Sermon Text: Romans 9:1-5
Sermon Title: “Do You Get It?”
Sermon Notes: These verses begin a long “sermon” from Romans 9-11, wherein Paul struggles with the reality that his own people have not come to experience the new life that Christ offers. Paul struggles with issues of who is included in the family of God and offers to trade places [...]
Sermon Text: Romans 8:26-39
Sermon Title: “Persevere through Prayer”
Sermon Notes: Paul understood the age following Christ’s ascension to be an in-between time - a time when Christians enjoy a taste of redemption, yet await the completion of that redemption in Christ’s return. Authentic Christianity is not magical. It doesn’t require creative incantations or clever transactions. God is present to [...]
Sermon Text: Romans 8:12-25
Sermon Title: “God’s Family System”
Sermon Notes: Paul writes with longing of the future glory that God will reveal to God’s children. The Spirit makes us children of God. As children, adopted by God, we are family - family with God, family with Christ, and family with one another. This birthright sets us free from fear [...]
Sermon Text: Matthew 10:40-42
Sermon Title: “A Vicarious Welcome”
Sermon Notes: While the work of discipleship is hard, Christ promises that whatever the work requires of us, we will be given sufficient resources. Jesus calls his followers into a discipleship that is challenging and hard, but it is not without rewards. As we serve God, we will find grateful souls [...]
Sermon Text: Matthew 9:35 - 10:8 (9-23)
Sermon Title: “The Twelve”
Sermon Notes: Jesus’ call to the disciples is not simply an enlistment. They are called into the work of the kingdom, and they are given the gifts needed to accomplish their work. Jesus called a diverse group of people together to follow him and to share in his ministry. [...]
Sermon Text: Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26
Sermon Title: “All Are Welcome”
Jesus’ opponents are scandalized by the company he keeps. Jesus transcends religious and social boundaries to proclaim the good news of life and redemption to all people. According to worldly standards, one should avoid associating with the “wrong people.” However, Jesus models a different way of interacting with others. [...]
Sermon Text: Romans 1:16-17; 3:22b-28 (29-31)
Sermon Title: “The Foundation of Faith”
Paul discusses how the death and resurrection of Christ reconciles human beings to God: by the grace of God, we are justified by faith. A solid foundation is essential for a well-built house. The foundation of our faith rests in the cross of Christ. In [...]
Sermon Text: Matthew 6:24-34
Sermon Title: “Faith beyond All Worries”
The Sermon on the Mount offers an extended meditation on the characteristics of Christian life. Those who are called “blessed” are also invited to share in Jesus’ ethics and called to unwavering trust in God. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells his followers not to worry or [...]
Sermon Text: Matthew 28:16-20
Sermon Title: “What’s in a Name?”
Jesus gives his disciples a purpose and a promise. He offers the first and final word for the church’s mission: to draw all people into relationship with God. The God of scripture - the God in whom we confess our faith - is not a generic, nameless [...]
Sermon Text: Acts 2:1-21
Sermon Title: “Come, Holy Spirit”
After Jesus ascends into heaven; his disciples are gathered together in Jerusalem. With a dramatic rush of wind and flame, the Holy Spirit comes and kindles their mission to proclaim the gospel to all nations. The Holy Spirit is a bridge and connection between the ministry of Jesus [...]
