Sermons on Kevin:

Be Prepared - Watchful Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Dec 6, 2007

The hope and anticipation of Jesus’ return motivates us to be watchful and to live each day of our lives as a faithful servant of God.

Matthew 24:36-44 “Be Prepared—Watchful” INTRODUCTION Jesus is coming again! Not only is this the subject of the gospel text for today, it is also the great hope of the Christian Church. We as Christians hope and we anticipate Jesus’ return with an eager longing. Anticipation can be life ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:36-44

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

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

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

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

Be Prepared - Proclaim The Birth" Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jan 1, 2008

The Christmas Story not only proclaims God’s love in his incarnation, but also demonstrates how God moves through the lives of regular people to establish his kingdom

Matthew 1:18-25 “Be Prepared – Proclaim the Birth” INTRODUCTION The Christmas Story is the story of God--Creator of the Universe--interacting with human history. This story, however, is not just about God’s loving and grace-filled activity, it is also about Mary and Joseph. This young ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-23

Denomination: Lutheran

God's Guiding Hand

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jan 1, 2008

One of the greatest tragedies in the Bible is the killing of the innocents. As terrible as the story is, though, it does show us how God moves in the middle of tragedies and injustices.

Matthew 2:13-23 “God’s Guiding Hand” INTRODUCTION While we were celebrating the gift of Jesus with our family and friends, a lot was going on around the world. Bhutto was assassinated in Pakistan causing the country to more social and political upheaval. Several of our troops were killed in ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:13-23

Denomination: Lutheran

Overcoming Your Past

Contributed by Kevin Bockus on Jan 7, 2008

There are negative things from our past that hold us back, we can overcome the past and experience a great today and tomorrow.

Text: Philippians 3:12-14, Luke 15 - Prodigal Title: Overcoming Your Past Subject: Overcoming sin and faults Proposition: You can overcome your past. Interrogative: How can I overcome my past? Transition: Scripture shares with us several truths to help us overcome our past. Objective: ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:12-14

Denomination: Holiness

Commissioned And Empowered Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jan 14, 2008

Jesus commissioned his disciples to be his witnesses and make disciples to the ends of the earth. To fulfill this awesome calling God gave the church the Holy Spirit. This is who we are.

Acts 1:6-11, 2:1-4 “Commissioned and Empowered INTRODUCTION What comes to you mind, when you think of the word, “church.” Some people might imagine white clapboard buildings sitting on the prairie, or pot luck dinners with Jell-o. Other people might remember Sunday School Christmas Pageants, ...read more

Denomination: Lutheran

A Church In Training Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jan 14, 2008

From the early Christians, we see what it means to be transformed by the cross of Christ and the filling of the Holy Spirit. These Christians adopted a life style of spiritual discipline and generosity and are examples to us today.

Acts 2:42-47 “A Church in Training” INTRODUCTION The United States is a nation that is out of shape. • 58 Million Overweight; 40 Million Obese; 3 Million morbidly Obese • Eight out of 10 over 25’s Overweight • 78% of American’s not meeting basic activity level recommendations • 25% ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:42-47

Denomination: Lutheran

A Merciful God Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Apr 28, 2008

God doesn’t expect us to be perfect--God knows us better than that. God does encourage us, though, to acknowledge our sin, seek to turn away from our rebelliousness, and received God’s forgiveness.

Psalm 51:1-19 “A Merciful God” INTRODUCTION For decades, the church has focused on sin. Preachers appear to have taken delight in telling the members of their congregation how bad and sinful they were. The theme seemed to be, “If it felt good, then it had to be bad.” Congregational members ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 51:1-19

Denomination: Lutheran

At The Heart Of Jesus

Contributed by Kevin Taylor on May 3, 2008

Learn the importance of spending time close to the heart of God.

I. Leaning on the Everlasting Arms A. TEXT: John 13:21-30 “When Jesus had said these things, He was troubled in spirit, and testified and said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me." Then the disciples looked at one another, perplexed about whom He spoke. Now there was leaning ...read more

Scripture: John 13:21-30

The Umbrella Anointing

Contributed by Kevin Taylor on May 3, 2008

Find out the benefits of living ’under cover.’

I. Abiding Under the Shadow A. Text: Psalm 91:1-16 “[1] He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. [2] I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.’ [3] Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 91:1-16

No New Wine Before It's Time

Contributed by Kevin Taylor on May 3, 2008

How do you handle pressure? How can you keep from cracking under pressure?

I. Cracking Under Pressure A. Text: Psalm 119:81-83 “[81] I am worn out waiting for Your rescue, but I have put my hope in Your Word. [82] My eyes are straining to see Your promises come true. When will You comfort me? [83] I am shriveled like a wineskin in the smoke, but I have not forgotten to ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 119:81-83

God's Watchful Eye Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on May 5, 2008

Not only does our help come from the Lord, but the Lord is alsokeeping a watchful eye upon us. We are never out of God’s care.

Psalm 121:1-8 “God’s Watchful Eye” INTRODUCTION While traveling up to Jerome the other day, my mind wandered and I began to think what it must have been like traveling though the area as a pioneer. It must have been a daunting adventure. Certainly the trip that now takes us two hours must ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 121:1-8

Denomination: Lutheran