Sermons
“Discipleship, Mission, and the Body of Christ”
John 20:19-31
Our sense of mission and call to discipleship takes place within the fellowship of faith—within Christian community. Not only is individual piety a false idea, but so is individual mission. The individual is not called to mission; the church is called to mission. It is not just an individual that responds to a call, but an individual who is in Christ and who discerns that call together within the Body of Christ (Acts 13:1-3).
“The Center of Discipleship”
Luke 6:17-26
On the boat, Peter decided, “I desire to follow this miracle worker. I want his heart as my own.” Now, here, the disciples decide to step further into discipleship, where their hearts will be most deeply satisfied. This step into faith is the beginning of the journey that will always remain at the center of the heart of faith.
“The Call of Discipleship”
Luke 5:1-11
Peter’s understanding of mission would be slowly revealed as his formation as a disciple took shape. The meaning of Christ’s words, “you will catch persons,” would be learned from the very heart of Christ. But it begins with and carries forward through the first instincts of a disciple, a humble call to to holiness.
“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.