Sermons from March 2024

Mistaken for a Gardener

A standalone message for Easter Sunday out of John 20. Sermon Outline “Thinking he was the gardener, she said, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.’” (John 20:15) The Gardener? Is Mary mistaken? Does Jesus look different? Is John telling us something? The Garden of Eden and the Resurrection Garden The garden of Eden The ruins of the garden of our world The resurrection garden Jesus’ New Gardening…

Palm Sunday

This week we look what is known as Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week. We will explore the meaning of this event in light of the week to follow, and gain insights into both John 15 and Psalm 1 as we conclude our series “The Tree and the Vine.” (John 11, 12, 15 & Psalm 1) Sermon Outline They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!” (John 12:13a) Jesus Orchestrates a Miracle (John 11) Jesus…

The Fruitful Life

This week explores how we are made for fruitfulness and that true fruitfulness comes from God’s life in us and from our obedience to God and love for others. (Psalm 1:3; John 15:1-8, 16-17) Sermon Outline “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear in prayer, asking God to speak to you through this study. fruit—fruit that will last.” (John 15:16) The Way of Fruitfulness In Psalm 1: meditating…

The Pruned Life

This week explores the pruning work of God necessary for fruitfulness in our lives. (John 15:2, 6; Psalm 1:4) Sermon Outline “He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” (John 15:2) Pruning as Cleansing for Fruitfulness The word means cut “clean” and implies healing Jesus’ word is the pruning tool that cuts clean What about the branches that don’t bear…

The Nourished Life

This week explores the nourishment we receive through meditating on God’s word and letting the words of Jesus abide in us. (Psalm 1:2; John 15:3-7) Sermon Outline “. . . but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.” (Psalm 1:2) Nourishment In Nature In Humans Nutrients Law of the Lord (Psalm 1:2) Words of Jesus (John 15:7) The Malnourished Life Convenience Disconnectedness The Nourished Life Delights Remains DISCUSSION QUESTIONS…