In the first sermon of our new Advent series, The Gospel According to Handel, we take a close look at Isaiah 40:1-11 and explore the obstacles of Advent, the surprising cry of Advent, and how we ought to respond to Advent. 

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In the conclusion of our sermon series, we consider David's death, specifically the three wrong ways to approach death and the right way because we cannot experience a truly worthwhile life until we overcome our fear of death. 

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How can we possibly experience a fulfilling life in light of the painful reality of human suffering? The way to the good life is not to go around suffering, but to go straight through suffering. In this sermon, we turn to 2 Samuel 18 and explore the source, the sorrow, and the solace of suffering.

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In the story of Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 9:1-13, we learn about the covenant relationship between David and Mephibosheth’s father Jonathan, and how it foreshadows the ultimate significance and security we receive through Jesus’ covenant relationship with us. 

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We often view the "good life" as the "significant life." We want to prove to ourselves and to others that our life counts for something, but this week through a close reading of 2 Samuel 7,  we discover we simply cannot find the “good life” without grace.

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When we speak of the “good life,” we're not merely talking about an ethical or a moral life. Ethics and morality are important, but they only carry us so far. The real question is: How can we make the most of this gift of existence and live a life that is truly worth living? This sermon considers one of the most difficult and unsettling passages in the Old Testament—2 Samuel 6—and what it tells us about what worship is not, what worship is, and why it matters.

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The good life is a life that looks outward to others, not just in friendship but in compassion. This sermon examines the strength for compassion, the eyes of compassion, and the compassion of the Gospel. This sermon was given by guest preacher Rev. Andrew Smith, the pastor of Presbyterian Church of Kennett Square in Pennsylvania.

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People today are living more lonely and isolated lives than ever before. Nearly one in four people say that they haven't made a new friend in the last five years, and the same number say that they have absolutely no one to talk to. So why do we need friendships, what is friendship really, and how do we find true friends? This sermon explores the essentiality of friendship through the story of David and Jonathan in 1 Samuel 18.

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The story of David and Goliath is one of the most well-known stories in the Bible. But despite its familiarity, it is often misunderstood. In this sermon, we take a closer look at 1 Samuel 17 and consider what it has to teach us about living a life of faith and what’s possible when we possess a God-dominated imagination. 

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