Sermon Summaries
February 1, 2026
Summary: Salt and Light
Jesus describes his followers as “the salt of the earth” and “the world’s light,” not as a future goal but as a present reality—who they already are by virtue of following him. Believers are not meant to earn this identity through perfect behavior or religious effort; it is given by Christ.
Salt in the ancient world was highly valuable and had three main functions: preserving, cleansing, and flavoring. By calling his followers salt, Jesus affirms their great worth and calls them to preserve God’s message of grace, help cleanse the brokenness of the world, and bring life-giving “God-flavor” into everyday living. Like salt that makes people thirsty, Christians are to live in such a way that others desire more of God.
Light represents visibility, guidance, and hope. Jesus teaches that light is meant to be seen—set on a lampstand, not hidden under a basket. Followers of Christ are called to let their faith, words, and actions be openly visible, shining beyond church walls and into the wider world. The focus is not on drawing people in to “come,” but on going out to live faithfully among others.
The sermon emphasizes that Christians are always “practicing” their faith—growing, learning, and striving toward Christlikeness rather than achieving perfection in this life. Ultimately, believers shine not by their own strength, but by reflecting the light of Christ, just as the moon reflects the sun.
The message closes with a prayer asking God to “shake us out like saltshakers”and help the church shine as a city on a hill, blessing the world through good deeds, good words, and love empowered by Christ.
January 25, 2026
The sermon, “What am I supposed to be doing?” explores ethical living through the lens of Micah 6:8 from the Bible.
Summary of Key Themes:
· Three Core Requirements from Micah 6:8:
The message centers on the biblical verse Micah 6:8, which outlines three essential requirements for living a faithful life:
1. Do Justice: This means actively working to ensure fairness and opportunity for all, especially the oppressed. Justice is described as a collective responsibility, illustrated by stories such as Abraham Lincoln’s fight against slavery and Albert Schweitzer’s parable about geese supporting a wounded member of their flock.
2. Love Kindness: Kindness is presented as the most basic requirement of religion and humanity. The text emphasizes treating others as we wish to be treated, extending kindness even to enemies and those deemed undeserving, reflecting the unconditional love shown by God.
3. Walk Humbly with God: Humility is highlighted as a rare but vital trait. True humility involves gratitude, selflessness, and surrendering one’s life to God, not seeking recognition or reward. The narrative includes a humorous story about football coach Don Shula to illustrate humility in everyday life.
· Translation and Interpretation:
The sermon also discusses various translations of Micah 6:8, comparing literal Hebrew with versions like the Common English Bible and The Message, to clarify the meaning of “kindness,” “mercy,” and “faithful love”.
· Practical Application:
The sermon encourages readers to reflect on their own lives, asking whether their actions align with these three requirements. The message is that living justly, kindly, and humbly is both a personal and communal calling, with no limits on kindness or justice.
Significance:
This sermon provides a thoughtful, practical guide for self-examination and ethical living, rooted in biblical principles. It uses stories, translations, and personal reflection to make the teachings of Micah 6:8 accessible and actionable for everyday life.