Sermons are listed below with the most recent sermons first. Sermons may be browsed by date, books of the Bible, speaker, and more. Check back often for updates.
The Pearl of Great Price
Continuing our series on the parables of Jesus, this Sunday’s text describes a merchant who in his act of searching for many fine pearls found one precious pearl and sold everything to acquire it. He is no longer a merchant because he no longer has a trade or anything left besides his precious pearl. This is an example of extravagant discipleship, and many of us would not find ourselves doing the same thing. However, in recognizing God’s invaluable gift for…
The Kingdom of Heaven is Like Yeast
Continuing our series on the parables of Jesus, this Sunday’s text gives us images of growth and height. The yeast fills dough with air, makes it rise, gives it texture and richness. We seem to value these things! And yes, perhaps I’ve inflated this illustration (as preachers are wont to do), and in doing so perhaps have given it texture and richness. The short text for this Sunday is rich with imagery, in part because it is familiar. Scripture: Matthew…
Hospitality: The Good Samaritan
This Sunday we continue our sermon series on the parables of Jesus. Once again, we enter into a familiar story! The Good Samaritan is surely one we’ve heard ourselves, we’ve heard a number of pop culture references, and perhaps we’ve even seen children or grandchildren or nieces/nephews perform skits. We know this story! Perhaps we even see ourselves in this story. Scripture: Luke 10:24-37 (CEB)
Prodigal Son Redux
This Sunday we begin a new sermon series on the parables of Jesus, and the first will be the familiar story of the prodigal son. We’ve surely heard this story before, and sometimes when we hear the same story again and again—even one that has importance to us—we can drift away and lose interest. But when we hear another storyteller or hear another perspective, we can find new interest and new joy in the same story once again. Scripture: Luke…
Heart of the Matter
This Sunday we will focus on the lectionary text from Mark 7, which covers the conversation between Jesus and some Pharisees and legal experts. Although it is easy to glance over this text and jump to a conclusion that Jesus is condemning the religious practices held by the Pharisees and legal experts, a closer look at Jesus’ response will help us understand that what he is mainly concerned with is the intention of their hearts. Technical note: We experienced ongoing…
Personal Protective Equipment
This Sunday’s lectionary text is one that has been preached a number of times, and those with church backgrounds have likely heard this scripture directly or at least allusions to its imagery. Images of breastplates and helmets likely have limited impact for us, but perhaps we are familiar with other ways of wearing barriers to protect ourselves. Technical note: We experienced unexpected difficulties with this week’s audio. We apologize for this challenge to this week’s Worship service. Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-20…
Treasured
This Sunday we celebrate VBS Sunday, a sharing of the message and joy of the week of Vacation Bible School we have enjoyed with children in our community. This year’s theme has been Treasured, where we are reminded that we are treasured by God, and that God’s love is a precious treasure to us! Scripture: Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 (CEB)
Why Does God Let Bad Things Happen?
This final question in the series may be the most asked, and is certainly the most common question I am asked when people want to push or challenge me on my religiosity. I am convinced that even the most faithful people have asked this question. Some come to find peace and some wrestle throughout their lives. For me, there is no simple answer. And so I hope that our exploration offers the spark of ongoing discovery of God’s presence in…
How Does Science Relate to Faith?
This Sunday’s question addresses a topic long debated among scientists, theologians, philosophers, and more. The Church’s history is inconsistent in terms of how scientific theories have been viewed, and many wrestle even today with this question. With a background in molecular biology, Pastor Derek addresses this important question reminding us that science and faith are not necessarily incompatible with one another. Scripture: Genesis 1:1-5, 9-13, 20-21, 24-27; 2:4-9, 18-22 (NRSV)
How Do We Face Evil & Injustice?
We are nearing the end of this season of questions with just a few weeks to go. This week’s question comes from an LJUMC member who asks about our responsibility in standing up to bullies and bigots. As a spiritual community of faithful Christians, we might see this as our duty. We may also acknowledge that it is difficult to stand up to wrongdoing… Scripture: Matthew 18:15-20 (CEB)
What’s the Household of God?
This week’s topic in our “Questions That Matter” series is inspired by the Epistle reading from our Revised Common Lectionary. Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus tells his readers that they “are fellow citizens with God’s people…” who “belong to God’s household.” If your household is like mine, sometimes there is disagreement or even argument. This seems to be the case for Paul’s readers as he invites them into reconciliation with one another as one body in God’s household.…
Is Heaven Real?
Continuing our Questions That Matter series, we turn to a question that was asked in more than one form and has thus been synthesized into this: Is Heaven real? Our concept of eternal life is deeply rooted in sacred text, and I suggest it is intended to bring hope. But sometimes it is used to exclude. In this week’s message, we will consider the idea of eternal life, heaven, and who it’s for… Scripture: Matthew 25:31-46, Ephesians 1:15-23 (CEB)