Christ Church Plano Sermons on Podcast

For years the disciples could walk and talk with Jesus, but after the resurrected Jesus ascended into heaven, the disciples saw him only in Spirit. The ascension plays a critical role in our Christian lives today. Canon Jonathan examines the active roles that Jesus still fulfills as our prophet, priest, and king.

Jesus is risen, and faith means believing Jesus is alive and at work in the world today. Bishop Paul concludes this series on John 21 with a look at Christ’s extraordinary call to Peter, and likewise to us, to follow him even after his ascension. Though we shall not know where following Jesus may lead, yet we can go in confidence that the Lord himself knows and intentionally directs our individual lives to serve his great mission in the world.

Bishop Paul continues his sermon series exploring how the risen Jesus is, today, still at work among us. Crucially, Jesus restores us when we fail. He draws out our hearts, where he invigorates such a love that worships, works, and walks with him. And all our lives, we shall ever find him present.

Jesus is risen and reigning over the world; he is constantly, relentlessly at work. Bishop Paul continues this series by examining the way that Christ is, every day, inviting us to intimacy with God, despite all of our inadequacies and imperfections. The invitation of communion is incredible, not only because Jesus is present with us, but also because we are welcome to be present with him.

Jesus is still at work in the world. Bishop Paul begins this new preaching series Still At Work by examining how the God of the Bible is actively directing us, his Church. For as we learn to discern the voice of Christ today, we find him continuing to disciple us into his love and likeness.

Canon Jonathan looks beyond the reputation of the Doubting Thomas and examines the reality of the Apostle Thomas whose faith changed nations. An attitude of skepticism may be attractive to our world today, yet it is not the deepest expression of rationality, nor the deepest courage. When Thomas repented of his stubborn pessimism, he found confidence in Christ that transformed his defeated spirit.

Why is it on Easter morning that Mary Magdalene features so prominently in the resurrection story? This strange and beautiful fact upends our expectations and shows us how well-attested, how wonderful, and how generous is the Easter story! For the Gospel is not a man-made myth, but a true story that draws the whole world to know God in whom our salvation rests.

Why do we rehearse the pageantry of Palm Sunday each year? This first-century processional is carefully staged by Jesus to fulfill long-awaited promises of Scripture that declare himself to be our Lord. So it is when Jesus enters into our lives, he looks upon us completely and honestly, and instead of condemnation (which he bears on our behalf), he offers us amazing love.

Bishop Paul concludes his series on The Prodigal Father with Christ’s story of the second lost son, the one who stayed home. Though this son may appear faithful, he is self-righteous and wayward in heart, neglecting the Father’s household of love. Yet there is good news for those of us burdened like him. Jesus is our true elder brother; he sought the wayward at home and abroad, with the invitation to return to the lavish love of our Father.

Bishop Paul continues his series on the lavish love of our Father God. When we ruin our life, such love waits for us as we cannot conceive, else we would not try to scheme our way back into grace. Yet our Father in heaven is watching with reckless love, running to receive us, sufficient to restore the broken relationship. Just like the lost son, we can come home from the far country. Again and again, we can come home.

All of us have either lived in the far country (far from God) or we are often tempted to head in that direction. In the first of this three part series on Luke 15, Bishop Paul introduces us to the younger son: the rebel who is ruining his life. But the good news is that the son, like all runaways, has a longing to return home.

No matter who you are or what you've done, Jesus offers a way out of shame. Bishop Paul examines how even Zacchaeus, a pariah of first-century Israel who betrayed kin and country, finds an invitation to Jesus’s Table. Likewise, the living God seeks us, and his salvation is nothing short of a whole new life that reflects his generous glory.

Lent begins with Christ’s temptation in the wilderness, the moment when Jesus exposes the devil and the plot to erode our trust in God. It is dangerous to forget the devil is near, for we are likewise tempted to seek provision, power, and prestige. Yet in Christ, God seals our victory, showing us the way of resistance and giving us the triumph over sin and death.

