Sermons by Bob Rhodes
The Greatest Gift
As we continue our Advent series, The Redemption of Scrooge, we journey with the Ghost of Christmas Present to consider the theme of abundance. This week’s scripture recounts the story of the shepherds, ordinary people who are the first to hear of Christ’s birth. Their awe and joy in response to God’s gift remind us that true abundance isn’t measured by wealth but by recognizing God’s presenceamong us. Scripture: Luke 2:8-20 (CEB)
Jesus, the Redeemer of our Past
As we continue our Advent series, The Redemption of Scrooge, we explore how Christ redeems even the most painful parts of our lives. Just as Ebenezer Scrooge is forced to confront his past, we, too, are invited to examine the moments that have shaped us. Scripture: Matthew 4:18-23 (CEB)
Living in God’s Economy
Welcome to our Advent series, based on Matt Rawle’s book The Redemption of Scrooge, where we explore how God’s grace transforms even the most unlikely among us. In our text for this week, Jesus shares the parable of the laborers in the vineyard, a story that challenges our assumptions about fairness and rewards. Scripture: Matthew 20:1-16 (CEB)
To Testify to the Truth
This week, we conclude our Truth-Telling series on Christ the King Sunday marking the end of the liturgical year. In this week’s scripture, Jesus stands before Pilate, the Roman governor, in a moment that contrasts worldly authority with the heavenly kingdom Jesus proclaims. Scripture: John 18:33-37 (CEB)
Do Not Be Alarmed
In what is known as Mark’s “little apocalypse,” Jesus describes events that sound chaotic and fearful—wars, natural disasters, and upheaval—but he also offers a calm reminder: “Do not be alarmed.” This teaching challenges us to look beyond our immediate fears and recognize that God’s presence remains constant, even in difficult times. Scripture: Mark 13:1-8 (NRSVue)
Out of Their Abundance
Today, we dive into Jesus’ surprising praise for a poor widow who, despite her poverty, gave “all she had to live on.” In a world that often values outward appearances and assumes that “more” is always “better,” Jesus’ affirmation of the widow’s gift invites us to reconsider what it means to give. This story challenges our understanding of abundance and invites us to consider how we, too, might give in ways that embody our trust in God. Scripture: Mark 12:38-44…
The Home of God
This week, we gather for All Saints Sunday, a time to remember those who have entered life eternal over the past year and reflect on God’s promise of resurrection. Our scripture readings today remind us that God is not distant but makes a home with us. Scripture: John 11:32-44; Revelation 21:1-6a (NRSVUE)
Let me See
As we conclude our Walking with Jesus series, we explore the story of blind Bartimaeus. This final encounter of the series invites us to see clearly—ourselves, others, and the path ahead. Scripture: Mark 10:46-52 (CEB)
Not to be Served
As we continue our “Walking with Jesus” series, we arrive at a memorable moment in Mark where James and John seek positions of honor. Jesus redirects their ambition toward service, challenging us to rethink leadership. Scripture: Mark 10:35-45 (CEB)
Needles & Camels
Continuing our Walking with Jesus series, we turn to Mark 10:17-31, where Jesus challenges a rich man to release his wealth and follow him. This difficult passage calls us to examine our own relationship with material things. Scripture: Mark 10:17-31 (CEB)
For Such a Time as This
As we conclude our Uncommon Wisdom series, we reflect on Esther’s brave decision to speak out for her people, even at the risk of her own life. Her story invites us to consider the moments when we are called to act with courage and conviction, trusting that God has placed us exactly where we need to be “for such a time as this.” Scripture: Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 (NRSVue)
In Praise of Women who Lead
This week we turn to a passage that often gets a lot of attention, especially around Mother’s Day—Proverbs 31. But this Sunday, we’re looking at it through a different lens. Proverbs 31 isn’t just a checklist for the perfect wife; it’s a celebration of strength, wisdom, and leadership, particularly from women. Scripture: Proverbs 31:10-31 (NRSVue)