Sermons
Honest, gospel-centered preaching that connects the ancient text to the present moment—with room for faith, doubt, and hope.
The Rich Young Ruler Asks About Eternal Life (Mark 10:17-31 Sermon)
In this sermon from Mark 10:17-31, the rich young ruler asks about eternal life. Explore the quest for eternal life, the challenge of letting go of possessions, and how Jesus invites us into a deeper relationship through faith.
Why is Jesus So Important to Christians (Hebrews 1:1-4; Hebrews 2:5-12 Sermon)
Explore why Jesus is central to the Christian faith, uncovering His role as God’s ultimate revelation, His superiority to angels, and His pioneering work in salvation. I share this Hebrew 1:1-4 sermon idea to help others and to shine a light on the goodness of Christ.
Faith and Growth Through Doubt (Luke 1:67-80 Sermon)
Luke 1:67-80 meaning is profound. Zechariah both believes and doubts God, showing us that the journey of faith can be mixed. The angel Gabriel tells John his prayers are answered, yet he doubts. After months of being mute, he is enabled to speak and he praises God's faithfulness.
A Church with a PhD (James 5:13-20 Sermon)
James 5:13-20 teaches us about building a vibrant church community through Prayer, Healing, and Deliverance. Discover the power of service in our faith journey, inspired by Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s belief that “anyone can be great because everyone can serve.” James 5:13-20 meaning for today is deeply profound for any Christian wanting to make a practical impact in their church.
Following Jesus in a Power-Hungry World: Mark 9:30-37 Sermon
We discover what Mark 9:30-37 means when we see that Jesus teaches about true greatness: it isn’t about status or power but about selfless service. Whether you’re leading a team, teaching a class, or simply seeking to make a difference, Jesus offers inspiring insights into what it means to lead with a servant’s heart.
Pushing Buttons and Boundaries: Jesus and the Syrophoenician Woman (Mark 7:24-30 Sermon)
In this sermon from Mark 7:24-30 Jesus is moved to act because of the faith of the Syrophoenician woman, sometimes called the Canaanite woman. This passage is astounding. She asks for crumbs from the table and Jesus heals her daughter. This passage is situated between Mark 6 and the feeding of the 5,000 and Mark 8 and the feeding of the 4000 Gentiles, so the theme of eating bread with the Messiah is a major theme.
What Must I Do to Go to Heaven? (Salvation Sermon)
In this sermon from James 1, we see faith, works, salvation, and grace. This sermon reframes the question, “What must I do to go to heaven?” by focusing on God’s grace and our grateful response. Discover how trials, the power of the tongue, and being doers of the Word reflect true faith. Keywords: James 1, faith and works, salvation, grace, gospel.
Why We Say Faith is a Fight (Ephesians 6:10-20 Sermon)
A sermon from Ephesians 6:10-20 explains why we often call faith a fight and reminds readers and listeners that we do not fight against people, but against ideas and impulses that are anti-good and anti-God.
For Patti: Friendship, Care, and Commitment Sermon
A funeral sermon using Psalm 23 and Ruth with the themes of friendship, care, and commitment.
The Cross and the Chasms (Reconciliation Sermon)
Discover profound insights from Ephesians 2:11-22 on unity and reconciliation in a divided world. Explore how Christ's message of peace transcends political and social divides, offering hope and guidance for living out our identity in Him. Gain wisdom on fostering unity amidst cultural tensions.
Have You Looked into the Water? (Ephesians 1 Sermon)
This sermon from Ephesians 1:3-14 explores identity, grace, and transformation using the allegory of “The Ugly Duckling.” We often struggle with feelings of inadequacy and misunderstanding, but the Scripture reminds us that our true identity is found by looking in the waters of our baptism. We are beloved children of God, blessed, chosen, adopted, redeemed, and marked with the Holy Spirit.
Daughters Restored (Mark 5:21-43 Sermon)
In Mark 5:21-43, we witness profound acts of restoration: Jairus' daughter and a woman healed. It's more than a story; it's a feast of God's grace and restoration. This passage is also 1 of 5 Markan Sandwiches, which is a storytelling technique akin to framing, whereby one story is interrupted and interpreted by another.
The A, B, Cs of Following Jesus (Discipleship Sermon)
What are the ABCs of Christian living for the individual and the church? In this passage from Mark 3:13-35, Jesus calls the disciples to an adventure, gives them and assignment with an apprenticeship, which requires boldness. Yet, even Jesus himself needs the bonds of a committed, covenant community, and so do we! We get into the journey of discipleship and discover the strength of covenant, companionship, and community.
The Parable of the Sower Sermon: Mark 4
In Mark 4 Jesus tells the parable of the sower, which is about how the kingdom of God surprisingly grows without human help and it grows in surprising places, thus inviting us to trust God and cast the seed widely.
Nicodemus Sermon: Curiosity and Conviction
John 3:16 rings true, "For God so loved the world." But what if faith feels confusing? Dive into the Gospel of John with Nicodemus, who appears 3 times in the gospel. Nicodemus is a leader wrestling with Jesus' teachings. See how his uncertainty and questions pave the way for understanding and faithful living.
Figuring Out Faith: Jesus Sought Me as a Stranger
Peter became an important part of the Church, but he started off as a stranger, just like me and you. Jesus calls us to follow him and to own our faith. Luke 5 and John 21 are the passages.
A Good Samaritan Sermon (Luke 10:25-37 Sermon)
This passage is familiar and yet tricky and the lesson we often hear from it is the exact mindset that Jesus was trying to push against.
The Parable of the Great Banquet
Jesus’ parable of the great banquet in Luke 14 allows us to consider what it means for God to be a host and a guest. God welcomes and invites. Will we receive God as a guest? Likewise, will we extend to God such a generous welcome, and do the same for others?