Preacher Paul's Blogs

  This Sunday, we will turn to John 12:20–21 and consider five simple words spoken by some Greeks who came to Jerusalem: “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” Their request raises an important question for us today. After years of attending worship, hearing sermons, and practicing our faith, are we still actively looking for Jesus? Sometimes we become so accustomed to our religious routines that we overlook the presence of Christ in the everyday moments of life. We may discover glimpses of Jesus in the compassion, forgiveness, kindness, and grace shown to us by others. But our Scripture also challenges us to consider something more: as followers of Christ, we are called not only to seek Jesus but also to help others see Jesus through the way we live. Our witness does not end when Sunday worship concludes; it continues wherever life takes us.  As you prepare for worship this Sunday, I invite you to consider two questions:  Where have you seen Jesus in the lives of others recently?...

  This Sunday, as we observe All Saints’ Day, we will reflect on what it means to belong to the communion of saints. Our Scripture reading, Hebrews 12:1–2, reminds us that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses and are called to run with perseverance the race set before us, always looking to Jesus Christ. In our sermon, “The Communion of the Saints,” we will consider how the faith we share did not begin with us, how God gives us one another for encouragement and support, and how we are called to pass that faith on to future generations. All Saints’ Day is an opportunity to remember with gratitude those who have gone before us, recognize the importance of those who walk beside us, and consider the legacy of faith we will leave behind. As you prepare for worship this week, consider these questions:  Who helped shape your faith and encouraged you along your journey?  How are you sharing that same faith with others today? 

  On this Reformation Sunday, we will consider what it means to be a church that is reformed and always being reformed ( Ecclesia Reformata, Semper Reformanda) . In Isaiah 43:19, God declares, “I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” Throughout history, the church has faced the challenge of remaining faithful to the gospel while adapting to a changing world. Yet sometimes we become so attached to our traditions and familiar ways of doing things that we lose sight of the mission Christ has given us.  There is nothing wrong with honoring our past, but we must be careful not to allow yesterday's successes to keep us from recognizing what God is doing today.  This Sunday, we will explore how the church can embrace new opportunities for ministry without compromising the gospel of Jesus Christ. As you reflect on Isaiah 43:18–19 this week, consider these questions:  Are there traditions or familiar practices we have become so attached to...

  We often say that we trust God, but how much do we really trust God when life doesn't go according to our plans? It's easy to have faith when everything is going well, but when difficulties arise, we sometimes find ourselves questioning God's direction and trying to take matters into our own hands. This Sunday, in my sermon, “God Is Not a Good Co-Pilot,” we'll explore Proverbs 3:5–6 and what it means to trust God rather than relying entirely on our own understanding. We'll consider why trusting God requires more than simply believing, why we sometimes struggle to surrender control, and how God's guidance remains with us even when the road ahead is uncertain.  As you study this week's Scripture, consider these questions:  How much control are you willing to surrender when life doesn't go as planned?  And can you continue trusting God when the path ahead isn't the one you would have chosen?

  Boy, Jesus sure was a disappointment to a lot of people, wasn’t he? Throughout the Gospels, people are often disappointed with Jesus because he refuses to fit their expectations, their definitions, or even what seems logical to them. He welcomes the wrong people, crosses boundaries others would rather keep in place, shows mercy where some expect judgment, and sometimes asks more of people than they are willing to give.  This Sunday’s sermon, “The Disappointing Jesus,” comes from Mark 8:27–29, where Jesus asks the disciples, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answers that Jesus is the Messiah, but he still has much to learn about what kind of Messiah Jesus will be. Yet what disappoints one person about Jesus can become hope for someone else, especially those who have been pushed aside or told they do not belong.  As you read Mark 8:27–29 this week, consider these questions:  Have I already decided who Jesus is supposed to be?  And am I willing to let Jesus s...

  This Sunday, we will turn to Ephesians 4:25–32 and Paul’s warning not to “make room for the devil.” Using a childhood story about a possum that found its way into my family’s house through an open door, we will think about how division can enter a church in much the same way. Hurt feelings, pride, personal agendas, careless words, and unresolved disagreements can create openings, and the devil can use those openings to pull people apart.  But Paul also shows us another way, one marked by truth, kindness, forgiveness, and reconciliation.  As you read Ephesians 4:25–32 this week, consider these questions:  What kinds of openings can threaten the unity of a church?  And how can we help close them before they grow into something larger?