Lake Oconee Presbyterian Church

We often use the word faith to describe belief in something unseen, but what does faith really embody? In this sermon excerpt from Luke 7:1-10, we see a Roman centurion demonstrate that true faith is born out of need & desperation; it sees its own weakness and inability, and it has to have the right object.

What does true obedience look like? It begins with the humble acknowledgement of our own sin.

Love is the basis of God's commands, and we see this in how love is demonstrated, difficult, and directed within Luke 6:27-38 as we explore loving those who hurt us and hate us.

In this sermon from Luke 6:12-26, we see Jesus choosing his underdog disciples, mirroring God's covenant with the twelve tribes of Israel, sneered at and held in contempt by the cultures around them. As we explore this passage, we are reminded that we, too, are called by Jesus for his glory and for the renewal of the world.

What do we learn from Jesus breaking Sabbath law to feed his disciples and heal a man with a crippled hand? We learn that the Sabbath is used to honor Jesus' lordship by offering restoration and healing - for the glory of God and for our joy.

Do we have a burden to bring those who don't know Jesus into his family by investing in them and inviting them into our lives and actively participating in theirs? Jesus lived this out in eating and drinking with sinners, and we take a look at his response to the judgement of the Pharisees in Luke 5:27-39.

In this sermon from Easter Sunday, 3-31-2024, we take a look at 1 Corinthians 15:50-58 and the ramifications of the resurrection. It means that we are to work to love our neighbor and to make a difference in the world with the same power that raised Jesus from the dead and will do so for us.

In this sermon from Palm Sunday 2024, we revisit Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem and how this humble man from Nazareth, riding on a colt, completely defied the expectation of a political king's stately procession - one of many expectations that Jesus turned upside down.

We know the story of the paralytic being healed after his friends lowered him down to Jesus through a hole in the roof, but have we ever paid attention to the difference between what the man wanted and what Jesus provided? The paralytic sought physical healing, but Jesus' first words to him were those of spiritual healing, "Your sins are forgiven you." Have you ever had a similar des...

In this familiar passage that details Jesus healing the leper, we see the heart that Jesus displays in his loving response to a plea for mercy, and how ours should similarly display a burden for loving those around us.

The day that Simon Peter became a disciple of Jesus, he went from a hapless fisherman to one whose nets were succumbing to the weight of a mighty haul. In that rapid turn of events, Jesus was the catalyst and gave Peter a glimpse of his glory that changed the trajectory of Peter's life. Explore this pivotal New Testament passage with us as we connect the dots between Peter's response over...

Is it possible to still worship and rejoice while acknowledging the anguish around us and mourning with those who mourn? The answer is yes and can be accomplished only through being intimately acquainted In this sermon excerpt, we explore his "True Authority" in Luke 4:31-44.

If Jesus were to give an inaugural or state-of-the-union address, what would it sound like? Luke 4:14-30 shows us, and it involves some surprising declarations.

What do we do when we feel that we don't have what it takes to measure up? We look to Jesus and see his response to areas of temptation that cause most of us to stumble. In this sermon from 2-11-2024, we explore Luke's famous chapter on the temptation of Jesus.

What makes those around us doubt the Christian message? In this sermon from 2-4-2024, Pastor Mike Palombo helps us take a look at the answer to this question and our three-fold response to it as we continue in our series, "Gospel of Luke: Love Came Down."

As an adult, watching "Home Alone," evokes all kinds of questions, especially, "How could you not realize your kid was left behind on a family trip?" Following the initial shock is a comedy of errors as Kate McCallister frantically tries to make her way across the ocean to her young son, Kevin. Mary probably felt the same rising anxiety as she and Joseph searched for days for t...

Would you agree that possessing knowledge about something is entirely different than experiencing it in person? This Sunday, we take a look at the story of Simeon and Anna, two individuals who believed in the promise of a Messiah and then held the proof of that promise in their own arms, instantaneously thrusting them from merely knowing to being known. And isn't that what we all long for? Bei...

You may think that the second chapter of Luke is only for December, but this Sunday, we're taking a look at the birth and early infancy narrative of Jesus from a new perspective. One of the things that strikes us in this passage is the unexpected representation of glory. It's not just the heavenly host striking terror and awe into everyday shepherds; it's a baby born into some of the l...

In this sermon from Travis Skillingstad, we take a look at God using ordinary people like Zechariah, Elizabeth, and Mary, to accomplish extraordinary plans. What might God be calling you to do despite your limitations?

In this Christmas Eve sermon from Luke 1:26-38, we see Mary's response to the startling news that she will bear the Son of God.

At this time of year, many know the feeling of adding one (or two) more to the Christmas guest list. This Sunday morning, we get to explore this very theme as we continue in our series, "Luke: Love Came Down."

What is truth, and how can we trust it? In this sermon from the first of our series in Luke, we take a look at Luke's credentials as a Biblical historian and how it is that we can trust his manuscript.

In this sermon from the first Sunday of Advent 2023, Pastor Jeff Birch takes us through John 1:1-5, 14 as we see that Advent is more than just the few weeks leading up to Christmas; it's living/sharing the gospel message in anticipation of his ultimate return.

Is there a way to be righteously angry over the right things but carry out that anger in the wrong way? As we finish our sermon series in Nehemiah, Assistant Pastor Mike Palombo unpacks the final chapter as Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem and finds that obedience to God's law has quickly taken a rebellious and greedy turn.

What is involved in joyful worship? Worship must be God-exalting, filled with thanksgiving, and Gospel-centered.