Sermons on Luke
When There is Pain…Forgive
Retaliation is easier than to forgive. It may seem more satisfying to “get back” at those who hurt us. But in the end, we’re left feeling worse because the guilt of retribution is added to the grudge we hold. Jesus had every right to be angry; he was condemned to death despite complete innocence. Yet, some of his last words were asking his Father to forgive us. What would our lives look like if we chose forgiveness over retaliation? Sermon…
What If…Jesus Is Alive?
Have you every been lost? There’s physically lost – like when you wander around a foreign place, and then there’s spiritually lost – like the disciples were feeling on the road to Emmaus. After Jesus was crucified, they lost all hope. They forgot everything Jesus told them about what would happen next. When we forget about the Resurrection, we’re right there with the Disciples – lost, hopeless, wandering. But Jesus is alive. And that changes everything. Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 15:12-22 Sermon…
What if…We Worshiped Without Shame
What do you worship? In order to truly determine what you worship, you have to consider those things that you put first in your life. We’re always worshiping something. The only one we can worship without shame is God. Just like the people in the streets of Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, we can worship God because of his faithfulness, power, and love. Scriptures: Psalm 98 Sermon Text: Luke 19:28-40
Christ’s Ambassadors
Christians are often labeled as bigots or backward. But, in a post-Christian world, we will be ambassadors to foreign tribes, behaving diplomatically toward neighbors who have been told the worst about Christianity. Sermon Text: Jeremiah 29:5-7 and Luke 10:25-37
The Gift Inside the Gift
Luke 2:28-32
Christmas Day 2018
One Night In Bethlehem What do you find gives you the deepest joy and contentment in the Christmas season? Is it the carols and traditions? The presents and family? Or perhaps is it the connection that all of humanity has to the biblical story of Christmas. Longing, sacrifice, pain, deliverance, fear, joy, peace – and above all, Hope. As we consider the story of Christmas in Bethlehem we’ll become a participant in the story to see that all of us…
Generosity in Mission
Our building is an important aspect of our church; we use our facilities to worship and grow in faith with one another. But, our mission doesn’t stop at the end of our driveway. God calls us to take care of the lost – those who do not know Him. Because of God’s generosity to us, we can’t help ourselves but to show generosity to others in our local and global community. Luke 19:10
Faith Doesn’t Make Excuses
Following Jesus isn’t easy. By nature, we’re way too good at excuses. Lying underneath these excuses is fear. Lord, give me the faith to trust that listening to and following You is always the best answer. Sermon Text: Luke 9:51-62
Faith Treasures Jesus’ Forgiveness
What a contrast between Simon and the nameless woman who anointed Jesus with her perfume and her tears! In Jesus’ forgiveness, we have so much to be thankful for. Sermon Text: Luke 7:36-50
Faith Loves to Sit at Jesus’ Feet
This tender story speaks to us of one of the most important priorities in our lives. Jesus’ Word comes first – even before our daily chores. Sermon Text: Luke 10:38-42
Finishing and Furnishing: Love Yourself
God wants you to love others as you love yourself. But He’s not looking for us to love ourselves because of those identities we create: jobs, financial status, abilities, social status.
Love…Nailed It
Forgiveness—it sounds so easy. Yet, there are times when we just can’t forgive, when we simply don’t want to forgive. If anyone had reason to feel that way, it was Jesus. Jesus, however, freely offers unconditional forgiveness even to the very men who nailed him to the cross. Forgive, God says, as I have forgiven you. Love forgives! Matthew 18:21-35, Luke 23:34