Sermons on Luke
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
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