Sermon List

In a world where everyone else would turn away from a leper, Jesus touches and heals him. Jesus shows us that he is more than a lawgiver and teacher: he is a healer and savior.

Paul and Silas's mission was the same, in and out of jail. Regardless of where they were, their mission to proclaim the Gospel remained. And through the Holy Spirit, they were able to rejoice always, bearing testimony to His name.

Jesus concludes his message to those who would hear him that the integrity of his call to follow in the way of the Kingdom of Heaven must flow through the reality of our lives. All other ground is spin.

It is only through the work of the Lord that hearts are opened and that lives are changed by the Gospel. We are only called to obedience - obedience to preach, and obedience to the call.

Paul had been going to churches that he had previously visited, but in this passage, the Spirit redirects Paul to Macedonia to preach the Gospel. The Gospel is not only for certain people, but for all people, and it is the greatest need of all people.

North American culture is overly familiar with the 'golden rule.' But almost none of us realize that Jesus is doing far more than telling us to be nice. He's calling us to fulfill all the Law and Prophets by choosing the very narrow way of the Cross. Life on the path of discipleship is supposed to be hard, not easy. Many along the way will tell us differently, but Jesus' words are clear.