One of the areas where the Spirit is renewing GCI’s understanding and ministry practice is that of discipleship. We see him leading us to embrace an approach to discipling others (disciple-making) that emphasizes the hope and healing that is ours because of Jesus’ faithfulness, not our own. This approach is helpfully examined by Wesley Hill in a … Continue reading "Sermon Summary: A renewed understanding of discipleship" Read the article
This sermon summary is from GCI-USA Pastor Lance McKinnon. He preached this Christmas-themed sermon a couple of years ago in his Dallas, GA, congregation. Theme passage: John 1:10-18 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, … Continue reading "Sermon summary: God’s “one and only”" Read the article
This month, instead of a written sermon summary, we’re posting a video of a teaching that would make a great sermon. It’s a “Reading Between the Lines” presentation from Speak Life, a ministry in the U.K. Titled “Safe and Sound,” it addresses the Parable of the Prodigal Son. On YouTube at https://youtu.be/8Z-9eoXOsbE Read the article
In a sermon titled “Is God an Ax Murderer?, Pastor Lance McKinnon looks at Jesus’ well-known, but not well-understood parable of the fig tree. Scripture reading: Luke 13:1-9 (NIV) There were some present at that very time who told [Jesus] about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And he answered them, “Do … Continue reading "Sermon Summary: Parable of the fig tree" Read the article
This month we’re providing a series of sermons with the overall title, Celebrate the Grip. The series was written by Jeff McSwain, national coordinator for GCI’s Intern Program. Though written as a curriculum to be used in GenMin camps, the series can easily be adapted for use as a preaching series in a congregation or a series … Continue reading "Sermon Summary: Celebrate the Grip" Read the article
Here is a sermon from Equipper editor and Regional Pastor Ted Johnston. It’s based on the second chapter of Haggai. God has led GCI on a remarkable journey: from legalism to grace; heresy to orthodoxy; self-sufficiency to radical dependency. With this came a renewed sense of purpose—a growing understanding of our divine mission: “Go” says … Continue reading "Sermon summary: Be strong, willing and committed" Read the article
This sermon summary is from Ted Johnston, Equipper editor. It addresses the theme of this issue of Equipper—cultivating generosity. Introduction One of my favorite songs in the late 80s was Don’t Worry Be Happy in which Bobby McFerrin sings, “In every life we have some trouble… but when you worry you make it double. Don’t worry, be … Continue reading "Sermon Summary: Generous God, generous life" Read the article
Here is a summary of a sermon from Brian Carlisle, lead pastor at Living Hope Christian Fellowship, GCI’s Washington DC (West) congregation. In John 21:1-19, we read about a profound encounter Peter had with the risen Lord, Jesus Christ. Together they shared breakfast, and so much more. This encounter occurred after Peter and his companions had returned … Continue reading "Sermon Summary: Forward with Jesus" Read the article
Here is the summary of a sermon for Easter Sunday written by pastor Lance McKinnon (Revised Common Lectionary, year B) 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 (NRSV) Now I would remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news that I proclaimed to you, which you in turn received, in which also you stand, through which also you … Continue reading "Sermon summary: Forget being forgotten" Read the article
This article is from pastor Sam Butler. Several months ago I was challenged to consider using the lectionary to shape my preaching-teaching and worship planning. I say “challenged” because I was accustomed to “doing my own thing” in planning my sermons, and the idea of using someone else’s pre-determined structure did not sit well with … Continue reading "Preaching from the lectionary" Read the article
