Concord United Sermons

Growing In Faith and Love | Rev. Wil Cantrell

As we grow in faith, we learn that God is the source and essence of love. The more we learn about God’s love that came to earth in Jesus Christ, the more we understand that love is transformative. When we love as Jesus loves, it changes those we love and it changes us. By growing in faith and knowledge of Jesus, or abiding in him as Jesus invites, we find our love growing stronger and deeper. In turn, we discover the power of love to change the world, one loving action at a time.  

1 Thessalonians 3:12 

Growing In Faith and Character | Rev. Wil Cantrell

Life is a gift from God and every day presents opportunities to grow into the person he created us to be. The Bible is an open source of God’s wisdom that his directed to our precise needs by the Holy Spirit. As we learn, the faith that God has planted in us in Christ Jesus begins to shape us into the very best version possible. Our character is molded to increasingly resemble the character of Christ.  

Romans 5:3-4 

Growing In Faith and Character | Rev. Larry Trotter

Life is a gift from God and every day presents opportunities to grow into the person he created us to be. The Bible is an open source of God’s wisdom that his directed to our precise needs by the Holy Spirit. As we learn, the faith that God has planted in us in Christ Jesus begins to shape us into the very best version possible. Our character is molded to increasingly resemble the character of Christ.

Romans 5:3-4 

Serving Others Within the Walls | Rev. Wil Cantrell

Disciples serve the church. Jesus commanded his disciples to love one another as he had loved them. The implication for the Church is that disciples show their love for each other by serving each other. The church is where disciples are equipped to go out into the community to let their light shine. Disciples shine their light within the walls of the church by facilitating worship in leadership and support roles, by teaching all ages about Jesus and his love, and carrying out administrative functions that keep the church resourced for ministry

Romans 12:1 

Serving Others Within the Walls | Rev. Larry Trotter

Disciples serve the church. Jesus commanded his disciples to love one another as he had loved them. The implication for the Church is that disciples show their love for each other by serving each other. The church is where disciples are equipped to go out into the community to let their light shine. Disciples shine their light within the walls of the church by facilitating worship in leadership and support roles, by teaching all ages about Jesus and his love, and carrying out administrative functions that keep the church resourced for ministry.  

Romans 12:1 

Serving Others Beyond the Walls | Rev. Larry Trotter

Disciples serve the community. It is the core impulse of everyone who follows Jesus. If we follow his footsteps we find his presence in the needs of others. Jesus moved across socio-economic, religious, and cultural boundaries to relieve suffering and provide pathways to wholeness. In the process, he revealed kingdom values of compassion and unconditional love that provided a doorway into a new way of living for those who felt trapped by difficult circumstances. Disciples live with a strong sense of purpose as they serve others with the love of Christ within them.  

Matthew 25:35-40 

Serving Others Beyond the Walls | Rev. Wil Cantrell

Disciples serve the community. It is the core impulse of everyone who follows Jesus. If we follow his footsteps we find his presence in the needs of others. Jesus moved across socio-economic, religious, and cultural boundaries to relieve suffering and provide pathways to wholeness. In the process, he revealed kingdom values of compassion and unconditional love that provided a doorway into a new way of living for those who felt trapped by difficult circumstances. Disciples live with a strong sense of purpose as they serve others with the love of Christ within them.  

Matthew 25:35-40 

Sharing Christ as the Church | Rev. Brooke Hartman

In many ways, the Church is the presence of Christ in the world, and as such, has both the mandate and the power to point people toward his transforming love. Through the proclamation of God’s Word and welcoming acts of mercy and justice, persons are able to see that the story of God’s grace and the story of their need intersect. Each church becomes a kingdom outpost where kingdom values of acceptance, unconditional love, and resurrection are proclaimed and demonstrated through ministry and mission. 

Matthew 28:19-20  

 

Sharing Christ as the Church | Rev. Wil Cantrell

In many ways, the Church is the presence of Christ in the world, and as such, has both the mandate and the power to point people toward his transforming love. Through the proclamation of God’s Word and welcoming acts of mercy and justice, persons are able to see that the story of God’s grace and the story of their need intersect. Each church becomes a kingdom outpost where kingdom values of acceptance, unconditional love, and resurrection are proclaimed and demonstrated through ministry and mission.  

Matthew 28:19-20 

Sharing Christ Through Relationships | Rev. Wil Cantrell

Jesus was a powerful preacher and teacher, using examples for everyday life to convey deeper truths about the coming kingdom. But he also modeled the power of relationships as a way to draw people into his message of grace and hope. The story of the Samaritan woman at the well is archetypal as a way to enter into someone’s life and invite them into a new life in Christ. He models deep intuition, active listening, and a non-judgmental response. Disciples live a life of deeper meaning when relationships take on an eternal dimension. 

Scripture - John 4:1-42)