What God Has Joined Together (Part 2) Matthew 19:7-15 Pastor John Sloan Introduction: Jesus’ words on marriage and divorce represent some of his most controversial sayings. One woman and one man united together for life? It seems so antiquated, people retort. Because Jesus’ teaching is so counter-cultural and addresses a subject, particularly divorce, that brings… Continue Reading
Sermon Notes What God Has Joined Together (Part I) Matthew 19:1-6 Pastor John Sloan Introduction: Some questions don’t really deserve an answer. Either because they are asked insincerely, or with a desire to gather ammunition against the one being questioned. But to the Pharisees ill-devised inquiry, Jesus offers some of the clearest and pointed instruction… Continue Reading
Sermon Notes – 12.24.2017 God with Us Matthew 1:18-25 Pastor John Sloan Introduction: Someone has said that the season of Advent is like getting a flat tire on the middle of the busy freeway: it forces us to reluctantly slow down, reflect, and wait. With the world whizzing around us and the frenetic pace of… Continue Reading
Sermon Notes The Way of Peace Matthew 18:15-20 Pastor John Sloan Introduction: The question is not if but when. As redeemed sinners, we will sin against each other. We will say and do hurtful things. We will fall short of others’ expectations of us. As one old-time theologian wrote: “Hurts must happen in a rebellious… Continue Reading
11.5.2017 When Angels Stare into the Face of God Matthew 18:7-14 Pastor John Sloan Introduction: Five seemingly disconnected stories and admonitions. That’s what Jesus strings together in his fourth sermon to his disciples (and onlookers). But behind the ostensible randomness is a very intentional point that Christ is making: he is revealing something essential about… Continue Reading
Become Like Children Matthew 18:1-6 Pastor John Sloan Introduction: In a moment of candor and intimacy, Jesus informs his disciples, who have been traveling with him for three years, that he will soon die. Specifically, he will be delivered into the hands of men and they will kill him. Naturally, upon hearing the news, the… Continue Reading
Engulfed in Glory Matthew 17:1-8 Pastor John Sloan Introduction: As human beings, we long for the day when glory will come. Rightly so, our hearts yearn for an end to suffering and pain. The prophet Isaiah says that when glory comes, the eyes of the blind will be opened, the ears of the deaf unstopped, the… Continue Reading
The Satisfied Christian Matthew 15:29-39 Taylor Mendoza, Director of Student Ministries Introduction: At the root of our dissatisfaction is a never-ending thirst that nothing in this world can satisfy. Every person in the world wants to know what will make him or her happy. We’re all desperately seeking for the person, place, or thing that… Continue Reading
Sermon Notes Table Scraps Matthew 15:21-28 Pastor John Sloan Introduction: Dry lips. Lightheadedness. Muscle soreness. Difficulty concentrating. These are all signs of extreme fatigue. In Matthew’s gospel, Jesus has tried to get alone to rest (and pray) multiple times but with each endeavor he is “recognized” and greeted by needy people, and sometimes thousands of… Continue Reading
Sermon Notes Two Strolls on a Furious Lake Matthew 14:22-33 Pastor John Sloan Introduction: The term “storm” has become a metaphor for difficult times in our lives. And rightly so. When tragedy strikes it can feel like we’re being tossed around, beaten by the waves of change, and nearly submerged by unexpected pain. When a… Continue Reading