Worship Anew

Sermon Text: Luke 2:7 The manger in Bethlehem is the first step toward a hilltop called Calvary and Christ’s death for the sins of the world. Rather than shy away from that truth, we remember and marvel: the Son of God wills to become a swaddled baby in a Bethlehem barn because He wills to go to the cross for you

Sermon Text: John 1:23 The message of Advent is not that we should get better or get busy. Instead, Advent calls us to despair of our efforts and let go of our past performance and to die at the foot of the cross of Jesus Christ where our burden was carried, salvation is found, and we receive the righteousness of Christ.

Sermon Text: Isaiah 40:1-11 We all need comfort for various reasons, which includes our feeling sorrow over our sins. So, be comforted! Even though we are sinners, God shows us abundant grace. These truths are certain because they come from God’s Word, which stands forever

Sermon Text: Matthew 25:32 The sheep go to the right, the goats to the left, but take note of the terms of separation. They are sorted on the basis of what they are, not what they do. And this is precisely what the apostle Paul means when he says that we are justified by God’s grace through faith in Christ apart from works of the law. Final Judgment is made not on the basis of what you did, but on...

Sermon Text: Matthew 25:14-30 In Christ, God’s wrath has been satisfied, and we have been liberated from sin and freed to serve; freed to use the talents God has given us; freed to be the people Christ died to create. And in Christ, the Master call us “good and faithful servants” as we carry out His work in the world.

Sermon Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 We learn from the Apostle Paul about Last Day realities, which mean for us present-day hope. These truths about that Day move us to encourage one another now as brothers and sisters in Christ.

Sermon Text: Matthew 5:1-12 In the midst of hardships, struggles, and persecution it is easy to lose hope and falsely believe that God has abandoned us. He has not. John in his Revelation provides us the sure and certain hope that our Savior brings us through all these things finally giving to us His victory.

Sermon Text: Revelation 14:6-7 Our God is consistent in all that He says and does. He has given to us an eternal Gospel. We know that this eternal Gospel, the Good News of Jesus Christ, is an unchangeable truth promising the reward of life in heaven. 

Sermon Text: 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10; Psalm 96:1 Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection turns our lives from sin’s despair and certain death to a living hope that awaits His return. We wait with a “new song” in our hearts and on our lips, a “song” of love for God and our neighbors whom He has entrusted to us. Yes, we are people who, through the Gospel’s power, are TURNED TO GOD!

Sermon Text: Matthew 22:1-14 During His earthly ministry Jesus loved telling parables about banquets and parties. These parables are great ways to teach the truths of His kingdom. The truth we discover in the Parable of the Wedding Banquet is that attendance and participation in His banquet is on His terms. And His terms are lovely and gracious! 

Matthew 21:33-46 In the parable of the wicked vinedressers Jesus recounts how God’s chosen people, Israel, were unfaithful to their calling. The Christian Church, which is the New Israel, is to be faithful to God’s calling by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.  

Sermon Text: Matthew 21:23 By what authority? Jesus’ own words and works gave witness to His authority. He told the religious authorities as much. If you don’t believe His words then look at His works. Healing the sick, casting out demons, stilling storms, walking on water, casting out demons, raising the dead. These are the works that God does, and only one who is authorized by God can do these k...

Sermon Text: Matthew 20:1-16 The generosity of God goes against everything we innately hold dear. It is not fair. It makes no sense. And yet, because of this unreasonable generosity given to us through Jesus, we are saved!

Sermon Text: Genesis 50:15-21 When wronged, we are tempted to get revenge. But Jesus teaches us to forgive those who have trespassed against us. There are, in fact, great benefits associated with forgiving others.

Sermon Text: Matthew 18:15-20 God moved heaven and earth, sending His Son Jesus Christ to die and rise to life, because of His great love for us. He calls you and me to exercise such extravagant and urgent love in the lives of others. He calls us to Courageous Conversations with those He places among us.

Sermon Text: Romans 12:9-21 God’s Word teaches us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Is our love “The real McCoy”? How is our love impacted by the real Jesus? No fakes or forgeries will suffice!

Sermon Text: Matthew 16:13-20 Jesus' question to His disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" gave them and gives us the opportunity to make the great confession of faith: "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." May that great confession be on our lips and lives every day.

Sermon Text: Matthew 15:25 The Canaanite woman with the demon possessed daughter just woudln't take no for an answer. No matter what Jesus said to her, she just kept coming back with a faith that wouldn't let go, no matter what Jesus did or didn't say. And she was an outsider to Israel! That's what this Gospel reading is all about: God's grace to all in His Son Jesus Christ and a faith that won't...

Sermon Text: Matthew 14: 22-33 Peter may have only had a little faith, but he wlaked on the water. And even with a little faith, you'll be amazed at where God makes you walk today.

Sermon Text: Isaiah 55:1-3a We all have been hungry and thirsty. We need to eat and drink in order to have physcial life. But there is another type of hunger and thirst, which is even more important to satisfy. When this hunger is met, and this thirst quenched, the result is everlasting life.

Sermon Text: Romans 8:38-39; Matthew 13:44-45 Who or what can separate us from God’s love in Jesus Christ? Nothing! How much is the Kingdom of Heaven worth?  Everything!   

Sermon Text: Romans 8:18-27 All it took was one act of rebellion for everything to be thrown off kilter. The Apostle Paul reminds us that all of creation is groaning as in the pains of childbirth. And our groans add to this sad chorus! But there is Good News! Not only does the Spirit intercede for us, but there is a coming glory to be revealed for us that makes our present sufferings pale in compa...

Sermon Text: Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 There are many things that distract us from hearing God’s Word.  Since it is God’s Word that creates and sustains faith, these distractions aren’t just annoying, they’re harmful. Even with these distractions, we are still called to share God’s Word as it produces faith in the hearts of people.   

Sermon Text: Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” It seems so simple, doesn’t it? Come to Jesus, trust Jesus, let Jesus shoulder your burden. And yet we refuse to believe it or trust it, and so we burden ourselves needlessly. Christ bore your sins on the cross; why are you trying to bear them for yourself? Christ bore the burden of your shame and...