Sermons on Luke (Page 2)

Holy Habits

Join us for worship as we continue the Foundations & Futures series with a focus on spiritual growth through holy habits. This week, we explore Luke 4:14-21, where Jesus models the importance of worship and Scripture as foundational practices for living out God’s mission. How can spiritual habits like prayer, worship, and study shape our faith and prepare us to bring good news to the world? Let’s discover together the power of holy habits to deepen our relationship with God…

Expectations & Affirmations

Are you navigating doubts about your purpose? In this week’s worship, we’re exploring how affirmations—especially those from God—help us embrace our identity and calling. Through the story of Jesus’ baptism, we’ll consider how moments of affirmation can guide us forward, even when we’re unsure of the path. Scripture: Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 (NRSVue)

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)

Called to Be One

This week we conclude our 6-week series called Unity in Diversity: The Beauty of The United Methodist Church. As we conclude this series, we are guided by the culmination of Jesus’ farewell discourse in the Gospel of John. Indeed, the verse that follows this selection finds Jesus going to the garden on the other side of the Kidron Valley. In this text, Jesus has been taking this final opportunity to teach, to pray, and to prepare the disciples—his friends—for his…

Embracing Theological Diversity

The United Methodist Church spans the globe and there is rich theological diversity. Even in this diversity, we agree on a few key elements. This is not new to the church today! Paul wrote about this in his letter to the Romans, John Wesley preached a sermon on it, and as we read Wesley’s sermons we see that he–and we–can evolve theologically. Scripture: Romans 14:1-12 (CEB)

One Body, Many Parts

Whether you are new to this congregation or have been a part since the beginning, you know that we are diverse in our history, our background, our education and socio-economic status, our theology, our age, and so much more! Enriched by this diversity, we are a church family who cares for and prays for one another, a church family who lifts one another up, a church family who nurtures and loves. We do not do these things because we are…

Trusting the Unknown

This Second Sunday after Pentecost includes texts that remind us that God’s presence and call can rarely be described as expected or ordinary. Abram isn’t young when God calls him to leave everything he knows. Matthew isn’t the kind of person anyone would expect the Messiah to call and equip for ministry. Both of these Biblical figures respond to their respective calls even facing significant unknowns. In spite of these realities, both respond faithfully. Scripture: Genesis 12:1-9;  Matthew 9:9-13 (CEB)

Breathing Fire

As we prepare for this Sunday, we look forward to the celebration of Pentecost! This week’s message will explore two New Testament texts. Through the imagery of fire and the act of breathing, we will consider the theme of inspiration and empowerment, stirring our hearts to make a positive impact on our communities and the world around us. Scripture: Acts 2:1-8, 11b-20; John 20:19-23 (CEB)

Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin?

Like many of the other phrases we’ve explored, this one seems great on its surface. Of course we should love those who sin! Indeed, Paul reminds us that we all fall short of the glory of God. Loving the sinner is something we understand and that is clearly the way that Christ engaged in his ministry. But the second part of the phrase starts with hate, and I question the idea that love and hate can co-exist. Scripture: Matther 7:1-5…

God Won’t Give You More Than You Can Handle?

This week we explore a phrase that seems so comforting at first! When we are at the depths of misery and pain, this might suggest that there are limits and that God is present to keep us from being overcome. Unfortunately, the underlying message here is at odds with my understanding of the God who is (as written by Anselm of Canterbury) supreme goodness itself. It doesn’t make sense that it is God who places obstacles before us—even in moderation—if…

God Helps Those Who Help Themselves?

This week we move on to the phrase “God Helps Those Who Help Themselves.” On one hand, this makes sense. No one would pray for a new job without also updating their resume and applying for work. On the other hand, this kind of mentality can be used as an excuse to avoid helping those in need. Is that the purpose? Scripture: Psalm 10:14,17-18; Psalm 18:6,16; Psalm 121:1-2 (CEB)