My Sermons – Page 23 – My Pastoral Ponderings

Posted on October 24, 2020October 23, 2020 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 5 Comments

Resting in the Grace of Our God

When the grace of this world lets us down, we can turn to the grace of our loving God. Here is my sermon for Reformation Sunday.

Posted on October 17, 2020October 17, 2020 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 4 Comments

Grace and Peace: My Sermon on First Thessalonians 1:1-10

The opening of Paul's earliest New Testament letter shares five words that remain central to our Christian faith: Grace, Peace, Faith, Love, and Hope. Here is my sermon on 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10.

Posted on October 10, 2020October 8, 2020 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 9 Comments

Rejoice in the Lord: My Sermon on Philippians 4:4-7

From his prison cell, Paul reminds us that we can rejoice always because we can always rejoice in the Lord. Here is my sermon on Philippians 4:4-7.

Posted on October 3, 2020October 2, 2020 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 22 Comments

Caring for God’s Vineyard: My Sermon on Matthew 21:33-46

The parables taught by Jesus teach us both about God and ourselves. What can we learn from his parable of the wicked tenants? Here is my sermon on Matthew 21:33-46.

Posted on September 26, 2020September 26, 2020 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 13 Comments

No More Sour Grapes: My Sermon on Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32

Ezekiel 18 invites us to stop looking for who to blame, and instead turn to God and live. Here is my sermon on Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32.

Posted on September 19, 2020September 19, 2023 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 6 Comments

The (Blessed) Unfairness of God’s Mercy: My Sermon on Jonah 3:10-4:11 and Matthew 20:1-16

The (Blessed) Unfairness of God's Mercy: My Sermon on Jonah 3:10-4:11 and Matthew 20:1-16.

Posted on September 12, 2020 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 4 Comments

Ten Thousand Reasons to Forgive: My Sermon on Matthew 18:21-35

With all that is happening in our world right now, what can we do to make a difference? Here is one thing we can do: forgive someone. Here is my sermon on Matthew 18:21-35.

Posted on September 5, 2020September 5, 2020 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 7 Comments

Our Most Important Relationship(s): My Sermon on Matthew 18:15-20

Scripture teaches us that God cares deeply about our most important relationship(s). Here is my sermon on Matthew 18:15-20.

Posted on August 29, 2020June 6, 2021 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 13 Comments

The Shape of Your Cross: My Sermon on Matthew 16:21-28

What does it mean to follow Jesus today? Here is a sermon focusing on that important question.

Posted on August 22, 2020August 22, 2020 by Rev. James E. Laurence · 7 Comments

Who Do You Say that I Am?: My Sermon on Matthew 16:13-20

Jesus asks us all a very basic question: "Who do you say that I am?" Our answer directly affects how we live out our faith and how we live our lives. Here is my sermon on this profound question.