La Jolla Presbyterian Church Sermons

Don’t Miss Out - This Sunday, the final message in our Hospitality sermon series, is titled "Don't Miss Out," with Pastor Paul Cunningham. This week, we're diving into Hebrews 13:1-2, where we're reminded to keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters and not forget to show hospitality to strangers. We'll look at how simple acts of kindness can make a big diffe...

Welcome to the Table - On this Communion Sunday Pastor Paul invites you to explore a profound narrative of hospitality and grace in his sermon titled "Welcome to the Table," based on 2 Samuel 9:1-11. This passage recounts the touching story of King David and Mephibosheth, the disabled son of Jonathan, as David extends an unexpected invitation of kindness, restoring the land of Saul to Me...

Hospitality Is A Choice - 1 Peter 4:7-11 - This week Pastor Paul will explore the theme that hospitality is not merely a feeling or a cultural norm, but a conscious choice we make as followers of Christ. It's a deliberate act of love and service, deeply rooted in the awareness of God's imminent presence. In a world where individualism often takes precedence, this message serves as a time...

Helping People Get Closer To Jesus - This week Pastor Paul Cunningham is discussing "Helping People Get Closer To Jesus," focusing on 3 John 1:1-8.Through the Apostle John’s encouragement for believers to support each other, Pastor Paul will illustrate how our acts of kindness and welcoming are not just social courtesies, but powerful ministries that reflect Christ's love and draw p...

Hope Based Hospitality - This week, Pastor Paul presents a thought-provoking sermon titled "Hope Based Hospitality," exploring Romans 15:5-14. "Hope Based Hospitality" is a call to see hospitality as a powerful expression of our faith and hope in Christ. It challenges us to extend welcome and acceptance, not as an obligation, but as a joyful response to the love and grace we ha...

Place To Call Home - In the beginning, God created a home for humanity – a place of belonging, beauty, and abundance. As we delve into Genesis, Pastor Paul will guide us in discovering how the creation narrative is not just a story of the world's beginnings but also a profound reflection of God's hospitable nature. This sermon will challenge us to see our homes, our church, and our commu...

The Voyage of Faith - This New Year's Eve we're gathering all together for one service at 10am. Pastor Chad is preaching, and looking at 2 Timothy 3:14-17. Join us for this special service to be uplifted and prepared for the year ahead. Whether you are seeking direction, strength, or encouragement, "The Voyage of Faith" is a message that speaks to the heart of our walk with God...

Pastor Paul wraps up the sermon series on the prophecy of Isaiah with the Christmas morning message.

The Gift of Comfort - As we gather on this third Sunday of Advent we continue our reflective journey through the prophecies of Isaiah. In this week's sermon, titled "The Gift of Comfort," Pastor Paul delves into the profound and consoling words of Isaiah 40:1-11. "The Gift of Comfort" is an invitation to experience the deep peace and reassurance that comes from knowing God...

This week marks the second Sunday of Advent, and Pastor Paul is looking at Isaiah 11:1-10. In these verses, Isaiah prophesies the coming of a Messiah, a righteous ruler from the line of David, symbolized as a shoot growing from the stump of Jesse. This prophecy paints a picture of a world transformed by justice, peace, and harmony – where the wolf lives with the lamb, and a little child leads them...

The Gift Of Calling - This week marks the first Sunday of Advent, a season of anticipation and reflection as we prepare our hearts for the celebration of Christ's birth. Join us at La Jolla Presbyterian Church as Pastor Paul Cunningham embarks on a new Advent Sermon Series, delving into the profound prophecies of Isaiah. Our journey begins with Isaiah 6:1-8, a passage that unveils "The G...

Always Start With Gratitude - This week Pastor Paul will explore the apostle Paul's words to the Thessalonians, a community known for its steadfast faith and enduring love. Drawing parallels to our modern lives, the sermon will remind us of the transformative power of gratitude—not just as a response to what we have, but as a foundational approach to life. What does it mean to live with grati...

This week Rev. Bernie Porter is preaching, looking at Matthew 7:24-29, and wrapping up our series on the Sermon on the Mount. In these verses, Jesus presents the parable of the wise and foolish builders, offering us a vivid illustration of the enduring strength found in a life built upon His teachings. Bernie will guide us in understanding how this parable is not just a lesson in architecture, but...

