The big problem of discerning the truth in the face of overwhelming powers, and the temptation to believe in conspiracies and mystery cults, is nothing new. In fact, combating the lure of the gnostic cults with their promises of secret knowledge to the initiated is an underlying theme in the writings of John. This first in the series on "Jesus in the Eyes of John" looks at Gnosticism and how it affects language of light and dark, truth and falsehood, and finding God's love. By Pastor Lars Hammar.
Like a Seed to a Tree - Easter 2024
The resurrection is a total transformation, like a seed that gets buried and regrows into a tree. We can't see what God will make of us when we put ourselves in his hands, but we know that it will be greater and more spiritual than what we can imagine. Easter Sunday 2024. By Pastor Lars Hammar.
Managing Expectations - sermon Palm Sunday 2024
Jesus is brought into Jerusalem by the crowd who is filled with expectations, hopes, and dreams for Jesus to the next King, starter of a revolution. The problem is, that's their idea of Jesus, not what he told them he was. So often we project our expectations onto others, instead of letting them be to us who they are. By Pastor Lars Hammar. Palm Sunday, 2024
Forgiveness is Hard - sermon March 17
True forgiveness requires a lot more than just saying so. It's a process than can take time, and need to be repeated over and over to sink in. It's the reason why Jesus tells Peter that we forgive 77 (or seventy times seven) times. By Pastor Lars Hammar
Get Behind Me - sermon March 10
Peter gets nervous about Jesus dying, and tries to convince him not to. But it's a part of God's plan for Jesus, and Peter too. The Cross is the path of the disciple. By Pastor Lars Hammar. Fourth Sunday in Lent
Who is Jesus to You? - sermon March 3
If asked, who would you say that Jesus is to you? What have you experienced of Jesus? What does he mean in your life? What difference has faith made to you? Third Sunday in Lent. By Pastor Lars Hammar
Crossing the Deep
The scariest thing to step out and do is often to examine yourself is true honesty. As Peter began to fear when he stepped out of the boat to see Jesus, so we often avoid the deepest connections with Jesus because we're afraid to open up about what we have inside. Second Sunday in Lent. By Pastor Lars Hammar
artwork by @sanctifiedart.org
Stop. Listen. Try Again. - sermon Feb 18, 2024
How quickly we can become exhausted trying the same thing over and over, only to discover that the answer was there, but we wrote it off long ago. First in the Lenten series on Peter and the Wandering Heart. By Pastor Lars Hammar.
painting by Lisle Gwynn Garrity of sanctifiedart.org
Mountaintop Experiences - sermon Feb 11, 2024
We can use mountaintop experiences as moments to empower us to go back into the world, or as an excuse to run away from it. Jesus was clear with his disciples that going back down was his will, not to escape. Transfiguration Sunday. By Pastor Lars Hammar
Psalm 104 - sermon Jan 28, 2024
To understand the Bible you have to think like an artist, or a painter, who describes God's work in the world full of meanings, symbols, analogies, images that draw you in and point you to deeper and higher truth. To read it literally is to fall into the trap of thinking "truth" is only what can be counted and measured, and ignoring the world of experience in the Spirit. Based on Psalm 104. By Pastor Lars Hammar
Psalm 66 - sermon Jan 21, 2024
The Psalm says that God puts burdens on us to test us, but it's not what it sounds like. A careful read shows that it's not about individual tragedies and illnesses, but about the whole people facing consequences for injustices. By Pastor Lars Hammar.
Psalm 65 - sermon Jan 14, 2024
What does God do for us? It's many things, and we can see the evidence in what God does in the world every day. Part 1 of the sermon series "Four Psalms". By Pastor Lars Hammar.
Take the Plunge - sermon Jan 7, 2024
New life requires new commitments, the shaking off of the old and taking on the new. We can be scared of making the move, jumping in, but God carries us through the transition. By Pastor Lars Hammar for the Sunday of the Baptism of Our Lord.
“Beloved” by Lauren Wright Pittman - sanctifiedart.org
Christmas Eve Sermon 2023
Why was it the shepherds' were able to hear the voice of God and not all those who one would expect? Could it be that they lived a life more in tune with God’s majesty and wonder, and were less distracted? By Pastor Lars Hammar
Be Amazed - sermon Dec. 17, 2023
It can be easy in a world full of cynicism to distrust everything and see a darker motive behind every surprise, even God's action in the world. But when Zechariah speaks again, the people are amazed, and embrace the joy of God. Third Sunday in Advent. By Pastor Lars Hammar
Joy in Connection - sermon Dec. 10, 2023
When overwhelmed we can find joy in connection with each other, community that is a gift from God. Second Sunday in Advent. By Pastor Lars Hammar
Suffering in Silence
To struggle in silence, when you are hurting inside but forced to look strong in the public eye, can cause us to question faith, or God's reality in our lives. But it is in silence that God often speaks to us. First Sunday in Advent. By Pastor Lars Hammar
You Don't Need a King - Christ the King Sunday 2023
In times of anxiety we can get tempted to give up our freedoms and turn to a strong man, dictator, or king to protect us and, supposedly, make us proud. But this is giving to a person what belongs only to God - our ultimate loyalty and worship. God delivers and brings peace, so we don't need a king. By Pastor Lars Hammar. Christ the King Sunday
A couple of the images referenced in the sermon - maps of Israel at the time of the Twelve Tribes and King David
Hundred Percent Yield - sermon Nov. 19, 2023
How can we get a a 100% return on the talents God gave us? By investing in the community, the poor, and the things that matter. By Pastor Lars Hammar
Foolish Bridesmaids - sermon Nov 12, 2023
Being ready for when God is speaking is about more than waiting for the second coming, it’s a way of life.