Message Cast

Romans and Isaiah remind us that God's grace is a gift, not a reward. Throughout Scripture, people have tried to draw boundaries around who belongs and who is worthy of God's promises, yet God continually extends grace beyond those human limits. This sermon explores three promises: God's grace is for all people, God's grace does not depend on our performance, and God's grace keeps breaking through...

Are we really as free as we think we are? Drawing on Romans 6, this sermon explores why we so often return to the very habits, patterns, and behaviors that diminish us. While our instinct is usually to try harder, exercise more control, or develop better strategies, Paul offers a surprising alternative: trust the promise. Through Christ's death and resurrection, the old self has already died and s...

In a culture increasingly shaped by cynicism, despair, and a sense that our institutions are beyond repair, Christian hope can seem naïve or even foolish. Drawing from Romans 5, this sermon explores Paul’s surprising claim that suffering can produce endurance, character, and ultimately hope. Far from being blind optimism, Christian hope is the trust that God is at work even in the midst of pain, i...

This sermon was delivered June 9 in Charlottesville, VA as part of the Iowa Preachers Project preaching slam. After spending a year listening to people in pews, hospital rooms, and everyday conversations, I’ve become convinced that many people are asking two basic questions: Is God real? And if God is real, does any of this actually matter? Drawing on Andrew Root, Ryan Burge, and Paul’s words to t...

What if evangelism is not about pressure, persuasion, or fixing people—but helping them behold God’s presence? Reflecting on Matthew’s Great Commission, Andrew Root’s theology of consolation, and stories from hospital chaplaincy and everyday life, this sermon argues that true evangelism is accompanying people in sorrow and suffering as a visible reminder that they are not alone. God is already at...

In this short Ash Wednesday sermon, recorded as part of the Iowa Preacher’s Project, Loren reflects on an unsettling moment, the social location of Jesus, and Isaiah 58’s challenge to rethink what faithful fasting actually costs us. A meditation on Lent, desire, and what it means to be taken by God’s story rather than shaping one of our own.

In a sermon originally preached at Broomfield United Methodist Church, Loren explores how physical faith practices—like kneeling, standing, praying, and singing—can sustain us when we don’t feel our faith. Drawing from personal stories and scripture, he challenges the idea that faith is just about thoughts and emotions, and reminds us that our bodies can carry belief even when our hearts feel dist...

In this message, originally delivered at Northglenn United Church of Christ, Loren explores how apocalyptic fears have shaped human history, from failed predictions like "88 Reasons Why the Rapture Will Be in 1988" to contemporary concerns about climate change, political division, and global conflict. Drawing from Mark 13, Loren reflects on how moments of uncertainty and anxiety often feel like th...

In this sermon, originally preached 10.13.24 at Northglenn United Church of Christ, Loren delves into the power of prayer and the concept of miracles in a secular age. Through the lens of a touching story shared by Dennis Sanders, a former hospice chaplain, he explores the challenges of maintaining faith in a world that often dismisses the supernatural. Listen in as he reflects on the importance o...

In this message, originally given 9/15/24 at Northglenn United Church of Christ, Loren delves into the challenges of breaking bad habits and the parallels between personal struggles and faith journeys. He explores the difficulty of letting go of unhealthy habits, the importance of asking hard questions, and the call to authentic discipleship from Mark 8.

In this sermon, Loren Richmond Jr. explores the metaphor of bread as both a source of physical and spiritual nourishment. Beginning with personal stories about the joy of bread, he connects these to Jesus' teaching as the "bread of life" from John 6. Loren discusses the spiritual hunger prevalent in today's society, particularly among young people affected by social media. He emphasizes the need f...

In this message, Loren talks about the "closeness communication bias" and how it affects our relationships, from spouses to coworkers. Through personal anecdotes and biblical references, he explores why we often tune out those closest to us and how to overcome this barrier to improve our connections. Listen in for a thought-provoking discussion on the importance of listening, empathy, and understa...

In this message, Loren explores the profound challenges facing the American church today. As congregations dwindle and faith communities grapple with modern secular distractions, he delves into the historical and contemporary parallels of religious decline. Drawing insights from Brian McLaren's book "Life after Doom" and Ted Smith's "The End of Theological Education," he discusses the potential sc...

As we navigate the ups and downs of life, we all experience moments of tragedy and heartbreak. In those times, it can be difficult to find comfort and hope. Loren Richmond shares how faith and the presence of God can provide a source of strength and peace even in the darkest of times.

In sports and in life, desperation is a concept that can have a significant impact. Take, for example, the NCAA basketball tournament. The pressure to win can lead players and coaches to desperate measures. But desperation is not limited to sports. As we see in the story of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, the crowds and leaders were desperate for different things. This raises the question: what are w...

A message delivered at Washington Park United Methodist Church from John 9, with Pastor Loren reflecting that the key question might be, who can really see?

A message shared at Wash Park UMC on breaking free from guilt and Micah 6:1-8

Preaching on Epiphany Sunday, Loren speaks from Matthew 2:1-12 about the importance of not missing the point in the story of the Magi and in the story of our lives.

Speaking during the church's annual Stewardship Campaign, Loren talks about the importance of making sure prayer is always an essential part of our decision-making process.

In our systematized and mechanized world, we can so often get stuck in our schedules and routines that we miss out on experiencing awe and wonder, which leads to gratitude and thankfulness for all is from God and a gift of God. (John 1:1-5).

Inspired by the book, "Infinite Games" by Simon Sinek, Loren talks about why investing in children is investing in God's Kingdom

Kicking of a new sermon series on reorienting our lives, Loren shares on message on the importance of prayer.

If you had one last chance to share your thoughts, what would you want to say?

This Easter, no matter how uncertain or scary things might feel, God has still got this, God has got us.

Rev. Loren Richmond gives a fresh perspective on the story of Palm Sunday and how Jesus subverts the powers of oppression and invites us to courageously join him.