Rev. James Harper preaches on Luke 20:45-21:4 as part of our Following Jesus Sermon Series through the Book of Luke.

The story of the widow's mite is often interpreted as a lesson about sacrificial giving, when it may actually be Jesus highlighting religious corruption. Positioned between Jesus' condemnation of scribes who 'devour widows' houses' and prophecies about the temple's destruction, this account shows a vulnerable woman exploited by corrupt religious leaders. Jesus appears heartbroken, not impressed, by her giving everything she had to live on. This serves as a warning about how religious institutions can drift from their purpose and exploit the vulnerable, while also reminding us of the importance of accountability structures and healing for those hurt by the church.

Rev. James Harper preached on Luke 20:27-44 as part of our sermon series "Following Jesus" on the Book of Luke.

Jesus confronted the Sadducees who denied the resurrection with a powerful defense of life after death. The Sadducees, a powerful but disliked group who controlled the Jewish Sanhedrin, tried to trap Jesus with a trick question about marriage in the afterlife. Jesus responded by revealing their misunderstanding of both God's character and Scripture. He explained that the resurrection reality differs from earthly life, and pointed to scriptural evidence including God's self-identification as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob - patriarchs who were physically dead but alive to God. This resurrection hope gives meaning that transcends our circumstances and reminds us that God desires eternal relationship with us.

Rev. James Harper preaches on Luke 20:20-26 as part of our sermon series, Following Jesus in the Book of Luke.

Rev. Andrew Dickinson preaches on Luke 20:9-19, the Parable of the Vineyard, as part of the Following Jesus sermon series on the book of Luke.

The Parable of the Vineyard in Luke 20:9-19 reveals four key motivations that drive human actions: ambition, desire, fear, and love. Jesus uses the story of tenants who mistreat and kill the vineyard owner's servants and son to illustrate humanity's rebellion against God. While the religious leaders were driven by ambition for power and fear of people's opinions, God demonstrates persistent love by repeatedly reaching out despite rejection. The parable challenges us to examine our hearts, grow in God's love, practice proper reverence, produce spiritual fruit, and make Jesus the cornerstone of our lives.

Rev. James Harper preaches on Luke 20:1-8 as part of our sermon series through the book of Luke: Following Jesus.

Jesus faced a challenge from religious leaders questioning his authority, which reveals two foundations of his power: his identity as God's Son and his obedience to Scripture. As Christians, we should live under the same dual authority - our relationship with God and the guidance of Scripture. Other sources of authority like science, culture, or personal preference ultimately fail because they ignore our divine design. When we struggle in our faith, it's often because we've fallen into selective obedience, choosing which parts of God's Word to follow while ignoring others. True flourishing comes when we fully embrace God's authority in every area of life.

Rev. James Harper preaches on Luke 19:11-27 as part of our Following Jesus Sermon Series through the book of Luke.

Rev James Harper preaches on Luke 18:31-43 as part of the continuing Following Jesus sermon series on the book of Luke.

In Luke 18:31-43, we see a powerful contrast between spiritual blindness and true sight. While Jesus' disciples, who had spent years with Him, failed to understand His clear predictions about His coming death and resurrection, a blind beggar in Jericho immediately recognized Jesus as the Messiah. Despite never having seen Jesus, this man's faith allowed him to perceive what the disciples could not. When Jesus healed him, He emphasized that the man's faith had made him spiritually whole, not just able to see. This story challenges us to examine whether we truly see Jesus with eyes of faith or merely know facts about Him.

Rev. Andrew Dickinson preaches on 2 Kings 6: 8-23 as part of the Gifts of the King Sermon Series.

Spiritual vision allows us to perceive beyond physical appearances to recognize God's deeper work in our lives and in the world. Like Elisha's servant who saw God's heavenly army, we can develop the ability to see situations from God's perspective. This vision transforms our outlook on challenges, helping us recognize that God is with us, for us, and in control. By looking beyond immediate circumstances to eternal realities, we can navigate difficulties with confidence, knowing that present struggles are preparing us for future glory.