Rev James Harper preaches on Luke 18:31-43 as part of the continuing Following Jesus sermon series on the book of Luke.

In Luke 18:31-43, we see a powerful contrast between spiritual blindness and true sight. While Jesus' disciples, who had spent years with Him, failed to understand His clear predictions about His coming death and resurrection, a blind beggar in Jericho immediately recognized Jesus as the Messiah. Despite never having seen Jesus, this man's faith allowed him to perceive what the disciples could not. When Jesus healed him, He emphasized that the man's faith had made him spiritually whole, not just able to see. This story challenges us to examine whether we truly see Jesus with eyes of faith or merely know facts about Him.

Rev. Andrew Dickinson preaches on 2 Kings 6: 8-23 as part of the Gifts of the King Sermon Series.

Spiritual vision allows us to perceive beyond physical appearances to recognize God's deeper work in our lives and in the world. Like Elisha's servant who saw God's heavenly army, we can develop the ability to see situations from God's perspective. This vision transforms our outlook on challenges, helping us recognize that God is with us, for us, and in control. By looking beyond immediate circumstances to eternal realities, we can navigate difficulties with confidence, knowing that present struggles are preparing us for future glory.

Rev. James Harper preaches on 2 Kings 5:19-27 as part of our sermon series on Gifts of the King.

God's discipline differs fundamentally from punishment, with discipline focused on growth and restoration while punishment deals with past wrongs. Through Gehazi's story in 2 Kings 5, we learn that believers experience discipline rather than punishment due to Christ's sacrifice. While all Christians remain under God's loving discipline, not all suffering indicates sin. Understanding this distinction helps us recognize God's role as a loving Father who shapes His children's character rather than a harsh punisher.

Rev. James Harper preaches on 2 Kings 5:1-14 as part of the "Gifts of the King" Sermon Series.

Rev. James Harper preaches on 2 Kings 4:38-41 as part of the Gifts of the King Sermon Series.

In times of famine, a deadly situation arose when poisonous wild gourds were accidentally added to a pot of stew meant for the prophets' sons. This story from 2 Kings 4:38-41 illustrates how sin poisoned God's perfect creation, affecting all humanity. Just as Elisha used flour to neutralize the poison, Jesus became the ultimate solution to sin's deadly effects through His death and resurrection. While believers may still struggle with sin's residual effects, transformation is possible through Christ's power, support from others, and practical steps toward change.

Rev. James Harper preaches on 2 Kings 4:1-7 as part of our Gifts of the King Sermon Series.

The biblical account of Elisha and the widow's oil reveals profound truths about God's compassionate nature and the power of generosity. God demonstrates His care for individual struggles by miraculously providing for a desperate widow facing debt and potential loss of her children. This narrative teaches that God has unlimited resources at His disposal and often works through the generosity of others. The ultimate message centers on breaking the power of money in our lives by recognizing Jesus as our true treasure, leading to a life of sacrificial giving and genuine freedom.

Rev. James Harper preaches on 2 Kings 4:25-37 as part of the sermon series on Elisha the prophet, connecting the story with the power of Jesus's resurrection.

The story of the Shunammite woman demonstrates profound truths about hope triumphing over grief. After receiving a miraculous son through the prophet Elisha, she faced devastating loss when the child died. Instead of accepting death, she demonstrated remarkable faith by placing her son in Elisha's bed and seeking the prophet's help. Her declaration that 'all is well' amid tragedy reveals a deep understanding that hope, through God's power, ultimately defeats grief. This ancient story connects to the eternal hope we have through Christ's resurrection, showing that while grief is temporary, hope is eternal.

In our final sermon of the Letters of Recommendation Series, Rev. Andrew Dickinson preaches on Judas and Jesus, with scripture from Matthew 27:3-10.

The story of Judas at the Last Supper reveals profound lessons about grace and forgiveness. Despite knowing Judas would betray Him, Jesus demonstrated extraordinary love by washing his feet, welcoming him at the table, and calling him friend. Unlike other biblical figures who found redemption after failure, Judas's tragedy lay not only in his betrayal, but in his inability to accept forgiveness. This narrative reminds us that God's grace remains available regardless of our past, and while we live, our story isn't finished.