In Sermons: showing 106-120 of 534

Kingdom Preparedn Ess Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Mar 17, 2015

Jesus never seems to come as fast as we want him to. We must be prepared to wait

Matthew 25:1-13 “Kingdom Preparedness” INTRODUCTION “Get ready, we’re going to leave soon!” I suspect more than a few young people heard those words this morning as the family prepared to climb into the car and drive to morning worship. We hear the call to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:1-13

Denomination: Lutheran

The Invitation Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Mar 11, 2015

The invitation to be guests at God's banquet in extended to all.

Matthew 22:1-14 “The Invitation” INTRODUCTION One of the most difficult concepts to grasp is Christianity is that God wants a relationship with us. The depth of faith is not determined by the number of religious activities in which we are involved every week. Faith is living each ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:1-14

Denomination: Lutheran

The Power Of Forgiveness Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Feb 24, 2015

There is great power in forgiveness both for the one who is forgiven and also for the one who forgives

Matthew 18: 15-35 “The Power of Forgiveness” INTRODUCTION Everyone has someone in their lives whom they have not forgiven. It could be someone in the distant past—a boyfriend or girlfriend who jilted us in high school. Someone who offended us unintentionally might be ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:15-35

Denomination: Lutheran

Measuring Greatness Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Feb 24, 2015

God's way of measuring greatness differs greatly from ours. God measures with love and service and not accumulation, accomplishment and attainment"

Matthew 18:1-9 “Measuring Greatness” INTRODUCTION For millennia the Season of Lent has been a time for Christians to reflect on their relationship with God and on Jesus’ call to discipleship, in anticipation of Easter. These forty days preceding Easter were first used as a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:1-9

Denomination: Lutheran

The Cost Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Feb 17, 2015

Being a disciple of Jesus Christ involves a cost. The cost is the path to abundant living

Matthew 16:24-17:8 “The Cost” INTRODUCTION Some passages in the Bible encourage. I love Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Other verses comfort such as, “The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want”—Psalm 23:1. ...read more

Denomination: Lutheran

Abundance Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Feb 9, 2015

God not only provides abundantly for God's people, God also takes our small gifts and makes them adequate to the task.

Matthew 14:13-33 “Abundance” INTRODUCTION Jesus feeding the five thousand and Jesus walking on water are probably two of the best known miracle stories. I remember being taught them in the early years of my Sunday school career. The morals of these stories are still the same that ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:13-33

Denomination: Lutheran

A New Purpose In Life Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Feb 2, 2015

In the kingdom of God, it is no longer true that "whoever dies with the most toys wins.

Matthew 6:7-21 “A New Purpose in Life” INTRODUCTION In Greek mythology Narcissus was a hunter from a territory in Central Greece who was renowned for his beauty. He was the son of a river god and a nymph. He was exceptionally proud, in that he disdained those who loved him. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:7-21

Denomination: Lutheran

Walking A New Path Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jan 27, 2015

Jesus is the new law giver. The beatitudes are a description of what life in the kingdom of God looks like.

Matthew 5:1-20 “Walking a New Path” INTRODUCTION American travelers to foreign countries have often been called “Ugly Americans.” The term refers to American tourists’ tendencies to be loud, demonstrative and to believe that everyone understands English if it is ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-20

Denomination: Lutheran

Called And Equipped Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jan 20, 2015

Jesus is baptized, called in to mission and ministry and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Our baptisms mirror Jesus'

Matthew 3:1-17 “Called and Equipped” INTRODUCTION Time has passed quickly in the gospel story. Last Sunday our story focused on Jesus’ flight to Egypt with his mother and father. Jesus was about two years-old. Today the gospel reading is Matthew’s account of ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 3:1-17

Denomination: Lutheran

Focused Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jan 20, 2015

Following his baptism Jesus is led into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit and is tempted by Satan. His temptation helps him to focus on who he is and what he has been called to do.

Matthew 4:1-17 “Focused” INTRODUCTION It is interesting to see how Hollywood has interpreted the temptation of Jesus. The truth is that we don’t know exactly what happened. No one was present with Jesus, in the wilderness, to record what actually took place. There were no ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:1-17

Denomination: Lutheran

Action And Reaction Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jan 3, 2015

Joseph flees to Egypt with his family in order to protect them from the jealous wrath of King Herod. God's action of love has created a reaction of fear and violence

Matthew 2:13-23 “Action and Reaction” INTRODUCTION Usually the readings for a Sunday are rather positive in nature, but not this time. The story talks about exile, becoming an alien in a foreign land and the slaughter of innocent children. Lessons can be learned, though, in ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:13-23

Denomination: Lutheran

Acceptance And Rejection Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jan 3, 2015

The Magi come to worship the King, but Herod rejects Jesus' claim to the throne.

Matthew 2:1-12 “Acceptance and Rejection” INTRODUCTION The glittering packages that were neatly arranged under the Christmas tree have been transformed into brown boxes, clothing and other items, which now lay in a helter skelter pattern. Gifts have been given and received. Many ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Lutheran

Piercing The Darkness Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Dec 15, 2014

Through the Spirit, God's servant will be a light to the nations, bringing justice and release to prisoners.

Isaiah 42:1-9 “Piercing the Darkness” INTRODUCTION For most of us our Christmas preparations have been completed or nearing their finished splendor. The Christmas tree is up and decorated. Garland has been hung around the house and special Christmas candles have found their ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 42:1-9

Denomination: Lutheran

The Plan Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Dec 15, 2014

God has a plan as seen in Esther when she was made queen

Esther 4:1-17 “The Plan” INTRODUCTION Sharon was a good student with almost an “A” grade point average. She had her heart set on going to a prestigious college. She wasn’t accepted into that college, however, and the scholarship she was awarded by her second ...read more

Scripture: Esther 4:1-17

Denomination: Lutheran

Seeing Ourselves In A Mirror Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Dec 15, 2014

Prophetic call as warning; temple is a den of robbers.

Jeremiah 1:4-10, 7:1-11 INTRODUCTION The times are changing. We once felt fairly safe, but now terrorism is on the rise and a “low grade” fear has engulfed us. We are becoming more diversified in values and ethics along with religions, nationalities, lifestyles, and race. This ...read more

Denomination: Lutheran