Preacher Paul's Blogs

This Sunday, we’ll delve into Hebrews 12:1-2, where we’re reminded of the "great cloud of witnesses" who have journeyed in faith before us. These faithful ones, both known and unknown, stand as powerful examples of endurance, courage, and trust in God. As we observe All Saints’ Day, we’ll reflect on the lives of these saints, the legacy they leave, and how their experiences and faith continue to shape our own paths. This passage not only calls us to remember but to take up our own place in the ongoing story of faith, learning to set aside what holds us back and focusing our eyes on Jesus. As we prepare for this time together, consider:  Who are the saints in your life that have influenced your faith journey?  What might you need to set aside to follow Christ more closely in the week ahead?

This Sunday is Reformation Sunday.  In my sermon we’ll explore one of Jesus’ most powerful parables in Luke 18:9-14, often referred to as the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. In this story, Jesus contrasts two men praying in the temple: one who boasts of his righteousness and another who humbly asks for mercy. Through this parable, Jesus challenges us to examine our own hearts, asking whether we trust in our own goodness or rely fully on God’s grace. We'll look at how this message, though spoken thousands of years ago, speaks directly to our modern tendency to divide ourselves into categories, just as the Pharisee did. As we prepare for worship, I invite you to reflect on the ways we sometimes fall into self-righteousness or, on the other hand, isolate ourselves through feelings of unworthiness.  How do we let these mindsets affect our relationship with God and others?  What might it look like to approach God with true humility, trusting not in ourselves but...

In this week's sermon, "What’s Sharper than a Two-Edged Sword?" we’ll explore Hebrews 4:12-13 and how the living Word of God can pierce through our deepest thoughts and intentions. Often, we turn to Scripture seeking comfort, but sometimes the Word challenges us, urging us to confront our true selves and consider changes we might otherwise ignore. Just as a sword divides soul from spirit, God's Word cuts through our self-deceptions, exposing areas of our lives that may need transformation. As you study this passage, consider these questions:  What areas of your life might you be avoiding that God is calling you to examine more closely?  How can you allow the refining power of God's Word to shape you this week?

In this Sunday’s sermon, we will explore the encounter between Jesus and the rich young ruler in Mark 10:17-27. As Jesus sets out on a journey, a man kneels before him, asking what he must do to inherit eternal life. The man’s question reflects a deep desire for assurance and security, yet Jesus’ response challenges him, and us, to consider what we truly hold most dear. Jesus tells him to sell all he has and give to the poor, revealing that his wealth has become an obstacle to wholehearted discipleship. Through this passage, we’re invited to examine our own attachments and reflect on how they might prevent us from fully trusting in God. As you read and pray over this passage, I encourage you to ask yourself:  What are the things you find hardest to let go of?  How might those things be shaping your priorities and your relationship with God?  Let’s come together this Sunday with open hearts, ready to consider where our true treasure lies.

This Sunday, we will dive into Revelation 7:9-10 , where the Apostle John offers a stunning vision of God's kingdom.  He describes a kingdom where people from every nation, tribe, and language stand united before the throne of God. In this sermon, titled “A Table for All Nations,” we’ll explore how this passage reveals the true scope of God’s love and how communion serves as a powerful symbol of the unity we are called to live out in our world. From the early church’s practice of sharing full meals during communion to the heavenly feast John describes, we’ll consider how the table of Christ breaks down the divisions we often see in our world. As we prepare for World Communion Sunday, take time this week to reflect on the following questions:  How might we live as a more united body of believers today?  As we gather at the table this Sunday, how can we better embody the radical hospitality that invites all to share in God’s feast?