Refusing to Play
FCCO Sermons: Take 2
(Sermon preached September 7, 2025) Luke 14:1-14 exposes the games we play to secure things like status and honor. What we learn from Jesus is that we don't have to play the game. At Jesus' banquet all are welcome, all are equal, and there is enough for all.
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Something to Think About
FCCO Sermons: Take 2
(Sermon preached August 31, 2025) Worry is the misuse of our imagination. In Luke 12:22-34, Jesus reminds us that we can redirect our imaginations to God and God's kindom.
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Guard Against Greed
FCCO Sermons: Take 2
(Sermon preached August 24, 2025) In Luke 12:13-21, Jesus tells us to guard against greed and then goes on to tell a story about someone who let greed get the best of his life.
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The Lion's Den
FCCO Sermons: Take 2
(Sermon preached August 17, 2025) The story of Daniel and the Lion's Den is great fodder for children's books, crafts, and snacks - but in an empire where people are the snacks it is far from a children's story. Will we throw open the windows and declare our loyalty to God?
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Can These Bones Live?
FCCO Sermons: Take 2
(Sermon preached August 3, 2025) Ezekiel 37:1-14 leads us to a valley of dry scattered bones; a valley of desolation and despair. God asks, "Can these bones live?"
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A Light to the Nations
FCCO Sermons: Take 2
(Sermon preached July 27, 2025) This sermon asks the question, "What are you living for?" Isaiah 58:1-12 gives us some guidance - if we can hear it.
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Fire in the Bones
FCCO Sermons: Take 2
(Sermon preached July 20, 2025) Jeremiah is a prophet ready to quit. The job is too hard, too costly, and seemingly futile. But he can't quit, because there is a holy fire burning inside of him. See Jeremiah 20:7-13.
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What God Requires
FCCO Sermons: Take 2
(Sermon preached July 6, 2025) Micah 6:1-8 is a courtroom drama. God is indicting the rich and powerful elite of Jerusalem and Samaria. The people reply, "What's it going to take to appease you?" Micah answers - DO Justice, LOVE Kindness, WALK Humbly with God.
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Let Justice Roll
FCCO Sermons: Take 2
(Sermon preached June 29, 2025) Amos names the sin of economic injustice. God doesn't want our religious performance, God wants a righteousness that results in justice for all.
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The Pouting Prophet
FCCO Sermons: Take 2
(Sermon preached June 15, 2025) This sermon uses Jonah's anger at God's mercy toward the Ninevites to challenge our instinct for vengeance and exclusion, asking whether we can accept a God whose grace extends even to those we most resent. It invites listeners to engage a spiritual practice of naming their own "Ninevites" and praying to see them through the lens of divine compassion. (Jonah 3:10-4:11)
info_outline(Sermon preached May 25, 2025) The Book of Hebrews was written to a beleaguered community. Some were falling away, some were stalling out. After some teaching and scolding, the writer of Hebrews delivers a pep talk, calling for faith and perseverance by naming those who have gone before us and now cheer us on. Who inspires us? Who may we inspire?