Puzzled

This sermon is a rather unique and interactive sermon designed to promote unity in the body of Christ. It helps members of the church to recognize that they are a part of the family and that the family is still missing members. It is a sermon that focuses on community and outreach. We used a picture of the church during this sermon and had members of the congregation take a piece (3" piece) and write a thought about the church on it. Then by length of time that they had been a part of the community (not focused on membership) we began putting it together. The best part was to let them see that the puzzle was still missing pieces when we were all done.

Armed and Dangerous

This sermon draws the lines of connection between the spiritual world and our our daily lives. Each of us face days when trials overwhelm us. Each of us encounter trouble in relationships or situations. What is it that is really coming against us, and how can we have the strength to overcome those difficult times? How well dressed are we for the Spiritual battle that we face in this world on a daily basis?

Paroled

In this final sermon of the Prison Break series we find David convicted of his sin, experiencing the consequence, and humbly repenting. His behavior leads to healing and reconciliation with God.
This is a challenging passage for today's world because most people believe that reconciliation is a joke; it is not possible. When faced with a conflict of perspectives or tension of disagreement, most people would rather walk away and avoid the situation. But that is not what the Bible teaches us.
Reconciliation is possible, and in fact it is the core of our Christian faith. That is what the Cross is all about. Christ died to to reconcile us with God. Now we must do the same with the world.

Convicted

This is the third sermon in the Jail Break Series. In it we are looking at The incident of David and Bathsheba. This passage takes place right after Uriah had been killed and David takes Bathsheba for his wife. We encounter the prophet Nathan who at the direction of God confronts King David for his sin.
The two main points that we draw out of this passage for discussion are: 1. Our natural tendency is to hide our sin. 2. We all need someone in our life to confront us and hold us accountable for our actions before God.
This has been a fun series that I have amplified by preaching in prison clothes and with a large set of jail bars hanging in front of the cross. It has provoked a lot of conversation and thought. Last week will be the final sermon in the series and the bars will come down. Amen.

Cover Up

This sermon follows David through his indiscretion and attempted cover up of his sin with Bathsheba. I take a moment to compare our modern day lives with David's and help people recognize our own tendency toward making everything look rosy on the outside while still wearing a prison suit of guilt underneath.
Finally I hope to point out that covering up our sin is not a good choice. It is better to confess, repent, and seek forgiveness, both from the persons involved, and from God.