Sun, Sep 24, 2023
Duration: 48 mins 34 secs
The showdown between Elijah and the prophets of Baal is outstanding. Yahweh's servant stands alone but radiates confidence. He demands an audience with the king, proposes a contest with his prophets, and calls on God to show his glory. He does in dramatic fashion. The episode ends with shouts of praise, bloodshed, and long-awaited rain. The story teaches the power of prayer.
Sun, Sep 12, 2021
Duration: 44 mins 21 secs
Jesus's compassion explodes on the scene with four successive miracles. He heals a bleeding woman, resurrects a dead child, gives sight to two blind men, and casts the demon out of a mute person. The crowds marvel. The Pharisees grumble. Acts of compassion are not always celebrate. In fact, Jesus's increasing fame comes with rising opposition. Followers of Jesus should be aware when they do good in his name, their acts of compassion will not always be welcomed.
Sun, Sep 05, 2021
Duration: 42 mins 53 secs
Pride is the final and foundational "deadly sin." It surfaces in the Garden of Eden, evident and Adam and Eve's choice to reject God's law and pursue their own deification. They take from the Tree of Knowledge and eat so they could be "like God." This act is the archetype of pride, which sets independence over submissions. Pride says, "You can't tell me what to do." It looks for loopholes in laws and treats personal tradition as more important than divine mandate. God wants our submission. He orders life for our good. We must learn to trust him.
Sun, Jun 27, 2021
Duration: 49 mins 51 secs
Miracles are hard to believe in our secular age. We are trained to be skeptics, to view the world as a closed and often cold system. If God ever existed, he left us long ago, thinks the skeptic. But Jesus gives us a glimpse of "God with us" and engaged in powerful acts of healing, restoring, and welcome. He has authority over nature, demons, sin, and death. These are evidences he is Messiah, Son of God. And we should let the evidence address our inner skeptic, so we see the world buzzing with divine life.
Sun, Nov 01, 2020
Evil exists in our world. If we're not careful, we'll feed it or fall into its trap. Fortunately, the apostle Paul describes a posture, perspective, and protection available to us as we battle spiritual powers. And, when in doubt, we can pray: it is the bottom line weapon in apprehending God's protection over us.
Sun, Feb 23, 2020
Duration: 50 mins 11 secs
John receives his sixth letter; it's headed to Philadelphia. Not only is this the youngest of the seven cities, it is the weakest. Earthquakes and aftershocks and government bailouts have hurt them. Fortunately, followers of Jesus have remained true despite their vulnerability. And why? Well, because spiritual strength is less about personal and corporate power than siding with Jesus. This sermon will put you in touch with one of the bigger myths of our age: physical strength equals impact for Jesus.
Sun, Oct 20, 2019
Duration: 52 mins 48 secs
After Joshua died a leadership vacuum opened. Worse yet, Israel intermarried with the Canaanites and failed to clear their land of idols. Thus begins the book of Judges, which chronicles God's people descent into false worship and civil warfare. This message will orient us to the book of Judges -- its structure, key players, and major themes -- and the timeless threat of idolatry. God's prohibition of idols (and jealousy) betrayed his desire for his people to live full and free lives. For those interested in a life of delight, they must uproot idols.
Sun, Apr 07, 2019
Duration: 41 mins 49 secs
Jesus invited followers to accompany him as he spread word of God's kingdom. They learned from him, helped him, and eventually carried forth his message. These followers did not always fit the societal mold, but what made them exceptional was their commitment to Jesus. A band of female followers sets the tone for this series of unlikely followers. They reflect Jesus's generosity.
Sun, Dec 16, 2018
Duration: 40 mins 54 secs
Jesus was not immune to power struggles. However, he released independent access to his divine power in becoming fully human. Moreover, he learned obedience as a son. He contested false forms of authority -- demonic, religious, political -- and eventually reclaimed his power before distributing it to his followers. The earthly ministry of Jesus depicts a life of servanthood amid ongoing power struggles. We should learn to serve like him.
Sun, Dec 17, 2017
Duration: 44 mins 43 secs
History knew him as Herod the Great, but really, he was Herod the Grinch. When he caught wind of a new king in town, his paranoia soared. So it happens with powerful people. So it happens to us, when our power is threatened. Herod the Grinch tried to kill the baby Jesus, but God would not allow Herod the Grinch to stop Christmas from coming. It came.
