Sermons on Kevin:

Whese's The Kingdom Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Apr 19, 2014

Jesus stands before Pilate. Jesus’ kingdom is not from this world, but he is still King of kings and Lord of lords.

John 18:28-40 "Where's the Kingdom?" INTRODUCTION It has often been said that Jesus, "Lived so that he could die." Such comments stress the crucifixion, but down play Jesus' life. I think it might be more accurate to say that Jesus died because he lived. In other words, Jesus bringing in the ...read more

Scripture: John 18:28-40

Denomination: Lutheran

Welcoming The Alternative Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Apr 19, 2014

Palm Sunday welcome of the king and an alternative lifestyle is chosen, which is very different from the world’s norm of authority and power.

John 12:12-17 “Welcoming the Alternative” INTRODUCTION Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem has always been called a “triumphal entry.” In many ways it appears to be a comical imitation of a Roman parade. We can see this first Palm Sunday event similar to an army ...read more

Scripture: John 12:12-17

Denomination: Lutheran

Last Words Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Apr 19, 2014

Jesus last words were those of love, forgiveness, pain, and victory

John 19:23-30 “Last Words” INTRODUCTION None of us like change. Sometimes even being introduced to something new is threatening. As we ponder the events of the first Good Friday, we are witnesses to the response of the world powers (at that time) to a message of love and ...read more

Scripture: John 19:23-30

Denomination: Lutheran

Seeing Jesus Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Apr 23, 2014

Mary discovers the empty tomb and runs to tell the disciples. Later, in her grief and confusion, she sees Jesus and hears him call her by name.

John 20:1-18 “Seeing Jesus” INTRODUCTION Jesus has risen! Jesus is alive! These are the proclamations of Easter. They are the truth on which our Christian faith is based. These words are easy for us to say as we worship today. Yet, there are times in our lives when we find it ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-18

Denomination: Lutheran

The Gift Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Apr 30, 2014

Jesus appears to the disciples on Easter evening and gives them the gift of the Spirit. Later Jesus appears to Thomas in order to quell Thomas’ doubts.

John 20:19-30 “The Gift” INTRODUCTION Last Wednesday the Youth Discipleship class went to see the movie, “Heaven is for Real.” If you haven’t read the book, or seen the movie, it is about the experience of Colton Burpo. Colton was four years-old when his ...read more

Scripture: John 20:19-31

Denomination: Lutheran

Challenging Calls Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jun 6, 2014

Paul and Ananias are called into Christ’s service. One is called globally while the other is called to local ministry.

Acts 9:1-9 “Challenging Calls” INTRODUCTION Jesus has risen. He has appeared to the disciples given them peace through the gift of the Holy Spirit. The fear of the disciples has been overcome. The purpose of Jesus’ actions is so he can send out the disciples to carry on ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:1-9

Denomination: Lutheran

Single Mindedness Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jun 6, 2014

We are to have a similar mind among ourselves, which is ours in Christ Jesus who became obedient to death.

Philippians 2:2-12 INTRODUCTION A friend recently said to me, "Life would be so much simpler if it weren't for other people." Of course we laughed at the obvious truth of his statement, but also at the irony that people are what make up our lives. It is living in community where the rubber mets ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-12

Denomination: Lutheran

Energized Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jun 17, 2014

The Holy Spirit comes upon the disciples and energizes them for mission and ministry. The church is born and the Spirit continues to energize God’s people to this day.

Acts 2:1-21 “Energized” INTRODUCTION We are creatures of habit, and we go through most of our lives on cruise control. Occasionally, though, something out of the ordinary happens and we are immediately inquisitive. • We make it from the #303 to the #101 and only hit one ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:1-21

Denomination: Lutheran

Precious Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jun 17, 2014

The Israelites reach Mount Sinai and the Lord declares that they are his treasured possession. We, too, as children of faith are God’s precious possessions.

Exodus 19:1-6, 20:1-2 “Precious” INTRODUCTION The world is filled with strange, ridiculous and useless laws. For example: • In Missouri it is illegal to drive with an uncaged bear, and in Alaska it is improper to wake a sleeping bear for a photo opportunity. • In ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 19:1-6, Exodus 19:1

Denomination: Lutheran

Testing The Spirits Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jul 29, 2014

Discernment is a gift. It gives God’s children the ability to distinguish between what God calls us to and what the world entices us toward.

1 John 4:1-6 "Testing the Spirits" INTRODUCTION We have come a long way in communication since March 10, 1876 when Alexander Graham Bell spoke into a prototype of the telephone and said, "Mr. Watson, come here. I want to see you." It is now common to have the television on while browsing ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 4:1-6

Denomination: Lutheran

Inner Desire Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jul 29, 2014

Coveting—our envy of another’s possessions and blessings has the potential to destroy our relationship with God and with others. A life of thankfulness and gratitude is commanded instead of coveting.

Exodus 20:17 “Inner Desires” INTRODUCTION One of the most popular arguments to persuade parents is, “But mom, dad, everyone’s doing it.” How did this work for you when you were young? This is the excuse that we use when confronted by the ninth and tenth ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:17-18

Denomination: Lutheran

Witness To The Truth Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jul 29, 2014

We do not share speculations. Rather, we are eye witnesses and we share what we have seen and heard of the truth—Jesus.

1 John 1:1-4 "Witness to the Truth" INTRODUCTION One of the discussions that is taking place in the Christian Church today centers around our understanding of faith. Is faith the propositions that you believe, or is it your motivation for living and your lifestyle? To put it another way, "Is ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 1:1-4

Denomination: Lutheran

The Look Of Love Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Aug 4, 2014

One of the basic instructions of Jesus is to love one another. Love is the demonstration that we are in Jesus and Jesus is in us.

1 John 4:7-21 “The Look of Love” INTRODUCTION I read today’s lesson and I was overwhelmed by the number of times that the word “love” appeared. The Beatles song, “All You Need is Love,” popped into my mind and I wondered if this passage of scripture ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 4:7-22

Denomination: Lutheran

Foolish Vows Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Aug 26, 2014

Ruth proclaims her loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi. Her words at first appear foolish. She is not doing what is normal. Yet her loyalty honors God and God moves powerfully as a result of Ruth’s proclamation.

Ruth 1:1-22 “Foolish Vows” INTRODUCTION Coping is an everyday experience and we all have various means of coping. We might call a friend and vent, or go for a long walk. Chocolate is sometimes an effective coping mechanism, as is taking a short break to pursue our favorite hobby. ...read more

Denomination: Lutheran

The Blessings Of Kindness Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Aug 26, 2014

Boaz acts kindly toward Ruth and Naomi. His kindness is used by God to accomplish God’s will.

Ruth 2:1-23 “The Blessing of Kindness” INTRODUCTION Some stories are meant to entertain, while others are told to frighten. Memorable stories seem to be the stories that are not only captivating, but also teach a lesson. While growing up, I enjoyed Aesop’s fables like ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 2:1-23

Denomination: Lutheran