Scripture readings: Gen. 32:22-31 and Ps. 17:1-7, 15 (or Isa. 55:1-5 and Ps. 145:8-9, 14-21) Rom. 9:1-5; Matt. 14:13-21 Sermon by Dustin Lampe from Matthew 14:13-21 A Call to Contentment (feeding of the 5,000) Introduction Recently, I spent the evening at the home of a neighbor who had recently returned from a trip to Nigeria, … Continue reading "Sermon for August 6, 2017" Read the article
Scripture readings: Gen. 29:15-28 and Ps. 105:1-11, 45b or 1 Kings 3:5-12 and Ps. 119:129-136 Rom. 8:26-39; Matt. 13:31-33, 44-52 PARABLES OF THE KINGDOM (Matthew 13:31-33) By Josh McDonald Introduction In defining the exercise of power in the world, some distinguish between “right-handed power” (which tends to be confrontational and even violent) and “left-handed power” (which often … Continue reading "Sermon for July 30, 2017" Read the article
Scripture readings: Gen. 28:10-19a and Ps. 139:1-12, 23-24 or Isa. 44:6-8 and Ps. 86:11-17 Rom. 8:12-25; Matt. 13:24-30, 36-43 LIVING IN THE ALREADY BUT NOT-YET KINGDOM (Matthew 13:24-30) By Josh McDonald Introduction Perhaps you recall the televangelist couple Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker. They set out to build heaven-on-earth in a Christian theme park named Heritage … Continue reading "Sermon for July 23, 2017" Read the article
Scripture readings: Gen. 25:19-34 and Ps. 119:105-112 or Isa. 55:10-13 and Ps. 65:9-13; Rom. 8:1-11; Matt. 13:1-9, 18-23 CULTIVATING GRATITUDE (Matt. 13:3-9; 18-23) By Michelle Fleming Introduction “The kingdom of God is like _________________.” How would you fill in the blank? Jesus gives us clues in his teaching where he compares and contrasts human experience … Continue reading "Sermon for July 16, 2017" Read the article
Scripture readings: Gen. 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67 and Ps. 45:10-17 (or Song 2:8-13) or Zech. 9:9-12 and Ps. 145:8-14; Rom. 7:15-25a; Matt. 11:16-19, 25-30 THE JOY OF TAKING JESUS’ YOKE (Matthew 11:27-30) By Cathy Deddo Introduction Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I … Continue reading "Sermon for July 9, 2017" Read the article
Scripture readings: Gen. 22:1-14 and Ps. 13:1-6 or Jer. 28:5-9 and Ps. 89:1-4, 15-18; Rom. 6:12-23; Matt. 10:40-42 RECEIVING AND REPRESENTING JESUS (Matthew 10:40-42) By Martin Manuel Introduction Let’s begin with a video that illustrates the power of hospitality. [The video shows the work of a Peace Corps volunteer in the Asian country of Timor-Leste.] … Continue reading "Sermon for July 2, 2017" Read the article
Scripture readings: Gen. 21:8-21 and Ps. 86:1-10, 16-17 or Jer. 20:7-13 and Ps. 69:7-10, 16-18; Rom. 6:1-11; Matt. 10:24-39 Sermon by Ted Johnston from Romans 6:1-4 (drawing on John Stott's commentary) CHRISTIAN LIVING (THE LOGIC OF BAPTISM) Introduction In today’s reading in Matthew, Jesus declared that his first disciples were to take up their crosses and … Continue reading "Sermon for June 25, 2017" Read the article
Scripture readings: Gen. 18:1-15 and Ps. 116:1-2, 12-19 or Ex. 19:2-8 and Ps. 100:1-5; Rom. 5:1-8; Matt. 9:35-10:8 Sermon by Martin Manuel from Matt. 9:35-10:8 JESUS SEES A HARVEST FIELD—DO WE? Introduction Though Jesus tried to contain his popularity, his reputation spread like wildfire throughout Galilee and on into Judea. Wherever he went, crowds followed, … Continue reading "Sermon for June 18, 2017" Read the article
Scripture readings: Gen. 1:1-2:4; Ps. 8:1-9; 2 Cor. 13:11-14; Matt. 28:16-20 REJOICING IN GOD, THE HOLY TRINITY (Ps. 8:1-9; Matt. 28:16-20; 2 Cor. 13:14) By Ted Johnston Introduction Today is Trinity Sunday—the first Sunday following Pentecost. It’s a day to rejoice in God, who is one in being and three in Person—the Holy Trinity. The Trinity is … Continue reading "Sermon for June 11, 2017 (Trinity Sunday)" Read the article
