Preacher Paul's Blogs

This Sunday, we will journey with Peter, James, and John up the mountain as we explore the Transfiguration of Jesus in Luke 9:28-36. For months, the disciples had followed Jesus, seeing him as their teacher, healer, and leader. But on this mountain, they witness something extraordinary, Jesus shining in divine splendor, standing alongside Moses and Elijah. In that moment, the veil is lifted, and they glimpse Christ’s true glory. Yet, as quickly as the vision appears, it vanishes, and they are left with a command: “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” What does it mean to truly listen to Jesus in our lives today? How do these mountaintop moments shape our faith when we return to the everyday valleys of life? As we prepare for worship, I invite you to reflect on this passage.  Have you ever had a “transfiguration moment” where you saw God’s presence more clearly?  How did it change you?  And in the midst of daily distractions, how can we better listen to Christ’s voic...

This Sunday, we'll be exploring Jesus's challenging words from Luke 6:32-36 in my sermon titled "Quid Pro No." We'll examine how Christ calls us beyond the transactional " quid pro quo " mindset that dominates our culture and invites us into a radical, kingdom way of loving. Jesus asks us, "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?" and pushes us to consider what happens when we love without expectation of return. This message will challenge us to recognize where we might be keeping score in relationships and instead embrace our identity as "children of the Most High" who, like God, show mercy even to the ungrateful. As you prepare for worship this week, I invite you to reflect on these questions:  Where in your life have you been practicing conditional love, giving only when you expect something in return?  What would it look like for you to identify one relationship where you've been keeping score, and intentio...

Life often feels like the shifting seasons. One moment is filled with joy and comfort, and the next brings struggle and uncertainty. This Sunday, we will explore Jesus' words in Luke 6:17-26, known as the Sermon on the Plain. In this passage, Jesus offers both blessings and warnings. He assures those who are struggling that they are not forgotten and reminds those who are comfortable not to place their security in temporary things. His words challenge us to consider what it truly means to be blessed, not by the world’s standards but by God's. Whether we find ourselves in a season of joy or hardship, Jesus calls us to trust in God's presence and to use our blessings to care for one another. As you reflect on this passage, consider these questions:  Where do you see yourself in Jesus' blessings and warnings?  How might God be calling you to trust more fully in every season of life?

This Sunday, we will explore Psalm 138 and what it teaches us about the transformative power of worship. Too often, we view worship as something personal, something we do to recharge or fulfill an obligation. But true worship is more than that; it is a bold proclamation of God's greatness that has the power to shape our lives and impact the world. Whether we are in seasons of joy or struggle, worship reorients our hearts and reminds us that God’s love endures forever. Just as the psalmist declared praise before all, our worship can bear witness to those around us and serve as a source of strength in challenging times. As we prepare for worship this week, I invite you to reflect on these questions: How does worship shape your perspective, especially in difficult moments? In what ways can your worship extend beyond Sunday morning and into the world?

Pastor Paul will be out of the pulpit this Sunday. Rev. Hilary Shuford, Bridge Executive Presbyter of Providence Presbytery, will deliver the message. Preaching from Jeremiah 1:4-10, Rev. Shuford will present the second part of Paul's sermon, Living Out Our Sacred Purpose. Please plan to attend and hear Rev. Shuford's message