Ordinary Faith - Sermons

We can give dignity to those who have had theirs taken, stolen, or corrupted. What a precious gift to restore dignity. To see and say, “I see you, you are valuable. I will help you stand.”

During the month of November we are talking about service, particularly that when we care for others we are ministering to Jesus Himself. This week we are looking at the story of a woman known for being a sinner who pours oil on Jesus' feet. Unlike the Pharisee hosting Jesus, this woman knows her need for forgiveness and the power of God’s grace and is freed to love Jesus extravagantly.

Metanoia is more than a moment—it is a continuous process. Following Jesus is a lifelong path of learning challenging things, releasing previous versions of ourselves that are inadequate for our future, and stepping into our full identity as sons and daughters of our Almighty Father.

Through Christ we have been given the authority and the process to confront every thought. Today we will learn how to unlearn the lies, unbecome the old patterns, and become who the Father intends for us.

Paradigm Shifts, Epiphanies, and Transformed thinking are THE Way. Following Jesus involves constantly having your assumptions, beliefs, and behaviors challenged. If your thinking isn’t changing, you are not growing. And, you must grow, for you are not only becoming a better human, but are being transformed into the image of Christ.

In the Old Testament the metaphor of change in response to the work of God was “change direction!” In the New Testament the metaphor shifts to “Change your thinking!” and in English the metaphor becomes “change your heart!”  Whether you use the metaphor of a physical change of direction, a change of mind, or change of heart, the message of the Good News is that “God has shown up and it is time for...

Healthy Bible reading always leads us to Jesus — which means it leads us to grace (Charis) and community (Koinonia), never to hiding, fear, manipulation, or superiority.

Jesus did not come to throw away the Law — He came to fulfill it. The Law was a good tutor and a necessary fence, but now we are sons and daughters who walk by the Father’s hand.

It’s God the Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit, not the Holy Bible. The Bible is critical, so important, BUT if we Idolize it or misuse it to control or manipulate others. We have made it something it was never meant to be.

We’ve seen we’re chosen and redeemed. Today: The Holy Spirit is your guarantee, and God’s power is already at work in you! ” “God didn’t just promise future riches — He gave you the down payment right now through the Holy Spirit. That’s better than any vault in the world!”

God has planned from the beginning to make Jesus the king of the whole universe, to bring all things together in Him. And we, who have been redeemed and adopted by God, are invited to participate in that beautiful mystery as God’s children and heirs. Let's meditate on this profound mystery together with Paul in Ephesians 1:7-12. 

Have you ever been the last person picked for a team, club, or even a job? That doesn’t feel good for sure. You feel very unappreciated and unwanted. But, in Christ, You have been picked FIRST. Even before you were born, before you even knew it you were chosen. You have likely been given many reasons for rejection in life, but God has picked you and He cherishes you.

You can trust in God’s grace. And your hope in Jesus LIVES and BREATHES. Especially when life feels heavy. The Creed reminds us that Jesus gave us God’s presence, victory over death, and world transforming love. 

People are bad at community because vulnerability is dangerous and scary. Unfortunately there are no short-cuts; we have to give ourselves permission to be vulnerable. Let’s start asking real questions and giving real answers. Let’s become a culture where vulnerability is rewarded with love so that community can flourish.

God’s desire for closeness finds its fulfillment in the Holy Spirit making us His temple. The same Spirit who hovered over creation, filled the temple, and rested on Jesus now lives in every follower of Christ, comforting us, shaping us to look more like Jesus, and empowering us to live and love with God’s presence and power.

Declaring that Jesus Christ is Lord is not a casual religious phrase, but a radical pledge of allegiance that changes how we live. Because what you call Jesus ultimately reflects how well you know Him, a true relationship requires shifting from just knowing about Him to surrendering your identity to His authority. And in doing so, finding your true self!

What you believe about God shapes everything about you — your identity, morality, relationships, future, and even our eternity.

We sometimes realize that we have lost something. Sure, wallets, keys, and remotes are a bit of a pain. But, sometimes, we realize our peace, joy, passion, or trust have slipped our grasp. When we learn to begin our search with our Father God, we often find more than we lost.

The story of Elisha taking up the mantle of Elijah after a season of apprenticeship is a beautiful depiction of the relationship between a mentor and a mentee—a relationship that both the spiritually young and the spiritually old need. Outside of the home, the most important relationship for developing a strong faith that a young Christian can have is for them to get to know older Christians and l...

When you’re hurting, it’s easy to only see what you don’t have. Fear doesn’t just exaggerate — fear lies .

Yes, life will have its difficulties. Sometimes they will be caused by our own choices. At other times, the choices of others will cause us pain. Avoiding difficulty entirely is impossible, but depending upon God in difficulty, that is a super power.

You are here to do something important. Don’t let some distraction, habit, weakness, or false humility keep you from enjoying God’s complete work in your life.

 Matthew 28:16-20

Everything changed at Pentecost—the fiery outpouring of the Spirit fulfills Shavuot, empowers grace-filled life, and invites us to remember our own “day everything changed,” fan the flame, and become the fire.

Choose Freedom! God has empowered us to walk in His Spirit. Freedom in Christ is the only way to walk in real righteousness. That righteousness will produce the fruit of God’s Spirit within us and toward others. This is Grace empowered living and you are ready for it!