Echo Church Online Messages

Life doesn’t ever turn out exactly how we expect it to. But if we look beyond our expectations and take in the reality that’s right before our eyes, we will find that Jesus is still present with us. He can redeem what has been broken. (Luke 24:13-35)

**Apologies for the technical issues in today’s podcast. The sound didn’t record at its usual quality.

Sermon by: Kelly Carr, Lead Pastor

Connect with us: echochurch.org

Just as he did for the disciples, the living Jesus invites us to the table—he’s ready for a dinner party, to eat and talk and increase our faith. Jesus invites us into new life. Let’s go and sit at the table together. (Luke 24)

Sermon by: Kelly Carr, Lead Pastor

Connect with us: echochurch.org

At a funeral we consider the deceased's contributions, reflect on our relationship with them, and honor them. We have come to Luke 22-23 this week: Jesus' trial and death on the cross. We'll approach this time in the spirit of a funeral: we sit in sorrow for the pain Jesus went through for us. (While we know it is not yet the end.)

Sermon by: Kelly Carr, Lead Pastor

Connect with us: echochurch.org

Sometimes the darkness outside of us—and the darkness within us—interrupts celebration with accusation. Jesus & his disciples experienced this several times during his final days before the cross. We can learn from Jesus’ responses. (Luke 19 & 22)

Sermon by: Kelly Carr, Lead Pastor

Connect with us: echochurch.org

Even good things come with a cost. Jesus shares this hard truth with his disciples: following him will cost something. It’s true for us today as well. We grapple with the question: is following Jesus worth the cost? (Luke 14; Luke 21)

Sermon by: Kelly Carr, Lead Pastor

Connect with us: echochurch.org

Jesus gives two striking plant metaphors in Luke 13: a dying fig tree and a flourishing mustard tree. Like the people who first heard his words, Jesus wants our lives to be healthy: for our own sake, to provide for others, and to share God’s kingdom. Which tree will we be?

Sermon by: Kelly Carr, Lead Pastor

Connect with us: echochurch.org

Let’s sit back, read Luke 12 together, and tell a scary story or two. Wait—what? In this chapter Jesus shares some stories with his followers, and the underlying thread throughout is fear: how fear is used by those in power, how fear can get our attention, and where we should focus our energy instead.

Sermon by: Kelly Carr, Lead Pastor

Connect with us: echochurch.org

Giving or getting critique these days—personally, globally—is quick and easy. But is it always helpful and godly? There is a way to receive and hand out critique with care. Jesus demonstrated for us. (Luke 11:14-54)

As we observe what is going on in our world, the invasion of Ukraine breaks our hearts and affects people we know and care about. We had a special time of prayer during our worship service by one of our missions partners, Dorota Aleksiejuk-Burgess, who is going back to Poland this year. You can also read the transcript of her prayer, shared on her blog: polandministry.com

Sermon by: Kelly Carr, Lead Pastor

Connect with us: echochurch.org

We all face rejection—and at some point we may be rejected because we love Jesus. How do we cope? (Luke 10:1-24)

Sermon by: Kelly Carr, Lead Pastor

Connect with us: echochurch.org

Through life’s seasons of wins and losses, we examine the costs of following Jesus and reassess our commitment to him: am I still all in? (Luke 9:37-62)

Sermon by: Kelly Carr, Lead Pastor

Connect with us: echochurch.org