Sherwood Oaks Christian Church Podcast

In his sermon, Matt Nussbaum reflects on the stories of individuals in the Christmas narrative, illustrating that everyone has a story filled with both faithfulness and fears. He emphasizes that while we were created in God’s image to be faithful and fearless, our stories often become shattered due to sin and the lies of an enemy who aims to destroy us. However, the Christmas story brings hope thr...

My dad died recently. He lived 92 years and was married to my mom for 70 of those years. He was a good, faithful follower of Christ. Hi, I’m Allen Burris from Sherwood Oaks Christian Church, and I want to share some thoughts about grief. Grief resides between the pain of loss and the promises of God, which include life after death. Grief is a place of hope—a hope built on faith in a loving God. Je...

In his sermon, Shawn Green opens with a thought-provoking question: "Why are you here this morning?" He acknowledges the diverse reasons people gather for worship, whether out of habit, a desire for community, or an innate spiritual longing. Green emphasizes the collective strength found among believers, highlighting how the presence of Jesus is felt when the body of Christ comes togethe...

In this episode of our  series "Thine is the Kingdom," we delve into the second week of our exploration of the eternal kingdom of God, as inspired by Jesus' teachings. The sermon begins by acknowledging the chaos and stress that often permeate our lives, inviting listeners to find sanctuary and rest in God's presence. We reflect on the historical context of Israel's longin...

I woke up today feeling especially thankful for the people that God has put into my life. These people have helped me in so many ways – they have been there for me to offer support, to lift me up, to encourage me, and to draw me further into my relationship with Christ. Hi, I’m Maggie Mobley from Sherwood Oaks Christian Church. In 1929 the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade displayed the longest ballo...

In his sermon, Shawn discusses the challenges of trusting God in a chaotic world, as exemplified by the Israelites' desire for a king in 1 Samuel 8, reflecting our own tendency to seek human leaders instead of relying on divine authority. He emphasizes the importance of prayer and recognizing God's sovereignty, urging listeners to shift their focus from temporary solutions to the eternal...

Who do you resent right now? Is there a relationship you have that, when you think about it, it gives you a knot in your stomach? Hi, I’m Noah Saylor here at Sherwood Oaks Christian Church. When we look at the Beatitude of the Peacemaker, Jesus says that those who make peace with others will be called ‘children of God.’ Just like how kids resemble their parents, we demonstrate God’s character when...

In his sermon, Shawn emphasizes the surprising nature of Jesus' final beatitude, which states that those who are persecuted for righteousness will be blessed. This teaching challenges the expectation that following Jesus would lead to universal approval, instead preparing believers for opposition and ridicule. Shawn distinguishes between genuine persecution for one’s faith and the consequence...

In his sermon, Noah discusses the importance of being a peacemaker as highlighted in the seventh Beatitude from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing that true peace requires effort and can often be messy. He draws parallels between conflict resolution and cleaning, asserting that while the process may seem daunting, the satisfaction of achieving peace is worth it. Noah underscores the dist...

Pete Rose, in my opinion, one of the greatest baseball players ever died recently. Pete Rose was my boyhood hero. I loved him and loved the Big Red Machine–the Cincinnati Reds. Hi, I am Allen Burris with a short message for you. Pete Rose was called Charlie Hustle, and I wanted to be like him. When I was 11, our little league team won the championship, and I received The Hustle award. It was a hig...

Matt shares insights from his extensive preaching experience, emphasizing the importance of being "pure in heart" as described by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. He explains that purity is not merely about external behaviors or appearances, as the Pharisees believed, but about the internal condition of the heart, highlighting contempt as a key obstacle to purity.  Matt challenges the a...

The sermon explores the challenges of showing kindness and mercy to those who have hurt us, including ourselves. It emphasizes that true mercy reflects the character of God, who is compassionate and gracious, as illustrated through stories from both the Old and New Testaments.  Shawn highlights how withholding mercy can trap us in our pain, while extending it can bring freedom and healing. Ultimat...

