Sermons by Bob Rhodes (Page 5)
I’m So Lonely I Could Cry
This week’s message enters the quiet space of sacred sorrow, drawing on Psalm 22 and “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.” When God feels distant and words fail, even the act of crying out becomes a form of faith. Not every song resolves. Not every prayer gets the answer we might prefer. But still—we speak, we sing, and we wait patiently for grace. Scripture: Psalm 22:1-11 (NRSVue)
Thunder Road
This week’s message draws on the road to Emmaus and Bruce Springsteen’s “Thunder Road” to explore how grace can sometimes arrive unannounced. In the middle of our grief, our questions, and our routines, Jesus meets us. Not with easy answers, but with presence. With companionship. With the invitation to take the next step. Scripture: Luke 24:13-35 (NRSVue)
Mysterious Ways
On Pentecost Sunday, we turn to the Spirit who speaks in many languages—and moves in mysterious ways. This message draws from Acts 2, Romans 8, and two unexpected songs: “Mysterious Ways” by U2 and “She’s a River” by Simple Minds. Together, they invite us into the Spirit’s rhythm—creative, cosmic, and closer than we think. Scripture: Acts 2:1-21; Romans 8:22-27 (NRSVue)
God is in the Radio
Is it possible that God still speaks through the noise, through the songs we already know? This message opens the God is In the Radio series by exploring spiritual longing, Revelation’s final invitation, and the haunting refrain of a Queens of the Stone Age track. When grace leaks through the stereo, are we listening? Scripture: Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21 (NRSVue)
And… Action!!
The Sermon and Scripture for May 25th, given by our Rev. Bob Rhodes. Scripture: John 14:23-29 (NRSVue)
Made New
The Sermon and Scripture for May 18th, given by Rev. Melissa Tucker. Scripture: Revelation 21:1-6 (NRSVue)
Blinded by the Light
Enjoy this special sermon for May the Fourth by our own Rev. Bob Rhodes! Scripture: Acts 9:1-20; John 21:1-19 (NRSVue)
Jesus Trending
Jesus doesn’t slip into Jerusalem quietly. He enters boldly, on a borrowed colt, surrounded by cheers—and confronted by fear. As the crowd cries out, the authorities try to silence them. But Jesus says, “Even the stones will cry out.” This Palm/Passion Sunday, we explore a truth that refuses to stay hidden and a Savior who refuses to stay silent. Scripture: Luke 19:28-40 (CEB)
Unfiltered
Our culture is deeply influenced by social media and selfies, encouraging perfection, polish, and performance. But sometimes, love breaks through the noise in ways that are raw, honest, and real. As we continue our #JesusTrending series, we encounter Mary—who doesn’t hold back. Her unfiltered act of love invites us to consider what it looks like to love boldly, without pretense. Scripture: John 12:1-8 (CEB)
You’re Invited!
Some stories are meant to inspire. Others are meant to disturb. This week’s parable does both—just not in the way we might expect. As we continue our #JesusTrending series, we explore a story that challenges our sense of fairness and exposes our hidden assumptions about who belongs. A son returns home after burning every bridge—and instead of punishment, he’s welcomed with open arms and a celebration. What kind of love does that? The kind that still invites us in. Scripture:…
Hit the Snooze Button
We’ve all hit the snooze button—sometimes literally, sometimes in life. It’s easy to put things off, assuming we’ll always have more time. But what if we’re delaying something that truly matters? As we continue our #JesusTrending series, we explore a story where a fig tree is about to be cut down. Instead of removing it immediately, the gardener asks for more time—one last chance for growth. What do we do with the time we’re given? Are we bearing fruit, or…
Who Are You Following/Unfollowing?
We continue our #JesusTrending series by looking at influence—who we follow, what shapes our decisions, and how external voices impact our identity. With just a few clicks, we can follow, like, and share voices that shape the way we see ourselves and the world. But how often do we stop to ask: Who am I really following? Social pressure isn’t new. Even in Jesus’ time, people tried to shape his path, urging him to avoid danger or fit into their…