How does God help us in the face of insurmountable obstacles? When Joshua stood in the shadow of Jericho, God revealed himself as the commander of the heavenly army and instructed him to worship. For the victory is God’s to win. As we learn to trust in this, we shall know that God himself has broken every wall between us and him, and no obstacle we face shall ever overcome us.

Canon Jonathan explores the call of Christ to love not only our neighbors, but also strangers and enemies, for so God loved us. Yet how impossible it is to imitate such love. We must return to God in prayer, confess our lack, and ask that his own love would manifest in us.

Why is remembering so crucial? Because forgetfulness is among the greatest enemies of faith. Yet from our earliest years as children, acts of remembrance have formed and continue to reform our lives. As every week we rehearse the Christian story in worship, we remember the mighty love of God and so share in God's story, that, through us, God may reach and save the world.

How do we know that the mission of God will be ultimately fulfilled? We know because, like the spies who met with Rahab, we see the mission happening among us. God has come to conquer those in great moral bondage, not to crush but to convert us to his family of faith, and to commission us to a beautiful purpose.

How do we be strong and courageous? Bishop Paul opens his series on Joshua with a reminder that God’s expansive mission is fulfilled not when we try harder, but as we trust better. We cannot conceive of the full extent of the Lord’s work through us, yet we find strength when we rely on his promises and presence with us and follow his path of obedience to the beautiful Word of God.

Canon Jonathan examines the peculiar and spectacular joy of Christ, a feeling far different from the comforts and carefree pleasures of life. When our need is desperate, we cry out for a savior, and Jesus proclaims himself the very answer. Believing in Jesus is like believing in fairy tale endings, a joy only those freed from darkness will be able to grasp.

Why do we keep coming to church? We who know the Lord can learn from the longing of King David, as recorded in the Psalms. For in the midst of affluence and adversity, David’s singular desire is to return to the sanctuary of God, for there we behold the splendor of God and find our ultimate security as a child of God.

On the feast of the Baptism of Christ, Canon Jonathan ponders the reasons that led Jesus to the river of John the Baptist. Not only do we learn more about our Lord who was baptized for our sake, we also learn about ourselves. For we need cleansing, transformation, and a new identity, all of which God provides through the work of Jesus on our behalf.

On the feast of the Baptism of Christ, Canon Jonathan ponders the reasons that led Jesus to the river of John the Baptist. Not only do we learn more about our Lord who was baptized for our sake, we also learn about ourselves. For we need cleansing, transformation, and a new identity, all of which God provides through the work of Jesus on our behalf.

Uncertainties abound, especially at the start of a new year. But like the magi of old, we can be certain that Jesus, our Creator and King, is compelling the world to come to him. For by his sacrifice, we find ourselves drawn and dethroned by his irresistible forgiveness. Still more: he pulls close to each and every one of us because he deeply cares.

Uncertainties abound, especially at the start of a new year. But like the magi of old, we can be certain that Jesus, our Creator and King, is compelling the world to come to him. For by his sacrifice, we find ourselves drawn and dethroned by his irresistible forgiveness. Still more: he pulls close to each and every one of us because he deeply cares.

Is it realistic to try and keep Christmas all the year? The world believes Christmas is no more than a respite from life, yet the apostle John says otherwise. Christmas is a deep, enduring reality that promises life in supernatural abundance. For in Christ, the grace of Christmas never tires and it comes to transform us.

Is it realistic to try and keep Christmas all the year? The world believes Christmas is no more than a respite from life, yet the apostle John says otherwise. Christmas is a deep, enduring reality that promises life in supernatural abundance. For in Christ, the grace of Christmas never tires and it comes to transform us.

The Rt. Rev. Paul Donison preaches on Christmas Eve at Christ Church Cathedral.

Bishop Paul examines Mary’s Magnificat, a song of joy and among the most celebrated songs in human history. For Mary expresses the joy of knowing her divine purpose, a purpose that we as Christians share. God takes the lowliest and lifts them up, like Mary, in order that we too can bear the Lord before the world.

Bishop Paul examines Mary's Magnificat, a song of joy and among the most celebrated songs in human history. For Mary expresses the joy of knowing her divine purpose, a purpose that we as Christians share. God takes the lowliest and lifts them up, like Mary, in order that we too can bear the Lord before the world.

