What does it really cost to follow Jesus? And why would anyone give up everything to do it?

In this inspiring sermon from Pastor John Rallison, we explore two of Jesus’ shortest and most powerful parables: the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:44–46). These stories aren’t about guilt or obligation—they’re about joy. The kind of joy that reorders your entire life.

One man stumbles across buried treasure in a field. Another finds the pearl he’s been searching for all his life. Both respond the same way: they joyfully give up everything else to gain what truly matters.

Pastor John weaves in powerful real-life stories, including C.S. Lewis's spiritual journey (Surprised by Joy), the transformation of John Newton (author of Amazing Grace), and his own personal call to ministry. These parables invite us to reflect: Have we seen the treasure clearly? Do we recognize the priceless value of Christ and His kingdom?

This is the final message in the Word Pictures from the King series—three sermons on the parables of Jesus that open our hearts to the kingdom of God.

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**Sermon on the Parable of the Wheat and the Weeds | Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43 | Let Them Both Grow**In this message from Matthew 13, Pastor John Rallison unpacks the Parable of the Wheat and the Weeds—a powerful story Jesus told about God's patience, final judgment, and our call to love rather than judge. With humor, honesty, and practical insight, this sermon invites us to recognize that wheat and weeds grow together not just around us, but within us.What happens when we try to purify the field ourselves? What damage do we risk when we label others or ourselves? How can we learn to trust God's timing and love with His patience? This message explores these questions through Scripture, real-life examples, and the central truth that “our job is not to sort—our job is to love.”**Key Topics:*** Jesus’ Parables* The Kingdom of God* Christian humility and patience* Final judgment and grace* Spiritual growth and self-awareness* Living with imperfection in the Church* 1 John 4:19, Matthew 7, Romans 14* Gospel-centered living**Keywords:**parable of the wheat and the weeds, Matthew 13 sermon, Christian patience, don't judge others, gospel-centered sermon, spiritual growth, God's judgment, sermon on grace, Jesus parables explained, Lutheran sermon, kingdom of God

Series: Word Pictures from the King – Part 1

Why did Jesus tell stories? And what can a reckless farmer teach us about grace, growth, and the Gospel?

In this first message from our new sermon series Word Pictures from the King, Pastor John explores the Parable of the Sower from Matthew 13:1–23 — a story where a farmer flings seed everywhere, even onto ground that seems hopeless.

This parable isn’t just about four types of people. It’s about the condition of your heart right now. Are you open? Hardened? Distracted? Spiritually shallow? Through this powerful teaching, you’ll reflect on how you’re receiving God’s Word, and what it means to begin sowing that Word in the lives of others.

Perfect for anyone exploring questions like:

• Why did Jesus speak in parables?

• What does the Parable of the Sower really mean?

• How do I grow spiritually when life feels too busy or broken?

Whether you're new to faith or walking with Jesus for years, this message invites you into deeper spiritual reflection, emotional honesty, and grace-filled transformation.

🎧 Listen. Reflect. Be changed. Then go sow.

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What does it really mean to live as the body of Christ? In this message from Galatians 6:1–10, Pastor John Rallison explores how Christian community is shaped by grace, accountability, and Spirit-led love. We are called to bear one another’s burdens — offering gentle restoration when someone stumbles — while also embracing our personal callings and responsibilities within the body.This sermon brings to life Paul’s wisdom for a Spirit-filled church: one where we sow to the Spirit through service, Scripture, prayer, and shared life. Whether you're part of a church family or seeking one, this message will challenge and encourage you to lean into the joy of being known, needed, and connected.📖 Key Scripture: Galatians 6:1–10📍 Topic Tags: Christian community, church life, spiritual growth, bearing burdens, calling, Galatians 6, body of Christ, grace and truth, spiritual responsibility📺 Watch more sermons or join us live each week: https://youtube.com/@redeemerlutheran3559🎧 Listen on Spotify at the "Grace Transformation" podcast and stay encouraged wherever you go. https://open.spotify.com/show/40R6TAOIWGgjqOz8fVibMd

When you don’t know what else to do, reach out to Jesus. In this moving sermon from Mark 5:21–43, we meet two very different people — a respected synagogue leader and a suffering, unnamed, untouchable woman — both desperate for healing. Their stories intersect in the crowd around Jesus, and what happens next is a powerful reminder that faith isn't about status or strength — it's about who you reach out to. Whether you're feeling strong or barely holding on, this message will speak to your soul and remind you that Jesus still sees, still stops, and still heals.

