Sermons

The way we view God dictates almost every aspect of our lives. And, our understanding of him is largely based on our answer to one question – How big is God? Ephesians 3:20-21 says, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” This sermon explores the words of this passage and what it says about God’s bigness.

In our current culture a battle wages between truth and love. Society has called people to choose sides – love while ignoring truth or cling to truth while being void of love. For most though, it feels as though these two things ought not be in conflict; it feels as if we should be able to love while clinging to truth. One of Jesus’ closest friends and followers believed this to be true. In fact, he wrote two letters that speak to the importance of both truth and love, even beginning the first of these letters by reminding the recipient of his “love in the truth.” This sermon series, on the letters which are now called 2 & 3 John, will examine the importance and connection of truth and love.

Many go to church, few understand it. The good news is that the Bible offers us beautiful and understandable descriptions of the church in the form of metaphor. “Church As…” reveals four metaphors for church used in the Bible (primarily in the book of Ephesians) and teaches what they mean, why they are important, and how they impact our involvement.

In this first person narrative sermon “Thomas” tells of meeting Jesus, witnessing his miracles, seeing him crucified, and overcoming doubt in his resurrection. Through the course of the monologue several themes emerge including religion that is unfulfilling and hurtful, disappointment with God, doubt, and the importance of belief.

John Aikman Wallace said, “Prayer moves the hand which moves the world.” Many believe this and many more want it to be true; however, most feel like God’s hand lies inactive despite their prayers. Because of this, they give up, moving to their next request or stopping altogether. What is too often forgotten is Jesus’ teaching on the topic of prayer. Throughout the record of his life we find specific guidance on how to pray for results. This sermon series seeks to help people learn how to pray in a way that moves the hand of God by teaching about Jesus’ words on prayer.

This sermon paints a realistic picture of the events surrounding “The Triumphal Entry” and shows that Jesus didn’t come to give us all that we want, instead to offer the salvation we need.

Everyone decides what they deem as worthy of their time, energy, money, recommendation, and worship. In the person of Jesus we find one who is worthy of our entire lives. This series explores the amazing life of Jesus – a life full of love, kindness, passion, devotion, and ultimately, sacrifice. This life and all it accomplished for people, should compel us to believe that Jesus is WORTHY.

Ancient Christian Theologian and author, John Cassian, said, “We cannot enter the battle of the inner man unless we have been set free from the vice of gluttony.” Cassian’s sentiment has been echoed throughout history. In our modern world the sin of gluttony is rarely spoken of, being replaced by words about the disease of obesity. But, as this sermon series will show, gluttony is not synonymous with obesity. Instead, “gluttony is not considering our relationship with God when making decisions about the food we eat” Can this really be a sin? If so, why? Does this really have adverse affects? If so, what are they? This sermon series defines gluttony, teaches why it is a sin, and shows its deadly affects.

The Christmas season is a time of year when the birth of Jesus is supposed to be celebrated. Instead, the focus shifts to the food, family, parties, music, decorations, and presents. Why is this the case? Perhaps it is because people do not see the importance of Jesus’ birth. They understand the value of parties and presents, but question the importance of the birth of a child who lived over 2,000 years ago. This series seeks to show that the birth of Jesus matters – Christmas matters.

The topic of Heaven has become increasingly popular. One only need to look at recent best seller lists to see that people are curious about the nature of Heaven. Millions are eager to read the descriptions of Heaven penned by people who claim to have experienced it. What is sometimes forgotten is that the Bible is ripe with descriptions of Heaven, some of which were written by people who had experienced it first hand. The goal of this six week sermon series is to lay forth a biblical description of Heaven.