Pastor Dirk's Sermons

When Ezekiel sees visions of a new temple and a new city, He sees heaven coming to earth. The created world is not merely restored. It is gloriously transformed. As transformed people we can look forward to our place in this new heaven and new earth. Visit us at app.dirkscorner.com to download the app

When it looks as if God’s plans were dead, when His people seemed lost and defeated, God raises them from the dead and breathes His Spirit into them. The ones once regarded as dead are now powerful warriors in a restored kingdom of God. Visit us at app.dirkscorner.com to download the app

Visions of judgment are never pleasant. Given the choice, we would rather avoid them. Yet God in His mercy wants us to see clearly the consequences that await us, if we choose to reject His ways. Visit us at app.dirkscorner.com to download the app

n this first vision, the powerful symbols of God in the temple come to life, and Ezekiel the priest bows in reverence. God will call him to do an impossible job, but his big vision of God will inspire him to attempt the impossible. Visit us at app.dirkscorner.com to download the app

Who is invited to the party? Those who deserve to be there or those who everyone expects to be there? Maybe our culture is not very good at making this decision. Jesus, however, teaches us a faith that will see everyone through God’s eyes, so that we can joyfully tell them about their invitation to God’s celebration. Visit us at app.dirkscorner.com to download the app

Faith is more than belief. It requires action that proves what we believe. Jesus teaches us that belief without loving action is false and ineffective faith. True faith, however, proves itself through love. Visit us at app.dirkscorner.com to download the app

Faith does not always produce visible results, at least not in the short term. Jesus teaches us however to look beyond our efforts to the One who inspires those efforts. He guarantees our results, even if we cannot immediately see them. Visit us at app.dirkscorner.com to download the app

All of us are born with an authority problem. We don't like it when people tell us what to do, even when Jesus Himself gives us commands. In this week's scripture, however, Jesus reminds us that obedient faith can produce an everlasting result, completing what God wants to build within us and through us. Visit us at app.dirkscorner.com to download the app

Nothing destroys impact like hypocrisy. Jesus teaches us faith that turns hypocrisy on its head. By admitting our own blindness, we can finally begin to see and help others to see the light. We experience in fuller measure the grace that God freely gives to us as we extend that grace to others. Visit us at app.dirkscorner.com to download the app

Faith can be powerless if we refuse to be challenged. True faith quickly rejects ritual with no substance. Jesus wants us to experience a powerful faith that breaks out of our old wineskins, spilling into a thirsty world. Visit us at app.dirkscorner.com to download the app

Jesus dies but does not stay dead. The Father raises Him. This one event changes our entire view of life and death, giving us hope even when we must witness the tragedy of death. How does this event continue to inspire us? Visit us at app.dirkscorner.com to download the app

Good Friday did not at first appear to be good. In fact, it was awful, an innocent and beloved man condemned to die a tortuous death. Unfortunately, this kind of death was all too common in a broken and condemned world. And yet, there was something different about this death, something that brings hope to those who understand what God is revealing through it. Visit us at app.dirkscorner.com to dow...

Jesus prepares His disciples for what lies ahead. He serves them, feeds them, and charges them to follow His example. He institues a meal, extending the promise of Passover to a new generation of His people. By continuing this meal together, He reminds us of His presence to deliver us from a sin-cursed world, and to unite us as we work together for His eternal kingdom. Visit us at app.dirkscorner....

Jesus carefully plans His arrival in Jerusalem. His triumphal entry tells us what sort of victory God will win. When we begin to doubt who is winning in our own tumultuous world, this story reminds us of God’s time-tested ways. Visit us at app.dirkscorner.com to download the app

Jesus often faces spiritual enemies that plagued the people around Him. He comes to bring healing to these victims. His actions bear witness to God’s relentless love for those still under attack. Visit us at app.dirkscorner.com to download the app

Jesus claims to be the fulfillment of God’s promises to His people. His claims are either preposterous or world changing. For those suffering and those committed to improving this world, His claims deserve thoughtful consideration. Visit us at app.dirkscorner.com to download the app

Before Jesus launches His public ministry, He faces an ancient enemy. He defeats this enemy with an inner strength that He passes on to His followers. How do we tap into this strength when our enemies attack? Visit us at app.dirkscorner.com to download the app

Since ancient times, ashes have been a symbol of repentance, a visible sign of our desire to be cleansed and healed. Join us in our chapel, as we begin our healing journey of Lent together. Visit us at app.dirkscorner.com to download the app

In our culture, obedience does not come easily. If they want obedience, parents, pet owners and governments must often stipulate harsh consequences for any failure to comply. When we follow Christ, however, we are blessed to obey, because of the one who calls us to obey. In our obedience to Him we find power and strength to stand through any trial. Visit us at app.dirkscorner.com to download the a...

Humility is not always popular in our culture. The humble person is often seen as a weak person. Jesus, however, turns this perspective on its head. Only truly strong people can be humble, and this humility gives them power to face the harsh critics in our world. Speaking of humility, I apologize in advance for mispronouncing Leymah Gbowee's last name; it should be pronounced with a long "o". Visi...

Some days challenge us more than others. Sometimes the obstacles are so formidable that we question whether our efforts are worth anything at all. Yet, the apostle maintains a powerful perspective that both informs his efforts and assures him of good results. Even when most people cannot see the signs of success, how does he keep his hope alive? Visit us at app.dirkscorner.com to download the app

The world seeks happiness, while God promises joy. Joy is therefore more powerful than happiness. It is not dependent on circumstances or environment. It is more deeply rooted and more deeply satisfying. How do we obtain this joy that sustains us even in challenging times? Visit us at app.dirkscorner.com to download the app

When we find ourselves caught up in power struggles beyond our control, we may cry out to God for His salvation. Is He listening? When Daniel prays, God reveals His plans to work through the chaos and bring this world back into order. Appearances must not keep us from seeing the sovereign hand of God working toward His ordained outcomes. Visit us at app.dirkscorner.com to download the app

Formidable powers follow one upon the other in their rise to own the world. Their plans, plots, and wars seem to shape the history of humankind. Yet, God has not abandoned the fight. The world remains His kingdom, and, in due time, He reveals the one who will win it all back to Himself. Visit us at app.dirkscorner.com to download the app

Injustice will not go away, good people made to suffer for the wrong reasons. As a victim of injustice, Daniel learns to depend upon a just God who saves the righteous. His trust in the one who sees and saves inspires us to remain vigilant in our own pursuit of justice. Visit us at app.dirkscorner.com to download the app