The Christmas Eve sermon is based on a variety of scripture passages pertaining to the nativity of Christ, but in particular we can discuss Isaiah 9:2-7.
Isaiah 9:2-7
2The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined.3You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder.4For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian.5For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire.6For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.7His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
ABOUT OUR DECEMBER PREACHING THEME
Past Imperfect, Present Tense, Future Indicative
During Advent, Pastor Louise’s sermons will look in two directions: back to the past to explore ancient biblical prophecies and forward to the future, to catch a glimpse of hopeful prospects. What we see in those two directions has much to offer us as guidance for our lives today, in a world that is broken and fearful, where even now God is working to mend and reconcile. Scripture witnesses to a profound hope that is more truthful than nostalgia and more powerful than wishful thinking. What is the “peace of Christ” and how does it make a difference in our hearts and relationships? Where is the evidence of it? What does it call us to do? You’re invited to share your thoughts and ideas…
Real Men (and Women) Ask for Directions, based on Isaiah 31:1-10
ABOUT OUR DECEMBER PREACHING THEME
Past Imperfect, Present Tense, Future Indicative
During Advent, Pastor Louise’s sermons will look in two directions: back to the past to explore ancient biblical prophecies and forward to the future, to catch a glimpse of hopeful prospects. What we see in those two directions has much to offer us as guidance for our lives today, in a world that is broken and fearful, where even now God is working to mend and reconcile. Scripture witnesses to a profound hope that is more truthful than nostalgia and more powerful than wishful thinking. What is the “peace of Christ” and how does it make a difference in our hearts and relationships? Where is the evidence of it? What does it call us to do? You’re invited to share your thoughts and ideas…
Isaiah 31:1-10
Peace When There Is No Peace based on Isaiah 11:1-10
ABOUT OUR DECEMBER PREACHING THEME
Past Imperfect, Present Tense, Future Indicative
During Advent, Pastor Louise’s sermons will look in two directions: back to the past to explore ancient biblical prophecies and forward to the future, to catch a glimpse of hopeful prospects. What we see in those two directions has much to offer us as guidance for our lives today, in a world that is broken and fearful, where even now God is working to mend and reconcile. Scripture witnesses to a profound hope that is more truthful than nostalgia and more powerful than wishful thinking. What is the “peace of Christ” and how does it make a difference in our hearts and relationships? Where is the evidence of it? What does it call us to do? You’re invited to share your thoughts and ideas…
Isaiah 11:1-10
The overarching theme for the month of November (which includes Stewardship Dedication Sunday on the 14th) is “The Future Is Now” The investment of our gifts, our work, our faith and our very lives in God’s Reign prepares the way for a truly promising future.
The Gospel reading the sermon is based on is: Luke 21:5-19.
Luke 21:5-19
5When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, 6“As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down.” 7They asked him, “Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?” 8And he said, “Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is near!’ Do not go after them. 9“When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately.” 10Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; 11there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven. 12“But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. 13This will give you an opportunity to testify. 14So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; 15for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. 16You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. 17You will be hated by all because of my name. 18But not a hair of your head will perish. 19By your endurance you will gain your souls.
The sermon scheduled for October 31 is themed: Changing Places and is based on Luke 19:1-10.
Jesus’ acceptance of Zaccheus moves him to live his life differently.
How would your life change if you knew you were saved? (or would it?)
The sermon for October 10 is based on Luke 17:11-19.
Luke 17:11-19
11On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. 12As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, 13they called out, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” 14When he saw them, he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were made clean. 15Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. 16He prostrated himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. 17Then Jesus asked, “Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? 18Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19Then he said to him, “Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.”
Filed under: sermon germination
The scriptural theme for October is ”Increase Our Faith.” Some biblical role models show us how to open ourselves to spiritual growth.
The sermon for October 3 is titled: No Strangers at the Feast, in recognition of World Communion Sunday.
How have you been called to the table? Do you feel welcome? What things might people perceive as barriers to being welcomed at the Lord’s Table? How can we make sure the invitation is received?
(These questions are not meant to be exclusive or exhaustive, speak your mind).
The sermon for September 26 will be based on Genesis 38.
Tamar was an ancestor of both David and Jesus. The story is a portrait of one who risked honor that right be done.
This passage contains some elements still used to justify modern moral judgements. What is the true moral of this story how does it relate to our lives today?
The sermon lection for September 19 is Genesis 32:22-31.
One possible brief overarching theme for this passage is: “Blessing may be found in honest encounter and even struggle with the God of our faith.”
What ideas and possibilities germinate within you when reading this?
TEXT: Genesis 1 and 2
In this sermon, we’ll explore how our essential goodness is marred by selfish choices; we live outside the garden, but God is still with us there.
The text for this day, September 12, 2010 (Celebration Sunday at Fairmount), coincides with the first two of three passages for the first daily “Year of the Bible” reading.
Not only do you get a head start on our reading, but you can offer suggestions and insight to help me prepare the sermon for that day!
(NOTE: This is the first of a weekly series where you are asked to provide ideas and insight on upcoming scripture passages for sermons. Please comment.)
