Sermons on Billy Joel:

A Part To Play Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Jan 13, 2025

John had a brief but profound ministry, fulfilling the part that God called him to play in order to prepare for the coming of Jesus.

There have been several times over the last few months that I have been reminded about the importance of even small parts on teams or in performances. back up quarterback who comes in for one play because his speed or gift could help move the ball down the field Ballerina who comes in for a single ...read more

Scripture: Luke 3:1-22

Denomination: Baptist

Getting To Know Him

Contributed by Joel Pankow on Jan 14, 2025

Paul's prayer is for us to know Jesus' and His deep love for us. A neat and bold prayer.

1.19.25 Ephesians 3:14–21 (EHV) 14 For this reason I kneel before the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 from whom the entire family in heaven and on earth receives its name. 16 I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he would strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:14-21

Denomination: Lutheran

What Happens When Grace Isn't Enough?

Contributed by Joel Pankow on Jan 24, 2025

Jesus' hometown rejected him, even though they were impressed with His words of grace. Why? How did Jesus react? Is grace enough for you?

1.26.25 Luke 4:16–30 (EHV) 16 He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. As was his custom, he went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and stood up to read. 17 The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: 18 ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:16-30

Denomination: Lutheran

Trust In Jesus Through Hell And Back

Contributed by Joel Pankow on May 11, 2023

Peter shows how Jesus descended into hell and what it means for us as baptized children of God.

5.14.23 1 Peter 3:18–22 (EHV) 18 He was put to death in flesh but was made alive in spirit, 19 in which he also went and made an announcement to the spirits in prison. 20 These spirits disobeyed long ago, when God’s patience was waiting in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In this ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:18-22

Denomination: Lutheran

Find Encouragement In Barnabas, The Son Of Encouragement

Contributed by Joel Pankow on Jun 8, 2023

A look at St. Barnabas, and what we can learn from him.

6.11.23 Acts 11:19–30, 13:1-3 (EHV) 19 Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that took place at the time of Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. 20 But there were some men from Cyprus and Cyrene who came to Antioch ...read more

Scripture: Acts 11:19-30

Denomination: Lutheran

Nobody, Somebody, Everybody Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Jun 19, 2023

If John the Baptist was on social media, what would he post? What would he share about himself? He might truly resonate with the song by Casting Crowns - "Nobody, Somebody, Everybody."

I’m not very good at social media, but you probably already know that if you’re on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I don’t post very often - except to give away bread. When I do, I don’t take very good pictures - in fact I sometimes re-do old pictures - especially of bread. I suppose in some ...read more

Scripture: John 1:19-34

Denomination: Baptist

The First Disciples Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Jun 19, 2023

As Jesus begins his ministry, he calls out several men to follow him. This sermon considers the first disciples that Jesus calls.

We all like to follow someone at various times in our lives. We may be motivated by curiosity, fear, ambition, knowledge, information. Sometimes our following is a simple and non-committed social media follow - we might just want to be in the know. Other times our following results in a certain ...read more

Scripture: John 1:35-51

Denomination: Baptist

The Wedding At Cana Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Jun 19, 2023

Jesus' sign of turning the water to wine reveals a bit of how he addresses our earthly and eternal needs.

Introduction I have a problem. I don’t like things on my hands. As a result I wash my hands too often when I’m cooking. Now, you may not see that as a problem, after all, cross contamination of various foods is never good. But I do. The other day, Danielle and I were preparing dinner together. ...read more

Scripture: John 2:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

Christians Fight Losing Battles And Yet Win The War

Contributed by Joel Pankow on Jul 7, 2023

Paul talks about fighting against his own sinful nature as a wretched sinner.

7.8.23 Romans 7:15–25a 15 I do not understand what I am doing, because I do not keep doing what I want. Instead, I do what I hate. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17 But now it is no longer I who am doing it, but it is sin living in me. 18 Indeed, I ...read more

Scripture: Romans 7:15-25

Denomination: Lutheran

On The Mountain With God Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Mar 31, 2025

Throughout the Bible, the motif of the mountain has been instrumental in the lives of God's people. Here in Luke 6, Jesus ascends the mountain to pray - giving us an example and an invitation.

Mountain Top Experiences Throughout the Bible we find a motif or a theme of mountain experiences. Mountains in the ancient world were seen as places where the things of heaven and things of earth intersected. In Scripture we find mountains as a places where surrender happens, where communion with ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:12-16

Denomination: Baptist

Cherish The Blessing Of The Curse On The Cross

Contributed by Joel Pankow on Apr 16, 2025

What is a curse? How are we blessed through a curse? Find out in this Good Friday Sermon

4.18.25 Galatians 3:10–13 (EHV) 10 In fact, those who rely on the works of the law are under a curse. For it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the book of the law.” 11 Clearly no one is declared righteous before God by the law, because “The ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 3:10-13

Denomination: Lutheran

A New Kind Of King For A New Kind Of Kingdom Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Apr 17, 2025

On Palm Sunday, people clamored for Jesus to be their King. In the sermon on the plain, Jesus seems to lay out some things that help us to see who the Kingdom people are, what they should value, and how they should live.

Today is a day that has become known as Palm Sunday, celebrating the day of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Here, near the end of his earthly ministry, people had watched in wonder at 2-3 years of authoritative teaching, profound miracles, and even resurrections. They had become enamored ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:17-49

Denomination: Baptist

The Problem Of Suffering And The Panacea Of Our Savior Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Apr 21, 2025

When in Jesus' ministry of healing and teaching, he addresses the reality of the suffering that we experience and solves the root problem of our suffering - sin.

It’s not uncommon for people to ask the question, “why do bad things happen to good people?” Or to state it another way, “if God is good, why do bad things happen?” It can sometimes feel like the worst things in life happen to some of the best people. At times it can feel like God is out to get ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

Finicky Faith Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Apr 28, 2025

John, while in prison, sent representatives to Jesus to ascertain whether or not he is the one - Jesus provided proof and then affirmed John’s ministry, sinners repented, Pharisees rejected/scoffed, Jesus confronted the finicky faith of the generation

During World War II, a congregation in London faced bombings nightly. In the midst of fear, their pastor encouraged them to gather for prayer. One night, after a particularly intense bombing, he found a soldier praying with fervor. When asked why he prayed amidst such chaos, the soldier replied, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:18-35

Denomination: Baptist

Unexpected Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on May 5, 2025

Jesus faced some things that we may see as unexpected as he dined with a Pharisee and welcomed a motley group of followers.

There are a variety of ways in which we set expectations. Sometimes cultural norms - like a handshake or a hug - set certain expectations. Sometimes we have expectations based on tradition - for example how to set a table or what you do on holidays. You may have performance expectations set by ...read more

Denomination: Baptist