Recent Sermons

This sermon intends to answer three questions as it relates to Trinity Sunday: First, why do we hold to the doctrine of the Trinity? Second, why do we hold to the Athanasian Creed? Third, why do we celebrate Trinity Sunday?

The Day of Pentecost (when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples), the Church was born! Miraculous signs and wonders happened that day and for years to come as the Church spread throughout the nations! It’s how we ended up as Christians all the way on the other side of the world! Today, however, we need to re-examine ourselves to see if we are actually LIVING in the Spirit like Paul talks about in Gal. 5. Because if we are not living in the Spirit, why even bother to celebrate Pentecost? Let’s seek the Lord, turn from our ways, and walk in step with the Spirit—God loves you!

The Ascension. Many don’t understand what Jesus’ role is now  (as our High Priest and Advocate in HEAVEN) in the place of ALL authority. And many don’t understand OUR role now (as the Church) the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit, our Advocate here on earth! Make no mistake, we need to understand it! Because the Holy SPIRIT SENDS US OUT as divine image bearers who are seeking oneness with God (as Jesus prays) and who are “sanctified in the truth”! So to live… like Christians!

The gospel of Jesus is for everybody. Today’s scripture from Acts makes it clear. The Holy Spirit is wanting to smash down some barriers of prejudice that we have built up around ourselves and around our churches so that EVERYBODY can come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior. Will we listen? Or not? Because if you truly love Jesus, you will listen and obey.

Jesus promises the Holy Spirit to all who believe. He is the free gift of God’s eternal presence, power, grace, truth, and encouragement that comes through Jesus Christ…and he’s SO much more! But, in today’s gospel, we just unpack 3 things that Jesus talks about when it comes to the promise of the Holy Spirit, “The Encourager.”

Jesus shares an image of himself with the Pharisees that He is the Good Shepherd. This image has been one of the key images throughout the Old Testament of God himself and Jesus teaches us why he himself fulfills that image of the Good Shepherd and why we all need him to Shepherd us. 

Today we are in Acts 4:5-14 and we see Peter and John standing before the same council that had Jesus crucified… and yet, without fear! They boldly preach the gospel! So much so, that the council was pretty much left speechless!

This sermon examines the heart and soul behind the first Church. The church had experienced an overflow of God’s grace through the sacraments and it changed the culture of the church. We find the church was unified, giving, and surrendering to the work of the Holy Spirit.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is the most significant event in all of history. And it matters for us… A LOT! With all the chaos of the world, we can face tomorrow — all because He lives! Alleluia!

Message for this Maundy Thursday service is of vital importance as we go forth to love each OTHER ... as Christ loves us. He's our example.

The story of Jesus in John 2 here is a bit shocking. Why? And what does it have to do with US, the Temple where the Holy Spirit now resides? A whole lot. Listen and be challenged as you are loved by God.

We are at a pivotal moment in the season of Lent. Things are getting "real"...meaning Holy Week and the cross are looming. And Jesus says clearly in today's gospel: "If you want to follow me, you must deny yourself, pick up your cross daily and follow me." Our mindsets about what that means is crucial... as it was with the apostle Peter (who got it wrong--JUST after getting it "right").

Life is full of wilderness "seasons" ... times of uncertainty. Following Jesus does not mean that we won't have them. Quite the opposite: We will. But, thanks be to God, we have a victorious Savior in Christ, who has made a way for us to have victory (and to even rejoice) when we find ourselves in a dark place.

Jesus Christ is the light of the world. And his glory shone forth on the mount of Transfiguration in magnificent splendor. It was a preview of his glorious resurrection. Jesus is the complete fulfillment of the Law and Prophets and is calling us to radiate his light in the world no matter how arduous our journeys are.

Our loving Savior Jesus took Simon's sick mother in law by the hand...and she was healed of her fever. How many people in your circle of influence need a healing hand?

When is the last time you have been amazed by the person, presence and work of God? If it's been awhile, you need to listen!

One of the only ways that we can "seek Jesus" this year (and every year) is if we are actually LISTENING to him. Are we? Or are we too distracted?

It's time to decide...no, not about American politics... but about Jesus. The time could not be more urgent. What will you do this year? How can we, the Church, help each other live out our mission in the world--to radiate Christ's light?