Midtown Presbyterian Church

This week, Luke's Gospel encourages us to break free from the small, self-focused lives our culture encourages and embrace the expansive, kingdom-centered life Jesus offers. The sermon draws from Luke 10, where Jesus sends out 70 disciples to proclaim the nearness of God's kingdom. This story reminds us that we're all called to be 'sent ones,' carrying the good news of God's love to every corner o...

Jackie Parks, pastor of South Scottsdale Presbyterian church, invites us to rethink our understanding of love through the lens of God’s radical, life-changing love. Drawing from 1 John 4:7-21, we’re reminded that "God is love" and that we’re called to reflect His love by loving others. This isn’t just sentimental or convenient love—it’s agape love, selfless and sacrificial. The parable of the Good...

In this powerful message, we're reminded of the transformative power of sincere faith and how it can spark spiritual fires in our lives and the lives of others. Through the lens of 2 Timothy 1:1-7, we explore how retaining sincere faith, reading what God is already doing, remembering that little things are big things, and rekindling the gifts of God can make us effective links in God's redemptive...

In this powerful message, we're challenged to examine our role as Christians in a world filled with diverse beliefs and idols. Drawing from Paul's encounter in Athens in Acts 17, we're reminded that our faith isn't meant to be a private affair, but a transformative force in every aspect of culture. Just as Paul went to the marketplace, we're called to immerse ourselves in our communities, workplac...

In this powerful exploration of John 3:1-17, we delve into the profound concept of being 'born again.' This familiar phrase takes on new depth as we examine Jesus' encounter with Nicodemus, a respected religious leader. We're challenged to reconsider our cultural understanding of rebirth, moving beyond mere emotional experiences or rigid moral structures. Instead, we're invited to embrace a fundam...

In this powerful exploration of what it truly means to be the church, we're challenged to rethink our understanding of Christian community. The early church, as depicted in Acts 2:37-47, shows us a radically different way of living - one marked by inclusive fellowship, sacrificial generosity, and a transformative encounter with Jesus. We're reminded that the church isn't just a building or a tradi...

In this powerful exploration of worry and anxiety, we delve into Jesus' teachings from Matthew 6:25-34. The message challenges us to reconsider our priorities and trust in God's providence. We're reminded that worry often stems from misplaced priorities and attempts to control the uncontrollable. By striving first for God's kingdom, we can find peace amidst life's uncertainties. The imagery of bir...

As we enter a new year, we're challenged to consider the true meaning of transformation in our lives. The Gospel of Mark introduces us to Jesus' first words of ministry, inviting us into the 'good news' of God's kingdom. This isn't just about personal resolutions or self-improvement; it's about participating in a cosmic shift where God's reign breaks into our world. We're called to 'repent and bel...

In this profound exploration of worship, we're invited to reflect on what truly holds the highest worth in our lives. The concept of 'worth-ship' challenges us to examine our priorities and recognize that everyone worships something. As we journey through this message, we're reminded of the importance of remembrance in our spiritual lives. The Bible mentions 'remember' or 'do not forget' over 500...

We are reminded that the true meaning of Advent and Christmas goes far beyond the festive imagery we're accustomed to as Luke Parker shares what John has to say in this powerful message. The Book of Revelation offers us a startling, awe-inspiring vision of Christ that challenges our comfortable notions. We're introduced to Jesus as the majestic 'Son of Man,' holding stars in His hand and speaking...

In this powerful message, we're reminded that even in our darkest moments, hope is never lost. The story of Jesus' resurrection in Matthew 28 serves as a profound metaphor for the transformation possible in our own lives. Just as Mary Magdalene and the other Mary approached the tomb in despair, we often face situations that seem hopeless. But the earthquake, the angel, and the empty tomb remind us...

During this second Sunday of Advent, we delve into the profound concept of being 'born again' as described in John 3. Far from being a mere emotional experience or adherence to strict moral codes, Jesus presents this rebirth as a complete reinvention of self, necessary for everyone regardless of their perceived righteousness. The conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, a respected religious lead...

In this powerful exploration of the Christmas story, we're challenged to look beyond the familiar nativity scenes and confront the radical nature of God becoming human. The passage from Matthew 1 reveals the profound truth of 'Emmanuel' - God with us. This isn't just a comforting sentiment, but a life-altering reality that demands our response. We're reminded that Joseph's decision to marry Mary,...

In this powerful message, we're invited to explore what it truly means to create a masterpiece with our lives. Drawing inspiration from O. Henry's 'The Last Leaf', we're challenged to reconsider our definition of success and significance. The story reminds us that our greatest impact often comes not from grand achievements, but from small acts of sacrificial love. As we delve into Romans 16, we di...

Sermon show notes for podcast and YouTube: 1. “The nature of faith is to live constantly out of tune with the world as it is presently, and constantly in tune with the way God intends it to be.” -N.T. Wright, “Following Jesus: Biblical Reflections on Discipleship” 2. “Christianity stands or falls by its revolutionary protest against violence, arbitrariness, and pride of power, and by its witness f...

Sermon Resources: 1. “We demand too much of life, too little of ourselves…In the last twenty-five years, the patient increasingly confronts the psychiatrist not with well-defined symptoms of their personal difficulties but with their dissatisfactions about life. He does not suffer from fixations or phobias or nervous ailments or emotional immaturity; instead he complains "of vague, diffuse dissati...

Sermon Resources: Scripture References: Genesis 38-50, Nehemiah 1-5, Luke 12:13-20, Matthew 16:25 1. “I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo. “So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”--Frodo Baggins and Gandalf The Grey, "The Lord of the Rings" 2. "Th...

For Such A Time As This | Prideful Influence - Esther 2:19 - 3:15 - Daniel Barth by Midtown Presbyterian Church

For Such A Time As This | Complexity Of The Issues - Esther 2:1-18 - Gabby Gustafson by Midtown Presbyterian Church

Sermon Notes: 1. Pew study on Post-Christendom: https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2022/09/13/modeling-the-future-of-religion-in-america/ 2. “The church is one of those former power brokers who once enjoyed a place of influence at the cultural table, but has been chased away from its place of privilege and is now seeking to find where it belongs amidst the ever-changing dynamics of contemporary...

The Search | Proclaiming Living Water - John 4:28-30, 39-42 - Luke Parker by Midtown Presbyterian Church

The Search | What's Driving You? - John 4:27, 31-38 - Gayle Parker by Midtown Presbyterian Church

Sermon Resources: Scripture References - Amos 5:24, Jeremiah 7:1-11, John 14:6 1. “When the Patient goes inside the church building, he will see the local grocer with a rather oily expression on his face bustling up to offer him one shiny little book containing a liturgy which neither of them understands, and one shabby little book containing texts of a number of religious lyrics, mostly bad, and...

Sermon Resources: Scriptures - John 4, John 2:24-26, John 19:28 1. “Our stories are all stories of longing. We long for a good self to be and for good work to do. We long to become human in a world that tempts us always to be less than human or looks to us to be more. We long to love and to be loved. And in a world where it is often hard to believe in much of anything, we long to believe in someth...

Sermon Resources: 1. Franz Jägerstätter: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franz_J%C3%A4gerst%C3%A4tter 2. “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. In fact, it's the only thing that ever has.” -Margaret Mead 3. “For the growing good of the world is dependent on unhistoric acts; and that things are not so ill with you and me as they might have been is half...