Despair. Disappointment. God, where are you? I’m at the end of my rope! This sermon takes us through Psalm 88, the darkest of the psalms, and suggests four responses for when things get dark.
Category: Sermons
True Repentance: Create in me a Clean Heart [Sermon]
King David sinned. Big time. He pleaded to God for mercy and forgiveness. This sermon explores David’s story, Psalm 51, and how we too might engage in true repentance. It’s wanting your heart to follow your tongue.
Be still, and know that I am God [Sermon]
It’s easy to lose perspective when facing uncertainty or fear. Enter Psalm 46 which is often read during times of national or personal crisis. It helps us re-gain perspective. This sermon unpacks Psalm 46, considers the bigness of God, and the “inner stillness” that faith can foster.
The LORD is my Shepherd. What does Psalm 23 mean for us today? [Sermon]
It’s the world’s most famous psalm. It is said at funerals, memorized, tattooed on bodies, and underlined in Bibles. Our Shepherd provides for us and restores our souls. But this is no naive optimism. He does so through the valley of the shadow of death. This sermon explores Psalm 23 and zeroes in on one major application for our lives today.
The Two Ways [Sermon]
We live in a world of choices. But Psalm 1 foregrounds a big one. Will we choose the way of the righteous, or the way of the wicked? This sermon introduces a series on the most famous psalms, and explores Psalm 1, the “gateway” to the psalsm.
Failure doesn’t disqualify you [Sermon]
Jesus was about to physically leave them. Could they continue his message and mission even though they were deeply flawed? Yes. And so can you. This sermon on John 21 explains why and how.
Ordinary Missionary [Sermon]
When we think of a missionary we usually think of someone going to serve in another country. But we all have a commission, even here in our own neighbourhoods. This sermon explores a lesser-known commission in John 20:19-31 and also looks at the story of ‘doubting Thomas.’
His Pain, Your Gain [Good Friday Sermon]
We are in a covenant relationship with God. But what happens when we don’t live up to our end of the relationship? The answer has to do with why Good Friday is called “good.” This sermon and episode from Good Friday looks at John 14:15, and two of the life-changing facets of Jesus’ saving work. His pain, our gain.
Tradition or Traditionalism [Sermon]
Healthy traditions give life. Unhealthy traditionalism doesn’t. One is the “living faith of the dead,” the other is the “dead faith of the living.” This sermon from Palm Sunday on Psalm 118 explores the difference and how God-honouring traditions can stabilize us in a world that feels increasingly chaotic.
Bleedership [Sermon]
Leadership is desperately needed — and not just from others, and not just in ‘official’ capacities. You have many opportunities to show unofficial leadership. This sermon on John 19:1-16 explores some critical historical context to highlight the kind of leader Jesus was, and who we can emulate.
How to get the most out of a sermon
If you follow Jesus, listening to sermons is a significant part of your discipleship. They are called a “means of grace” (i.e. they can be a channel of God’s generosity, guidance and help in your life, even via imperfect preachers). So don’t you want to understand, make the most of, and engage with them? This talk provides practical assistance. It’s about being proactive, not passive.
Live like royalty [Sermon]
Jesus says his kingdom is not of this world. What does that mean and what are the implications for those of us who follow him but who still live in this world? This sermon is on John 18:19-40 and provides some practical responses to our royal identity.
Integrity under pressure [Sermon]
Integrity is good. But it’s hard to demonstrate under pressure. This sermon explores John 18:1-18 and the examples of Peter and Jesus under pressure. It provides a one-sentence filter to help us have integrity under pressure.
Praying for what Jesus prays for [Sermon]
Jesus prayed specific things for his future followers. If you believe, that’s you! This sermon (and podcast) explores John 17. Let’s pray what Jesus prayed for us, and also see what he wants from our lives.
Is it all chance or providence? [Sermon]
Is your life unfolding according to chance, or a bigger plan? Jesus teaches about providence: the invisible hand of God guiding and upholding your specific life. This sermon explores John 16:25-33 (and some of Psalm 22) to see this providence not only in the good, but in the difficult.
Finding joy when you don’t feel it [Sermon]
We live in a quick-fix culture. Sine we can get some things quickly, we assume we should be able to get all things quickly — even when it comes to joy. But not so fast. Think diet not pill. This sermon is on John 16:4-25 and a joy which overcomes sorrow.
When the world hates you because of your faith [Sermon]
Jesus said that the world would hate them. It would also persecute them. That’s serious stuff, both then and now. This sermon explores John 15:18 – 16:4 and offers 5 responses to increasing hostility.
Tarrying with a Lord you cannot see [Sermon]
It doesn’t make the headlines like the apocalypse or the last social justice issue. But “abiding in Christ” is something we’re told to do, shapes us over the long haul, and gives us joy. But what is it? How do we do it? This sermon on John 15:1-17 answers these questions.
The Holy Spirit within you is helping you [Sermon]
Jesus calls the Holy Spirit the “Helper” (the Paraklete). He lives within his people. But who exactly is he and what does he do? That’s what this sermon on John 14:15-31 explores.
What do we really know about the historical Jesus, and how does that impact our faith? [Sermon]
Jesus is the centre of our faith. He came to give us life; but what was his like? What did he look like? What was
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