First Sermons

This is the third sermon of our sermon series titled “The Altogether Christian” that draws its inspiration from a sermon by John Wesley where he warned an Oxford church full of biblical scholars and people training to be clergy that it’s possible to be almost a Christian without being altogether a Christian. We can be sincere, moral, and faithful in Christian practices while missing the transforming power of deep, saving trust in God. We can be followers of Christ in name, yet hold back from pursuing a life fully shaped by the Great Commandment. 

At the center of our journey to a vital, holistic faith stands Jesus’ call to love God with all our heart, all our soul, all our mind, and all our strength, and to love all our neighbors as ourselves. The repetition of the word all is not accidental. Following Jesus is not partial, occasional, or compartmentalized. It’s a life given over completely to God’s love being made real in us and through us. 

This is the second sermon of our sermon series titled “The Altogether Christian” that draws its inspiration from a sermon by John Wesley where he warned an Oxford church full of biblical scholars and people training to be clergy that it’s possible to be almost a Christian without being altogether a Christian. We can be sincere, moral, and faithful in Christian practices while missing the transforming power of deep, saving trust in God. We can be followers of Christ in name, yet hold back from pursuing a life fully shaped by the Great Commandment. 

At the center of our journey to a vital, holistic faith stands Jesus’ call to love God with all our heart, all our soul, all our mind, and all our strength, and to love all our neighbors as ourselves. The repetition of the word all is not accidental. Following Jesus is not partial, occasional, or compartmentalized. It’s a life given over completely to God’s love being made real in us and through us. 

This is the first sermon of our sermon series titled “The Altogether Christian” that draws its inspiration from a sermon by John Wesley where he warned an Oxford church full of biblical scholars and people training to be clergy that it’s possible to be almost a Christian without being altogether a Christian. We can be sincere, moral, and faithful in Christian practices while missing the transforming power of deep, saving trust in God. We can be followers of Christ in name, yet hold back from pursuing a life fully shaped by the Great Commandment. 

At the center of our journey to a vital, holistic faith stands Jesus’ call to love God with all our heart, all our soul, all our mind, and all our strength, and to love all our neighbors as ourselves. The repetition of the word all is not accidental. Following Jesus is not partial, occasional, or compartmentalized. It’s a life given over completely to God’s love being made real in us and through us. 

Esther reveals her identity and pleads for her people. Haman’s plot is turned upon his own head, illustrating a great reversal of fortunes.

This sermon series focuses on the only two biblical books named for women - Ruth and Esther. The series explores their stories of heroic loyalty and courage that made significant changes for good. How is God working in our lives and the world so we can do the same?

Mordecai’s famous challenge to Esther: “Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Esther moves past her fear, choosing solidarity over silence.

This sermon series focuses on the only two biblical books named for women - Ruth and Esther. The series explores their stories of heroic loyalty and courage that made significant changes for good. How is God working in our lives and the world so we can do the same?

This sermon celebrates the ultimate restoration of Naomi’s and Ruth’s lives through the actions of Boaz, and ties the Ruth story to the inclusive, expansive love of God and the lineage of King David.

This sermon series focuses on the only two biblical books named for women - Ruth and Esther. The series explores their stories of heroic loyalty and courage that made significant changes for good. How is God working in our lives and the world so we can do the same?

A look at the unconventional choices made by Naomi and Ruth to secure a future.

This sermon series focuses on the only two biblical books named for women - Ruth and Esther. The series explores their stories of heroic loyalty and courage that made significant changes for good. How is God working in our lives and the world so we can do the same?

The ancient agricultural laws of gleaning served as a form of social safety net. How are our communities are called to provide safe spaces and economic refuge for the widow, the immigrant, and the vulnerable?

This sermon series focuses on the only two biblical books named for women - Ruth and Esther. The series explores their stories of heroic loyalty and courage that made significant changes for good. How is God working in our lives and the world so we can do the same?

Ruth's bold commitment to Naomi, demonstrating a counter-cultural bond that crosses cultural and religious boundaries.

This sermon series focuses on the only two biblical books named for women - Ruth and Esther. The series explores their stories of heroic loyalty and courage that made significant changes for good. How is God working in our lives and the world so we can do the same?

“A demonstration of the Spirit is given to each person for the common good.”

Although “do not be afraid” is a very common directive throughout the scriptures, as human beings who’ve literally been biologically wired to experience fear to survive, it’s a pretty tall order. This series encourages us not to focus on our inability to be fearless, but to focus on our ability to fear-less because the resurrection of Jesus is proof that in the end, love and life will overcome evil, injustice and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves. Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!