Sermons for a Critical Faith

This week we take inspiration from the Ghost of Christmas Present and explore the themes of gratitude and generosity. Let's unwrap the gift of Christmas Present to experience its transformative power during the holiday season and our lives every day of the year.

This sermon explores how holidays bring memories of past Christmases, both joyful moments and regrets. Drawing inspiration from the story of Scrooge, the sermon encourages reflection on our own past experiences to find wisdom, healing, and a deeper connection to God's grace. December 8, 2024 | “The Ghost of Christmas Past | Rev. Dr. Sue Coller | First Presbyterian Church

This sermon challenges the "Bah, Humbug" attitude that can often arise from holiday stress and instead encourages a shift towards finding joy, transformation, and deeper connections during Christmas. Learn how approaching the holidays with a different mindset can lead to a more meaningful and fulfilling experience. December 1st, 2024 | “Bah, Humbug!” or Making Change? | Rev. Dr. Sue Coller | First...

Pastor Sue Coller emphasizes the idea that one cannot live in both the realm of God and the world simultaneously, that we ultimately have to choose one over the other. The Kingdom of God is portrayed as subversive and defying logic, with a focus on values such as generosity, service, and lack of grudges. The sermon contrasts this with the world, highlighting its potential for debt, self-interest,...

In a world filled with competing and often contradictory messages, it can be challenging to remain focused on living as people of God. This sermon will explore strategies for navigating the noise and staying loyal to the message of Jesus Christ. November 17th, 2024 | Navigating the Noise: Embracing God's Call in a Distracted World | Dr. Kris Brammer | First Presbyterian Church

This sermon investigates the role of risk-taking in making the world a better place. The audience is asked to reflect on their willingness to take risks with their resources, whether it be their own or those entrusted to them by others. Pastor Sue Coller emphasizes that all that we possess ultimately belongs to God. She explains how the parable of talents challenges individuals to step out in fait...

In this sermon, Pastor Sue Coller describes how money traps us with fleeting gratification and empty promises. She challenges us to instead follow our hearts and live with a mission for a more fulfilling and joyful life.  November 3rd, 2024 | Don't Fall For The Happiness Trap: Putting Money In Its Place | Rev. Dr. Sue Coller | First Presbyterian Church

Our value isn't tied to our bank accounts! That taking a spiritual perspective on money is the path to freedom. Join Pastor Sue Coller as she cautions listeners not to "break the gaze" and to instead keep our eyes, and our hearts, focused on Jesus. Part 1 of 3. First Presbyterian Church, Lincoln, Nebraska

Pastor Sue Babovec describes an exercise where she challenged a group of youth to think differently about how they form a circle. Despite their initial skepticism and resistance, they eventually realized the importance of changing their perspective and forming a circle by facing outward instead of inward. This metaphor illustrates the importance of shifting focus from self-centeredness to serving...

Re. Sue Babovec

A Critical Faith Sermon by Rev. Dr. Sue Coller...

This sermon reminds us that divisions and suspicion of outsiders aren't unique to modern times. The experiences of early Christians illustrate how easily an "us vs them" mentality can turn people against one another. The church provided a place of safety and belonging for those early Christians, just as it does for us today. September 22nd, 2024 | Showing The World A Better Way: Over...

The sermon highlights the impact of personal experiences on political viewpoints. By reflecting on the distinction between individual grievances and ideological divides, Pastor Sue encourages understanding and empathy in political discourse. The audience is challenged to consider their own motivations, fears, and concerns regarding the upcoming election. September 15th, 2024 | Exploring the Root o...

In a world divided by politics, this sermon calls for tearing down walls of hostility and embracing grace to work together for the common good. Despite the challenges and differences that may exist, the sermon highlights the potential for reconciliation and cooperation. September 8th, 2024 | Beyond Red and Blue: The Role of Faith and Grace in Healing Political Divisions | Rev. Dr. Sue Coller | Fir...

What would our world be like if we focused on catching people doing something good, rather than catching them doing something wrong?   What would life be like if people experienced grace from us, and not judgment?  How would your experience of life be different if you focused on joy, and not fear? September 1st, 2024 | Choosing Love Over Judgment: A Radical Shift in Mindset | Rev. Dr. Sue Coller |...

A Critical Faith Sermon by Rev. Dr. Carl Eskridge...

This sermon delves into the timeless wisdom of King Solomon's prayer. Learn how this ancient prayer continues to offer guidance for living in a manner that reflects the heart of God. August 18th, 2024 | Divine Guidance: King Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom | Rev. Dr. Sue Coller | First Presbyterian Church

This sermon delves into the moment when Elijah finds himself in the depths of depression, longing for his life to end. The angel's compassionate care reminds us that God's people are valued regardless of their actions or circumstances. August 11th, 2024 | Divine Care: Lessons From Elijah's Despair | Rev. Lauren Peters | First Presbyterian Church

This sermon highlights the deep, universal hunger for significance, meaning, and recognition. It emphasizes how unmet spiritual hunger can lead to a sense of mere existence, devoid of purpose. By drawing a parallel between physical and spiritual hunger, the sermon underscores the transformative power of connecting with Jesus to fulfill our deepest needs, leading to a life imbued with meaning, purp...

Despite the widespread desire for community, we often limit ourselves by associating only with others who are similar to us. This denies us the opportunity to create inclusive communities like those Jesus created when he invited people to share a meal together. July 28th, 2024 | Hungering For A Community For All | Rev. Dr. Sue Coller | First Presbyterian Church

If you've ever been famished but didn't know what you were hungry for, you understand the spiritual hunger others are experiencing. This sermon explores what it means to have spiritual hunger and the deep hunger that exists in the world. Listeners are encouraged to feed both their own hunger and the hunger of others. July 21st, 2024 | What Are You Hungry For? Inviting Others To The Spiritu...

Pastor Sue Coller shares her experience at the 226th Presbyterian Church General Assembly. She explains how the assembly's actions provide hope for a better future and how we can work to make that future a reality. July 14th, 2024 | Hope: Lessons From The Presbyterian General Assembly | Rev. Dr. Sue Coller | First Presbyterian Church

This sermon calls us to look beyond our own needs in order to love others as we love ourselves. July 7th, 2024 | Freedom In Christ | Dr. Kris Brammer | First Presbyterian Church

A Critical Faith sermon by Pastor Lauren Peters... June 30th, 2024 | Feeling the Big Feels | Pastor Lauren Peters | First Presbyterian Church