Sermons on Civilla Martin:

The Shrewd Manager

Contributed by Martin Ellgar on Sep 20, 2016

A perspective on the parable Luke 16: 1-13; The parable of the shrewd manager. The story builds up to a bunch-line. What is the punch-line in this parable? It is the focal point for discussion and the opportunity for Jesus to bring healing into your life.

A Perspective on: The Parable of the Shrewd Manager What is a parable? A parable is a story with the intent of informing the listener something about life. The parables that Jesus spoke compared earthly life to the Kingdom of God and the way to salvation. Many stories throughout the Bible ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:1-13

Denomination: Lutheran

Jesus Loves The Organized Church

Contributed by Jack Martin on Aug 5, 2017

In a day where thousands are fleeing the church, no longer feeling it relevant. This message it meant to remind us that Jesus was against organized religion, but he is not against the church being decent and in order. In fact he created it that way.

This mornings message is titled - “Jesus loves the organized Church” Now that might to some sound silly. Perhaps you would respond of course he does Pastor where his children, his joint heirs, his body. • That’s not the response that I believe God finds troubling, but there is a second response ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-15

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Freedom (Galatians)

Contributed by Laura Martin on Jun 30, 2020

A walk through the book of Galatians. Are you living free – and not as a slave to the law or to sin?

I think freedom is one of the deepest longings of the human heart. Wars have been fought, songs have been sung, philosophies developed – all for the cause of freedom. So it should not surprise us that when Jesus entered into human history — some of his earliest public words in a synagogue came from ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:1

Waiting

Contributed by Laura Martin on Jul 7, 2020

The place of lament in the Christian life.

What exactly did you come to church this morning to hear? But don’t blame me for choosing this passage, as it was in the lectionary for today. Lamentations is 5 chapters long, and it is a song of sorrow, a lament, over the tragic fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC. Lamentations is appropriately located ...read more

Scripture: Lamentations 1:1-6

Are You Confident To Serve?

Contributed by Laura Martin on Jul 7, 2020

Luke 5:1-11 and Isaiah 6:1-8. What is the starting point for Christian service?

Today’s gospel reading is probably very familiar to you. If you attended Sunday school as a child, it is a Bible story that is popular to tell children. But familiarity can create blindness. In our familiarity with something, we can fail to see what is there. I enjoyed studying to prepare this ...read more

Scripture: Luke 5:1-11, Isaiah 6:1-8

Stone Becomes Flesh

Contributed by Martin Ellgar on Dec 16, 2014

A perspective on John 10: 22-30. What did it mean for the Israelites to loose their Temple?

John 10: 22-30 Stone Becomes Flesh We are told in our text that Jesus was present during the Feast of Dedication at Jerusalem. This is a relatively new festival added to the Jewish calendar. It celebrates the rededication of the Temple in 164 BC. The history of this festival is an important ...read more

Scripture: John 10:22-30

Denomination: Lutheran

The Christmas Spirit

Contributed by Martin Ellgar on Dec 16, 2014

A drama for children: The Christmas Spirit

1st Sunday After Christmas (This children’s talk is based on Luke 2: 22-40, where Mary and Joseph present Jesus at the Temple) Theme: The Christmas spirit. Objective: To teach that the spirit of Christmas continues throughout the year. To teach that the joy of Christmas is the joy of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:22-40

Denomination: Lutheran

A Better Day Everyday

Contributed by Martin Ellgar on Dec 16, 2014

A drama for children: God gives gifts.

A Better Day Everyday (Based on the Parables of the Talents, Matt. 25: 14) Theme: God gives gifts. Aim: 1. To teach the children that God gives us the gift of Jesus. 2. To teach the children to use Jesus everyday. Materials: Toothbrush Watch TV Remote Control A power tool (Electric screw ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:14

Denomination: Lutheran

The Ascension Of Jesus

Contributed by Martin Ellgar on Dec 16, 2014

A drama for children: The ascension of Jesus.

Ascension (Luke 24: 45-53, to celebrate the ascension of Jesus into heaven.) Theme: The ascension of Jesus. Objective: 1. To teach that Jesus ascended into heaven. 2. To teach that through the ascension of Jesus, he comes to us. 3. To teach that Jesus continues to give us joy, peace and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:45-53

Denomination: Lutheran

C.o.p.

Contributed by Martin Ellgar on Dec 16, 2014

A drama for children: C.O.P. (Christian On Patrol)

C.O.P. (This children’s talk is based on Luke 13: 10-17, where Jesus heals a crippled woman on the Sabbath.) Theme: Jesus gives life. Objective: 1. To demonstrate an act of giving life. 2. To teach that Jesus gives life Key Phrase: Jesus gives life. Materials: 1. A carry bag 2. An old ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:10-17

Denomination: Lutheran

The Perfume Of Grace

Contributed by Martin Ellgar on Dec 18, 2014

A perspective on John 12: 1-8. What happens at this evening meal is extraordinary. The perfume was worth a years salary, and Mary gave it freely and willingly to anoint the feet of Jesus. How will you respond to salvation, to the perfume of grace?

John 12: 1-8 The Perfume of Grace Past events can be re-called, remembered through the help of pictures, stories and even pleasant aromas. Toast reminds me of breakfast as its aroma fills the house and beckons me to have more. For some Jewish people the aroma of BBQ lamb contributes to remind ...read more

Scripture: John 12:1-8

Denomination: Lutheran

Daily Nutrients

Contributed by Martin Ellgar on Dec 18, 2014

A drama for children: Daily Nutrients.

Daily Nutrients (This Children’s talk is appropriate for a Harvest Thanksgiving Service. It is based on John 6: 35 where Jesus declares, “I am the bread of life”.) Theme: Jesus gives the daily nutrients. Aim: 1. To teach the meaning of the word nutrients. 2. To teach that we ...read more

Scripture: John 6:35

Denomination: Lutheran

Father, Son, & Disciple

Contributed by Martin Ellgar on Dec 19, 2014

A perspective on John 15: 1-8. What fruit will the true vine and its branches produce? The fruit that Jesus, the true vine produces is distinctive like no other and is difficult to find in our world.

John 15: 1-8 Father, Son, & Disciple. The wild grape vine with its trailing branches is one of the lowest bushes and yet its fruit is highly prized, and was the favoured fruit of kings for thousand of years. The wild unattended vine is easily damaged producing very little and poor quality fruit. ...read more

Scripture: John 15:1-8

Denomination: Lutheran

Employment Conditions

Contributed by Martin Ellgar on Dec 19, 2014

A drama for children: Employment Conditions

Employment Conditions (Based on Matthew 10) Materials: a hard hat, a high visibility vest, a clip board with the following employment conditions. Setting: Building site, a new city hospital You are a Recruitment officer from the building site. You are speaking to the congregation to enlist ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:1-42

Denomination: Lutheran

God Comes To The Party

Contributed by Martin Ellgar on Dec 20, 2014

A perspective on John 15. Where is God to be found? He can be found with his disciples, with his followers, with all believers of Jesus Christ. He is with them.

John 15: 26, 27; 16: 4b-15 God comes to the party We’ve had the millennium party, Easter, and now we’ve come together for the P2K celebrations (Pentecost 2000). We’ve come together to celebrate Pentecost. Christians have been celebrating Pentecost for 2000 years. The people of Israel continue to ...read more

Denomination: Lutheran