Sermons

A sermon is a talk. It is a conversation between God and the preacher, the preacher and him/herself, and the preacher and the listener. It is a beautiful, delightful dance of truth, memory, and possibility. Like a dance, a conversation can meander around the room gracefully, all the while leading you to end up right where you started - with a hopeful prayer.

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Have You Looked into the Water? (Ephesians 1)
Sermon Jason Elder Sermon Jason Elder

Have You Looked into the Water? (Ephesians 1)

This sermon from Ephesians 1:3-14 explores identity, grace, and transformation using the allegory of “The Ugly Duckling.” We often struggle with feelings of inadequacy and misunderstanding, but the Scripture reminds us that our true identity is found by looking in the waters of our baptism. We are beloved children of God, blessed, chosen, adopted, redeemed, and marked with the Holy Spirit.

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Being Made Well and Whole: A Daughter Restored (Mark 5:21-43)
Sermon Jason Elder Sermon Jason Elder

Being Made Well and Whole: A Daughter Restored (Mark 5:21-43)

In Mark 5:21-43, we witness profound acts of restoration: Jairus' daughter and a woman healed. It's more than a story; it's a feast of God's grace and restoration. This passage is also 1 of 5 Markan Sandwiches, which is a storytelling technique akin to framing, whereby one story is interrupted and interpreted by another.

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The A, B, Cs of Being the People of Jesus
Gospel, Sermon Jason Elder Gospel, Sermon Jason Elder

The A, B, Cs of Being the People of Jesus

What are the ABCs of Christian living for the individual and the church? In this passage from Mark 3:13-35, Jesus calls the disciples to an adventure, gives them and assignment with an apprenticeship, which requires boldness. Yet, even Jesus himself needs the bonds of a committed, covenant community, and so do we! We get into the journey of discipleship and discover the strength of covenant, companionship, and community.

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Nicodemus: Curiosity and Conviction
Sermon Jason Elder Sermon Jason Elder

Nicodemus: Curiosity and Conviction

John 3:16 rings true, "For God so loved the world." But what if faith feels confusing? Dive into the Gospel of John with Nicodemus, who appears 3 times in the gospel. Nicodemus is a leader wrestling with Jesus' teachings. See how his uncertainty and questions pave the way for understanding and faithful living.

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The Parable of the Great Banquet
Sermon Jason Elder Sermon Jason Elder

The Parable of the Great Banquet

Jesus’ parable of the great banquet in Luke 14 allows us to consider what it means for God to be a host and a guest. God welcomes and invites. Will we receive God as a guest? Likewise, will we extend to God such a generous welcome, and do the same for others?

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