Sermon Archive
Just Jesus
That Christ is the head of the church is a foundational congregational understanding. When Christ is the head, why should any other group of leaders be elevated to a place of special authority over the rest of the body? The church does not need two “heads.” It’s just Jesus.
View SermonMartin, Chuck, and Henry
The Roman Catholic Church was the only church in town for 1,500 years when a Catholic priest named Martin Luther began protesting many of the manmade rules of the church. Luther’s idea of “Sola Scriptura” (“Scripture Alone”) began to resonate with others who were soon protesting, demanding that the church be reformed. This begins the “Protestant Reformation.”
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Grace is Not Cheap
Although we can never do anything to deserve or earn God’s grace, we can show our appreciation to Him. We can live lives that honor and glorify Him. Lives that reflect our thankfulness for Christ, the cross, and the empty tomb.
View SermonThe Last to Be Forgiven
We are often quick to forgive those who have hurt us — to offer grace to others. Th last person we struggle to forgive is ourselves. Shame and guilt follow us like a shadow. Through Jesus, God offers us grace from not only our sin but from our shame and guilt as well. Grace is a gift from God that we do not deserve, nor can do anything to earn. That’s why it is called amazing.
View SermonI Am Barabbas
Pontius Pilate declares Jesus’ innocence three times. Nonetheless, the mob of people scream for Barabbas to be set free. Barabbas knows he is a criminal and yet he is set free. I know I am a sinner, and yet, I too am set free because of what Christ did on the cross. That is unmerited favor. We call it grace.
View SermonMalchus, Servant of the High Priest
Malchus was not a soldier so much as an observer. A spy for his boss, really. His role was to return to Caiaphas and share who did what, how the arrest went, did Judas really betray him, etc. Even though Jesus knew these people hated Him and were arresting an innocent man, He showed compassion for Malchus and healed him. That is grace.
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Maria & Pablo
As the story goes, in 1825, Euphorbia pulcherrima (also known as the Christmas flower) was brought to the Americas by Dr. J.R. Poinsett, the first United States ambassador to Mexico. The story behind the poinsettia is even better. It teaches us that the gift of love is dearer to Jesus than anything money can buy.
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The Bishop of Myra
John the Baptist was thought by some to be the Messiah. John knew he was not — that someone was coming who was greater than he. Similarly, St. Nicholas, the fourth-century Bishop of Myra, was a king bishop who brought presents to children and needy people. Now, who does that remind us of?
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A Pilgrim People
The pilgrims faced nearly insurmountable odds to cross the Atlantic. They nearly starved the first year, and were saved only with the help of the Wampanoag. Nonetheless, they still recognized God’s goodness with a thanksgiving celebration in 1621. I pray that regardless of what you may have gone through this past year, you still see how much God loves you and give Him thanks.
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