Preacher Paul's Blogs

This Sunday, we continue our Carson’s Blessing summer sermon series with a message titled “By Witness, Not by Right,” based on Acts 1:8. We will explore what it truly means to be a witness for Christ, not as experts or authorities, but as ordinary people whose lives have been touched by grace. From fishermen in Galilee to believers today, the power of witness has never been about credentials. It has always been about telling the truth of what we have seen and experienced of God's love. Together, we will reflect on how the Spirit empowers us to share our faith, not out of superiority, but from awe and gratitude. As you prepare for worship, I invite you to consider:  Where have you personally encountered God's grace in your life? How might your own story speak louder than any sermon or theological argument to someone who needs hope?

This Sunday, we continue our summer sermon series titled Carson’s Blessing, based on a benediction shared by Dr. Carson Brisson. Our focus will be on Joel 2:12–13, where the prophet calls us to return to God with all our hearts. Joel's words remind us that God is not looking for outward displays or dramatic gestures. Instead, God longs for hearts that are open, honest, and ready to be transformed.  This journey of return is not something we do alone. Joel reminds us that the whole community is called to come together in repentance and hope. As we worship together, may we be reminded that God is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love. As you reflect this week, ask yourself: What does it look like for me to return to God not just with my words, but with my heart? How might our community return together in faith and renewal?

This Sunday’s sermon, titled “No Right to Speak,” is based on 2 Corinthians 4:18, where the Apostle Paul reminds us to fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. We will explore how often we move through life surrounded by beauty, truth, and grace, yet fail to truly notice God’s presence in it all. Over time, we can grow spiritually blind, even when God is near. Through the words of Dr. Carson Brisson, Professor Emeritus at Unity Presbyterian Seminary, we will reflect on the hard truth that we have missed the beautiful far too often, and what it means to amend that. As we prepare our hearts, consider:  Where in your life have you been focusing on what is temporary, while missing what is eternal?  What would it look like for you to truly see God’s beauty in the ordinary moments of your week?  I look forward to worshiping with you as we open our eyes together.

This Sunday, we will reflect on the profound mystery and hope found in John 1:1–9, exploring the theme “Love’s Crucified Light.” We will consider how the light of God, revealed in Christ, shines most brightly not in moments of power or comfort, but through suffering, sacrifice, and even death. Drawing from Carson Brisson’s blessing, we will talk about how this crucified light leads us through even the deepest darkness, not just to survival, but to home. Whether broken, rejected, or lost, we are never beyond the reach of God's redeeming light. As you prepare for worship, consider this:  Where have you seen God's light in your darkest moments?  And how might the cross change your understanding of what God’s power and presence really look like?

This afternoon, I received a phone call from a dear church member about the tragic flooding in Texas. We discussed the question that weighs heavy on many hearts: how could something like this happen in a Christian state, at a Christian camp, with precious children as victims? I must admit, I have wrestled with this myself over the last couple of days, spending the afternoon in prayer and tears, seeking comfort in God's word. As you may have heard, devastating flash floods struck central Texas on July 4th. At least 69 people have lost their lives, including many children, and 11 children from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp, remain missing. Rescue teams continue their urgent search as families wait in unimaginable anguish. You too may ask why God would allow this to happen. This question has echoed through the centuries from the faithful throughout Scripture. Job asked it. The psalmists cried it out. Even Jesus Himself, in His darkest moment on the cross, cried, "My Go...

This Sunday, we continue our summer series exploring the powerful words of Carson’s blessing with a message titled Called into Becoming , based on Genesis 12:1-3. In this familiar story, God calls Abram to leave behind everything familiar and step into the unknown with only God's promise to guide him. Abram is not just called to receive a blessing but to become a blessing to the world. That same calling rests on us today. God does not simply bless us for our own sake but invites us into an ongoing process of growth, change, and becoming who God created us to be. As you reflect this week, consider these questions:  How has God’s blessing been at work in your life? How might God be calling you to become a blessing to others? I look forward to worshiping with you.