Sermons @ Shepherd

Paul Lu sits on the Board of Directors for NAMI OC (National Alliance on Mental Illness Orange County) and is seeking his doctorate in Theology from Fuller Seminary. In this talk, Paul places the crisis in mental illness squarely within the mission of the church to love and serve the least of these.

In "The Man of LaMancha, Don Quixote can either be seen as a knight on a great quest or a crazy old fool chasing windmills, dreaming the impossible dream. When the Jews returned to Jerusalem, the land was in shambles. Half-way into rebuilding the temple and about to give up, the prophet Haggai gives the people this simple directive: take courage, work! Haggai 2:1-9.

In the musical Camelot, King Arthur tries to create the perfect kingdom. But human folly messes things up pretty quickly. In the same way, Adam and Eve find their paradise lost when they commit the very unoriginal sin of human pride. What is God's answer to our pride? Life in Jesus the Christ. Genesis 2 and 3.

Being called to anything - a job, a vocation, a way of life - requires that we find our "authentic swing." God's calling of Samuel reminds us that we need to let go of fear as we journey with God. It is your choice: will you stay hidden in the shadows or go out and shine your light. 1 Samuel 3:1-10.

In this sermon from a recent youth sleepover, David Enger explores the "mystery of faith" from Paul's letter to the Ephesians. The "why" behind God's nature and workings is rooted in God's deep and boundless love for us, even amidst trials and tribulation. Ephesians 1:7-11

This week's powerful sermon comes from the retired pastor Rev. Dr. Fred Smoot. Jesus is trying to get away for a bit when he is confronted by a wild naked man. Whether possessed by demons or diagnoses, confronting our demons is both difficult and liberating. The good news is that we are never alone in our battles. Luke 8:26-39.

Having abundant life does not mean having "things" in abundance or trying to get more to be happy. To recreate ourselves means we must be willing to give up everything and replace it with a life in Christ. John 10:7-10.

For many of us, going to church each week was a Sunday ritual; certainly we can give God 1 hour of our time each week. God's desire for worship and the role of the church is MUCH more grand; we come to worship to learn how to give God our entire lives, 24/7.

Homecoming is complicated; after a long time away, coming home makes you feel like you don't belong. The Israelites returning from exile to Jerusalem experienced similar discomfort. Isaiah cries to God "O that you would tear open the heavens and come down." The image of God quickly changes from one of "shock and awe" to one of the potter, molding us with care into God's image. Isaiah 64:1-9.

Rev. Tom Roberts preaches on the threats to the church and dangers of worldly ideas spoken by godly people.