In Sermons: showing 271-285 of 534

Amazing, Abundant Grace Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jan 5, 2011

Jesus has come and dwells among us. Through Jesus we receive the gift of adoption and have grace poured into our lives.

Matthew 1:10-18 “Amazing, Abundant Grace” INTRODUCTION Gifts come in all shapes and sizes, and they range in price from the expensive to the creative. Usually we describe gifts by their physical attributes, but we could also describe them by their emotional impact. While I was ...read more

Scripture: John 1:10-18

Denomination: Lutheran

Different Expectations Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Dec 13, 2010

Jesus didn't fit John's idea of what the Messiah would be like. Jesus stressed love rather than judgment. Jesus moves in surprising ways and communicates God's grace in unexpected situations.

Matthew 11:2-11 “Different Expectations” INTRODUCTION The family gathers around the newborn’s bassinette. They marvel at this squirming gift of life, and give thanks for health and wholeness. As they gaze upon the baby’s features they wonder what the child will ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:2-11

Denomination: Lutheran

Set Apart Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Dec 13, 2010

The Lord set John the Baptist apart from others for a specific ministry. God does this for all the main characters in the Bible and he does for us also.

Matthew 3:1-12 “Set Apart” INTRODUCTION We celebrate many things in many ways during our holiday season. Families and friends, the Christmas Spirit, holiday traditions and favorite foods are but a few of the blessings in which we rejoice. Of course, at the core of our Christmas ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 3:1-12

Denomination: Lutheran

Living In Expectation Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Nov 29, 2010

God surprises us and show up at the most unexpected times.

FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT NOVEMBER 28, 2010 Matthew 24:36-44 “Living In Expectation INTRODUCTION Living in expectation is a natural experience in life. It is also an important part of life, because it brings with it hope and excitement. Millions of people have been living in expectation ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:36-44

Denomination: Lutheran

Being A Pest Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Nov 18, 2010

The tenacious widow serves as a lesson about prayer for us. God doesn't mind if we are prayerful pests. He'd much rather have us pray for any reason or any occasion than have us remain silent.

Luke 18:1-8 “Being a Pest” INTRODUCTION Prayer is one of the core spiritual disciplines of the Christian life. Billions of Christians have prayed throughout the millennia (along with those of other faith traditions). Thousands of books have been written on the subject of prayer, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:1-8

Denomination: Lutheran

Excuses Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Oct 2, 2010

We all have excuses for not responding to Jesus' call to follow him. Life is hectic, complicated and filled with items that claim our attention. We have one reason, though, to respond to Jesus' challenge--his love and grace.

Luke 9:51-62 “Excuses” INTRODUCTION One of the most memorable illustrations that I’ve ever seen involved a glass container similar to what I have here and rocks of various sizes. Using the rocks the demonstrator underscored and important lesson in life. Just when we thought ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:51-62

Denomination: Lutheran

Carrying The Cross Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Sep 8, 2010

Jesus calls his followers to deny themselves and carry the cross. What does this look like? What does it mean to deny ourselves in a culture and society based on consumerism?

Luke 14:25-33 “Carrying the Cross” INTRODUCTION Have you noticed that we appear to be buried under an avalanche of forms? When Faye had her shoulder surgery done this spring she sign enough forms to have killed two or perhaps three large trees. The paper work involved in ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:25-33

Denomination: Lutheran

Love Trumps Rules Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Sep 8, 2010

We are sorely tempted to institute rules that limit our ability to love. In God's kingdom love always trumps rules.

Luke 13:10-17 “Love Trumps Rules” INTRODUCTION It is amazing to me that a brief story of a diminutive, hunchbacked woman who came into contact with Jesus in a small synagogue in an isolated village in Galilee over two thousand years ago can have such a tremendous impact on our ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:10-17

Denomination: Lutheran

Care And Feeding Of The Money Tree Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Sep 8, 2010

We are called to lay up treasures in heaven, but we also have bills to pay. These verses give us some insights into how we can be wise Christians stewards of our money.

Luke 12:13-21 “Care and Feeding of the Money Tree” INTRODUCTION Video presentation: “Contentment—Deep Thoughts by a Shallow Christian” We laugh at the absurdity of the shallow Christian’s remarks, yet, how often our lives mirror his thoughts. We often ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:13-21

Denomination: Lutheran

Sent Out Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jul 19, 2010

Jesus sends his followers out into the plentiful harvest. We along with the early disciples are called to prepare the way for Jesus and to carry out his ministry on earth--and in the United States.

Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 “Sent Out” INTRODUCTION Today is the 234th anniversary of signing of the Declaration of Independence the document that contains those immortal words, “We hold these truths to be self-evident; that all men are created equal and endowed with certain ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:1-20

Denomination: Lutheran

Overwhelmed By Forgiveness Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jul 19, 2010

Forgiveness is a powerful force in our lives and in the lives of others. When the woman understood that she was truly and completely forgiven, she was overwhelmed. Her response was a radical demonstration of extravagant love.

Luke 7:36-8:3 “Overwhelmed by Forgiveness” INTRODUCTION Video presentation “Forgiveness” I often wonder what I would say if I were approached by someone and asked these questions and others like them. What would you say? The responses of the people on the video ...read more

Denomination: Lutheran

Moved By Compassion Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jun 3, 2010

Jesus reacted to the needs of a grieving widow with love and compassion. His words and actions transformed lives and honored God.

Luke 7:11-17 “Moved by Compassion” INTRODUCTION When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, It is well, it is well, with my soul. Refrain: It is well, with my soul, It is well, it is well, with my ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:11-17

Denomination: Lutheran

The Spirit In Daily Life

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jun 3, 2010

The Spirit does not come upon us only for special events. The Spirit is meant to be a part of our daily lives. He enables us to be instruments of God's love and grace.

John 16:12-15 “The Spirit in Daily Life” INTRODUCTION On the day of Pentecost, the Spirit came upon the disciples like a mighty wind with flames of fire and the ability to communicate the gospel of Jesus Christ in other languages. The Spirit comes upon us at the time of our ...read more

Scripture: John 16:12-15

Denomination: Lutheran

The Spirit Comes Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jun 3, 2010

The disciples waited for the Spirit. When the Spirit did come it stayed. Empowered by the Spirit the church transformed the world.

Acts 2:1-21 “The Spirit Comes” INTRODUCTION Jesus gave his followers challenging tasks. He told them to love one another as he loved them—this is the great command. Jesus also told his followers to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:1-21

Denomination: Lutheran

Bad Things Happen To Faithful People

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jun 3, 2010

Paul and Silas lovingly and boldly ministered to the needs of the people they encountered. As a result of their endeavors people's lives were changed, but Paul and Silas were imprisoned. Serving Jesus often involves struggles and setbacks.

Acts 16:16-34 “Bad Things Happen to Faithful People” INTRODUCTION Power comes in many shapes and forms. There is the raw horrendous power of an atomic explosion. In contrast to such power is the group power of civil disobedience, which we witnessed in Gandhi’s fight for ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:16-34

Denomination: Lutheran