Sun, May 17, 2020
Duration: 23 mins 56 secs
Jesus set aside his grief and followed his gut. A crowd had amassed, wanting his healing touch. Crowds can be demanding, feisty, fearful gatherings. This did not deter Jesus. Moved by pity, he tended their needs like a good shepherd. He provided food to feed 5000+. This miracle shows his pity moves him. It still does. He has compassion on you.
Sun, May 03, 2020
We tend to bend inward. Our hearts envy others, inflate our egos, and look for our own interests. This was the case in Corinth. Spiritual gifts and social groups bent the church inward. Rather than building one another up in love, they lived as rivals. We can suffer the same inward bent. Thus, Paul continues his masterpiece on love, encouraging his readers to look out for others. Love looks out for the inward bent and look outward to build up others.
Sun, Apr 26, 2020
Duration: 43 mins 12 secs
Love calls us to UP our game. We may put UP and shut UP in order to build UP others. These actions are expressions of patience and kindness, two positive aspects of love expressed by the apostle Paul in his magisterial chapter on love. Moreover, these aspects of love are essential to God, modeled by Jesus, and empowered by the Spirit.
Sun, Apr 12, 2020
Duration: 36 mins 44 secs
Everywhere you go these days you hear the phrases, "Stay healthy" or "Be safe." I started tacking on the exhortation, "Stay hopeful." Then I realized, hope is not an afterthought but the core to Christian living in critical times. This sermon traces the theme of hope -- a fixed past, promised future, and God's faithfulness amid present fears -- through the book of Romans. It encourages us to refocus.
Sun, Mar 29, 2020
Duration: 35 mins 44 secs
The Book of James touches on some timely themes about caring for others. The brother of Jesus writes a scattered church facing hardship. He implores them to put their faith into action by showing love to the most endangered among them. Faith is not merely self-reflection, but godly action, necessary in times of need.
Sun, Mar 15, 2020
Duration: 43 mins 19 secs
God has given each of a platforms to leverage our influence for the benefit of others. We have platforms at work as we elevate our coworkers; at home as we elevate our children; at school where we elevate our classmates; at church where we elevate others believers. God wants us to use our platforms to uplift others not exalt ourselves. This sermon traces Jesus's method of platforming his disciples whose ministry became critical after his ascension.
Sun, Mar 08, 2020
God gives each of us a set of passions, experiences, skills, and abilities. Furthermore, we each have distinct opportunities to use these gifts (or talents) to uplift others. God-given gifts are not a bragging right, but a stewardship matter. This sermon will showcase spiritual gifts and other talents, imploring the church to leverage them for others in the church and everyday life.
Sun, Mar 01, 2020
Duration: 40 mins 58 secs
John receives his seventh and final letter; it's headed to Laodicea. Of all the messages, this is the most scathing. The believers in Laodicea have little to commend. Their arrogance and independence has made Jesus sick to his stomach. He offers them a reality check. They're not as great as they think. Not even close. Their wealth is a shame. Their deeds are a shame. But Jesus is not finished with them yet. The letter serves as a rebuke and invitation to reject the plush life and return to Christ.
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, Feb 16, 2020
Duration: 50 mins 38 secs
John receives his fifth letter; it's headed to Sardis. This city has seen livelier days, but it still rides on its reputation. Well, that is until Jesus exposes them. Their lack of evangelism and watered down faith have soiled them. This letter is a call to change, to repent, to pay closer attention to Jesus. They don't have to fear his coming if they learn to enjoy his company. This message will challenge us to curb the temptation to coast on our reputation, and learn to practice the presence of Jesus.
