Country Club Christian Church Sermons

This sermon, based on 2 Thessalonians 2 and lightheartedly titled, "Is this the End of the World?" asks us to remember God's sacred promise to be with us in all seasons. Whether we are experiencing something heavenly or fighting through some terrible hell, God promises to be among us through it all. (November 6, 2016)

In the second of this two-part Pathways to Learning series on Politics and Elections, Rev. Brian Ellison brings us the Christian perspective. Rev. Ellison is ordained in the Presbyterian Church (USA), and is executive director of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians. He is also a frequent contributor to KCUR, Kansas City’s NPR station.

Pathways to Learning is a periodic series of elective offerings open to everyone, focusing upon timely topics on the Bible, spirituality, current events, family life and technology.

(October 30, 2016)

Rev. Carla Aday's sermon, "Irresistible Grace," is based on Luke 19:1-10, about Jesus' encounter with a man named Zacchaeus. (October 30, 2016)

Dr. Glen Miles concludes his "Deep Courage" series with a focus on Peter. Peter is brash and loud, cocky and oh-so-sure of himself. He is also deeply insecure and too often acts from a place of fear, not courage. This deeply flawed yet tremendously talented man will finally find the strength and fearlessness he needs to become the preacher whose sermons help to form the early church. Based on Acts 10:34-43. (October 23, 2016)

In the first of this two-part Pathways to Learning series on Politics and Elections, David Von Drehle, editor at large at Time magazine gives us the media's perspective. Von Drehle, writes about presidential politics, the Supreme Court and international terrorism. He has worked for the Washington Post, the Miami Herald and the Denver Post and is the author of numerous journalistic articles as well as three books, including the New York Times bestseller The Fire That Changed America, about the famous Triangle shirtwaist factory fire.

Pathways to Learning is a periodic series of elective offerings open to everyone, focusing upon timely topics on the Bible, spirituality, current events, family life and technology.

(October 23, 2016)

In Part 5 of his sermon series, "Deep Courage," Dr. Glen Miles focuses on the biblical tale of Esther, a young Jewish woman who is thrust into the political intrigue of ancient Persia. Through a series of events beyond her control, she ends up as the queen. After she becomes queen, there is a movement led by an evil character named Haman to kill all of the Jews living in Persia. Because of her position, she is in a place where she may be able to save her people from extinction. She is reluctant to try anything, she could lose her life, but a relative asks, "And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?" Esther shows great courage when she accepts this responsibility saying, "If I perish, I perish."

The question before her is one that really lies before all of us. What are you called to right now in your life? Is there an issue you need to face, a problem you're invited to tackle, an effort you know would benefit from your support? Maybe it is some really big deal that will get you on the 5 o'clock news or maybe, as it is for most of us, it is some quiet work you need to do, something that will benefit a child or a neighbor. In this sermon, we encounter this call to serve each other and the world. Based on Esther 4: 9-17 and John 14:25-27. (October 16, 2016)

Dr. Glen Miles' sermon series "Deep Courage," continues with Part 4, a look at the story of Ruth, an immigrant who moved with her mother-in-law Naomi from Moab to Israel. Ruth's courage is seen in her willingness to let love and not fear motivate her actions. Ruth is the great grandmother of King David, and also an ancestor of Jesus. Her experiences help us pay attention to Jesus' all important question, "Who is my neighbor?" This is a story as timely as it is timeless. One scholar notes that Ruth's tale invites us to extend our "own care and concern beyond the boundaries of the bloodline of the covenant community." This is a sweet and precious story that helps us see the wideness of God's welcome for all. Based on Ruth 1:1-5; 15-18. (October 9, 2016)

Dr. Glen Miles' sermon series "Deep Courage," continues with a look at the famous story of David and Goliath, the perfect underdog tale of someone who overcame tremendous odds to defeat the bad guy. However, did you know a deeper look at the story reveals David was able to turn the tables to his advantage by paying attention to his own God-given strengths? Maybe he wasn't as much of an underdog as we think. Based on 1 Samuel 17:32-40. (October 2, 2016)

Deep Courage, Part 2, focuses on the life of Moses, especially his call from God to go to Egypt and demand for the release of the Hebrew slaves. At least five times in the conversation between Moses and God, Moses says, "Yes, but..." He is sure God has the wrong guy. He is certain the skills needed for taking on the most powerful politician in the world are beyond him. And yet, God persists. Moses isn't even all that religious. There is nothing in his life story suggesting he is the one to take on this task. God calls him nonetheless. Sometimes deep courage emerges when we say yes to a tough task or a difficult work. Based on Exodus 5:1-2; 6-9; 19-21. (September 25, 2016)

Every act of courage, no matter how great or small, takes place within the life of an ordinary woman or man. No one is born courageous. Instead, great men and women emerge, through the power of love and the beauty of friendship, when they stand up in the face of adversity and take on a challenge. Lao Tzu, the Chinese philosopher once said, "Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage."

In Part 1, we hear from the ancient psalmist who instructs, "Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord." The sermon title, "Don't Give Up," implies that courage more often than not comes from the simple act of moving forward in life no matter what is happening around you. Based on Psalm 31:21-24. (September 18, 2016)