Sermon Archive

Luke 1:26-38

Ross’s sermon, "Because of Christmas… I Surrender My Plans," based on Luke 1:26–38, emphasizes the necessity of surrendering our personal plans to God’s greater purpose. Reflecting on Mary’s response to the angel Gabriel, Ross draws a parallel between his own journey of transitioning to senior pastor—a role he hadn’t planned for—and Mary’s surrender of her life’s expectations to God’s will. Mary’s humble submission, despite the uncertainty and loss of control, serves as a model for believers to trust in God’s faithful plan, even when it conflicts with their own desires or understanding. Ross challenges us to shift our perspective from fitting God into our plans to aligning ourselves with His. By remembering God’s faithfulness and responding in faith, as Mary did, we allow God to work through us for His glory and our good, following the example of Christ, who surrendered His will for our salvation.

Matthew 1:18-25

In his sermon "Because of Christmas: I Surrender My Status" (Matthew 1:18–25), Ross highlights Joseph's example of surrendering his worldly status to obey God. Joseph faced a choice: follow the world's opinions or trust God's command to take Mary as his wife despite the societal disgrace. Through Joseph's journey, we learn three key steps: recognizing the reality of our new identity in Christ, responding in faithful obedience to God's commands, and rejoicing in God's provision of Jesus as Savior. Ross emphasizes that surrendering our status in this world is essential to receiving Christ, as Jesus changes everything—transforming our status with God and giving us new life in Him.

Luke 1:5-25 & 57-80

As we prepare our hearts to celebrate Jesus's birth, we journey through the stories of those surrounding the nativity, beginning with Zechariah, a priest called to surrender his doubts to God's extraordinary plan. Through Zechariah’s story, we learn that doubt is normal, but faith requires us to trust God even when circumstances seem impossible. Step by step obedience allows us to experience the miraculous, as Zechariah and Elizabeth did. Ultimately, we are called to praise God not only for the answers to our doubts but for the greater redemption found in Jesus, the fulfillment of prophecy and the Savior who secures our eternity.

1 Peter 2:4-10

Ross's sermon, "Nehemiah: Rebuilding for God’s Glory | 1 Peter 2:4-10," draws a powerful connection between the story of Nehemiah and the call to live as people rebuilt for God's glory today. He emphasizes how God’s work in Nehemiah’s time wasn’t just about physical walls but a spiritual renewal, pointing ultimately to Jesus as the cornerstone of faith. By focusing on three realities—coming to Jesus, walking in obedience, and proclaiming God’s grace—Ross invites the congregation to examine their lives and align with God’s purposes. Grounded in the truths of 1 Peter 2, he encourages a foundation in Christ, living as transformed people who reflect God’s mercy and glory in the world.

Nehemiah 13:1-31

Mark’s sermon, Finishing Strong, draws parallels between Mr. Rogers and Nehemiah, emphasizing their dedication to making the world better and pointing people to God’s purpose. Nehemiah’s story, as seen in Nehemiah 13, shows his commitment to rebuilding the wall and restoring the people’s faith, yet upon his return years later, he finds the people had fallen back into sin, neglecting the house of God, dishonoring the Sabbath, and disobeying marriage laws. Despite Nehemiah’s passionate efforts, including drastic corrective actions, the story ends with him asking God to remember his work, highlighting humanity’s inability to fully measure up. This points to our need for Christ, who fulfilled the law perfectly. The message concludes by calling believers to finish strong by living as disciples of Jesus, obediently standing apart from the world and relying on Christ’s finished work for salvation, assurance, and eternal life.

Nehemiah 11-12

Ross’s sermon highlights how Nehemiah’s rebuilding of Jerusalem was about more than restoring walls—it was about God restoring His people’s hearts for His glory. In Nehemiah 11-12, the Israelites pause to marvel at God’s work and respond by dedicating themselves to Him through worship. Ross identifies three marks of a life dedicated to God: setting our hearts on His purposes, rejoicing in His faithfulness, and giving sacrificially. He challenges us to reflect this dedication by making God our ultimate treasure, committing everything we have and are for His glory.