In Sermons: showing 196-210 of 534

Speaking The Truth Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Dec 6, 2012

Jesus engaged in people's real life questions, issues and challenges. As followers of Jesus we are challenged to engage in caring conversations with others in order to share God's love and grace.

John 4:37-30, 39-42 “Speaking the Truth INTRODUCTION One of the gifs of the technological revolution is that of communication. We are now able to communicate over greater distances, with more people, in a shorter time, than has ever been possible. • No more five day mail ...read more

Scripture: John 4:27-42

Denomination: Lutheran

Show And Tell Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Dec 6, 2012

We are sent out to live the life of faith. Through caring conversations, devotions, service and rituals/traditions we remember our baptism in the home, congregation and larger world.

Matthew 28:16-20 “Show and Tell” INTRODUCTION Our thoughts today center on the last verses in the gospel of Matthew, which are called, “The Great Commission.” These verses remind us that like our time, talents and treasures, the gift of the gospel—our new life ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20

Denomination: Lutheran

Against The Flow Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Nov 24, 2012

Through caring conversations, devotions, service and rituals we nourish our faith and shine brightly in a world of darkness.

Romans 8:31-39 “Against the Flow” INTRODUCTION For the past four weeks, we have talked about (what I like to call) wholistic stewardship. The proposition I have presented is that Biblical stewardship involves more than what we drop in the offering basket. Stewardship is more than ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:31-39

Denomination: Lutheran

Generosity Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Nov 12, 2012

Generosity is one of the characteristics of a person who is a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Mark 12-41-44 "Generosity" INTRODUCTION We're rather shy when it comes to talking about money--no, that is really right. We are really scared when it comes to talking about money. We don't want to have people know how much money we have, how much money we make, or credit card balance, or ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:41-44

Denomination: Lutheran

Contentment Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Nov 12, 2012

Contentment is a statement of faith. It demonstrates that God is truly caring for us.

Philippians 4:11-13 “Contentment” INTRODUCTION Contentment is rare and fleeting in the United States. Look around. Do you see many people, who would say they are content, if you asked them? Oh, we may have experienced contentment occasionally such as the contentment we feel after ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:11-13

Denomination: Lutheran

Dreams And Nightmares Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Nov 12, 2012

Chasing the American Dream has given most of us nightmares. We must change our lifestyles and our stewardship in order to experience the joy of the abundant life.

Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 "Dreams and Nightmares" INTRODUCTION Dreams are powerful forces in our lives. They have the ability to mold and shape our lives, and in a very real sense they can determine or destiny. We encourage out children to dream, because we innately understand the driving force ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:1-23

Denomination: Lutheran

Whitewashed Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Aug 30, 2012

Christians can't settle for lives whitewashed on the outside--looking good. Our lives need to be inwardly transformed.

Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 “Whitewashed” INTRODUCTION Most of us spend a fair amount of time making ourselves look good on the outside. Here, in Arizona, we may not be into suits and ties for men, or business attire for women. We may not live the credo, “dress for ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:1-23

Denomination: Lutheran

Secrets Of A Happy Life Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Aug 30, 2012

Christians live lives contrary to the world. We are filled with the spirit. We live in community. We have purpose in our lives, and we celebrate God's abundance.

Ephesians 5:15-20 “Secrets of a Happy Life” INTRODUCTION Warren Buffet is one of the richest men in the United States and in the world. He is known as the oracle of Omaha, because of his ability to read the economic tea leaves, predict the future, and offer advice on what to do. ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:12-29

Denomination: Lutheran

Transformed Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Aug 30, 2012

Christian lives are not modified, nor updated they are changed and transformed. Paul celebrates this transformation in his letter to the Ephesians

Ephesians 4:26-5:2 “Transformed” INTRODUCTION Enjoying the fall day, a man sat down on a park bench and reflected on the past several years of his life. Just two years ago he didn’t think he would live another day. His heart was giving out on him and his only hope was ...read more

Denomination: Lutheran

Full Of God Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Aug 7, 2012

Paul shares his prayer with the Ephesian Christians and reveals to them what he believes is absolutely vital in living out the Christian life

Ephesians 3:14-21 “Full of God” INTRODUCTION Have you ever inadvertently overheard another person’s prayer? It can be an eye opening experience. Hearing what someone prayer for enables us to grasp what is important and of value to the person. A couple of months ago during ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:14-21

Denomination: Lutheran

Team Work Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Aug 7, 2012

Blessed by God and anointed by the Holy Spirit the Church--the Body of Christ--is called to develop its strength, coordination and endurance in order to lovingly and boldly proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 4:1-16 “Team Work” INTRODUCTION Once we got past the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympics, with the Queen skydiving out of a helicopter and Mr. Bean playing with the London Symphony, our focus has been on the athletes. We had been awed by their strength, coordination and ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-16

Denomination: Lutheran

Strongter Than Glue Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jul 24, 2012

Through the cross we have peace--peace with God, ourselves, and most significantly with each other. The cross of Christ breaks through the barriers we erect between ourselves and makes us members of God's family.

Ephesians 2:11-22 “Stronger than Glue” INTRODUCTION Name calling, character assassination, innuendos, lying and deception—it sounds like presidential politics in the United States. This is not what I am referring to, however. I’m talking about the first official fight ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:11-22

Denomination: Lutheran

Heirs Of Grace Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jul 24, 2012

As God's adopted children, we have an interitance of God's abundant grace--every spiritual blessing. We do not need to wait in order to receive our inheritance. It is ours now.

Ephesians 1:3-14 “Heirs of Grace” INTRODUCTION Good news comes in many forms and each of us has specific desires of what we want to hear. • “Congratulations! You’ve won the Lottery!” • “You’re cancer free and you are cured. You ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 1:2-14

Denomination: Lutheran

Genuine Love Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jul 10, 2012

It's easy to say, "I love," but Paul challenges the Corinthian Christians to live out their love by giving freely and generously to those in need.

2 Corinthians 8:1-15 “Genuine Love” INTRODUCTION Most of the world knows that Facebook recently went public and that it’s founder, Mark Zuckerberg shortly after the Facebook event was married to Priscilla Chan. At $19 billion, many media personalities speculated about ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8:1-15

Denomination: Lutheran

A Life Changing Life Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jun 29, 2012

A life that can change lives is a life that has been reconciled to God in Christ, and who has reconciled relationships with others.

2 Corinthians 6:1-13 “A Life Changing Life” INTRODUCTION FOXY LADY: Sexy, fashion-conscious blue-haired beauty, 80's, slim, 5'4' (used to be 5'6'), searching for sharp-looking, sharp-dressing companion. Matching white shoes and belt a plus. BEATLES OR ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:1-13

Denomination: Lutheran