Sermons at Smoky Row Brethren Church

Paul's letter to Philemon shows us a practical outworking of Jesus' instructions about loving others amid conflict.

We often quote “judge not, lest you be judged” and yet forget Jesus’ further commands to speak truth in the darkness and beware of false prophets. Join pastor Cory for a reflection on the kind of discernment Jesus asks of us, and the mercy and humility with which we must wield it.

When Jesus teaches us to love others, it’s about far more than just being kind and considerate. Jesus teaches us to love others sacrificially.

A look at the unique role of the Holy Spirit.

Join us as we read and reflect together on the Ascension of Jesus from Acts 1:1-11.

If we decide to follow Jesus, we will have to reckon with our love of stuff.

When Jesus calls us to follow him, the journey involves laying down our old priorities and habits in our spiritual life to make Jesus’ priorities our own.

When counting the cost of following Jesus, we must consider what it means to surrender our vision for our lives in order to embrace Jesus’ vision and pattern for our journey with him. Come and see/reflect on my teaching. (Jn 1:39; Mt 11:15, 13:9, 43; Mk 4:9; Lk 8:8) You must be born again. (Jn 3:7) Repent, the kingdom of heaven has come near (Mt 4:17; Mk 1:15) Deny yourself and take up your cross...

Jesus tells the crowds to think it through before making a commitment to follow him.

Jesus meets with the disciples as they are holed up in both fear and wonder after the events of Jesus' death and the report of his empty tomb.

On the day of his resurrection, we find Jesus spending hours walking to Emmaus with two otherwise unmentioned disciples and explaining the meaning of everything that has happened. Who are these disciples and what does Luke hope that we learn from their testimony?

The sky turns dark. The temple of the curtain is torn. And Jesus offers up his last breath to the Father in trust. Reflect with us on the death of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke and what it reveals for us about who Jesus is and our relationship to him.

As Jesus journeys to his death - some weep and others mock. Jesus prays for his enemies.

As the hour of his arrest approaches, Jesus invites his disciples to join him in prayer that they may not fall into temptation. Instead, they fall asleep, and Jesus prays in anguish as the hour approaches.

As Jesus teaches daily in the temple courts, he draws a clear contrast between the greed of the religious teachers and the generosity of widows they are exploiting. What lessons can this teach us about identifying abuse and exploitation today and how to find hope to build something better?

Jesus enters into Jerusalem to a praising crowd and disapproving Pharisees, yet his response is different still. Our community reflects together on the significance of this event.

As Jesus’ disciples try to send parents and children away, Jesus stops them and welcomes the kids to interrupt what they are doing. He teaches that the Kingdom of God belongs to those like these little children, and notes that we cannot enter it without becoming like them.

One of the most difficult parables of Jesus to understand. What exactly is Jesus trying to teach us through this parable of a dishonest, yet shrewd manager?

Jesus tells stories about that feeling of relief and joy we feel when something valuable is recovered after it has gone missing.

Jesus attends a dinner party at a prominent pharisee’s home and causes a bit of a disruption.

Jesus is questioned about who exactly we are to love as our neighbors.

Jesus invites three of his disciples to join him for a time of prayer on a mountain.

The Gospels are full of Jesus doing surprising things at dinner parties. In today's account, Jesus finds himself the object of unusual attention from a woman known about town. The way he responds teaches us something important about who Jesus is and who we are in turn.

Crowds begin to flock to Jesus and he gathers a group of disciples. As all draw near to learn more from this miracle worker, this is what he has to say...

Jesus is led out into the wilderness for 40 days and nights and is tempted by the devil.