What is Truth - Jesus in the Eyes of John series 1 - April 7

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.

Here’s my highly sophisticated drawing of the Gnostic universe.

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

“Seventy Time Seven” by Lauren Wright Pittman

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

“Beseeching” by Hannah Garrity

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

“Who Do You Say I Am"?” by Lauren Wright Pittman

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

“Lift Off” by Rev. Nicolette Penaranda of 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

“River of Grace” 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

---

Zechariah by Rev. Lauren Wright Pittman

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.