Sermons from St. John the Divine

What does it mean to live boldly for Christ while loving others with gentleness? Through Paul’s words to the Thessalonians, this sermon explores how God calls us to stand firm in faith, resist the pressures of the world, and reflect Christ’s love in all we do. Strengthened by His grace, we are invited to offer our lives to God through courageous faith, humble service, and genuine love for our neighbors.

What does it look like when our lives become a witness to the Gospel? Through Paul’s encouragement to the Thessalonians, this sermon explores the power of prayer, Christian community, and a faith that shines even in the face of hardship. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we are called to live in such a way that God’s love and truth sound forth into the world, bringing hope and transformation to those around us.

Who are we beneath the labels and expectations of the world? Through Jesus’ teaching to render to God what belongs to God and Paul’s encouragement to the Thessalonians, this sermon reminds us that our true identity is found not in worldly success or status, but in being loved and chosen by God. Rooted in this truth and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we can live with a joy that remains steadfast even through life’s challenges.

What if God's greatest promise is an invitation to feast in His presence? In this sermon from Isaiah 25, we discover the hope of God's eternal banquet, where death is defeated and all things are made new through Jesus Christ. Through His sacrifice and the gift of the Eucharist, we are invited to leave behind our old lives, receive His abundant grace, and experience the joy of life with Him.

How can we rejoice when life is filled with worry and uncertainty? In this concluding sermon from Philippians 4, we discover that true joy and peace are not found in the absence of hardship, but in the presence of God. Through prayer, community, and the power of the Holy Spirit, we are reminded that the Lord is near, inviting us to surrender our anxieties and rest in His peace.

What does it truly mean to accept God's invitation? Through Jesus' parable of the wedding feast and the promises of Isaiah 25, this sermon explores God's abundant grace and His desire to make all things new. We are invited not simply to witness His kingdom, but to participate in it—allowing the transforming love of Christ to bring forgiveness, healing, and new life.

Who is the main character in the story of your life? In this sermon from Philippians 3, we are challenged to set aside self-made success and righteousness and see our lives as part of God’s greater story. Like Paul, we are invited to count everything else as loss compared to the surpassing treasure of knowing Jesus and living not for our own glory, but for His.

Whose vineyard is it anyway? Through Jesus’ parable of the wicked tenants, this sermon challenges us to see everything we have—our lives, resources, and blessings—as gifts from God. Stewardship begins with gratitude, and when we recognize God as the giver of all things, generosity becomes our joyful response to His grace.

Reflecting on Paul’s words in Philippians, this sermon explores the God who did not wait for us to find our way to Him, but humbled Himself and came to us in Jesus Christ. Through the cross and resurrection, we are invited into the greatest story—and the greatest love—we could ever know.

Through Jesus’ parable of the two sons, this sermon explores repentance, obedience, and the grace that welcomes us no matter our past. Because Jesus gave His wholehearted “yes” to the Father, we can follow Him in faith and discover that it is never too late to say yes—and to say yes again.