In Sermons: showing 151-165 of 534

Experental Faith Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jan 16, 2014

Jesus invites John the Baptist’s disciples to “Come and See.” Jesus offers the same invitation to us—to follow him and experience a relationship with him.

John 1:35-51 "Experiential Faith" INTRODUCTION Social commentators have brought it to our attention that we are talking to each other less. We are spending more time on Facebook, Twitter, and texting each other. But, face to face communication is becoming rare. This doesn't necessarily mean ...read more

Scripture: John 1:35-51

Denomination: Lutheran

A Wilderness Shout

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Dec 30, 2013

John the Baptist and all of God’s people have a mission to prepare the way.

John 1:19-34 “A Wilderness Shout” INTRODUCTION There is a story of two Scandinavian pastors, Ole and Sven, who served congregations across the road from each other. They decided to put up a sign one day warning people that the end was near. The sign read, “Stop, The End is ...read more

Scripture: John 1:19-34

Denomination: Lutheran

Expectations Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Dec 30, 2013

New life brings with it new expectations

Luke 2:1-14 “Expectations” INTRODUCTION The birth of a child brings with it dreams, hopes and expectations. There’s something about gazing upon that squirming bundle of life. A person sees a future with a full, unencumbered life. The sky is the limit. Anything is ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:1-14

Denomination: Lutheran

Life Experience Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Dec 30, 2013

Jesus comes to us in human form and shines brightly in our world

John 1:1-18 “Life Experiences” INTRODUCTION Humans are social beings. We were created for relationships—relationships with each other and a relationship with our God. Relationships don’t just happen, though. They take a lot of work and even though we may work hard at ...read more

Scripture: John 1:1-18

Denomination: Lutheran

A Living Hope Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Dec 13, 2013

The Spirit breathes and brings life to old dry bones—just like he does in our lives.

Ezekiel 37:1-14 “A Living Hope” INTRODUCTION A couple of weeks ago we celebrated Thanksgiving. Turkeys graced most of our tables. By the end of the day, the carcasses of those turkeys were picked clean. Can you imagine going over to those bones—just before you throw them ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1-14

Denomination: Lutheran

Fire Walkers Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Dec 13, 2013

Three men are loyal to God, but face the possibility of death. God is present in their trials and rescues them.

Daniel 3:1, 8-30 “Fire Walkers” INTRODUCTION Wars are not won solely on the front lines; other tactics are used. In World War II the radio was used. Germany and Japan attempted to spread propaganda though such media personalities as Axis Anna, and Tokyo Rose. The BBC broadcast ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 3:1-30

Denomination: Lutheran

In God's Hands

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Nov 25, 2013

God assures Jeremiah and all of his people that “God knows the plans he has for us.”

Jeremiah 29:1, 4-14 “In God’s Hands” INTRODUCTION While serving a congregation in Appleton, Wisconsin, Faye and I decided to dine out one Sunday evening. We went to a popular Italian restaurant, Vittorio’s, which is owned by a Latino family—go figure. Most of ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:1-14

Denomination: Lutheran

Justice For All

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Nov 13, 2013

Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.

Amos 1:1-2, 5:14-15, 21-24 “Justice for All” INTRODUCTION Imagine participating in a worship service, which you believed was an unusually powerful service. The hymns were uplifting, the sermon was insightful and inspirational, and the prayers echoed the prayers of your heart. The ...read more

Scripture: Amos 5:14-24

Denomination: Lutheran

God's Whisper

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Nov 13, 2013

In the midst of our distress, God whispers words of comfort in our hearts

1 Kings 19:1-18 “God’s Whisper” INTRODUCTION Today is All Saints Sunday. It is a time that the Church pauses to remember those who have gone before us and to celebrate their lives, their witness, and their faith. Historically it has been one of the high holy ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:1-18

Denomination: Lutheran

A New Temple

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Oct 28, 2013

Solomon’s temple – a place of sacrifice and divine presence

1 Kings 5:1—5, 8:1-13 “A New Temple” INTRODUCTION Today we are focusing our attention on King Solomon, the son of David and one of the kings of Israel’s golden age. Solomon is remembered for several things. He was one of the wealthiest men, if not the wealthiest man, ...read more

Denomination: Lutheran

A Pleasing Heart To The Lord

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Oct 28, 2013

God does not look on outward appearance but on the heart; create in me a clean heart.”

1 Samuel 16:1-13 “A Pleasing Heart to the Lord” INTRODUCTION The Lord, God of creation, is a God of transformation. In the beginning, God transformed chaos into order by taking a formless void and creating sea, land, sky, sun, moon, and stars. God sent his son, Jesus the Christ ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:1-13

Denomination: Lutheran

A Call To Serve

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Oct 28, 2013

Samuel is called by God and responds in faith, “Speak Lord for your servant is listening.”

1 Samuel 3:1-21 “A Call to Serve” INTRODUCTION One of the most difficult theological concepts to comprehend, I believe, is that of call—that the Lord calls us to a specific vocation. Most Christians can accept the idea that pastors and other church professionals have ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:1-21

Denomination: Lutheran

Scoundels Included

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Oct 2, 2013

Jacob obtains a blessing by trickery, but is still included in God’s chosen people.

Genesis 27:1-4, 15-23, 28:10-17 “Scoundrels Included” INTRODUCTION Today’s society has an interest in the “anti-hero hero.” Usually our heroes have been upstanding people. For example, we have Clark Kent the mild manner reporter, or James T. Kirk the ...read more

Denomination: Lutheran

Promises Kept Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Oct 2, 2013

God keeps his word to give Abraham and Sarah a son. Abraham, though, is told to sacrifice his son, but God provides a lamb.

Genesis 21:1-3, 22:1-14 ”Promises Kept” INTRODUCTION It is not easy walking a life of faith. Each and every one of us has discovered that, while we have lived in a relationship with the Lord as God’s sons and daughters and as disciples of Jesus Christ. The story traditionally ...read more

Denomination: Lutheran

The Power Of Love Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Oct 2, 2013

Love has the power to proclaim God’s grace and demonstrate the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 “The Power of Love” INTRODUCTION At the end of our text today, the writer to the Hebrews exhorts his readers. He writes, “Through him, then, let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of the lips that confess his name. Do ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 13:1-8

Denomination: Lutheran