In Sermons: showing 211-225 of 534

Faith Walk Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jun 29, 2012

Paul challenges his readers to "walk by faith. What does Paul mean when he uses this phrase. How does walking by faith affect our daily lives.

2 Corinthians 5:6-10, 14-17 "Faith Walk" INTRODUCTION This past week I posted on Desert Streams' Facebook page the question, "What does it mean to you to walk by faith?" I didn't get any responses, but I hope that I at least started people thinking about this perspective of Christian ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:6-17

Denomination: Lutheran

Turning The Tables Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jun 14, 2012

By his resurrection, Jesus has turned the tables. Rather than be consumed with the present and the temporary, we are able to turn our attention to the hope and eternity. The change in perspective can tyurn our lives up-side-down, or right-side-up.

2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1 “Turning the Tables” INTRODUCTION I heard a story recently about a young man who had trouble one Sunday getting up for worship. His mother knocked on his bedroom door and called to him that it was time to get up. The young man rolled over and pulled the ...read more

Denomination: Lutheran

An Inside Job Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on May 30, 2012

The Spirit anoints our witness, guides us in truth, and glorifies God the Father through us.

John 15:26-27, 16:4-15 INTRODUCTION Today is the day of Pentecost. We celebrate today as the birthday of the Church, when Jesus sent his Spirit upon his followers. In Luke’s account the Spirit came with the roar of a mighty wind, flames of fire, and the gift of language. John has Jesus ...read more

Denomination: Lutheran

The Power Of Love Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on May 22, 2012

Jesus highlights the core message of his ministry and his gospel to the disciples and his followers. Jesus' life, ministry and message can be summed up, "Love each other."

John 15:9-17 "The Power of Love" INTRODUCTION Jesus is nearing the end of his earthly ministry. His disciples have been with him for three years. They have seen Jesus cast out demons, heal the sick, give sight to the blind and enable the lame to walk. They have been with Jesus when he ...read more

Scripture: John 15:9-19

Denomination: Lutheran

Shalom Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Apr 24, 2012

Just like the disciples' hopelessness and despair was turned into joy and peace, so Jesus moves in our lives giving us the peace that passes all understanding.

John 20:19-31 “Shalom” INTRODUCTION Does is seem to you that Easter Day was a long time ago? So much has happened this past week and it feels like the loud proclamations, “He is Risen,” and “He is Risen Indeed,” are now only faint whisperings. Yes, Jesus ...read more

Scripture: John 20:19-31

Denomination: Lutheran

Surprised Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Apr 24, 2012

The women were surprised to discover the empty tomb, just as we are surprised when we see the risen Jesus in our lives and in our world.

Mark 16:1-8 “Surprised!” INTRODUCTION Most of the time we journey through life on cruise control. We begin the day expecting the day to be just like every other day. Our routine is set and rarely do we vary from it. Every so often, though, we are surprised by ...read more

Scripture: Mark 16:1-8

Denomination: Lutheran

Following His Footsteps Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Mar 29, 2012

Choices are made each day to follow Jesus and to live by faith. We choose to allow God to be glorified in our lives.

John 12:20-33 “Following His Footsteps” INTRODUCTION Jodi Kantor, in her book, The Obamas portrays Michelle Obama as struggling with the cost of being “The First Lady.” Kantor writes that Mrs. Obama shied away from the spotlight and fought against the loss of freedom ...read more

Scripture: John 12:20-33

Denomination: Lutheran

The Gift Of Love Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Mar 20, 2012

Jesus tells us there are real consequences in our lives. He tells us this so that we can see the contrasts, look clearly at our lives, appreciate the gracious gift of God as a gift of love and live in fearless confidence of that love.

John 3:14-21 “The Gift of Love” INTRODUCTION Traveling in foreign countries it becomes apparent to the observant tourist that there are basically two different types of travelers. There is the traveler who packs his or her country in the suitcase and brings the country on the ...read more

Scripture: John 3:14-21

Denomination: Lutheran

Reflection

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Mar 13, 2012

Jesus' cleansing of the temple graphically proclaims that the temple was no only needed. Jesus is the the temple and with the Holy Spirit in us, we become a temple. God is among his people, bringing in his kingdom.

John 2:13-22 “Reflection” INTRODUCTION I have always found the scene of Jesus cleansing the temple puzzling, if not troubling. It seems so out of character for Jesus. Certainly, he has shown anger before at the hardheartedness and judgmentalism of some people, but he has never ...read more

Scripture: John 2:13-22, 1 John 2:13-22

Denomination: Lutheran

A Different Drummer Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Mar 13, 2012

Not much is said about self-denial and sacrifice in today's church and society, but it is central to the life of a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Mark 8:31-38 “A Different Drummer” INTRODUCTION Selective hearing is a curious human phenomenon. We have the ability to hear only what we want to hear. Teenagers can hear the word “food,” but they have trouble hearing, “Do your homework,” or “Take ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:31-38

Denomination: Lutheran

Flip Side

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Feb 28, 2012

The transfiguration is a transition. Jesus' ministry (and ours) is not all power, it also involves the journey to Jerusalem and the cross.

Mark 9:2-9 “Flip Side” INTRODUCTION The ministry of Jesus and the ushering in of the kingdom of God reach a crescendo in today’s gospel lesson. At first glance Jesus’ climb up the mountain reads much like a Marvel Comic superhero: Bruce Wayne descending into his bat ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:2-9

Denomination: Lutheran

Inside Out

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Feb 28, 2012

As we begin our Lenten journey, we focus on God

Genesis 9:8-17 INTRODUCTION Something had gone horribly wrong. In the first chapter of Genesis, we see God’s creative activity. Starting with chaos God creates order. God speaks and things appear. After six days God looks over his creative handiwork and declares everything ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 9:8-17

Denomination: Lutheran

Up Close And Personal Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Feb 18, 2012

Jesus has the will and the power to transform a person's life and make all things new

FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY FEBRUARY 5, 2012 Mark 1:29-39 “Momentum” INTRODUCTION Some people think that the Kingdom of God will come when Jesus returns—when he comes as King of kings and Lord of lords. These people are waiting for the kingdom. Other people believe that the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:40-45

Denomination: Lutheran

Momentum Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Feb 18, 2012

Jesus' power has no boundaries. The kingdom has come.

FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY FEBRUARY 5, 2012 Mark 1:29-39 “Momentum” INTRODUCTION Some people think that the Kingdom of God will come when Jesus returns—when he comes as King of kings and Lord of lords. These people are waiting for the kingdom. Other people believe that the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:29-39

Denomination: Lutheran

Skirmish With The Status Quo Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Feb 2, 2012

Jesus begins his ministry and immediately clashes with the understanding of the people and the forces of evil. Jesus confronts the status quo of our live seeking to free us from the chains that bind us and to enable us to experience true freedom.

Mark 1:21-28 “Skirmish with the Status Quo” INTRODUCTION The beginning of Mark’s gospel is in stark contrast to those of the other gospel writers. You do not find a boring list of Jesus’ ancestors, as you do in Matthew, nor the heartwarming story of Jesus’ birth ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:21-28

Denomination: Lutheran