Sermons - Resurrection Church

Sermon Text:Genesis 2:5-17Genesis 3:17-24Psalm 103A reflection on what it means that we are dust. We start with the origins of the universe and look at various Biblical passages that describe our origins as humans.

Sermon Texts:Genesis 6:11-13Revelation 7:9-12Exodus 8:20-32Today’s sermon looks at the fourth sign - that of the swarm. Traditionally, referred to as the plague of the flies, we look at several other possibilities for the offending creatures including mosquitos, a mixed horde of wild animals, and werewolves. We also find the text included two Easter Eggs, one pointing back to Genesis and one pointing ahead to when the Israelites are set free by the Pharaoh in Egypt. Along the way we see a recurring pattern in the Bible in which God’s judgment brings salvation for the oppressed leading to diversity.

Genesis 13:14-16Romans 8:28Exodus 8:16-19This week we look at the sign of the lice, one of the itchier sermons preached at Resurrection church. Today we continue to look at the 10 signs of the Exodus to see what they tell us about YHWH. Here we learn about the power and trustworthiness of God’s promise and how that gives us faith and purpose.

Sermon Text:Matthew 5:43-48John 1:14-16Exodus 8:1-15Today’s sermon looks at my favorite of the ten signs. Here we look at the symbolism of frogs in Egypt and particularly what this sign tells us about YHWH. In addition, we look at what this sign communicates to the Israelites. As we examine the details of the story, we also learn about a key difference that separates the Egyptian value system from that of YHWH.

Sermon Texts:Genesis 4:8-12Luke 4:16-21Exodus 7:14-25Today we look at what is traditionally known as the first plague in which the Nile River is turned to blood. However, I argue we should use the term sign instead of plague because signs are symbols that reveal information. In this case, we learn something about YHWH. Along the way we will begin to study the issue of the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart as well as learn about different conceptions of the brushtail possum in Australia and New Zealand. We also study blood as a symbol and why this sign may be a bit more complex than traditionally read.

Luke 2:41-52This week we kick it old school with DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince as we look at the story of 12 year-old Jesus’ visit to the Temple.

Sermon Text:Matthew 2:1-21Its the week of Epiphany and we look at the story of the Magi. What does that have do with zombies and laxatives? You will just have to listen.

Sermon Text:Luke 1:67-75, 79, & 2:8-14

Sermon Text: Luke 1:39-64

Sermon Text:Luke 1:5-25

Sermon Text:1 John 4:1-12

Sermon Text:1 John 3:11-24

Sermon Text:1 John 2:18-29

Sermons Texts:Genesis 1:20-211 Corinthians 15:54-58Exodus 7:8-13Todays sermon is on the confrontation between Moses and Aaron and Pharaoh’s magicians. Aaron throws down his staff which transforms into a serpent. However, I argue that the staff actually transforms into a creature much more incredible than a serpent but our modern translations are too timid to say so. Along the way we look at the function of the chaos monster in ancient near eastern mythology and how the Hebrew scriptures challenge this view. Then we finish by reading Paul’s take on the defeat of the ultimate dark power, death, and how that victory shapes the way we live in the world now.

Colossians 3:1-14Exodus 7:1-7Today’s sermon looks at two questions about recurring issues in the Exodus narrative. First, why does God seem so intent on Pharaoh being the one who actually free the Israelites? Second, if Pharaoh is the one to free the Israelites, why does God harden Pharaoh’s heart to prevent Pharaoh from doing just that? Along the way we discuss the Egyptian and ancient mindset as shaped by polytheism. We conclude by applying these lessons to the powerful forces that shape our own life.

Exodus 29:39Hebrews 10:19-25Exodus 6:10-30We enter a new section in Exodus featuring the climatic battle between God and Pharaoh with exciting plagues and miracles involving seas parting. However, before we do so the text pauses to give us, of all things, a genealogy. Is this genealogy misplaced, or does it interrupt out story for a reason. This sermon argues that the genealogy is here to make a very important and practical point. Along the way we learn about an important Hebrew literary device known as an inclusio and discuss a really interesting rabbinic debate.

Sermon Texts:Genesis 35:9-15John 6:16-21Exodus 5:22-6:13Moses’ first day on the job has not gone so well and Moses lets God know about it. God responds with His name. Here we further develop ideas began in Exodus 3 at the burning bush about what the name YHWH means. We explore the mysterious name El Shaddai and the other names used for God in chapter 5 and 6 to see what makes YHWH unique.

Sermon Texts:Exodus 5:3-18Romans 9:4-8.,14-24,30-33

Sermon Texts:Genesis 1:31-2:3Mark 2:27-3:5Exodus 5:1-21

Sermon Texts:Genesis 17:9-14Colossians 2:6-15Exodus 4:24-31Today we look at one of the weirdest passages in the whole Bible. This is the story of when God suddenly tries to execute Moses who is only saved from death by a hastily performed surgical operation. There are so many questions and yet few answers. Also what possible relevance could this passage have for us? The sermon looks at the practice and symbolism of circumcision. Also we look at this story in context to try to make sense of it. Hopefully we also arrive at some answers involving more universal themes of judgment, identity, and transformation.