Sermons on Luke
Everyday Christmas
Buddy the Elf is a bit overwhelming to his newfound father, Walter. Buddy’s obsession with Christmas – particularly singing Christmas songs loudly – is foreign to Walter, who is a no-nonsense businessman. However, when he is faced with the possibility of losing his son forever, Walter joins in the Christmas chorus to bring Buddy home. Christmas gets built up in our minds as a list of expectations and to-do items. We sometimes find ourselves glad that it’s over. But Jesus…
Never Alone
Kevin McAllister got left behind by his family. It was fun for a little while, but eventually it was scary and dangerous for him. But through it all, he had people caring for him and looking out for him. From the scary old neighbor who ended up saving him from robbers to his mother who tirelessly worked to get home to her son, Kevin realized that he was never truly alone. We all have times when we feel lost and…
Jesus is Good for Every Race
Some people have left the Christian Church because they heard that Christianity supports racism. But when we look to the life and teaching of Jesus, we see Jesus confronting the systemic racism of his day, not encouraging or continuing racist practices. When we follow Jesus’ teachings, the Christian Church can begin to break down the racial barriers we see in our culture to share Jesus’ love with all people. Scriptures: Luke 10:25-37
Hope for Life
Sometimes, things don’t go the way we plan. Our expectations are dashed by some unforeseen complication, and we find ourselves wondering how we’re going to go on with our lives. We lose hope for the future because things look so drastically different than we think they should. After the disciples’ expectations were dashed, they didn’t know how they would go on. They found themselves hopelessly wandering through life. But all that changed when they realized the stranger who traveled with…
Jesus the Teacher (Maundy Thursday)
Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus is an expert teacher. He connects history with a new teaching “covenant,” making his lessons memorable for his followers and for us. His teaching is applicable and wise for salvation for all people. Jesus teaches us about himself and his work, which we are reminded of every time we take the Lord’s Supper. Sermon Text: Luke 22:19-20
Jesus Welcomes Sinners
Jesus preached a message of repentance and grace to everyone. He was known for welcoming all people to him. We are all prone to wandering from Jesus. We all need his grace and mercy. Jesus teaches us that none of us can be in good standing with God on our won. We are only saved through him. And this is why we partner in mission to reach the lost: because Jesus welcomes sinners… all of us. Sermon Text: Luke 15
Using the Word to Reach The One
The Bible is the true word of God. How can we partner with God and reach “the one” God has placed in our lives? We cannot trick people into the Kingdom or sell them on Jesus. He tells the story of The Rich Man and Poor Lazarus to show us that if a person will not listen to the Word of God, they will not listen to anything else we have to say. Jesus says that it is the Word…
Whatever It Takes to Reach the One
God did whatever it took to reach us when he sent Jesus. The Parable of the Shrewd Manager is one of Jesus’ strangest stories. He tells a story about a corrupt manager, but yet he tells us we can learn something from this wicked man. He says that Christians should be just as zealous about reaching the lost as criminals are about their selfish gain. Jesus wants us to be completely committed to reaching “the one” lost person in our…
We are The One Who is Lost
Jesus’ story about the Lost (or Prodigal) Son is one of his most famous parables. We see from the younger son how we can rebel and run away from God, getting lost in earthly desires. But this story describes another way we can be lost, too. Like the older brother, we can trust in our own performance and reject God. Jesus tells this story to show that he is looking seek and save both kinds of people. He loves both…
Jesus Seeks The One
After the Pharisees accuse Jesus of associating with sinners, Jesus tells the Parable of the Lost Sheep. He uses this story about a shepherd who left his flock to find a stray sheep to explain the importance of every single person. Jesus came to seek and save the lost. Every life is important to God, which is exactly why it’s important for Christians to share the Good News of Jesus with the world. Sermon Text: Luke 15:1-10
Hope Is Here (Christmas Eve)
Some people who read the Christmas story of the birth of Jesus think it sounds made-up. However, as Christian believers, as those who believe in Jesus Christ and the hope He brings, we realize that, ultimately, in the most unbelievable moments, Jesus is not just a story. In the craziest of situations, in the times when it seems like there is no way the situation could change, we realize that Jesus is hope! The birth of that special baby on…
Hope is Real
There is real transforming power in realizing that hope is not merely a concept that glosses over the pain of life. Hope is real. When hope becomes real to us, we can see and experience its benefits. It provides a substance to that which is not seen. Often, life can feel dull and empty. However, as hope becomes real, our lives take on a new meaning, new concept, and quite a new purpose. Sermon Text: Luke 1:26-38