Christ Church Sermons

Fr. Paul continues his Lenten journey through Jonah explaining how repentance is at the heart of the gospel proclamation and what it looks like to receive this grace in our daily lives.

Fr. Paul explains how Jonah’s prayer in the belly of the fish gives courage for mission and proclaims the coming Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

​Fr. Paul examines the story of Jonah—a prophet who does almost everything wrong, yet he is a template for our own story: called to mission and chosen for love.

The Rev. Bryan Biba explores the meaning of Holy Lent, a season for the preparation and renewal of our Baptism. Citing examples of faith from the early church, Fr. Bryan encourages us to embrace a view of Lent not as mere moral improvement, but one of participation in the life and death of Christ.

The Very Rev. Canon Paul Donison shares his vision for Christ Church Plano's cultural engagement, evangelism, and community growth at this year's Cast: All Parish Event.

The Rev. Creighton Friedrich examines our Lord's most important prayer on our behalf: the high priestly prayer of John 17, an invitation to share in Jesus' unity, glory, and love.

Fr. Paul Donison explains the remarkable hospitality of Ananias, who cared for the murderous Saul as a brother, and invites us to practice the same supernatural forgiveness and healing toward one another.

"Why did Jesus appear directly to Saul?" Fr. Paul Donison examines how Paul's radical encounter with Christ illustrates the presence and purpose of God in our own conversions. As the Lord pursued even the great persecutor of the early church, so he pursues us.

"How does God convert a person to faith?" In this series on the conversion of Saul of Tarsus, Fr. Paul Donison explores how, at the heart of every conversion, we find the mercy of God.

"What does it mean to be drawn closer to Jesus?" The Very Rev. Canon Paul Donison reveals Jesus' enormous and far-reaching power to draw us to Himself—a process that churns up conflict as it transforms us unto great joy.

"How do I know if any of this is true?" Fr. Paul explores how we may find Jesus: in seeking his instruction and his incarnation, God's Son reveals his incredible intention for our lives.

"I want more joy in my life." Fr. Paul invites us to look to the shepherds and discover the deeper joy in Jesus's birth. We, too, are unworthy of God's love and yet we are welcome to go and see the gift of God's love.

"In our darkest moments, where do we find hope?" Fr. Paul Donison reminds us that Christ's second coming is not a future event, but a present reality, and one in which we have a priestly part to play.

The Very Rev. Canon Paul Donison exhorts us to be like the sheep in Christ's parable: caring for the least among us. Sharing a story of a low point in his life, Fr. Paul explains how simple it is to follow Jesus when we embrace our inheritance as sons and daughters of the King.

Want to be more faithful with what God has given you? Fr. Paul Donison examines Jesus' Parable of the Talents and the opportunity we have as regents of God's blessings.

In our fast-paced society, we are impatient. The Rev. Bryan Biba asks us to repent and pray, for Scripture reminds us to wait for the Lord and know He is always in our midst during difficult times.

The Very Rev. Canon Paul Donison explains Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well. His words are carefully chosen to both convict and court her, for He wishes to be her Bridegroom as He wishes to be ours.

Fr. Paul reminds us that grace is God's unearned favor. We need to rediscover grace, because by it we are saved. When we turn to Him, even dry bones can be raised back to life.

The Rev. Canon Paul Donison tells us that if we want to make an impact in the world for good, we must first render ourselves to God and not to our own priorities.

Why was Jesus baptized? The Rev. Canon Paul Donison considers how Jesus, though He was perfect, was baptized as an example for us of the cleansing we all need. Jesus helps us to understand the grace of God—the love expressed in the Father's words, "You are my child, my beloved; with you I am well pleased."

The Rev. Canon Paul Donison explains how the soil of our hearts is sometimes hard, rocky, and cluttered. But when we repent and let Jesus’ Word work in our hearts, we will bear fruit.

Are we living into the life God has called us to live? The Rev. Paul Donison examines the Parable of the Sower, and discusses how the seed of God’s Word is meant to penetrate our lives.

"What do you do when you’ve had enough?" The Rev. Canon Paul Donison examines the moment Elijah flees from his calling, and how God patiently reinstates Elijah's perspective and purpose. We, too, can find relief and restoration when we feel like we have had enough.

"How do we pray?" The Rev. Canon Paul Donison invites us to bring our grief to God in prayer. In our desperation, the Gospel can find us and save us in our greatest need. Delivered on Sunday, September 17, 2017.

How do we pray with faith during storms? The Rev. Canon Paul Donison explains how Jesus is always present, powerful and able to bring peace when we rely on the promises of God.