Sermon Summaries
November 30, 2025
Summary: Insisting on Hope This Advent, with background scripture of Luke 1:1-13
- The Advent season is a time to focus on hope, even in the midst of fear, uncertainty, and adversity—just as the biblical figures Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds did when confronted by angels.
- The message of “Do not fear” is central, encouraging us to acknowledge our fears but move forward with courage and trust in good news.
- Advent is not only about celebrating the birth of Christ but also anticipating Christ’s future reign, as reflected in music like Handel’s “Messiah,” which itself was born out of personal hardship and hope.
- Hope is essential because everyone faces moments of inadequacy and times when evil seems to be in control. In these moments, insisting on hope is crucial.
- Supporting young people with messages of love and hope is especially important, given the challenges they face.
- Ultimately, Advent is about trusting that God is always present and loving, regardless of age or circumstance. A mature faith insists on hope even in darkness, looking beyond superficial celebrations to deeper meaning.
November 23, 2025
This sermon is based on Luke 17:11-19 and explores the story of Jesus healing ten men with skin diseases, but only one—a Samaritan—returns to thank Christ. The message emphasizes the importance of gratitude, especially during Thanksgiving, and draws several key lessons:
Key Points
· Personal Gratitude: Everyone has unique reasons to be thankful. The story of a boy thankful for his glasses humorously illustrates how gratitude can be personal and meaningful.
· Healing and Exclusion: The ten men, suffering from various skin diseases (often called “leprosy” in biblical times), were ostracized from society. Jesus heals them, but only one returns to express thanks.
· The Thankful Samaritan: Unlike the others, the Samaritan comes back to thank Jesus, demonstrating true gratitude. Jesus tells him his faith has made him well, signifying that gratitude brings greater blessings—physical, emotional, social, and spiritual wholeness.
· Blessings Beyond Expectation: The story of John Canuso, who founded the first Ronald McDonald House after his daughter’s recovery, illustrates how saying “thank you” can lead to blessings far beyond what one expects.
· Gratitude Blesses Others: Expressing thanks not only benefits the giver but also blesses others, as shown by a child’s simple act of giving a card to a nursing home resident.
· Thankfulness to God: The sermon concludes by urging everyone to thank God for healing and blessings, reminding us that Christ’s resurrection offers hope and life to all.
Closing Thoughts
The message encourages listeners to reflect on their own gratitude, aiming to be like the one Samaritan who returned to give thanks, rather than the nine who took their blessings for granted. It ends with a call to practice “Thanks-living,” making gratitude a daily part of life, and includes a prayer from the United Methodist Book of Worship.