Sermons @ Shepherd

Join us for an insightful sermon that explores the timeless story of the Hebrew people's journey from slavery in Egypt to the promised land. Drawing from Numbers chapter 14, verses 1-5, this sermon delves into the struggles, doubts, and longing for familiarity experienced by the Israelites as they ventured through the wilderness.

The sermon reflects on the parallels between the Israelites' journey and the challenges faced by the Church throughout history. With a focus on inclusivity and adapting to change, the message explores the debates and controversies within the Church, urging believers to embrace new ways of worship and ministry, especially in the context of the pandemic and the shift to online services.

Through stories and personal anecdotes, the message emphasizes the need to resist the temptation to go back to "Egypt," symbolizing the desire for familiar but limiting ways. Instead, they encourage viewers to trust in God's guidance, embrace the uncertainties of the journey, and move forward with grace and resilience.

This sermon offers a timely message for individuals and communities navigating change, offering hope and encouragement to those seeking a deeper understanding of their faith journey. Join us for this thought-provoking reflection that reminds us of God's presence and the promise that Jesus is with us always, guiding us through the wilderness of life.

In this powerful sermon, we dive into the scripture lesson from the Book of Genesis, specifically focusing on the call of Abraham and the concept of salvation. The sermon explores the idea that salvation is not merely a future destination but an ongoing journey that we are currently living. Drawing inspiration from the teachings of John Wesley and the timeless stories of our Judeo-Christian tradition, the message emphasizes the importance of salvation in our present lives.

Throughout the sermon, we highlight the notion that salvation involves change and often requires us to leave behind the familiar and step into the unknown. They share engaging anecdotes, including the story of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson on a camping trip, to illustrate that strange and unexpected things can happen on our journey toward salvation.

The sermon emphasizes the inclusivity of salvation, reminding listeners that it is not limited to any particular faith or belief system. The story of Abraham, considered the spiritual ancestor of many nations, serves as a powerful reminder of our shared humanity and the need for unity among different faith traditions.

Moreover, the sermon challenges the common understanding of salvation as a one-time event and encourages a broader perspective. Salvation is seen as an ongoing process of aligning our lives with God's intentions and living in communion with God in the present moment. By exploring the theme of salvation from various angles, the sermon invites us to reflect on our own journey and consider how we can experience salvation in our daily lives.

Join us for this thought-provoking sermon that reminds us that the journey itself is our home, and salvation is not a distant destination but a transformative experience we can embrace in the here and now.

Welcome to Shepherd of the Hills, a diverse and dynamic community of Jesus in Rancho Santa Margarita. Join us as we follow Jesus, grow spiritually, and work towards building His world through concrete action.

There is both pain and joy involved in letting knowing the people of SOTH RSM travel the next phase of their journey without me. To a lesser degree, I understand how Moses must have felt that it was a bit cruel when God did not allow him to enter the Promised Land with the people he led for so long. And I understand the desire to be able to walk the next leg of your journey with you. But God has plans for the church and for me. And that is the great adventure of faith. Thanks be to God!

Join us on this week's Sermon from Shepherd of the Hills, we unpack an often overlooked passage from the Gospel of Matthew. In this powerful message, the speaker explores the profound message behind Jesus' mission and the calling of his disciples. Discover the significance of Jesus' compassion for the crowds and the authority he bestows upon his chosen followers. Through relatable anecdotes and thought-provoking insights, this sermon challenges us to embrace our own authority as followers of Christ and invites us to experience the nearness of the Kingdom of Heaven in our lives. Don't miss this transformative message that reminds us that even the 'least qualified' can be chosen to fulfill God's purpose.

In three intertwined stories Jesus taught the disciples (and us) what is most important in our faith - it is compassion, not religion. We must learn what this means.

Join us for a thought-provoking sermon on Matthew 9:9-13, where Pastor Rick shares an insightful message about making disciples for the transformation of the world. Exploring the significance of Jesus' encounter with Matthew, a tax collector, and his subsequent actions, the sermon delves into the powerful theme of mercy over sacrifice.

Discover how Jesus challenges societal norms by extending mercy to those considered outcasts and sinners, reminding us of our mission to empower disciples in transforming the world. Witness the transformative power of faith and mercy through the compelling stories of a desperate father and a woman in need of healing. Prepare to be inspired and encouraged as we delve into the profound message of embracing mercy. Don't miss this opportunity for spiritual growth and reflection. Watch now and be transformed!

When the resurrected Jesus appeared to the disciples he gave them two gifts. He gave them two gifts, a mission, and a promise. And those two things together changed the world.

Join us for an inspiring sermon on Trinity Sunday as we delve into the profound concept of the Trinity and its significance in our Christian faith. In this thought-provoking message, we explore the final verses of Matthew 28, where Jesus commissions His disciples to make disciples of all nations.

The message explores the history and understanding of the Trinity, emphasizing that it is not an easy concept to grasp or define. However, one thing remains clear: God, as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, is relational and desires a deep connection with us.

Through insightful examples and anecdotes, we learn that doubt and faith often coexist and that doubt does not hinder our ability to worship God. The sermon challenges the church's tendency to place barriers and prerequisites on people who seek to follow Jesus, reminding us that Jesus accepts us as we are and invites us to embark on a transformative journey with Him.

As we delve into the Great Commission, we discover the inclusive nature of Jesus' call to make disciples of all nations, irrespective of their backgrounds or lifestyles. The sermon highlights the importance of avoiding judgment and instead embracing a welcoming and accepting attitude, reflecting the true essence of Christ's love and grace.

Prepare to be inspired and challenged to reevaluate our approach to discipleship and the transformation of the world. Discover how embracing the Trinity and understanding its relational nature can empower us to become agents of change in our communities and beyond.

Don't miss this enlightening sermon that encourages us to embrace the Trinity and embark on a journey of making disciples for the transformation of the world. Join us and be inspired to live out the Great Commission with love, acceptance, and inclusivity.

The Holy Spirit is a gift of God's grace to the church. It provides comfort, strength, and guidance. But, the Holy Spirit can also disrupt the quiet routine of our lives, calling us from a place of comfort to a service. When the Spirit comes it means that God is on the move and there is no telling what can happen.