The Sermon Archive

First Quarter, 2005

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Rise and Shine! Rev. Jeff Miner, March 27 2005, Easter Sunday.
The disciples were huddled in fear, devastated by the death of Jesus.  Then Jesus appeared to them, imparting to them peace and power.

That same peace and power is offered to us.  This sermon shows how this process of transformation can be ours.

CSI: Jerusalem Rev. Jeff Miner, March 20 2005.
This Sunday is Palm Sunday, when we remember Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The cheering crowds welcomed Him, crying "Hosanna!" ("Save us!") But within a week, he was dead.

Jesus' message was radical -- reaching out to those usually scorned by religion, and offering a way of life that placed Spirit over law.  Why was this so threatening to religious authorities? This sermon investigates.  Listen for "CSI: Jerusalem." 

Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep... Rev. Jeff Miner, March 13 2005.
Did you learn prayers when you were a child? Did it seem easy to say a few words and feel like you were making a connection to God?

But as adults, we have more questions. Am I doing this right? What if I say something that annoys or offends God? Maybe I should just leave it to the professionals...

This sermon looks directly to the Source, Jesus Himself, to learn how we should pray.

All of Life's a Stage Rev. Jeff Miner, March 6 2005.
Sometimes, you just have to learn what sells.  With parents, teachers, the boss, the preacher, or peers -- it's hard not to play to the crowd. They applaud and we feel good.

We can learn that lesson too well. We try it out on God -- and before long, our spirituality can become an act, and we find ourselves far from God.

This sermon looks at Jesus' warning and instruction on how to not fall in this trap, as we continue our series on the Sermon on the Mount.
Note: We had technical problems with this file, but we think it's working. If you have trouble with it, please let us know.

Crazy Love Rev. Jeff Miner, February 27 2005.
"An eye for an eye." It's a basic principle of justice. That's how we keep bad people in check and hold the world together.  But then along comes Jesus, saying, "Bless those who curse you."

How do we balance accountability with grace? This is especially relevant now as we seek to stop bigoted political actions that would write us out of our own constitution. Listen as we ponder these difficult passages from the Sermon on the Mount.

Your Cheatin' Heart Rev. Jeff Miner, February 20 2005.
Cheating.  Infidelity. When it happens, it can be devastating for everyone involved.  And it doesn't happen only to bad people in bad relationships -- it can strike relationships that seem strong.

If we're serious about our relationships, we need to understand how to keep this from happening to us.  In this sermon, as we continue looking at Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, we'll examine some Bible passages and careful research that can help us keep our relationship strong -- and intact.

Karmageddon Rev. Jeff Miner, February 13, 2005.
Anything make you angry lately?  If nothing's coming to mind, how about your spouse, the kids, co-workers and bosses, Fox News or the liberal media, and the state of politics -- local and national and worldwide. Angry now?

This sermon continues our study of the Sermon on the Mount.  We look at three practical ways Jesus gives us for managing our anger.

Motion Activated Rev. Tammy Mills, February 6, 2005.
Have you ever met someone who just can't connect with God because a parent or significant spiritual leader in their past was such a bad example of faith or Christian life?

It's a scary thing to think that we can have that power over others -- to draw them closer to God or to push them away.  We'd never want to be the cause of someone else turning away from God -- but are we doing what we can to prevent that?

This sermon continues our study of Jesus' life-changing, counter-intuitive teaching in the Sermon on the Mount. 

The Supreme Happiness of the Gods Rev. Jeff Miner, January 30, 2005.
In one of Jesus' best known -- and perhaps least followed -- teachings (The Sermon on the Mount) he begins by telling us the secrets of supreme, sublime happiness.

Does that sound like something you could use?  Listen as we begin our study of this life-changing, counter-intuitive teaching.  (Note: We've had technical problems with this recording. It will be available as soon as possible.)

Clear and Present Danger Rev. Jeff Miner, January 23, 2005.
Indiana's legislature is back in session and will soon consider a proposal that would effectively write gay people right out of the state constitution.

We have reached a critical point in our long struggle for justice. What will happen?  How should a Christian respond? What wisdom does the Bible have for us in a time like this?  Listen as we study one of the Bible's great liberation stories and draw from it a specific strategy for our situation.

This Is Your Life! Rev. Jeff Miner, January 16, 2005.
Pastor Jeff shares his life story in this sermon, with accounts of his fundamentalist past and the transformation God has worked in him.  Listen for encouragement, insight, and a witness to God's faithfulness.

Thy Kingdom Come Rev. Jeff Miner, January 9, 2005.
This sermon is a sort of "State of the Church Address", where we take a look at where we've come from and where we're headed. Listen for an "insider's look" at what will be in store for JMCC in 2005.

Software Upgrade Rev. Jeff Miner, January 2, 2005.
Did you make New Year's Resolutions? If you did, did they relate to the "hardware" part of your being -- lose a few pounds, lose a bad habit, tone up, trim down?  What about your "software"?

Scripture teaches that there are three attitudes -- more powerful than all others -- absolutely critical to living well.  Do you know what they are?  Are you ready to live them? Listen for a critical service pack for your operating system.

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