenness, and the hope for healing from our broken hearts.
TEXT: Exodus 20:14; Matt 5:27-30
This semester we’re going through a series entitled “The Ten Commandments: Let Good Things Run Wild.” The phrase comes from GK Chesterton, who explains that sometimes God says “no” to things, in order for us to say “yes” to something better. In the book of Exodus, after God rescues and frees his people from slavery in Egypt, he then gives them the law. The gospel reminds us that grace precedes commandments. Freedom always comes before obedience. We follow God as a response to his initiating grace. God gives Israel these 10 commandments as a way for them to live in the world, that they might be a blessing to the world, that good things might run wild. So every week we ask ourselves, “How does this commandment invite us into a beautiful and flourishing life? How does it let good things run wild?”This week we look at the sixth commandment: do not murder. This commandment teaches us that because life belongs to God, we must protect and promote its flourishing in all areas of life. Jesus deepens this command by forcing us to deal with the anger in our hearts.
TEXT: Exodus 20:13; Matt 5:21-24
"Why was I in such a hurry to become someone I hated?"
This is basically a seminar summarizing John Mark Comer's book, "The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry", which teaches us that hurry is the enemy to love.
TEXT: Matthew 11:28-20
This semester we’re going through a series entitled “The Ten Commandments: Let Good Things Run Wild.” The phrase comes from GK Chesterton, who explains that sometimes God says “no” to things, in order for us to say “yes” to something better. In the book of Exodus, after God rescues and frees his people from slavery in Egypt, he then gives them the law. The gospel reminds us that grace precedes commandments. Freedom always comes before obedience. We follow God as a response to his initiating grace. God gives Israel these 10 commandments as a way for them to live in the world, that they might be a blessing to the world, that good things might run wild. So every week we ask ourselves, “How does this commandment invite us into a beautiful and flourishing life? How does it let good things run wild?”This week we look at the third commandment: do not take the Lord's name in vain. Why does God care so much about his name? Sure, we should be careful, but it makes the top 10 ? So... the question is... what's in a name? Well according to the third commandment? Everything.
TEXT: Exodus 20:7
This semester we’re going through a series entitled “The Ten Commandments: Let Good Things Run Wild.” The phrase comes from GK Chesterton, who explains that sometimes God says “no” to things, in order for us to say “yes” to something better. In the book of Exodus, after God rescues and frees his people from slavery in Egypt, he then gives them the law. The gospel reminds us that grace precedes commandments. Freedom always comes before obedience. We follow God as a response to his initiating grace. God gives Israel these 10 commandments as a way for them to live in the world, that they might be a blessing to the world, that good things might run wild. So every week we ask ourselves, “How does this commandment invite us into a beautiful and flourishing life? How does it let good things run wild?”This week we look at the first two commandments, which address the topic of idolatry. An idol is something that replaces God as the thing we live for. It's something we can't live without. We take a good thing and make it an ultimate thing. We do this because idols tempt us with the powerful lie that it can give us what only God can give us. We look at the promise of idols, the lie of idols, and how Jesus is the true God, worthy of our worship.
TEXT: Exodus 20:1-6
Special thanks to Tim Keller's book, Counterfeit Gods.
Hey-oooo. This is a break from our normal posting of sermons and seminars and theological musings. Just a heads up. Our next sermon will be posted in January when RUF starts back up!
I recently discovered this story I wrote in 5th grade regarding a serial-human killer. The protagonist, an ugly cat named Aresomoto, seemed to have some definite un-dealt-with anger issues and is possibly a projection of my own internal pubescent angst...
It's a ridiculous story. And although it is a story about "heaven", it in no way is remotely theologically accurate! Rather, its best read as a tale describing the turbulent middle school years, the time when we were all hormonal, going through puberty, and insecure.
I simply provide it here for your enjoyment.
We begin a new sermon series through the gospel of John entitled: "Streams in the Desert: Finding the Fullness of God in Empty Places." The claim of the semester is that in the midst of the wilderness and empty places of our lives, God shows up and brings his fullness. So every week we will look at an empty place and see how the fullness of Jesus brings new life into what was once unfruitful and barren.
We all compare. It seems like Peter compared himself to John a lot. When we compare ourselves to others, Jesus tells us, "What business of that is yours? You follow me." We'll see what comparison reveals, what it steals, and Jesus' appeal.
Fix your eyes on Jesus and away from comparison.
TEXT: John 21:18-25
We begin a new sermon series through the gospel of John entitled: "Streams in the Desert: Finding the Fullness of God in Empty Places." The claim of the semester is that in the midst of the wilderness and empty places of our lives, God shows up and brings his fullness. So every week we will look at an empty place and see how the fullness of Jesus brings new life into what was once unfruitful and barren.
