La Jolla Presbyterian Church Sermons

What does it mean to have someone stand with us when we fall short? In 1 John 2:1–6, we’re reminded that Jesus is our Advocate, walking with us, speaking up for us, and calling us to live as He lived. This passage reassures us that grace isn’t meant to leave us unchanged, but invites us to grow in love and live with purpose. Pastor Paul Cunningham will share this week’s message, Our Advocate, enco...

As we begin a new year, we also begin a new sermon series exploring the letters of John—practical, pastoral writings that speak to a church learning how to walk in truth and love. This Sunday, Pastor Paul Cunningham opens the series with a message titled “Falling Short.” In 1 John 1:1–10, we’re reminded that while we all fall short, we are not without hope. John invites us to walk in the light—not...

Welcome to Our Festive Family Christmas Eve Celebration! Get ready for a joyful, energetic service where we dive into the wonders of Christmas through Matthew 1:18-25, Deuteronomy 7:7-8, Mark 10:51-52, and John 1:14. Sing along with us as we belt out festive carols and unwrap the miraculous story of Christ’s birth and His incredible plan for us all. This service is designed to be fun and engaging...

As we come to the final Sunday of the year, we take time to reflect on all that God has done and look ahead with hope! Continuing our Songs of Christmas series, this week’s message is titled “One More Song,” with a focus on Luke 2:22–38. In this passage, we encounter Simeon and Anna, two faithful witnesses who recognize God’s promise fulfilled in the child Jesus and respond with praise. Their song...

Hope rises in Advent as we remember that God draws near to His people. In this third week of the season, we continue our Songs of Christmas series by turning to “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” a hymn of longing that echoes throughout Scripture. This ancient prayer reflects the yearning of God’s people for rescue, and the presence of their promised Savior. Our focus Scripture, Luke 1:46–55, offers Mary’...

Joy is at the center of the Christmas story, which bursts into the world with the arrival of Jesus. As we celebrate the second week of Advent and continue our series Songs of Christmas, we look at the carol “Joy to the World” and the words of Psalm 98, where creation is invited to rejoice because the Lord has come to make all things right! This carol proclaims not only the birth of Christ long ago...

As the festive season begins, we enter a time when the Church prepares its heart to celebrate the arrival of Jesus. During Advent, our new series, Songs of Christmas, invites us to reflect on songs that point us toward the coming of Christ. Throughout Scripture, both creation itself and God’s people lift their voices in praise for the good thing He is doing by sending His Son into the world to bri...

As we move toward Thanksgiving, we’re invited to pause and consider how gratitude shapes our lives in lasting ways. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18, Paul calls believers to rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances, a simple invitation. These words point us to a posture of the heart that isn’t dependent on perfection or ideal circumstances, but on the faithful presence of G...

In this week’s reading from Ephesians 5:15–20, Paul encourages believers to live with wisdom and intention, to make the most of every opportunity and be filled with the Spirit! In a world full of distractions, his words remind us that faith is not accidental; it’s intentional. This Sunday, Pastor Paul Cunningham will bring the message, “Ordinary Time.” As we move through the routines of daily life...

The passage from Micah challenges us to know what God really wants from us. Have you ever wondered what it looks like to live a life that pleases Him? In Micah 6:1–8, the prophet calls God’s people to return to what matters most — acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with their God. This Sunday, Pastor Paul Cunningham will bring the message, “Try These Three Things.” In a world that oft...

Even in seasons of weakness, God’s power is at work - shaping, refining, and revealing His beauty through our brokenness. In 2 Corinthians 4:7–18, the Apostle Paul reminds us that we carry this treasure of God’s light in fragile jars of clay, showing that the power comes from Him, not from us. Though we may be “hard pressed on every side,” we are never abandoned. Through suffering and struggle, th...

Have you ever thought about what it means to have an ongoing conversation with God? In Ephesians 1:15-23, the Apostle Paul prays that believers would grow in wisdom and revelation, knowing God more and understanding the hope to which He has called them! Pastor Paul Cunningham will share this week’s message, “Continuing the Conversation with God,”. God desires to shape us not only through His Word...

In a world of distractions, it’s easy to glance at God’s Word and move on, but true transformation comes when we let His truth take root in our lives. In James 1:19-25, we are reminded that hearing the Word is not enough;  it’s in doing that our faith becomes alive! As we continue our FORMED series, Pastor Chad Fransen will share this week’s message, “More Than a Glance.” God’s desire isn’t for fl...

