Sermons
Honest, gospel-centered preaching that connects the ancient text to the present moment—with room for faith, doubt, and hope.
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.
Is Keeping the Sabbath Relevant Today? (A Sabbath Sermon)
What is the meaning of the Sabbath? In Mark 2:23-3:6, Jesus redefines the Sabbath as a gift for rest and rejuvenation. Discover why keeping the Sabbath is still relevant today, offering spiritual, mental, and physical renewal amidst modern life's demands.
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.
Streams of Mercy Never Ceasing
Jesus washes the disciples’ feet in John 13. Peter protests this action, but why? Perhaps he realizes that Jesus was willing to do for him what Peter was not willing to do for others —be humble and serve.
Figuring Out Faith: Teach Me the Way of Forgiveness
Forgiving someone can feel like an impossible task. In this sermon, I honor our hesitations and talk about what forgiveness is and isn't as we take hope in God. Matthew 18 is our text.
Figuring Our Faith: I'm Fixed Upon It
God provides minimum protection and maximum support in this ever-changing world. Peter doesn't want a fixed faith, but Christ wants him to be fixed by faith. Matthew 16 is our text.
Figuring Out Faith: Praise the Mount of God's Unchanging Love
In Matthew 16 Jesus proclaims, “I will build my church, and the Gates of Hell shall not overcome it!” He makes this declaration in light of his own upcoming death and knowledge of the failures of the disciples. Jesus is fully confident in God’s ability to do good things. We should be too!
Figuring Out Faith: He to Rescue Me From Danger
Matthew 14 teaches that the storm rages and Peter asks to walk with Christ on the water while the disciples remain in the boat. What does faith look like in the storms of life?
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.
God with a Tattoo (Revelation 21 Funeral Sermon)
“See, I will not forget you! I have engraved your name on my hands, says the LORD!” In this All Saints Sunday sermon, I speak from Revelation 21 about the 7 Shadows we live with and God’s promise to bring us perpetual light.
Easter Sermon: Breakfast with Jesus on Resurrection Beach
After the resurrection, the disciples are in disarray. John 21 tells us that Peter and the disciples go fishing. Jesus meets them with breakfast. He restores Peter. Once again, we see that there is hope after our worst mistakes.
Pentecost Sermon: What the Holy Spirit Can Do
Pentecost is recorded in Acts 2 and the passage tells us what the Holy Spirit can do. As people gather to celebrate, the Spirit opens doors, mouths, and hearts for the preaching and receiving of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Acts 16:16-34 Sermon: Bound and Free
Everyone in this passage is bound by something or someone. This passage asks us to consider who is bound and who is really free. Paul and Silas free the Oracle of Delphi and are imprisoned.
Jonah and the Whale: A Love Story
Jonah and the Whale teaches us a lot. God tells Jonah to go to the Ninevites, his perceived enemies, and tell them of God’s love. He refuses and God intervenes through the use of a large fish. Ultimately, Jonah reluctantly preaches and the Ninevites believe the good news.