Peter failed Jesus. Denied him 3 times. And if we're honest, we all fail Jesus. None of us live the way in which we want. But the good news of the gospel is that Jesus loves to restore failures. We discuss where Jesus restores us, how he does it, and why he does it (HINT: for love...)
TEXT: John 21:1-19
We begin a new sermon series through the gospel of John entitled: "Streams in the Desert: Finding the Fullness of God in Empty Places." The claim of the semester is that in the midst of the wilderness and empty places of our lives, God shows up and brings his fullness. So every week we will look at an empty place and see how the fullness of Jesus brings new life into what was once unfruitful and barren.
Thomas has doubts. In many ways, we're all like Thomas. What does Jesus offer us in our doubts? He offers us his wounds. If you have doubts, bring them to Jesus.
TEXT: John 20:19-28
Special thanks to Danny Hindman and Jordan Griesbeck
We begin a new sermon series through the gospel of John entitled: "Streams in the Desert: Finding the Fullness of God in Empty Places." The claim of the semester is that in the midst of the wilderness and empty places of our lives, God shows up and brings his fullness. So every week we will look at an empty place and see how the fullness of Jesus brings new life into what was once unfruitful and barren.
The resurrected Jesus has an encounter with Mary on an early Sunday morning... it changed the world by giving us hope for something better...
TEXT: John 20:11-18
We begin a new sermon series through the gospel of John entitled: "Streams in the Desert: Finding the Fullness of God in Empty Places." The claim of the semester is that in the midst of the wilderness and empty places of our lives, God shows up and brings his fullness. So every week we will look at an empty place and see how the fullness of Jesus brings new life into what was once unfruitful and barren.
How do we grow and change? The answer Jesus gives?... "Abide in my love."
TEXT: John 15:1-11
Special thanks to Jason Sterling and Tim Keller.
We begin a new sermon series through the gospel of John entitled: "Streams in the Desert: Finding the Fullness of God in Empty Places." The claim of the semester is that in the midst of the wilderness and empty places of our lives, God shows up and brings his fullness. So every week we will look at an empty place and see how the fullness of Jesus brings new life into what was once unfruitful and barren.
This week we look at the grief and suffering of Martha and Mary in the midst of their brother's death. How does Jesus meet them (and us) in our suffering? He offers truth and tears. Jesus enters into our suffering in order to end all suffering. He's overwhelmed by it so he can overcome it.
"The tears of God are the meaning of history" - Wolterstorff, Lament for a Son
TEXT: John 11:17-45
Special thanks to Robert Cunningham and Tim Keller.
We begin a new sermon series through the gospel of John entitled: "Streams in the Desert: Finding the Fullness of God in Empty Places." The claim of the semester is that in the midst of the wilderness and empty places of our lives, God shows up and brings his fullness. So every week we will look at an empty place and see how the fullness of Jesus brings new life into what was once unfruitful and barren.
This week we look at a woman caught in the act of adultery. She is full of shame and guilt. What do you do with your guilt and shame? Perhaps more importantly, how does Jesus treat people who are caught in the midst of their shame?
Jesus is a merciful judge who extends forgiveness.
TEXT: John 7:53-8:11
We begin a new sermon series through the gospel of John entitled: "Streams in the Desert: Finding the Fullness of God in Empty Places." The claim of the semester is that in the midst of the wilderness and empty places of our lives, God shows up and brings his fullness. So every week we will look at an empty place and see how the fullness of Jesus brings new life into what was once unfruitful and barren.
This week we look at how Jesus turns a poor boy's feast into a rich man's meal... The people ate "as much as they wanted." If you feel empty and needy...this passage reminds us to trust in Jesus and that...
Jesus provides for his people.
TEXT: John 6:1-14
We begin a new sermon series through the gospel of John entitled: "Streams in the Desert: Finding the Fullness of God in Empty Places." The claim of the semester is that in the midst of the wilderness and empty places of our lives, God shows up and brings his fullness. So every week we will look at an empty place and see how the fullness of Jesus brings new life into what was once unfruitful and barren.
This week we look at how Jesus pursues a lonely woman at a well by breaking down all her barriers, and giving her the promise of his love.
Jesus pursues lonely people.
TEXT: John 4:1-26
We begin a new sermon series through the gospel of John entitled: "Streams in the Desert: Finding the Fullness of God in Empty Places." The claim of the semester is that in the midst of the wilderness and empty places of our lives, God shows up and brings his fullness. So every week we will look at an empty place and see how the fullness of Jesus brings new life into what was once unfruitful and barren.