In the rush of life, slowing down can feel impossible, yet Scripture reminds us that God often works most powerfully when we wait on Him. In Exodus 14:5–14, as the Israelites faced the Red Sea with Pharaoh’s army behind them, Moses urged, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Pastor Paul will bring this week’s message, “Slow Down,” as we continue our FORMED series. God shapes u...

Have you ever paused to consider how God is forming you right now? Scripture tells us we were made in God’s image, yet His work of shaping us doesn’t stop at birth. God continually transforms us through His Spirit, drawing us closer to His likeness. This shaping often happens in both the ordinary rhythms of life and in the challenges that stretch our faith. Pastor Paul Cunningham will bring this w...

The Apostle Paul urges believers in Ephesians 4:1–6 to live “a life worthy of the calling” we have received, a calling rooted not in self-interest, but in unity, humility, and love. Faith is never meant to be lived in isolation; it is always a shared journey shaped by the Spirit who binds us together as one body. Pastor Paul Cunningham will bring this week’s message, “It’s Not Just About Me,” as p...

Have you ever noticed how God’s call is not the same for everyone? In Acts 16:1–15, we see Paul called to continue his missionary journey, Timothy called into ministry as a young disciple, and Lydia called to open her heart and her home to the gospel. Each responded in different ways, yet together their obedience moved God’s mission forward! This week’s message, “We All Have Different Calls,” remi...

Have you ever struggled to recognize God’s voice in the noise of daily life? This Sunday, Pastor Paul will preach a sermon titled “Learning to Listen” from John 10:22–30 as we continue our series CALLED. In this passage, Jesus reminds us that His sheep hear His voice, and He knows them by name. God’s Word reminds us that listening always comes before action. As we quiet our hearts to hear His voic...

This Sunday, Pastor Paul will preach a sermon titled “ When God Shows Up” from Isaiah 6:1–8 as we continue our series CALLED. In Isaiah’s vision, the Lord fills the temple with glory, and Isaiah is overwhelmed by God’s holiness yet renewed by His grace. Throughout Scripture, God’s presence transforms ordinary places into holy ground and ordinary people into willing servants. Isaiah’s “Here am I. S...

Who has traveled with you, and who might God be calling you to walk alongside today? Ruth’s words to Naomi, “Where you go, I will go,” paint a beautiful picture of faithfulness and shared journey. What does it mean to walk with others through seasons of loss, change, or hope? This Sunday, Pastor Paul will preach a sermon titled “Travel With Others” from Ruth 1:6–18 as we continue our series CALLED...

Have you ever found yourself waiting for direction, longing for God to make the next step clear? This Sunday, Pastor Paul will preach a sermon titled “Waiting for Clarity,” based on Exodus 3:1–14, as we continue our series CALLED. In this passage, Moses meets God in the burning bush, uncertain of what lies ahead, yet reminded that God’s presence is enough: “I will be with you.” Throughout Scriptur...

This Sunday, Pastor Paul will preach a sermon titled “That’s Not The Way I Planned It,” based on Genesis 12:1-9, kicking off our new series CALLED. Throughout the Old Testament, we see God reaching out, inviting people to step boldly into faith. Jesus continued this call, inviting even those far from God to follow Him. God’s call always points us toward a new way of living, one that’s deeper and m...

This Sunday, Cynthia Blase shares a message titled “God’s Word is the Tether that Attaches Us to His Path of Restoration” drawing from Ephesians 2:1–10 and Jeremiah 36:1–36. In Ephesians, Paul reminds us that we are saved by grace and created for good works, while Jeremiah tells of God’s command to record His words so the people might turn back to Him. God’s Word is the tether that attaches us to...

This Sunday, Pastor Paul Cunningham shares a message titled “Pull Up a Chair,” from Luke 15:20b–24, 31–32. As the Father embraces his returning son and calls for a feast, we’re offered a powerful image of God’s heart, one that not only forgives but celebrates! Grace in this story doesn’t end with restoration; it overflows into rejoicing. Through the Father’s words and actions, we’re reminded that...

Have you ever felt stuck, even while doing everything right? This Sunday, Pastor Paul Cunningham brings a message titled "Stuck at Home," focusing on Luke 15:25–30. In this often-overlooked part of the parable, we encounter the older brother: faithful, obedient, and yet filled with resentment. While he never physically left home, his heart had drifted far from the Father. His story remin...