Sermons by Bob Rhodes (Page 4)

Humble Faith

We conclude our series “Standing on the Shoulders of Giants” with stories of humble faith. In Luke, a tax collector stands apart and prays for mercy. In Matthew, a woman anoints Jesus with oil, offering what she has in love. Both moments reveal generosity that asks for nothing in return. As this season of stewardship draws to a close, we’re reminded that every gift—of time, care, or resource—becomes part of a story that continues through us. Scripture: Matthew 26:6-13 (CEB),…

Whole Faith

We continue our series Standing on the Shoulders of Giants with stories of gratitude and belonging. In Luke, a Samaritan turns back to give thanks after being healed. In Ruth, a family finds new life through ordinary acts of care. Both remind us that faith becomes complete when it is shared — in prayer, in service, and in community that makes room for everyone. Scripture: Ruth 4:9-17 (NRSVue), Luke 17:11-19 (CEB)

Faith to Change

We begin our new series Standing on the Shoulders of Giants by remembering the faith of those who came before us. Their presence built a community that continues today. In Luke 17, the disciples plead for more faith, uncertain if they have enough to follow. Jesus answers that even faith as small as a mustard seed can change everything. Paired with Deuteronomy’s call to teach faith in daily life, we hear an invitation to presence: to keep showing up, trusting…

Trust

We conclude our “Call & Response” series with trust. After spending time with wonder, integrity, and lament, we turn to a psalm that points to the steady presence of God. Psalm 91 speaks to those who know fear and uncertainty, offering language of shelter and care. Trust grows from that divine relationship, shaped by prayer and strengthened by presence. Scripture: Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16 (NRSVue)

Lament

We continue our Call & Response series by turning toward the honest expression of sorrow, grief, and lament. Some of this comes from the ways we fall short. Some comes from the pain we carry or the suffering we see around us. Psalm 79 gives voice to what’s hard to say out loud, and reminds us that staying close to God doesn’t require having everything figured out. Scripture: Psalm 79:1-9 (NRSVue)

Integrity

We continue our Call & Response series with a question many of us ask without saying it out loud: does faith really shape how we live? Psalm 14 names a world where people say one thing and do another, where words about God are easy but action is rare. This week we sit with that tension and listen for what it means to live with integrity. Scripture: Psalm 14 (NRSVue)

Wonder

As we begin our Call & Response series, we begin with wonder. What if you were known fully and intimately, even before you could put words to who you are? Psalm 139 invites us into that kind of mystery. In a world that often makes us feel anonymous or unseen, this ancient song offers a powerful reminder: we come from love, we live within reach of the Divine, and we are never overlooked. Scripture: Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 (NRSVue)

Dearly Beloved: Love

As we close the Dearly Beloved series, Hebrews invites us to live faith in tangible ways. Through love, hospitality, praise, and shared care, we learn what it means to belong to a community shaped by God’s presence. Scripture: Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 (CEB)

Dearly Beloved: Unshaken

This week in our Dearly Beloved series, we turn to a passage that contrasts fear with promise, distance with presence. Hebrews invites us to imagine a faith that doesn’t ignore the shaking, but endures through it—a faith rooted in something deeper, lasting, and alive. Scripture: Hebrews 12:18-29 (CEB)

Dearly Beloved: Faith

This week we continue our “Dearly Beloved” series with a look at faith—not as belief alone, but as movement. Hebrews gives us a powerful image of faithful people running their race with endurance, even when the path is uncertain. Their stories surround us like a great cloud of witnesses, reminding us that we don’t run alone—and that there is joy set before us. Scripture: Hebrews 11:29-12:2 (CEB)

Dearly Beloved: Longing

This week we begin a new series called “Dearly Beloved”—an invitation to live as people deeply loved by God. This first week starts with longing: the restlessness that keeps us searching for meaning, connection, and hope. Hebrews 11 tells the story of those who moved forward by faith, even when the way ahead wasstill unseen. Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 (CEB)