The Better Way - This week Pastor Paul is looking at Matthew 7:7-14. What does it mean to ask, seek, and knock? In a world brimming with easy choices and fleeting promises, Jesus presents us with "The Better Way" that leads to abundant life. We are called not just to understand His words, but to put them into action, building our lives on the rock-solid foundation of His truth and love....

Hypocrisy And The Church - As we continue through The Sermon on the Mount, today Pastor Paul is looking at Matthew 7:1-6, the metaphor about a speck in someone else's eye while there's a plank in our own eye. This sermon invites heartfelt reflection, gently guiding us towards a path of grace and understanding. Together, we'll unravel the significance of setting aside judgment, foste...

Dealing With Fear and Anxiety - Today, Pastor Paul is back and looking at Matthew 6:25-34. Join us as we explore the profound teachings of The Sermon on the Mount, and uncover practical guidance for dealing with fear and anxiety." In today's turbulent world, the message of Christ's teachings is more relevant than ever. Discover how faith can be your anchor, and how you can find peac...

Some Thoughts On Prayer - Today, our friends Jere Lester and Noel Musicha from Ebenezer Church in Linda Vista are preaching and looking at Matthew 6:5-15. Their sermon is titled, "Some Thoughts On Prayer" we're exploring the essence of prayer, as we consider the words of Christ in the Lord's Prayer and gain a deeper understanding of what it means to connect with the Divine. Joi...

What Do You Treasure? - Welcome to Week 6 of our series on The Sermon on the Mount. In this powerful message, based on Matthew 6:19-24, Pastor Paul delves into the profound question: "What Do You Treasure?" Join us as we explore the timeless wisdom of Jesus and examine the treasures that truly matter in our lives. In a world filled with distractions and materialism, this sermon invites u...

A Posture Of Humility - This Sunday is Week 5 of the series on the Sermon on the Mount. Paul is looking at Matthew 6:1-4. Discover the beauty of selfless giving, the joy of quiet acts of kindness, and the deep spiritual richness that comes with a humble heart. As we explore this passage, you'll gain insights into how practicing humility can strengthen your faith and positively impact the worl...

Jesus, Grace And The Law - This Sunday Pastor Paul is back and continuing the series on the Sermon on the Mount. This week Paul is looking at Matthew 5:17-20. In this sermon, we delve deep into Jesus' teachings, exploring the intricate relationship between grace and the law. Discover how these fundamental principles shape our faith, guide our actions, and draw us closer to our Lord. We want t...

Salt And Light - This Sunday's sermon, "Salt and Light," is based on Matthew 5:13-16, and presented by our Middle School Director, Abraham Musto. Join us as we explore the profound teachings of Jesus about being the "salt of the earth" and the "light of the world." Discover how you can make a positive impact in your community and shine brightly for your faith. Do...

The Blessings Continue - This Sunday is week two of our Fall Sermon Series on the Sermon on the Mount. Pastor Paul is drawing inspiration from Matthew 5:7-12. From "Blessed are the merciful" to "Rejoice and be glad," these teachings continue to guide and inspire us today. Discover how these blessings can shape your life, your faith, and your journey towards a more meaningful re...

Gathered Around Jesus - This Sunday we're kicking off a new Sermon Series based on Matthew chapters 5 through 7, Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. In this pivotal text, Christ talks about the implications and distinctives of being His disciple. Following Jesus transforms our lives. In this sermon Jesus reminds the disciples that they are to be different than the rest of the world. Jesus jumps...

The Staggering Genius of Joseph’s Calamity - This Sunday Pastor Scott is preaching, looking at Genesis 50:15-21. In this passage, discover the depth of God's providence and the remarkable capacity to turn life's hardships into opportunities for growth, redemption, and remarkable outcomes. Be inspired by Joseph's journey and gain insights into how your own challenges can be harnessed...

Jesus, who do you say I am? - This Sunday Cynthia Blase is preaching, looking at Ephesians 2:1-10. In this passage, the apostle Paul explores the transformative power of grace. In a world that constantly seeks to define our worth, we'll reflect on the ultimate truth that our identity is intricately woven with Christ's redemptive work. As Cynthia takes us through the pages of Ephesians, w...