Sermons

Honest, gospel-centered preaching that connects the ancient text to the present moment—with room for faith, doubt, and hope.

All Saints Sunday Sermon
Sermons Jason Elder Sermons Jason Elder

All Saints Sunday Sermon

All Saints Sunday Sermon: Reflect on Hebrews 12:1-2 and the ‘cloud of witnesses’ who inspire our faith. Explore how saints past and present demonstrate God’s faithfulness, calling us to live with active, enduring faith.

Read More
Blind Bartimaeus: Shadows, Shouting, and Sight (Mark 10:46-52 Sermon)
Sermon, Mark Jason Elder Sermon, Mark Jason Elder

Blind Bartimaeus: Shadows, Shouting, and Sight (Mark 10:46-52 Sermon)

In this sermon on Mark 10:46-52, we explore Blind Bartimaeus, who boldly calls out to Jesus for mercy, defying the crowd’s attempts to silence him. His persistent faith leads to healing and a transformative relationship with Christ. This powerful story challenges us to have the courage to call out and the faith to follow Jesus. Are we ready to break through resistance and step into the light?

Read More
A Church with a PhD (James 5:13-20 Sermon)
Sermon Jason Elder Sermon Jason Elder

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.

Read More
Following Jesus in a Power-Hungry World: Mark 9:30-37 Sermon
Sermon Jason Elder Sermon Jason Elder

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.

Read More
Pushing Buttons and Boundaries: Jesus and the Syrophoenician Woman (Mark 7:24-30 Sermon)
Sermon, Mark Jason Elder Sermon, Mark Jason Elder

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.

Read More
What Must I Do to Go to Heaven? (Salvation Sermon)
Sermon Jason Elder Sermon Jason Elder

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.

Read More
The Cross and the Chasms (Reconciliation Sermon)
Sermon Jason Elder Sermon Jason Elder

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.

Read More
Have You Looked into the Water? (Ephesians 1 Sermon)
Sermon Jason Elder Sermon Jason Elder

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.

Read More
Daughters Restored (Mark 5:21-43 Sermon)
Sermon Jason Elder Sermon Jason Elder

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.

Read More
The A, B, Cs of Following Jesus (Discipleship Sermon)
Gospel, Sermon Jason Elder Gospel, Sermon Jason Elder

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.

Read More