Deer Run Sermons

The Parable of the Wheat and Weeds from Matthew 13 confronts us with one of the most perplexing questions of faith: why does evil persist in a world where God reigns? This teaching doesn't offer easy answers, but instead invites us into a deeper understanding of the kingdom of heaven as both present reality and future promise. We discover that the wheat and weeds grow intertwined, their roots so e...

What if the Kingdom of Heaven isn't just a distant future promise, but a present reality we can experience right now? This message challenges us to reconsider our understanding of God's reign by exploring the most prominent topic Jesus addressed in the New Testament. Through the Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13, we're invited to shift our focus from the seed itself to something far more personal...

This Christmas message strips away the familiar trappings of shepherds and wise men to reveal something profoundly personal: the miracle of Jesus' birth wasn't just a historical event—it's an ongoing transformation available to each of us today. Through John's streamlined account of Christmas and Paul's letter to the Ephesians, we discover that we were 'spoken forth' before the foundation of the w...

Have we lost our sense of wonder? This message invites us to rediscover the profound beauty hidden in the familiar Christmas story we've heard countless times. Through the lens of Luke chapter 2, we explore how God orchestrated impossibly precise details—eight prophecies fulfilled in a single event, with mathematical odds of 1 in 100,000,000,000,000,000. The Messiah we anticipated as a conquering...

The Christmas story we've come to know isn't the peaceful, silent night we often imagine—it's actually filled with chaos, uncertainty, and messiness. From Mary's terrifying announcement to Zachariah's speechlessness, from Joseph's doubts to Herod's murderous rage, the first Christmas was anything but calm. Yet in the midst of all this turmoil, we witness something remarkable: worship. Mary sings h...

This message takes us on a journey through the profound mystery of Christmas - not as a sentimental holiday, but as the culmination of a divine plan set in motion before time itself began. We explore how God exists outside the limitations of time, space, and matter, orchestrating events across centuries with meticulous precision. Isaiah's prophecies, written 700 years before Christ's birth, reveal...

What if worship isn't about the songs we prefer, the volume we like, or even the comfort of our Sunday morning experience? This powerful message challenges us to examine the very heart of why we gather as believers. Drawing from Acts 2 and the early church's devotion to community worship, we're reminded that the miracle of the church isn't about us—it's about what Jesus has done for us. The passag...

This message centers on the biblical principle of accountability within the body of Christ, drawing from Galatians 6:1-10. We're challenged to see accountability not as judgment, but as a loving act of restoration—like bumpers at a bowling alley that keep us on track toward our goal. The sermon beautifully illustrates how biblical accountability means taking responsibility for our own actions whil...

This powerful exploration of forgiveness challenges us to examine what might be the single greatest barrier to our spiritual growth: unforgiveness. Drawing from Matthew 6:14-15 and Mark 11:25, we're confronted with an uncomfortable truth—our ability to receive God's forgiveness is directly connected to our willingness to forgive others. The message dismantles common misconceptions about what forgi...

This message challenges us to rethink what it means to be a new creation in Christ—not just as individuals, but as a connected community. Drawing from Hebrews 10:19-25, we're reminded that while our personal faith journey is vital, there's a powerful shift that happens when we move from 'I' to 'we.' The passage calls us to 'spur one another on toward love and good deeds,' but here's the crucial qu...

This powerful message challenges us to reimagine what it truly means to follow Jesus—not just as individuals, but as a community. Drawing from Acts 2:42-47 and 1 Corinthians 13, we're invited to examine the early church's radical approach to community life. These believers didn't just attend services; they devoted themselves to divine fellowship, practiced extraordinary generosity, and lived with...

This powerful message challenges us to examine our relationship with the gospel itself. Drawing from Romans 1:16-17, we're reminded that the gospel is not merely good advice to be considered, but good news to be proclaimed with boldness. The central question posed is simple yet profound: Are we ashamed of the gospel? In a culture that mirrors first-century Rome with its pluralism, moral relativism...

Presentation from the Leamington Mennonite Home.

In this powerful message, we're invited to explore the profound truth that marriage is fundamentally a relationship, not a product or topic. We're reminded that humanity itself was created out of relationship for relationship, reflecting the very nature of our triune God. The sermon challenges us to root our marriages in two essential elements: Jesus Christ and love for each other. By focusing on...

In this sermon on marriage, we delve into the unexpected challenges that can arise and how to navigate them with faith and wisdom. The central message reminds us that just as the kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field, marriage too comes with both joys and difficulties. We're called to approach conflicts not as enemies or strangers, but as allies working together. The key scripture...

In this exploration of marriage, we delve into the often-overlooked topic of expectations. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 7, we're reminded that marital duties are to be mutually fulfilled, but who defines these duties? This is where expectations come into play. We all carry a 'bin' of expectations into our relationships, some realistic, some negotiable, and some potentially unhealthy. By examining th...

In this exploration of Hannah's story from 1 Samuel, we're reminded that God often works through our weaknesses. Hannah's struggle with infertility became the canvas on which God painted His redemptive power. This narrative challenges us to see our own struggles not as dead ends, but as opportunities for God's strength to shine. The lesson of praying honestly stands out, encouraging us to pour out...

In this exploration of faith, we delve into the fascinating story of Nicodemus, a Pharisee who secretly sought out Jesus. Through his journey, we witness the transformative power of curiosity, questioning, and ultimately, belief. The message challenges us to examine our own faith journey - are we stuck in rigid religious thinking, or are we open to a life-changing encounter with Jesus? We're remin...

In this exploration of 2 Kings 11, we uncover the remarkable story of Jehosheba, a woman whose courage and faith changed the course of history. This lesser-known biblical account reminds us that God often uses unexpected individuals to fulfill His grand plan of redemption. Jehosheba's act of saving the young prince Joash from certain death not only preserved the Davidic line but also ensured the e...

This sermon is fromPhilippians 2:25-30, here we encounter the inspiring story of Epaphroditus, a messenger whose dedication to Christ nearly cost him his life. This passage challenges us to reconsider the true cost of discipleship and the vital importance of mutual support within our faith communities. We're reminded that every role in God's kingdom, no matter how seemingly small, is crucial for t...

In this exploration of Exodus 1, we're introduced to two unsung heroes of faith: Shiphrah and Puah, the Hebrew midwives. Their story reminds us that God often uses unexpected instruments to accomplish His purposes. These women, faced with a horrific command from Pharaoh to kill newborn Hebrew boys, chose to fear God rather than man. Their courage and faith not only saved countless lives but also s...

In this powerful exploration of intercessory prayer, we delve into the story of Mordecai from the book of Esther. Mordecai's courageous plea to Esther on behalf of the Jewish people serves as a compelling model for our own prayer lives. We're challenged to move beyond passive, self-focused prayers and embrace the urgency and desperation of true intercession. Just as Mordecai recognized Esther's un...

In this sermon on the story of Balaam from the book of Numbers, we're reminded of God's mysterious ways of working through unexpected people. The narrative challenges us to reflect on how we perceive God's blessings and protection in our lives. Are we, like the Israelites, sometimes blind to God's work behind the scenes? This message encourages us to trust in God's unwavering love and protection,...