Sermons
“Waiting in Hope”
Luke 2:22-40
Simeon gives us an example of what it looks like to wait in hope. How do we enter into waiting? In her homily, Mtr. Nancy invites us into a creative spiritual practice as we listen for what the Lord has to speak into our hearts about waiting in hope. Use the following image, painted by Ron DiCianni, for contemplation on this biblical truth:
“The Joy of the Lord Is Your Strength”
Neh. 8:1-12
Listening attentively to the word of the Lord read and taught brings us closer to the joy of the Lord, by which we can face all things with His gladsome presence.
“Abiding in Christ”
John 15:9-17
Love and obedience are two sides of the same coin that lead us deeper and deeper into this place of joy. We kindle our love through obedience and we gain a heart for obedience through a love for and deepening communion with our Lord.
“The Baptism of Our Lord”
Luke 3:15-22
When Jesus came up out of the water heaven was opened and “the Spirit of God descended on Jesus like a dove.” At the same time, a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” We are given a glimpse of the eternal delight within the Triune God. Scripture captures a joyful communion of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
“Jesus is the fullness of grace and truth.”
John 1:1-18
The truth that satisfies the longing heart is not merely discovered. It cannot be found by mere human powers. It is an exception that breaks in and is revealed. But even more than that, It invites us into fellowship with God, an ascending participation in the life of God.
“The Good News of Christmas”
John 1:1-18
Reflect on the miracle at the heart of Christmas: the Word of God become flesh, full of grace and truth. The glory of God has walked among us. Christ has come. This is good news in our world.
“Advent 4: Love
Luke 1:39-56
Consider Mary’s Magnificat and how we are called into deeper faith to lovingly participate in God’s merciful work of salvation in our world today.
“A Voice in the Wilderness”
Luke 3:7-20
The proclamation of God's wrath is good news. How can that be? God's wrath and love are two sides of the same coin.
“Advent 2: Peace”
Luke 3:1-6
Explore the meaning of John the Baptist’s ministry summarized as “proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” How does his ministry connect to the declaration of hope in Isaiah 40?
“Advent 1: Hope”
Luke 21:25-33
Advent recognizes a longing for the Incarnation—for God among us—and a longing for Christ’s return when he will put things right in our world. How can we participate in this present and future reality as the church?
“Christ the King”
John 18:33-37
How does Christ as King relate to the call of discipleship?
“Stay Awake”
Mark 13:14-23
How does Jesus teach about the end times? Consider its meaning and significance for the church today.
“The Rich Faith of the Poor Widow”
Mark 12:38-44
How and why does the story of the poor widow signify a pivot point in the gospel of Mark?
“Listening to God, Loving our Neighbors”
Deut 6:1-9 and Mark 12:28-34
An important part of worshiping God is remembering His saving deeds, his faithfulness. In this sermon, learn how Jesus teaches from the OT command, “Shema!” and its importance in our practice of faith today.
“The Son of Timaeus”
Mark 10:46-52
Listen to the layered meaning of Jesus’ teaching through his miracle of healing a blind man named Bartimaeus. How does this section of the Gospel narrative (immediately preceding the Triumphal Entry) offer insight into the nature of Jesus and our position before him? And, consequently, how does this transform the way we regard others?
“The Cost of Following Jesus”
Mark 10:35-45
How would Jesus respond to the sons of Zebedee (James and John), who say to Jesus, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory”? What does Jesus have to say about true leadership and the values of the kingdom? Why does Jesus respond, “whoever would be first among you must be slave of all”?
“Lord, satisfy us with your mercy in the morning”
Consider how Psalm 90 gives a single image through the two lenses of God’s eternal nature and human mortality, producing both awe and humility.
“Humble Glory”
Psalm 8
Pride diminishes our humanity. Our vain efforts to exalt ourselves obscures our dignity. But in humility we can joyfully and fruitfully discern our place in the world. Psalm 8 trains our hearts to believe that pride brings us low, but that sitting before the Lord in humble awe actually lifts us up to be the noble crown of creation.
“The heavens declare the glory of God”
Psalm 19
Psalm 19 is considered by many as one of the greatest poetic expressions of the Old Testament and the ancient world. Listen to how the psalmist is yearning (and inviting us) to join creation in a chorus of praise and how delighting in God is an essential part of Christian faith.
“A Harvest of Righteousness is Sown in Peace”
James 3:16-4:6
After contrasting the true wisdom from above with the false wisdom from below, James offers this remarkable line in 3:8: “A harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” Listen to how this connects to the early church and the meaning of the gospel.