Preacher Paul's Blogs

  This Sunday is Easter!   My sermon will focus on Mark 16:1-8, which is the account of the empty tomb. This powerful passage marks a pivotal moment in the Gospel story, as Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome discover that Jesus has risen from the dead. The empty tomb is not just a historical event, but a symbol of God's victory over death and a testament to the promise of new life in Christ. As we explore this passage together, we will embark on a journey of faith that extends beyond the resurrection. We will discuss how the empty tomb is a call to return to the roots of our faith and to live out Jesus' teachings in our daily lives. We will reflect on the places where we “meet” Jesus, both in the wilderness seasons of spiritual growth and in the mountaintop experiences of joy and revelation. As you prepare your hearts and minds for this upcoming sermon, I invite you to prayerfully consider the following questions: ·        ...

This Sunday is the beginning of Holy Week, a time of profound spiritual significance for us Christians worldwide. Our sermon will focus on the events surrounding Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem and the betrayal that followed, as recorded in Mark 14:18-22. We witness the stark contrast between the joyous shouts of "Hosanna!" and the somber reality of Jesus' impending betrayal. We will explore the themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the transformative power of God's love. We will reflect on the pain of broken trust and the universal human experience of betrayal, both as the betrayed and the betrayer. Through this lens, we will gain a deeper understanding of Jesus' unwavering love and the significance of his sacrifice on the cross. As we delve into this powerful message, I invite you to consider the following questions throughout the week: In what ways have you experienced the pain of betrayal in your own life, and how has that shaped your un...

  This Sunday, we will explore a profound truth Jesus share in John 12:20-26 about the transformative power of dying to ourselves in order to bloom in new life with Christ. Just as a seed must fall to the ground and die to sprout and bear fruit, Jesus teaches that we must be willing to die to our old selves, sinful patterns, and worldly attachments in order to experience the abundant, eternal life He offers. What a fitting message as we approach the first day of spring on Tuesday! The new life bursting forth in nature mirrors the spiritual renewal Jesus invites us into. As we continue our Lenten journey of self-reflection and repentance, I encourage you to prayerfully consider: ·        What attitudes, habits or priorities is God calling you to let die in this season so that you can flourish with resurrection power and purpose? ·        How might embracing the vulnerability of this dying to self-deepen your trust in ...

This Sunday I will be preaching from John 3:14-21.  Our sermon will delve into the profound truth of God's all-encompassing love for humanity, as revealed in John 3:14-21. In this passage, we encounter the familiar verse, John 3:16, which declares the depth of God's love for the world. We will explore the misconceptions that often hinder our understanding of divine love and discover the nature of God's affection for us. As you prepare your hearts for this message, I encourage you to reflect on the following questions: In what ways have your past experiences or the opinions of others influenced your understanding of God's love for you? How does the truth of God's love challenge and transform your self-perception and your relationships with others? I invite you to spend time this week meditating on John 3:14-21 and allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart.