In Sermons: showing 46-60 of 312

Why Giving Matters (2) Series

Contributed by Clair Sauer on Sep 4, 2015

Giving does not matter because it it important to the church. Giving matters because it is central to our relationship with God.

Today we have come to that ever-dreaded sermon topic, money. I would like to tell you that I'm going to sugar-coat today's sermon and make it easy to swallow so that we can all leave here feeling good about ourselves. But if we are going to be honest, really honest, about why giving matters, I ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:38-44

Denomination: United Methodist

Why Church Matters (2) Series

Contributed by Clair Sauer on Aug 6, 2015

In a world of hurt and brokenness, the church is a place of life and hope with a unique message of salvation through Jesus Christ.

When you need medical treatment, you go to the doctor, or to a hospital. When you need an education, you go to school. When you need justice, you go find a lawyer, or go to court. When you need water, you go to the tap; or food, you go to the pantry. But where do you go when you need hope? Where do ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:36-53

Denomination: United Methodist

Fighting For Peace Series

Contributed by Clair Sauer on Jul 30, 2015

When we put on the full armor of God, we are prepared to not fight the wars of the world, but to withstand the world's hostilities, even as we fight for God's peace.

You have just heard one of the better known passages of Scripture from our Bible. I honestly don’t know why this particular passage is better known than others. My best guess is that perhaps the very tangible imagery of body armor makes for a good lesson, but who knows for sure. Because I can ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-20

Denomination: United Methodist

What Did You Do Today? Series

Contributed by Clair Sauer on Jul 23, 2015

In Christ we are made new, which means our lives must be lived differently. Each day we are faced with choices, and we must choose the way of life that reflects Christ.

One of the writers in The Upper Room Devotional this week shared a question he had run across one day in his own devotional time. “What did your hands do today?” It’s a fantastic question, is it not? So much better than the typical, “How was your day?” or “Did ...read more

Denomination: United Methodist

A Life Worthy Series

Contributed by Clair Sauer on Jul 23, 2015

We are urged to live a life worthy of our calling, which means above all else seeking unity in and building up the body of Christ. Unity is especially important in our community in the wake of the Chattanooga shootings.

We continue this week our look at the letter to the young Christian Church in Ephesus. Even as our thoughts are centered on the way our community has been rocked in recent days, there is here a message relevant to all that is on our minds this morning. Isn’t it wonderful and amazing how God ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-16

Denomination: United Methodist

The Ripple Effect Series

Contributed by Clair Sauer on Jul 13, 2015

Living effectively as Christ's disciples in the world means remembering who we are, whose we are, and why we are!

[“Like a Girl” Commercial, 0:00-0:56] So much of how we live and work in this world depends on how we view ourselves. I share that Proctor & Gamble “Like a Girl” commercial (which aired during this year’s Super Bowl) because it is a perfect example of how our ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 1:3-14

Denomination: United Methodist

You Gotta Believe!

Contributed by Clair Sauer on Jul 8, 2015

If we believe in the power of Christ to change this world, then not only can we see God's amazing work, we can also fulfill our call as disciples working for Christ's glory.

As I began to write my sermon this week, I found that I had trouble figuring out where to start because there are so many things I would like to say to you all; so much I want to share as we begin our time together. But as I thought about it, I finally decided that there will be plenty of time to ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:1-13

Denomination: United Methodist

Dealing With Temptation

Contributed by Clair Sauer on Feb 18, 2015

As we see in Jesus' own temptation, the greatest key to dealing with our temptations is staying focused on the God of blessings and his call upon our lives.

Back in late November, one of the candidates newly elected to public office wrote a reflection that circulated around social media. I want to share with you a portion of this politician’s thoughts. Here’s an excerpt: “I had concentrated fully on my campaign. Ever since my party ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11

Denomination: United Methodist

Seeing And Hearing

Contributed by Clair Sauer on Feb 11, 2015

In Jesus' transfiguration, we learn that listening to God (no matter what form that may take) marks a life of faith that can navigate uncertainty when our vision is clouded over.

“I’ll believe it when I see it!” How many times have you said that in your life? Or heard it? So much of how we believe and operate is based on our ability to see tangible evidence. The whole field of science and medicine is all about our desire to have proof that explains the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:2-9

Denomination: United Methodist

Staying Connected

Contributed by Clair Sauer on Feb 4, 2015

In the midst of our busy lives and our ministry in service to Christ, it is not only necessary, but imperative that we remain connected with God through prayer.

A few years ago, “The Obstacles to Growth Survey” collected data from over 20,000 Christians around the world aged 15 to 88. The survey found that, on average, more than 4 in 10 Christians around the world say they “often” or “always” rush from task to task. ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:29-39

Denomination: United Methodist

The Power Of Authority

Contributed by Clair Sauer on Jan 28, 2015

Christ came to heal and to save people, and he was able to do so because of the power of God in him, which he used with unquestionable authority. Christ gives the same power to his disciples, how can we work in the world with authority to heal and to save?

Several years ago, there was a terrible ferry accident in the Mediterranean Sea. You may have heard about it. This boat, loaded with cars and vacationers, failed to shut its doors properly, and before too long, the water was pouring in. Needless to say, the boat began to sink and panic set in. ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:21-28

Denomination: United Methodist

Leaving It All

Contributed by Clair Sauer on Jan 21, 2015

Our role as disciples of Christ requires that we leave everything behind and put Christ first in our lives. It is easy for us to practice Christian discipleship when it is convenient for us, but Christ calls us to much more.

I want us to get a sense of the experience of these fishermen on the day Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee and summoned them to follow him. So we are going to take a minute and use our imaginations. So, however you use your imagination best, prepare yourself to do that now; whether it’s ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:14-20

Denomination: United Methodist

From Sketicism To Discipleship

Contributed by Clair Sauer on Jan 15, 2015

For each of us, like Nathanael, our movement to full discipleship in Jesus Christ takes us through periods of skepticism and doubt, but if we look for the signs and work of Christ, we will never be empty of words to share as disciples of Christ!

I suspect that Nathanael wasn’t the first person who had some doubts about Jesus the Christ. And he certainly wasn’t the last. We have plenty of records of people who, throughout history, have questioned the validity of Jesus’ role as Messiah. But even among people of faith, there ...read more

Scripture: John 1:43-51

Denomination: United Methodist

So Now What?

Contributed by Clair Sauer on Jan 1, 2015

The wise men provide for us an amazing example of true faith and genuine worship.

There are two kinds of people in this world, right? The “haves” and the “have-nots.” Or wait; is it the jocks and the nerds? Of course, there are the men and the women, and Republicans and Democrats. And we have the religious and the non-religious. I guess when it comes down ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: United Methodist

Simeon's Song Series

Contributed by Clair Sauer on Dec 23, 2014

As Mary & Joseph bring Jesus to the Temple, it provides an opportunity for the aged priest Simeon to further reveal the significance of the baby Jesus--the fulfillment of God's promises & our hopes & dreams, the source of rest & peace for our souls.

As you all know, we have spent weeks building up to Christmas and our celebration of Christ’s birth. And such anticipation is appropriate, it takes much preparation to welcome a new baby…if there’s anyone who knows that right now, it’s me! But I do hope that our Advent time ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:22-32

Denomination: United Methodist