Concord United Sermons

A Place of Waiting - Jerusalem | Rev. Wil Cantrell

We do not like to wait.  We find ways to bypass traffic.  We buy our way to the lightening lanes.  We complain about taking longer to get where we want to go.  Waiting is a crucial part of Advent and of God’s people.  Jerusalem, specifically the Temple, is where we find the opportunity of waiting through Zechariah and Elizabeth.  Waiting is actually a spiritual practice that provides an opportunity to receive rather than get.  So, we wait. 

Scripture - Luke 1:5-17

A Place of Longing - Rome | Rev. Wil Cantrell

We begin our journey in Rome, the place of power at the time of Jesus’ birth.  The familiar words of Luke 2:1-3 note that a census is ordered by Caesar, the human authority at the time of Jesus’ birth.  Rome ruled with authority over those in its empire.  The people longed for more.  As we begin our journey of Advent, we too long for more in our own lives.  Our longing leads us to the manger and seeking what our God longs for. 

Scripture - Luke 2:1-3; Romans 8:18-25

A Place of Longing - Rome | Rev. Brooke Hartman

We begin our journey in Rome, the place of power at the time of Jesus’ birth.  The familiar words of Luke 2:1-3 note that a census is ordered by Caesar, the human authority at the time of Jesus’ birth.  Rome ruled with authority over those in its empire.  The people longed for more.  As we begin our journey of Advent, we too long for more in our own lives.  Our longing leads us to the manger and seeking what our God longs for. 

Scripture - Luke 2:1-3; Romans 8:18-25

Love Never Ends | Rev. Mike Stallings

As we conclude our series on loving one another, we do not conclude loving one another.  Loving one another is a way of being through encouraging, serving, praying, honoring, and forgiving.  Peter writes an effective summary of loving one another in his words found in 1 Peter 4:8-11.  We are called to love deeply, offer hospitality, serve others, and above all things give God praise.  As we enter the holiday season, may we seek ways to love one another that brings glory and honor to God.  May we be known by our love of one another.    

Scripture - 1 Peter 4:8-11; 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

Love Never Ends | Rev. Wil Cantrell

As we conclude our series on loving one another, we do not conclude loving one another.  Loving one another is a way of being through encouraging, serving, praying, honoring, and forgiving.  Peter writes an effective summary of loving one another in his words found in 1 Peter 4:8-11.  We are called to love deeply, offer hospitality, serve others, and above all things give God praise.  As we enter the holiday season, may we seek ways to love one another that brings glory and honor to God.  May we be known by our love of one another.    

Scripture - 1 Peter 4:8-11; 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

Forgive One Another | Rev. Sabine Collins

We often hear the words “you just need to forgive”.  Forgiveness is complicated, necessary, and freeing for the one forgiving and the one being forgiven.  First, forgiveness is core to God’s love for each of us.  Jesus’s death and resurrection is an act of forgiveness.  We are uncapable of saving ourselves, so God sent his Son for the forgiveness of our sins.  God’s love is an act of forgiveness.  Next, forgiving others is a response to the forgiveness we receive.  Peter’s question of Jesus, “How many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me?” is a question that we may have asked ourselves.  Jesus’ response calls us into the uncomfortability of loving one another.  Fear of forgiving is a real challenge.  Are we giving someone permission for the harm done to us or someone else?  Are we letting someone off the hook for the harm? What about the eye for an eye philosophy?  The questions are real and the fear is warranted.  Our response of loving one another through forgiving one another is rooted in the depths of God’s love for us and seeing our own need for forgiveness.   

Scripture - Colossians 3:12-14; Matthew 18:21-35

Forgive One Another | Rev. Mike Stallings

We often hear the words “you just need to forgive”.  Forgiveness is complicated, necessary, and freeing for the one forgiving and the one being forgiven.  First, forgiveness is core to God’s love for each of us.  Jesus’s death and resurrection is an act of forgiveness.  We are uncapable of saving ourselves, so God sent his Son for the forgiveness of our sins.  God’s love is an act of forgiveness.  Next, forgiving others is a response to the forgiveness we receive.  Peter’s question of Jesus, “How many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me?” is a question that we may have asked ourselves.  Jesus’ response calls us into the uncomfortability of loving one another.  Fear of forgiving is a real challenge.  Are we giving someone permission for the harm done to us or someone else?  Are we letting someone off the hook for the harm? What about the eye for an eye philosophy?  The questions are real and the fear is warranted.  Our response of loving one another through forgiving one another is rooted in the depths of God’s love for us and seeing our own need for forgiveness.   

Scripture - Colossians 3:12-14; Matthew 18:21-35

Honor One Another | Rev . Wil Cantrell

Honoring one another seems like an obvious way to treat each other, yet respect seems to be a lost art at times as we live our everyday lives.  We desire respect from each other and at times demand such from each other.  Lack of respect seems to be rooted in our focus on self and demanding our rights be met immediately.  Honoring is the act of respecting.  Loving one another includes honoring one another through a posture of humility.  Paul speaks of honoring and being devoted to one another, as well as living in harmony with one another.  Paul’s words outline simple yet powerful ways to show love is an action not a feeling. 

Scripture - Romans 12:9-18

Honor One Another | Rev. Brooke Hartman

Honoring one another seems like an obvious way to treat each other, yet respect seems to be a lost art at times as we live our everyday lives.  We desire respect from each other and at times demand such from each other.  Lack of respect seems to be rooted in our focus on self and demanding our rights be met immediately.  Honoring is the act of respecting.  Loving one another includes honoring one another through a posture of humility.  Paul speaks of honoring and being devoted to one another, as well as living in harmony with one another.  Paul’s words outline simple yet powerful ways to show love is an action not a feeling. 

Scripture - Romans 12:9-18

Pray for One Another | Rev. Brooke Hartman

Prayer is the language our Creator gave us to communicate with God.  We talk and listen to God through prayer.  Praying for one another is sacred space we get to walk with each through times of crisis and routine.  There is such power in praying for one another and in being prayed for by others.  Jesus’ words to the disciples through the Sermon on the Mount includes loving our enemies through prayer.  Jesus notes that loving those who love us is easy.  Loving those who are our enemies comes through the love of Christ for us. Maybe we do not consider folks our enemies, yet there are those who oppose our beliefs.  This upcoming week includes Election Day.  May we be a people who pray for those we love and those for whom our beliefs differ.

Scripture - James 5:15-18; Matthew 5:43-48