In Sermons: showing 31-45 of 534

Cared For Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jun 26, 2017

The Lord is our Shepherd who provides for us and protects us.

Psalm 23:1-6 “Cared For” INTRODUCTION Flocks of sheep were abundant in the countryside of Israel; they were an everyday encounter. People had seen sheep in action and they knew that sheep were somewhat helpless against predators and a little on the stubborn side. People were also well aware ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 23:1-6

Denomination: Lutheran

Unified Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on May 30, 2017

Paul proclaims that we are all one in Christ.

Galatians 3:1-9, 23-29 “Unified" INTRODUCTION The struggle between Paul and his gospel of grace and the Circumcision Party and their demand for works continue. Last week the Circumcision Party attacked Paul’s credentials as an apostle. They said that Paul really wasn’t an apostle because he ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 3:1-29

Denomination: Lutheran

Who Can Join Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on May 17, 2017

The council at Jerusalem concludes that grace and faith come to both Jews and Gentiles.

INTRODUCTION They are called “Watershed Events.” They may seem insignificant at the time, but they change our lives or even the course of human history. Today’s story of the First Church Council of Jerusalem is such an event. The decision to allow Gentiles into the new, growing Christian community ...read more

Scripture: Acts 15:1-18

Denomination: Lutheran

Called To Serve Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on May 1, 2017

Conflict surfaces in the church—the needy are being neglected. Stephen and others are chosen to serve the needy.

Acts 6:1-7 "Called to Serve" INTRODUCTION Role models are important elements in our lives. We can imitate them, or we can aspire to be like them; to incorporate their values and characteristics into our lives. When we attempt to imitate our role models, we may lose our identity and not be ...read more

Scripture: Acts 6:1-7

Denomination: Lutheran

Do You See Him? Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on May 1, 2017

Jesus walks with two disciples and reveals himself to them in eating of bread and drinking of wine.

Luke 24:13-35 "Do You See Him?" INTRODUCTION We all have had events in our lives that have shaken our faiths like a level 8 earthquake. Our faith lives have been left in shambles. We have been overcome with doubts and confusion. Looking upon the pile of dust, brinks and broken trinkets, we ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:13-35

Denomination: Lutheran

The Importance Of Perspective Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Feb 21, 2017

A women weeps at Jesus’ feet and is forgiven. Both she and Simon the Pharisee are challenged to see themselves from a different perspective.

Introduction A high-school sophomore asks to talk with her parents after dinner. Sitting around the kitchen table, the young girl takes a deep breath and informs her parents that she is pregnant. The parents’ reaction is as expected. The dad threatens to kill her boyfriend after stringing him up ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:36-50

Denomination: Lutheran

Signs Of The Kingdom Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Feb 21, 2017

John questions if Jesus is truly the Messiah. Jesus instructs John’s disciples to tell John what is happening and how the kingdom is evident.

Luke 7:18-35 “Signs of the Kingdom” INTRODUCTION Every one of us experience watershed events in our lives. These are times when our way of thinking, our perspective on life and the path that we follow is dramatically altered. For many Christians one of these events was when they began to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:18-35

Denomination: Lutheran

Lessons On Faith Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Feb 8, 2017

We have many lessons to learn about living an "incomparable faith" from the words and actions of a Roman Centurion."

FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY FEBRUARY 5, 2017 Luke 7:1-17 “Lessons on Faith” INTRODUCTION We learn in different ways. Some of us learn by reading, others by hearing and still others by hands on experience. There have been countless books written on the topic of faith. These have been ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:1-17

Denomination: Lutheran

Breaking Down Barriers Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Feb 1, 2017

The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath and breaks down barriers in order to achieve good.

Introduction I had a relative who loved to knit. On a couple of occasions--Christmas or my birthday--I received one of her sweater creations. She was so proud of what she had made and I was certainly aware of all the work and care she had put into the gift. The problem was the sweaters weren't a ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:1-11

Denomination: Lutheran

Who's First? Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jan 17, 2017

Jesus proclaims that Isaiah’s prophecy has been fulfilled. The inclusion of all people in to God’s family is foreshadowed.

Introduction When I was young, the kids in the neighborhood would occasionally play a game called, "King of the Mountain." We would use the giant piles of snow, which were made by plowing the streets and parking lots. The object of the game was to get to the top of the mountain before anyone else. ...read more

Denomination: Lutheran

Good News Through Tough Times Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jan 5, 2017

The Spirit descended upon the prophet Isaiah and empowered him to bring good news to the captives, proclaim liberty and announce God's everlasting covenant.

Introduction As we prepare for the future--for the birth of the Christ Child and the arrival of the King of kings--we once again glance to the past. Today's text directs our attention to the exiles. The Exodus out of slavery in Egypt through the wilderness to the Promised Land and the Exile to ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 61:1-11

Denomination: Lutheran

The Appearance Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jan 5, 2017

John baptizes, bear fruit worthy of repentance and share what you have.

Introduction God and Suffering is one of the greatest conundrums that people of faith face. Where is God in pain, persecution and loss? The length of suffering increases the questions. It is one thing to struggle with God's presence when one is turned down for a job promotion, or has gall bladder ...read more

Scripture: Luke 3:1-22

Denomination: Lutheran

Fulfilling A Promise Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jan 5, 2017

Simeon and Anna see the Messiah—a fulfillment of God’s promise to them. They are now able to depart in peace.

Luke 2:21-38. "Fulfillment of a Promise" INTRODUCTION During the Advent and Christmas Seasons, we have had many messengers and models to encourage and direct us on our walk of faith. The prophets Isaiah and Ezekiel spoke to us in the Hebrew Scriptures. We have also heard from two angels, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:21-38

Denomination: Lutheran

Facing The Lions

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Dec 6, 2016

Daniel faces the lions because of his loyalty to the Lord. In his deliverance God demonstrates that God's kingdom shall never be destroyed.

Introduction We have heard the story of Daniel in the Lion Den since we were wee ones in Sunday school. We learned what it meant to be people of integrity and we were told that God would always be our strength and deliverance. Today is the first Sunday in Advent. We officially begin our ...read more

Denomination: Lutheran

Good Times Ahead Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Dec 6, 2016

The prophet calls the people to return to a merciful God and promises and outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

Introduction Advent is the season of preparation. Most of us are decorating Christmas trees and putting up angels, nativity scenes, snowmen and Santas , baking Christmas cookies and planning or attending Christmas parties. It is a busy time of year--so busy that we might forget we need to do more ...read more

Scripture: Joel 2:12-29

Denomination: Lutheran