The word Abide means to remain or to live. In the Bible, the word abide is used to describe a deep and unwavering commitment to God and His word. Hi, I’m Maggie Mobley from Sherwood Oaks Christian Church. In John 15 Jesus uses a beautiful metaphor of a vine and branches to talk to us about our relationship with him. He says “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unl...

Today, Shawn celebrates the 10th anniversary of Iglesia Hispana, emphasizing its embodiment of the beatitude, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness." He explains righteousness as the intersection of holiness—our relationship with God—and justice—our actions toward others, encouraging the congregation to care for the marginalized.  Shawn highlights how Iglesia Hispana...

The sermon focuses on the Beatitudes, particularly the statement "blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." Matt emphasizes that true meekness is a posture of trust toward God, requiring individuals to bend their wills and desires to His will, rather than seeking self-promotion or allowing themselves to be passive.  Through various personal anecdotes, Matt illustrates how m...

Have you noticed that a lot of people are upset and angry about a lot of things? Hi, I’m Allen Burris from Sherwood Oaks Christian Church My habit is to read the Bible first thing every morning. A few days ago, I came across some simple but jarring words, especially in a cultural context of provocation and angry expressions. These words are found near the end of Ephesians 4. Get rid of all bittern...

Shawn Green reflects on the difficult experience of caring for his mother during her decline, revealing the emotional burden he carried while managing her healthcare from a distance. After her passing, he felt overwhelmed with responsibilities and guilt, believing he wasn't doing enough for his family and church, which prevented him from grieving properly.  A transformative moment came when h...

We live in a more divided world than ever. From politics to identity issues to generational gaps, our culture loves to highlight all the ways that we are different from one another. But Jesus offers a different way. A better way. My name is Quentin and I’m one of the pastors here at Sherwood Oaks. Jesus came onto the scene in a time full of many of the same issues we face today. His people were di...

Shawn Green delves into the concept of the "blessed life" as illustrated by the parable of a young man from a wealthy family who seeks independence and adventure, only to find himself in desperation after squandering his inheritance. This story reveals that true blessing is not found in material wealth or worldly experiences, but rather in recognizing one's spiritual poverty and nee...

I recently spent a lot of time watching the Olympics and the amazing athletes that participated. I watched many track and field events and was always in awe of the runners and their speed, endurance, and tenacity.  When I watched them race it got me thinking about how we each run our own race, even if it’s not on an Olympic stage. Hi, I’m Maggie Mobley from Sherwood Oaks Christian Church. Hebrews...

In this sermon, Shawn concludes the series "Asking for a Friend" by addressing challenging questions about faith and the doctrine of hell, emphasizing that it's a safe community for inquiry. He highlights the importance of connect groups for fostering relationships and discussing faith openly.  Shawn explores biblical teachings on hell, explaining that it's a result of rejectin...

Matt introduces himself as a new pastor at Sherwood Oaks and addresses the challenging question of whether it is arrogant to claim Jesus is the only way to God. He emphasizes the importance of sincerity in belief while arguing that truth matters more than mere sincerity, referencing Jesus' assertion in John 14 that He is "the way, the truth, and the life."  Through discussions about...

The sermon "We have science, do we need faith?" by Shawn Green from the series "Asking for a Friend" explores doubts and questions about faith, emphasizing the compatibility of faith and science. He encourages humility and respect in discussions about religion and science, showcasing how they can coexist and even complement each other.  Through examples like Professor Wayne Bow...

Shawn Green delves into the theme of desire, revealing how our earthly desires ultimately point to a longing for the presence of God in heaven. Using Psalm 84, he illustrates the deep yearning for God's dwelling place and emphasizes the fulfillment found in God's presence.  Through personal stories and analogies, Shawn explains the challenges and rewards of seeking God's presence, e...

Shawn reflects on his sabbatical in the sermon "Rest," emphasizing the importance of rest and reflection. He shares personal experiences and how sabbatical helped him find balance in ministry and value in his unique calling.  The sermon centers on Psalm 23, exploring God as the shepherd providing rest and guidance. Shawn encourages trusting in the Lord's leading through uncertainty...