When life gets messy — when you're overwhelmed, unsure, or just worn out — what you need most isn’t a quick fix. It’s perspective. In this message from Luke 8:26–39, we explore how the resurrection of Jesus doesn’t just change our destination — it changes how we see everything along the way. When peace feels far, when purpose gets fuzzy, when people drain you or the Spirit feels silent, the resurrection speaks. Jesus is alive — and that changes everything.

One tired morning and a simple prayer — that’s how this message begins. But what starts as a quiet moment of weakness becomes a doorway into something much bigger: the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.In this sermon about "The Gift of the Holy Spirit", number seven in the “Eight Gifts of the Resurrection” series, Pastor John Rallison explores how the Spirit shows up not just in fire and wind, but in the middle of our fatigue, confusion, and ordinary lives. Drawing from John 14, Romans 8:26, and Acts 2, this message reveals the many ways the Spirit works: comforting, convicting, interceding, strengthening, and guiding us — even when we don’t realize it.If you’ve ever struggled with how to pray, felt distant from God, or wondered how the Holy Spirit actually works in real life, this Christian sermon is for you. A powerful blend of biblical insight and practical encouragement for anyone seeking Christian hope, Spirit-led guidance, or a deeper understanding of the gifts of the resurrection.

What if your next conflict with a fellow Christian wasn’t a problem to solve — but a holy moment to notice? In this message, we explore Jesus’ bold prayer “that they may be one” and discover that every moment of tension is an invitation to see God at work. Through Scripture, storytelling, and real-life reflection, you’ll learn how to recognize division as sacred ground — and how the glory of God shows up when we choose presence, grace, and love over walking away.Keywords: unity in Christ, holy moment, Christian division, Jesus’ prayer for unity, John 17 sermon, resurrection gifts, overcoming disagreement, spiritual formation, church conflict, sermon on unity

Why does loving others — especially difficult people — feel so hard? In this message, Pastor John explores how the resurrection of Jesus changes the way we see people, respond to conflict, and live out love. Based on John 16:33, this sermon reveals how Jesus’ victory over the world rewires our hearts to love with courage, clarity, and grace. Whether you're navigating a strained relationship, struggling to forgive, or just tired of giving more than you receive, this message will help you see why love still makes sense — even when it’s hard.This is message 5, "The Power to Love Generously," in the eight-week sermon series, "Eight Gifts of the Resurrection."Keywords:Christian love, forgiveness, how to love enemies, Jesus love sermon, John 16:33 explained, resurrection power, love difficult people, emotional healing, spiritual growth, Christian relationships, church message on love, how to love like Jesus

Loneliness is a quiet epidemic, leaving many of us feeling unseen and disconnected despite the crowds around us. In this fourth sermon of our Eight Gifts of the Resurrection series, "People to Live With," we dive into John 13:35, where Jesus says, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” The resurrection offers a powerful answer—not just peace or purpose, but people to share life with. Jesus creates a new kind of community, one marked by grace that welcomes you as you are, truth that guides without wounding, connection that goes beyond small talk, and a stubborn love that never gives up. Whether you’re exploring faith or simply yearning for real belonging, this message invites you to experience a way of living together that heals and transforms. Join us for a heartfelt reflection on finding a place to be known and loved.Find a blog summary version of this sermon at http://www.redeemer-lcms.orgloneliness, community, connection, belonging, authentic relationships, grace, truth, love, Christian community, resurrection, Jesus, John 13:35, healing, faith, purpose, relationships, overcoming loneliness, church family, spiritual growth, meaningful connection, stubborn love, fellowship, hope, emotional health, community building