In Sermons: showing 331-345 of 534

The Encounter Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Apr 13, 2009

After encountering Jesus the women were commanded to go and tell. We carry on this mission because we too have encountered Jesus.

Mark 16:1-8 “The Encounter” INTRODUCTION Routines, even in the face of death, are a part of life. They were present during the time of Jesus just like they are present now. The women were involved in a routine activity as they made their way to the tomb. They had not had time to properly ...read more

Scripture: Mark 16:1-8

Denomination: Lutheran

He Lives Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Apr 13, 2009

The women encountered a living Jesus and seeing Jesus changed their lives from giref and despair to hope.

John 20:1-18 “He Lives” INTRODUCTION During the first three days of July in 1863, the Battle of Gettysburg raged. An argument could be made that that battle had a significant effect on the outcome of the war and ultimately on our lives. Still, having occurred over 140 years ago the battle is ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-18

Denomination: Lutheran

Perseverance Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Mar 24, 2009

There is a process in our becoming all that God credated us to be. This is the human side of the divine change.

James 1:2-4, 22-25 “Perseverance” INTRODUCTION When it comes to travel, I think many of us are highway people. We want to go the fastest way possible in order to get to our destination as quickly as we can. We aren’t really interested in seeing the sights or stopping at the tourist ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-25

Denomination: Lutheran

A Generous Heart Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Mar 18, 2009

Our love is expressed in generosity. Our generosity ensures that we will more marvelously reflect the God who created us.

1 John 4:13-21 “A Generous Heart” INTRODUCTION Living a life without limits, and being transformed into that life is all based on love. Without love there is only a shadow of life and certainly no great actions of faith or courage. Unfortunately, love is not as common as we assume it is. It ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 4:13-21

Denomination: Lutheran

Humble Courage Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Mar 9, 2009

Courage moves us to risk ourselves for the sake of others or a higher cause. Faith and risk are inseparable.

Philippians 1:20-27 “Humble Courage” INTRODUCTION Courage is not often connected with the Christian life. It isn’t listed in the fruits of the Spirit i.e., love, joy, peace, patience, etc. Jesus doesn’t instruct his disciples to be courageous, though he did encourage them to “take heart,” ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:20-27

Denomination: Lutheran

Transformation Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Mar 3, 2009

Our relationship with Jesus transforms us from being in love with ourselves to loving ourselves and others.

Hebrews 12:1-3 “Transformation” INTRODUCTION Transformation happens all around us. A caterpillar morphs into a butterfly. Dieting and exercise can transform out-of-shape flab into a lean, mean muscle machine. A shy, gangly teenager grows up to be a competent professional, an astronaut, or ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-3

Denomination: Lutheran

Life Without Limits Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Feb 24, 2009

Our relationship with Jesus transforms us from being in love with ourselves to loving ourselves and others.

Romans 6:1-11 “Life Without Limits” INTRODUCTION Martin Luther King stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC, on August 28, 1963. Hundreds of thousands of people stood and listened as Dr. King proclaimed, “I have a dream!” His dream was that someday all people in the ...read more

Scripture: Romans 6:1-11

Denomination: Lutheran

Who Do You Say I Am Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Feb 24, 2009

Saying that Jesus is our Lord and Savior demands that we back up our words with actions.

Matthew 16: 13-20 “Who Do You Say I Am” INTRODUCTION During the past four weeks, we have been attempting to pose questions rather than provide answers. It is helpful at times to ask ourselves hard questions. They help us get our bearings and make sure that we are headed along the path that we ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:13-20

Denomination: Lutheran

Where Is Your Brother/Sister/Neighbor Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Feb 24, 2009

We are people who live in community. Cain didn’t realize that and saw his brother as competition rather than a companion.

Genesis 4:1-16 “Where is Your Brother/Sister/Neighbor” INTRODUCTION The neighborhood is changing and expanding. Technologies like the internet and cell phones have broken down boarders far more effectively than any invading army. Traditionally closed societies like China and Iran have ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 4:1-16

Denomination: Lutheran

What Have You Done? Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Feb 5, 2009

God invites us to live life to the fullest. This is accomplished when we love and serve God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength.

Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-14 “Where Are You?” INTRODUCTION Shopping malls across the country have been using a fantastic shopping aid for several years. Of course, I speak of the mall map that shows all of the store locations, and with a big red arrow exclaims, “You are here!” It is very helpful ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-10

Denomination: Lutheran

Where Are You? Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Feb 5, 2009

This is not only a question God posed to Adam, but one posed to all of us in our walk with God. Where are we in relation to God and to our journey with him?

Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-14 “Where Are You?” INTRODUCTION Shopping malls across the country have been using a fantastic shopping aid for several years. Of course, I speak of the mall map that shows all of the store locations, and with a big red arrow exclaims, “You are here!” It is very helpful ...read more

Denomination: Lutheran

Called Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jan 20, 2009

Like Philip, all Christians are called by Jesus to follow him. As we follow him, we spread his kingdom one person at a time through our relationships with other people.

John 1:43-51 “Called” INTRODUCTION One of my joys, as a pastor, is the opportunity that I have to listen to the spiritual journeys of many people. It is always amazing to me how God works in our lives. Frequently, we can’t see God’s presence at the time, but when we look back we see God ...read more

Scripture: John 1:43-51

Denomination: Lutheran

Adopted Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jan 15, 2009

Like Jesus, God calls us into ministry through our baptism and gives us the things that we need to meet everyone of the challenges we may face.

Mark 1: 4-11 “Adopted” INTRODUCTION We have our challenges cut out for us this year. All of us have been affected by the economic recession. In 2009 we face a depressed housing market, depleted savings, curtailed income and the increased tension of living a hand to mouth existence. We know ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:4-11

Denomination: Lutheran

God Among Us Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jan 6, 2009

The God of all creation pours his grace into our lives through the birth of Jesus, the gift of faith, and inclusion into his family

John 1:10-18 “God Among Us” INTRODUCTION As many know, Faye and I will become grandparents in May. In preparation for this exciting event, Faye decided to send a baby quilt to our son, Ryan. This, however, was no ordinary baby quilt. It was the quilt that Faye’s mother had made for Ryan when ...read more

Scripture: John 1:10-18

Denomination: Lutheran

Destiny Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jan 6, 2009

The story of the holy family and their encounter with Simeon and Anna, demonstrates how we can keep the Spirit of Christmas vital in our lives throughout the year.

Luke 2: 22-40 “Destiny” INTRODUCTION Christmas 2008 is quickly fading. The radio stations, which have been playing Christmas music since early November, have switched to their normal fare. The paper for all of those brightly wrapped gifts has found its way into the trash. Batteries have been ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:22-44

Denomination: Lutheran