Sermons From Albertville

God has made his Wisdom available to the world in surprising ways,   if the world cares to hear it. 

We all want to know and try to guess what the future holds for us.  We make our plans, we map out our way, but it always ends up different than expected.   We have little control over the future, and this leads to worry and sometimes no small amount of sorrow.  But there is one who does know the future and he has made himself accessible to you.  

Scriptural base  Isaiah 65:17-25   “For behold, I create new heavens   and a new earth,   and the former things shall not be remembered   or come into mind. But be glad and rejoice forever   in that which I create;   for behold, I create Jerusalem to be a joy,   and her people to be a gladness. I will rejoice in Jerusalem   and be glad in my people;   no more shall be heard in it the sound of weep...

Here's the Scripture text one which the sermon is based:   The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written, “Fear not, daug...

When we hear the parable of the Prodigal Son,  we get so wound up in his gripping story, that we forget to ask,  "What is Jesus teaching us here?"    When we consider who the parable was originally aimed at:  a bunch of grousing pharisees, who ridicule Jesus for welcoming sinners,   we begin to realize that the meaning of the parable, for most us, is much more than  simply enjoying the harrowing t...

Temptation is not always so obvious as in the Days of the Golden  calf;  many times temptation is rendered invisible to us by our relationships with others as well as what is called "cultural norms."    This sermon seeks to help us be more alert and able to respond to temptations both visible and invisible. 

This sermon explains how easily idolatry can overtake a person's life 

This sermon looks at the three temptations that the Devil placed before Jesus and how he remained steady on the path that led him to the cross.    Just as Satan sought to take Jesus away from the cross he tries to prevent us from receiving the benefits of the cross, and thereby claiming us as his own.   But Jesus has given us everything to remain steady on our walk.  

Based on Nehemiah 8:1-10,  this sermon explores an often overlooked  aspect of mourning.   It has a purpose.  A most important purpose.  

This sermon explores the meaning  of the wedding at Cana. 

Luke's Gospel tells us that Jesus was ALSO  baptized.  This sermon explores the repercussions of that word for Christians. 

Living in the world as we do,  it's easy to conclude that all is meaningless and Random.  If this were true we would have every reason to surrender to depression and sadness. But it is not true for us Christians.   This Sermon explores how we can live with hope.  

Sometimes people imagine that to be religious is to be self-righteous,  but it's really just the opposite . To be a truly religious person is to be humble and willing to admit one's faults.   This sermon explains how self-righteousness acts as a hindrance to being truly righteous. 

Most of the prophecy has come true.  All the remain is the return of Jesus to judge the living and the dead.  How shall we then live?   This question is answered by that helpful little letter written by Jude.    You might find it handy to turn to Jude 17-25,  as this sermon explores this question. 

Surprisingly enough,  you put in an appearance in the Bible!      This sermon shows you how that's true.   Consider reading Revelation  7:9-13 (below)  before listening.   9After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branch...

Sermon adresses the whole idea of "following your dreams"   It is based on Ecclesiasties 5:10,18-20:  He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity.  Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given...

I suggest,  that you read the text before listening. Mark 10:17–22 17As [Jesus] was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. 19You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear fals...

Prideful man opposes God and argues that he is wrong,  which leads to ruin of all kinds.   This sermon explores the whys and how's of this and how to end all arguments against him. 

Humanity is often on a completely different wavelength from the  Lord.  When He speaks, we don't listen and we don't understand.   This message offers some help in tuning into the Lord and actually understanding what he's been telling us. 

In Mark 9:14-29  we learn of a man whose child was possessed by a demon.   He approached Jesus.   And Jesus  said  "All things are possible for him who believes."      It was then that the  man said  "I do believe, help my unbelief."     It is this honest statement, that shows us what true Christian faith is about:  honesty.  

For our entire lives,   most of the western world has been witness to a great experiment.   In the 20th century a new way of thinking arose called humanism.   Humanism starts with the idea that God is a best ineffectual and at worst powerless to help us.     "No Deity will save us;  we must save ourselves"  the humanists declared.    We were taught to put faith in humanity.  If we've learned anyth...

This sermon explores a single Greek word that describes the Order which God can bring to our lives. 

This sermon is an exposition of John 6:51-69.  

In seafaring  lore, it was believed that the ninth wave, in a series of waves, was the one that would end you.   There are times that we have such thoughts about the troubles we endure.  IN this Sermon based on Mark 6:45-56,  We learn how one can endure the waves of trouble and keep our wits about us.     

When Jesus was Greeted by 5000 people when he came ashore,  The Gospel of Mark tells us that he noticed how they were like sheep without a shepherd and he had compassion on them and taught them many things.    His compassion was expressed, first and foremost by teaching them.