Sermons on Luke
PEACE
Have you ever experienced a stressful time or a stressful season of life? I think it is safe to say that at some point in our lives, we have, or we will experience a stressful time. A time where all we want, all we hope for, is peace. Joseph and Mary knew a thing or two about stressful times too. They were uprooted by the government, they had no place to stay, they were not married, and Mary was pregnant…
JOY
The holiday season is a time of joy, right? For so many, the holiday season is full of stress, anxiety, sadness, and many other feelings. Sin has permeated all of existence. But the good news is that God is good, immeasurably good. The Christmas season is a time when we get to look forward to Christmas Day. Why? Because Christmas day is the day God sent his son into our broken, sinful world for US. Jesus took on OUR pain,…
Will only Christians go to Heaven?
Being a Christian isn’t just about going to Heaven. It’s about serving and loving others, showing them the love of Jesus and telling them about Him to have an eternal impact on their lives. We know through the faith worked in our hearts by the Holy Spirit that we can look forward to eternity in Heaven with God. But we still have a lot of questions about eternity. What will it be like in Heaven? Who is going to be…
God & Anxiety
In Luke 10, we hear the famous story of Mary and Martha. When Jesus arrives for dinner, Martha has a list a mile long of things to prepare for a supper with her Savior. Understandably, she gets frustrated with her sister Mary as she “sits around” rather than helping. Jesus gently teaches Martha that taking time with Him is the right thing to do. Like Martha, moms have a to-do list a mile and a half long, and it seems…
God & Grief
On the third day after Jesus’ crucifixion, a group of disciples walked together on the road to Emmaus. They were completely lost in the grief of losing their leader, their lives shattered because they had yet to see the promise of the resurrection fulfilled. Even before they realize it, Jesus walks alongside them, opens the Scriptures to them, and they see him in and through God’s Word. When we find ourselves lost in grief, wandering aimlessly and unsure of where…
New Covenant (Maundy Thursday)
The prophet Jeremiah preaches a warning to his people about the destruction that was to come for Israel. But he also gives them hope of a new covenant that God promises to make with His people through which He will forgive their wickedness and remember their sins no more. God promises this covenant through his Son, Jesus. God knows we can’t achieve the perfection He demands of us. We messed up the old covenant He gave, so God gives us…
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