Sermons on Joel 2:32-32:32:

The Radical Invitation Of Jesus, From Exclusion To Celebration Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Mar 17, 2025

In the calling of Levi, Jesus reshapes what discipleship looks like and who qualifies to be a disciple. Would we invite the "Levi's" of our day to follow Him?

Introduction: Is Jesus “woke”? In other words, is He someone who is sensitive to or aware of the injustices experienced by the marginalized? If Jesus were walking on earth today, gathering disciples, would He do so along DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) ethical standards? Would he try to choose ...read more

Scripture: Luke 5:27-39

Denomination: Baptist

The Opposite Of Karma - Repent

Contributed by Joel Pankow on Mar 22, 2025

How do things work in this world? Good for good? Bad for bad? Nope. Repent.

3.23.25 Luke 13:1–5 (EHV) 1 At that time there were some present who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2 He answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered these things? 3 I ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:1-5

Denomination: Lutheran

Lord Of The Sabbath Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Mar 24, 2025

The rhythms that God laid out for his people included a day of rest called the Sabbath. In Luke 6:1-11, Jesus has two confrontations with the Pharisees about what is allowed on the Sabbath.

Religious groups and churches have patterns or rhythms weekly worship monthly communion Liturgies Annual festivals or meals Muslims have the month of Ramadan where they fast during the day, give alms, and feast at night Hindus have Diwali and specific celebrations tied to their deities Jews have ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

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

Christ Has The Listening Sheep In His Hands

Contributed by Joel Pankow on May 8, 2025

Jesus is the Good Shepherd to speaks lovingly to his sheep, holding them in His hands.

5.11.25 John 10:22–30 22 Then the Festival of Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was walking in the temple area in Solomon’s Colonnade. 24 So the Jews gathered around Jesus, asking, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” ...read more

Scripture: John 10:22-30

Denomination: Lutheran

Do You Hear? Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on May 12, 2025

How do you respond to what you hear from the Word of God?

Do you hear what I hear? Noel Regney was born in France in 1920. He studied music in conservatories in both Paris, France and Strasbourg, Germany. Though being French, he was drafted into the Nazi army during WWII. He did not like the what the party stood for and secretly worked as a part of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 8:4-21

Denomination: Baptist

Fear Or Faith Factor Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on May 19, 2025

As Jesus crosses Galilee, facing a storm and interacting with a demon-possessed man, some people respond to Jesus in fear and others in faith.

From 2001-2006, the reality-TV game show Fear Factor brought contestants and viewers alike face to face with fears that they did not know they had. From death-defying stunts, to eating gross concoctions and so much more, contestants faced their fears in order to win challenges in the hopes of ...read more

Scripture: John 16:33, Matthew 28:20, John 14:1-3, Hebrews 13:5, John 14:16-17, John 10:10, Luke 8:22-39  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Twelve Years Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on May 27, 2025

A lot can happen in twelve years. In Luke 8:40-56 we learn of two different groups of people who had completely different experiences and yet encountered Jesus in profound ways.

Solomon Northrup was born around 1808 in New York to a former slave. His father, who eventually married a woman of mixed ethnicities, had been emancipated in the will of his deceased owner. They had two sons who were born free. Solomon took after his father in learning how to work the land, but ...read more

Scripture: Luke 8:40-56

Denomination: Baptist

The Priorities Of Jesus And His Family Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Jan 7, 2025

This passage seems to reveal how Mary, Joseph and Jesus prioritized God’s things in their routines, regards (or affections), and relationships.

Today, as we continue our study in the book of Luke, we come to a rather peculiar passage that provides a rare glimpse into Jesus’ childhood. The other gospels vary in how much they share about Jesus before his public ministry begins. Matthew devotes about 48 verses to Jesus’ early years (some of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:41-52

Denomination: Baptist

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