Who are you? What are you supposed to be? Why did God put you here? Do you dare to be your authentic self — or are you living to meet someone else’s expectations. What would happen if you just let yourself be you? These are some of the questions this sermon ponders, through the lens […]
Author Archives: Jeff Miner
Rules, Rules, Rules!
Were you raised in a spiritual environment where God seemed to be all about rules? “Do this. Don’t do that!” If so, it’s tempting to go to the opposite extreme, becoming almost phobic about rules. “Nobody’s gonna tell me what to do; anything goes!” What role should — and shouldn’t — rules play in the […]
Thou Shalt Not!
Preachers love to preach about sin, but seldom get down to the real questions, like: “What is sin, and why should I care?” Watch this sermon if you’re tired of all the superficial “stupid-talk” about sin, and would welcome a thoughtful, helpful exploration of the subject. Today’s scripture: Amos 5:6-12, 14-15 Watch the webcast. Use […]
Plagues and Punishment
This sermon tackles a sensitive, sometimes scary question: does God punish? If so, when and how? Some of us have experienced churches where God seems to be consumed with punishing. Others of us have experienced churches where happy-talk prevails and God is exclusively about positive affirmation. Where does the truth lie? Today’s scripture: Joel 1:1-7, 15-16 Watch […]
Love Hurts
When you picture the personality of God, what comes to mind? Perhaps the classic Unmoved Mover — aloof, measured, dispassionate. When you hear about the anger of God, what do you imagine provokes that anger? Perhaps insubordination: “How dare you disobey me; don’t you know I could crush you!” In this sermon, the prophet Hosea […]
The Missing Link
What is the secret to praying prayers of great power? Over the years, you’ve probably heard many preachers propose answers to that question. But this sermon explores a Scripture passage that suggests an answer you’ve probably never even considered. It may be the missing link! Today’s scripture:Ezekiel 37:1-12 Watch the webcast. Use the player below […]
All About Angels
Some Christians see angels as literal beings. Others see them as metaphors. Whichever way you see them, the concept of angels can provide powerful insights into how the world works — and how we can better respond to the challenges we face. Listen for a thoughtful exploration of the Biblical concept of angels. Today’s scripture: […]
Cosmo Quiz: Are You Spiritual?
Have you ever taken one of those Cosmo Quizzes? Are you destined to succeed? Do you look for the right things in a guy? Are you turning into your Mom? These quizzes are almost irresistible because instinctively we understand the importance of self-awareness and self-evaluation. Suppose there was a Cosmic Quiz . . . to […]
Discovering Serenity — One Step at a Time
“Worried and distracted” — those are the words Jesus used to describe a woman named Martha. Unfortunately, the same words probably describe you and me. Life’s events and circumstances drive us, push us, frazzle us. We struggle. This Sunday we’ll talk about practical strategies for breaking out of that cycle. Today’s scripture: Luke 10:38-42 Watch […]
More Than Meets The Eye
It’s so easy to do: Something bad happens, or somebody does something mean and unwarranted to us. We respond reflexively — fighting fire with fire. And before we know it, we’re caught up in a futile cycle of recrimination, threats, and aggression. In the end, nobody wins. There is a better way. This sermon explores […]
More Than Enough
When you think about your time, money, and energy — does it seem like there’s never enough? Most of us would say so. We feel stretched so thin. Jesus invites us to see the world in a different way — a way that gives us much-needed relief. Watch the webcast. Use the player below to […]
Stuck
There are certain places in all of our lives where we are stuck — and tempted to say, “That’s just the way I am and always will be; there’s no point in trying to change what cannot be changed.” Think again! This sermon examines a dramatic Bible story that shows us how to achieve transformation […]
Jerk!
It’s one of the most basic of all human impulses — to judge others. We know judging others is bad because it hurts others. But have you ever thought about what judging others does to you? The Bible says the impact can be devastating. That’s what this sermon explores — the impact of my judgments […]