Sermons on Robert Powell:

God's Topsy-Turvy Kingdom

Contributed by Carla Powell on Jan 2, 2002

Approaches the Beatitudes as the promise of a future great reversal of fortunes (uses images from Disney’s Hunchback of Notre Dame).

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, blessed are those who mourn, blessed are the meek, blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, blessed are the merciful, blessed are the pure in heart, blessed are the peacemakers, blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake." Jesus’ ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12, Micah 6:1-8

Denomination: Lutheran

The Nicodemus Question

Contributed by Carla Powell on Jan 2, 2002

What does it mean to be born again? How can we be saved?

Second Sunday In Lent (Year A) Many people attend sporting events carrying signs labelled JOHN 3:16, the promise that God so loved the world that he gave his only Son. I heard of a sporting event recently, where the announcers began to snicker and gawk at a sign one of the spectators held that ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-17

Denomination: Lutheran

Ministry In Daily Life

Contributed by Carla Powell on Feb 2, 2002

Sermon describes how we minister in our daily life, relating our ministry to our work using Jesus’ images of being salt, being the light of the world, and putting our lamp on a lampstand for all to see.

Matthew 5:13-20 - Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany [On this day, worshippers were asked to wear their work uniform or bring a symbol of their work so that we will be reminded of the connection between our faith and our work. I refer to it in my sermon several times.] Grace be to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:13-20

Denomination: Lutheran

Justice From Within

Contributed by Carla Powell on Mar 2, 2002

Overview of Nicodemus’ role in the gospel of John, particularly John 3:1-17 and John 7:51. Encourages hearers to get involved on behalf of God’s justice - even if they are the sole voice speaking out.

February 24, 2002 - Second Sunday in Lent (A) "Justice from Within" - John 3:1-17 Grace be to you and peace from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. In our gospel lesson, Nicodemus, a leader of the Pharisees, comes to Jesus at night. He has some questions for Jesus ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-17, John 7:49-51

Denomination: Lutheran

Running From Your Baptism

Contributed by Carla Powell on Mar 2, 2002

Exploration of traditions of adult/infant baptism, and discussion of how we respond to our baptism. Do we run from it? Or do we turn toward God who is always turning toward us?

Baptism of our Lord (A), January 13, 2002 "Running from Your Baptism" Today we hear about Jesus’ baptism as an adult. This baptism was the beginning of his official ministry, sort of his inauguration or commissioning as it were. John was baptizing people at the Jordan River as a symbol of washing ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 3:13-17

Denomination: Lutheran

We Are The Church

Contributed by Carla Powell on Apr 20, 2002

Explores the four images of church/Christians in 1 Peter 2: infants, living stones, priests, chosen people.

Lectionary Texts for 5th Sunday of Easter - April 21, 2002 "We Are The Church" - 1 Peter 2:2-10; John 14:1-14 [Okay-say it with me…]"Here is the church, here is the steeple, open the doors, and see all the people." That little kids’ rhyme and fingerplay holds some truth to it. The church is your ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:2-10

Denomination: Lutheran

Made Known In The Breaking Of The Bread

Contributed by Carla Powell on Apr 20, 2002

Involves the congregation in some immediate community-building, as well as inviting them to see the face of Jesus on their brother or sister. Explores the corporate role of "communion".

Easter 3A - April 14, 2002 "Made Known In The Breaking of the Bread" - Luke 24:13-35 Grace and peace be to you from our Lord and Savior, who is made known to us in the breaking of the bread. On that first Easter day, two of Jesus’ followers were heading away from Jerusalem toward Emmaus. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:13-35

Denomination: Lutheran

Panic Room

Contributed by Carla Powell on Apr 20, 2002

References the movie "Panic Room" (Jodie Foster). Recalls the disciples’ reaction to hide out in a locked room after finding the tomb empty. The "Panic Room" can be both a safe haven and a well-fortressed prison.

"Panic Room" - Easter 2A April 7, 2002 - John 20:19-31 This week I saw the newly-released movie "Panic Room". In this movie, "Jodie Foster plays a wealthy single mom with a teenage daughter. They buy a fancy brownstone in NYC that has a ’panic room’, a fortified hi-tech room in the center of ...read more

Scripture: John 20:19-31

Denomination: Lutheran

Believer's Boast

Contributed by Dallas Powell on Sep 21, 2002

Our faith is an expression of our Godly boast.

Preacher’s Boast Romans 1:16-17 September 21, 2002 A minister, a boy scout, and a scientist were the only passengers on a small plane. The pilot came back to the cabin and explained that the plane was going down but there were only three parachutes and four people. The pilot then added, "I ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:16

Denomination: Baptist

Sacrifice, Our Christian Duty

Contributed by Dallas Powell on Sep 21, 2002

An Acceptable sacrifice begins with love. Do you love him?

Sacrifice, Our Christian Duty Hebrews 13:7-16 December 1996 Sacrifice of Leaders Charlotte was born of hearty stock an old Virginian family. Her brother would be a respected physician, and a sister would be also be a doctor, the first female doctor south of the Mason-Dixon line. She would serve ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 13:7-16

Denomination: Baptist

Having Fun With Jonah

Contributed by Carla Powell on Oct 2, 2002

A re-telling of the entire story of Jonah, but with a twist.

This sermon was given without notes, so the text may differ somewhat from the actual preached word. I asked the people to help me as I read the story of Jonah from the Bible, to raise their hands whenever they heard something that differed from the story as told in the Bible. This sermon works ...read more

Denomination: Lutheran

Confrontation

Contributed by Carla Powell on Oct 2, 2002

Uses Matthew 18 to address the best way to approach interpersonal church conflicts.

An amusing news story from Wales told of a feud in a church looking for a new pastor. It read: “Yesterday the two opposition groups both sent ministers to the pulpit. Both spoke simultaneously, each trying to shout above the other. Both called for hymns, and the congregation sang two -- each side ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:15-20

Denomination: Lutheran

What's The Big Deal About Angels?

Contributed by Carla Powell on Oct 2, 2002

Written for St. Michael and All Angels Sunday, this sermon explores the biblical purpose and role of angels. It does not highlight one particular text, but uses a broad biblical overview to confront the popular notion of a fluffy, harp-playing angel in fl

Today we celebrate the festival of St. Michael and all angels, known in some other countries and traditions as Michaelmas. Michael, the archangel, is mentioned in the books of Daniel, Jude, and Revelation, as well as other Bible-time writings that we do not consider to be part of our Bible. This ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 13:2, Psalm 35:5-6

Denomination: Lutheran

A Renewed Start

Contributed by James Powell on Dec 20, 2006

Starting out the New Year with a RENEWED vision.

A renewed start for 2006 Psalms 51:7-13 Marc Axelrod “Last year at this time, some of you were saying, "This year, things are going to be different! I’m going to change! I’m going to be a better spouse. I’m going to spend more time with my family. I’m going to spend more time reading my Bible. ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 51:7-13

Denomination: Holiness

What Tithing Brings

Contributed by James Powell on Dec 20, 2006

Scripture describing what tithing brings

Tithing Brings: Order and Wisdom to your finances and helps curb materialism. Mt 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: Mt 6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:19-21

Denomination: Holiness