This week we look at the famous first miracle of Jesus. He turns 150 gallons of water into the headiest, most exquisite wine... for people at a wedding who have already drunk a lot... why? What is going on here? What is this sign pointing us to?
Jesus came to bring joy.
TEXT: John 2:1-11
Special thanks to Greg Thompson and Tim Keller
We begin a new sermon series through the gospel of John entitled: "Streams in the Desert: Finding the Fullness of God in Empty Places." The claim of the semester is that in the midst of the wilderness and empty places of our lives, God shows up and brings his fullness. So every week we will look at an empty place and see how the fullness of Jesus brings new life into what was once unfruitful and barren.
This week we look at the first question Jesus asks his disciples... "What do you want?"
NOTE My apologies to my Harry Potter friends... I should have used the Mirror of Erised instead of Room of Requirement... please forgive me...
TEXT: John 1:35-42
We begin a new sermon series through the gospel of John entitled: "Streams in the Desert: Finding the Fullness of God in Empty Places." The claim of the semester is that in the midst of the wilderness and empty places of our lives, God shows up and brings his fullness. So every week we will look at an empty place and see how the fullness of Jesus brings new life into what was once unfruitful and barren.
This week we look at how things are not the way they're supposed to be; and yet, even so, Jesus shows up and is full of truth AND grace...upon grace...upon grace...
TEXT: John 1:1-5; 14-18
The summer, because of COVID, the UTK RUF teamed up with Auburn, UNC, Wake Forest, Alabama and UVa to bring a weekly virtual Summer RUF.
This week we focused on how to lament honestly to God about sad or troubled situations we find ourselves in.
BONUS: a small taste of the UT music team... THEY ARE SO GOOD
TEXT: Psalm 42
Micah 6:8; Psalm 82:3; Job 31:16-22; Jeremiah 9:23-24; Isaiah 61:8; Psalm 146:7-9; Deuteronomy 10:17-18; Isaiah 30:18; Matthew 25:31-40
Jarrod Justice, a local Christian counselor in Knoxville, shares about emotionally healthy spirituality at Sunday Night Fellowship.
Ephesians 5:22-33. Much of this sermon is attributed to the work of Tim Keller. Thanks, Tim.
Ephesians 1:11; Hebrews 13:21; Deuteronomy 29:29; 1 Thessalonians 4:3
Thanks to Rankin Wilbourne, Tim Keller, and Britton Wood!
Isaiah 6:1-8
Much help tonight from Tim Keller, Alex Watlington and Ryan Anderson. Thanks guys!
Colossians 2:6-7. Mega thanks to Ricky Jones and his helpful break down of the "cross chart."
Part 2. RUF at UT and Redeemer Church of Knoxville teamed up to bring in Russ Whitfield to talk about race, repentance, and reconciliation.
Part 1. RUF at UT and Redeemer Church of Knoxville teamed up to bring in Russ Whitfield to talk about race, repentance, and reconciliation.
For some examples of organic inspiration articulated in scripture itself, look at Matthew 22:43-44; Hebrews 10:15; and 2 Peter 3:16.
2 Samuel 12:10-15; 18:31-33; Psalm 19:7-8
A big shout out to Ray Cortese for his help with this sermon. Thanks Ray!
1 Samuel 18:1-4; 20:30-34, 40-42. Much thanks to help provided by Richie Sessions and Scott Sauls.
1 Samuel 18:6-16. Much thanks to Tim Keller and Rankin Wilbourne for their help with this sermon.
1 Samuel 17:1-11, 32-51. Much thanks to the help I received from sermons by Ray Cortese and Tim Keller.
Proverbs 3:11-12; 20:20; 23:22; Exodus 20:12 Thanks to Britton Wood for a lot of help tonight!
Proverbs 14:29; 15:1, 18; 16:32; 19:11; 29:22; Ephesians 4:6 Footnote: I got a lot of help for this sermon from the work of Tim Keller and Britton Wood.
Proverbs 11:2, 12; 12:1, 15; 13:1; 15:25, 33: 16:18; 28:26 Sermon helps tonight: Tim Keller and Britton Wood.
Proverbs 6:6-11; 10:4; 12:11; 13:4; 15:19; 23:3; 26:13 Big shout out to Jeremy Jones. I forgot to mention this in the sermon, but I got a lot of help from him tonight on this topic. #mancrush
Matthew 13:31-32. To cite my sources, I leaned heavily on the work of Britton Wood (RUF campus minister at Stanford) for this sermon.