Pastor Simons’ Simple Sermons

Why were the sacrifices of the Old Testament never enough, and why did they need to be repeated again and again? In Hebrews 9, we are shown that those sacrifices were never meant to be final. They pointed forward to something—and Someone—greater.

In this message, we explore the contrast between the earthly tabernacle and the heavenly sanctuary, the limitations of repeated animal sacrifices, and the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Christ entered the true sanctuary, offered His own blood, inaugurated a better covenant, and secured eternal redemption forever.

Because Christ’s better work, believers are called to rest fully in Him, with cleansed consciences, settled assurance, and confident hope as we await His return.

Why is Jesus better—and why does it matter for everyday faith?

In Hebrews 8:1–13, we see that Christ does not minister in shadows or symbols, but in the true heavenly sanctuary itself. This sermon connects God’s New Covenant promise in Jeremiah 31 with its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, showing that what the old system pointed toward, Christ has fully accomplished. His priestly work is final, effective, and ongoing, providing real forgiveness, transformed hearts, and confident access to God. This message calls believers to stop clinging to copies and rest fully in the finished work of our great High Priest and Mediator of a better covenant.

In Colossians 1:9–12, Paul’s prayer reveals how believers are to live lives worthy of the Lord and fully pleasing to Him. This message explores four essential truths that ground a Christ-honoring life: knowing the will of God, growing in spiritual maturity, depending on God’s strength to endure, and giving thanks for the salvation He has given. Together, these truths show that a worthy Christian walk flows from spiritual depth, divine power, and grateful dependence on God’s grace.

In Luke 2:41–52, we are given a rare glimpse into the childhood of Jesus and His first recorded words: “Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” This passage reveals that even at the age of twelve, Jesus lived with a clear sense of divine purpose and unwavering devotion to His Father’s will.

In this sermon, we consider what it means to live for God’s purposes first by following the example of His Son. We see that prioritizing the Father’s will may bring misunderstanding, even from those closest to us, yet faithfulness also includes humble submission, patient growth, and trust in God’s timing. As Luke shows us, the quiet years of obedience are not wasted years—they are part of God’s gracious work in forming His people.

This message calls believers to examine their priorities, remain faithful in ordinary seasons, and grow in wisdom and obedience as they live for the glory of God.

In Luke’s account of Jesus’ presentation at the temple, two faithful saints—Simeon and Anna—bear witness to a promise finally fulfilled. After generations of waiting, God’s salvation has arrived in the person of Jesus Christ.

In this sermon, we consider how Simeon’s Spirit-led declaration reveals Christ as God’s promised salvation, the glory of Israel, and the Light given for revelation to the Gentiles. We also observe Anna’s persevering devotion and her faithful proclamation to all who were waiting for redemption.

Together, their testimony reminds us that God always keeps His word, that salvation is found in Christ alone, and that the Light who has come must be recognized, received, and proclaimed to the nations.

In Luke 2:1–20, we are reminded that the birth of Jesus was neither accidental nor merely sentimental. Luke anchors the coming of Christ in real history and shows how God sovereignly worked through ordinary people, humble circumstances, and even imperial decrees to accomplish His saving plan. As heaven announces the birth of the Savior and shepherds respond in faith and worship, we see that true joy and peace come not from power or position, but from reconciliation with God through Christ. This sermon calls us to believe God’s word, receive Christ as Savior and Lord, and respond with obedience, witness, and praise.

After centuries of silence, God begins to speak again through the birth of John the Baptist and the prophetic praise of his father, Zachariah. In this sermon from Luke 1:57–80, we see God faithfully fulfilling His promises, stirring joy among His people, and preparing the way for the coming Messiah. From the mercy displayed in John’s birth to the Spirit-filled announcement of salvation in the Benedictus, Luke points us to Christ—the Sunrise from on high—who brings light to those in darkness and guides our feet into the way of peace. This message calls us to rejoice in God’s faithfulness and rest in the certainty that His redemptive purposes are unfolding exactly as He promised.

Mary’s visit to Elizabeth in Luke 1:39-56 reveals the first Spirit-given recognition of the Messiah’s arrival. John leaps for joy, Elizabeth blesses Mary, and Mary responds with a hymn exalting God’s mercy, power, and covenant faithfulness. This message traces how God unveils His saving work and how these faithful women model joyful recognition, humble praise, and confident trust in His promises. Join us as we reflect on God’s faithfulness and the peace He gives through His promised Christ.

In this Christmas season message from Luke 1:26-38, we reflect on God’s gracious revelation to Mary and the dawning hope that comes through the promised Son. Mary’s humility, the identity of the Child, and the unfolding of God’s saving plan all point us to the sure hope found in Christ. This sermon calls believers to trust God’s promises and to embrace the hope He gives through His Son.

In this Thanksgiving-week sermon from Luke 1:1–25, we consider what it means to be a people waiting for God. Luke introduces his Gospel with a sure and trustworthy Word, and the long silence over Israel is broken with the promise of John the Baptist. Through the faith of Zacharias and Elizabeth, we are reminded that God calls His people to trust His faithful promises as we await the fullness of our salvation in Christ.