In Sermons: showing 391-405 of 534

Breaking The Rules Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Sep 3, 2007

Rules are made to be broken--that is if they stand in the way of ministering to the needs of those around us. Jesus broke the rules and set people free.

Luke 13:10-17 “Breaking the Rules” INTRODUCTION The journey of life contains several themes; love/hate, struggle/victory, sorrow/joy. The Bible, which has been called, “The Book of Life,” contains many themes in it, also. One of the major themes throughout the Bible is that of bondage and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:10-17

Denomination: Lutheran

The Limits Of Peace Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Aug 21, 2007

The cross of Christ not only brings peace, but also division. When faced with opposition and division, disciples of Christ stand firm while loving and respecting their opponents.

Luke 12:49-56 “The Limits of Peace” INTRODUCTION The night sky was cloudless and filled with stars. Shepherds watched their flocks, while they huddled around a campfire. Suddenly, they were surrounded by a multitude of angels. They were told not to fear because the angels brought them good ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:49-56

Denomination: Lutheran

Perseverance Pays Off Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Aug 14, 2007

Christian discipleship involved watchfullness, and watchfullness involves perseverance. Christians are called to focused, fearless faith

Luke 12:32-40 “Perseverance Pays Off” INTRODUCTION It is difficult to believe that the beginning of a new school year is upon us. For the past several weeks we seen advertisements for back to school specials, and have noticed the aisles stocked with school supplies at the stores where we ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:32-40

Denomination: Lutheran

Beyond Asking Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jul 30, 2007

In Jesus’ teaching on prayer, we learn that "prayer is not asking for what we think we need but asking to be changed in ways we can’t imagine."

Luke 11:1-13 “Beyond Asking” INTRODUCTION Where did you learn how to pray? Our parents may have taught us bedtime prayers, or said grace before meals. We’ve heard about prayer in Sunday school and sermons. Prayer has been demonstrated in worship services. We may have even taken a class on ...read more

Scripture: Luke 11:1-13

Denomination: Lutheran

Seeing Jesus Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jul 23, 2007

The story of Mary Magdalene at the tomb of Jesus teaches us many things about when and how Jesus reveals himself to us.

John 20:1-2, 11-18 “Seeing Jesus” INTRODUCTION For several Sundays, we have been walking with Jesus as he has sent his face toward Jerusalem traveled toward the cross. Our time with Jesus has been a time of learning. While Jesus has not instructed us in things that our society considers ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-18

Denomination: Lutheran

Thinking Outside The Box Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jul 23, 2007

In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus challenges his followers to be creative in their neighborly love and to think outside the box.

Luke 10:28-37 “Thinking Outside the Box” INTRODUCTION [Enter to theme song of Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood, “It’s A Beautiful Day In the Neighborhood.” Sit down, replace shoes with athletic shoes, and slip on a cardigan sweater] From the late 60’s to 2001, Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood was a staple ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:28-37, Luke 10:25-37

Denomination: Lutheran

Love Costs Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jul 9, 2007

While traveling to Jerusalem, a Samaritan village refuses to welcome Jesus and his disciples. Instead of judgment, Jesus demonstrates to his followers overwhelming compassion and reminds us of how he moves in our lives.

Luke 9:51-62 “Love Costs” INTRODUCTION The stories that we have of Jesus give us snapshots of Jesus, his life and his ministry. Snapshots are powerful communicators. They can, however, limit the information they convey, or massage it. We only see the story that is contained within the frame ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:51-62

Denomination: Lutheran

On The Job Training Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jul 9, 2007

We have much to learn about the nature of Christian missions, as we read about Jesus sending 72 followers out into the mission fields.

Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 “On the Job Training” INTRODUCTION I have been told that baby eagles don’t necessarily want to learn how to fly. They are very content staying in the nest and dining on whatever mom or dad eagle brings back for them to eat. There comes a time, though, when mom eagle ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:1-20

Denomination: Lutheran

Supreme Power Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jun 25, 2007

Jesus expands his ministry into gentile territory and is immediately confronted by evil. He overcomes the evil and in doing so assures us that he will overcome whatever evil that confronts us in our lives.

Luke 8:26-39 “Supreme Power” INTRODUCTION One of the all time favorite Bible stories is the tale of David and Goliath. We all remember the story of gutsy little David, who was a shepherd by trade, going against the giant Goliath, who was a professional soldier. David was so scrawny that ...read more

Scripture: Luke 8:26-39

Denomination: Lutheran

The Power Of Forgiveness Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jun 25, 2007

God invites us to recognize who we are--sinners in need of a savior, and to be released to a new life through the power of forgiveness.

Luke 7:36-8:3 “The Power of Forgiveness” INTRODUCTION One of the blessings of a high school or college English course is that you read books you would never read at any other time. Few people would waste their time pouring over the pages of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” rather they’d ...read more

Denomination: Lutheran

Team Tactics Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jun 5, 2007

The Apostles’ Creed is a basic statement of our faith in the Trinity.

John 16:12-15 “Team Tactics” INTRODUCTION Commitments are and important part of life. Commitments come in a variety of shapes and sizes ranging from: “I’ll be your friend,” to “I take you to be my husband/wife,” to signing a thirty-year mortgage, to setting a goal and committing ourselves to ...read more

Scripture: John 16:12-15

Denomination: Lutheran

Greeater Works Than Jesus Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jun 5, 2007

Jesus gives his followers a powerful promise when he says that they will accomplish greater works than him. How can we do something greater than walk on water?

John 14:8-17 “Greater Works Than Jesus” INTRODUCTION Words and phrases leap out at you, at times, when you are reading the Bible. This was certainly true for me in this gospel lesson for Pentecost Sunday, the birth of the Church. I was struck by Jesus statement that his followers will do ...read more

Scripture: John 14:8-17

Denomination: Lutheran

Diversity Within Unity Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on May 21, 2007

The church’s unity in "One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism, allows for great diversity in ministry.

John 17:20-26 “Diversity Within Unity” INTRODUCTION What does “One” look like? Ever since Jesus prayed the prayer recorded in today’s gospel lesson, this has been a vital question for Christians and for the Christian Church. Jesus prayed for the unity of his followers. The primary purpose ...read more

Scripture: John 17:20-26

Denomination: Lutheran

The Gift Of Peace Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on May 16, 2007

Before his ascension, Jesus address the disciples and gives them parting words that will enable them to carry out the ministry to which he is calling them

John 14:23-29 “The Gift of Peace” INTRODUCTION During this time between the resurrection of Jesus Christ and his ascension into heaven, the church has used the gospel of John to focus on Jesus’ personal teachings to his disciples. A few Sundays ago we talked about the final exams that Jesus ...read more

Scripture: John 14:23-29

Denomination: Lutheran

New Rules By Which To Live Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on May 12, 2007

Christian community is not only vital to our spiritual health, it is vital to our mission and ministry as Christians.

John 13:31-35 “New Rules By Which To Live” INTRODUCTION Families … you’ve got to love them. Not only are they a cornerstone in our society, but they play a major part in each and every one of our lives. We may not have reached the imagined perfection of Ozzie and Harriet, or Ward and June ...read more

Scripture: John 13:31-35

Denomination: Lutheran