Canon Jonathan reminds us how prone we are, especially in the holiday season, to distract ourselves from the misery in our lives. But Advent provides an opportunity to flee sentimentality and, instead, gather up our longings and remember our God, whose promised coming is the hope of the ages.

Canon Jonathan reminds us how prone we are, especially in the holiday season, to distract ourselves from the misery in our lives. But Advent provides an opportunity to flee sentimentality and, instead, gather up our longings and remember our God, whose promised coming is the hope of the ages.

Are we prepared for the return of King Jesus? Surely, we are not, for we often give allegiance to corrupt rulers and ideologies and thus surrender the dignity of being made in the image of God. And yet, God speaks. He comes to where we are and, in the power of Jesus, restores us to life incorruptible.

Are we prepared for the return of King Jesus? Surely, we are not, for we often give allegiance to corrupt rulers and ideologies and thus surrender the dignity of being made in the image of God. And yet, God speaks. He comes to where we are and, in the power of Jesus, restores us to life incorruptible.

Politics is an ever-present reality in our lives these days and in this sermon Canon Jonathan addresses the topic head-on, not by weighing in on partisan debates but by redirecting our attention to the two questions Revelation asks us: What are you looking at? And who is your king?

Politics is an ever-present reality in our lives these days and in this sermon Canon Jonathan addresses the topic head-on, not by weighing in on partisan debates but by redirecting our attention to the two questions Revelation asks us: What are you looking at? And who is your king?

We have a Good Shepherd, and yet we Christians often live as if we were on our own. But when our leaders fail, we must remember how singularly beautiful is Jesus, the Good Shepherd who is always and ever faithful. Jesus perceives all that we are, deems us precious in his sight, and lays down even his very life to protect us.

We have a Good Shepherd, and yet we Christians often live as if we were on our own. But when our leaders fail, we must remember how singularly beautiful is Jesus, the Good Shepherd who is always and ever faithful. Jesus perceives all that we are, deems us precious in his sight, and lays down even his very life to protect us.

Following Jesus is tough. We must learn to trust in God more than we trust in our own selves, for there is no other way to life. But though we struggle and doubt, what great hope exists in Jesus, who comes again and again to our rescue. We cannot go where he cannot follow, and God is sufficient to draw us back to himself.

Following Jesus is tough. We must learn to trust in God more than we trust in our own selves, for there is no other way to life. But though we struggle and doubt, what great hope exists in Jesus, who comes again and again to our rescue. We cannot go where he cannot follow, and God is sufficient to draw us back to himself.

On the Feast of All Saints, we commemorate saints past and commission saints today, for all who believe are numbered among them. Lest we forget and trade our sainthood for lesser allegiances, Bishop Paul reminds us that saints are everyday sinners set apart by Christ to be salt and light in a corrupted world. And we need never fear our own decay, for the Lord promises to preserve us eternally.

On the Feast of All Saints, we commemorate saints past and commission saints today, for all who believe are numbered among them. Lest we forget and trade our sainthood for lesser allegiances, Bishop Paul reminds us that saints are everyday sinners set apart by Christ to be salt and light in a corrupted world. And we need never fear our own decay, for the Lord promises to preserve us eternally.

"I am the resurrection and the life. Do you believe this?" Bishop Paul asks whether we truly believe that Jesus has conquered death. God, in his passionate, righteous anger at death, sent his Son to confront it, so that we in Christ need no longer fear it, and as our faith in this new life grows, so will our joy, freedom, and love.

“I am the resurrection and the life. Do you believe this?” Bishop Paul asks whether we truly believe that Jesus has conquered death. God, in his passionate, righteous anger at death, sent his Son to confront it, so that we in Christ need no longer fear it, and as our faith in this new life grows, so will our joy, freedom, and love.

Bishop Andy Lines joins us from the Anglican Network in Europe, receives prayer for his vital ministry, and opens the Word of God. He reminds us that every Christian has a unique connection with the unbelieving world, and Jesus so prepares us to minister to all people. God rescued us for a great purpose of love and good works, shown even to those who oppose us.

Bishop Andy Lines joins us from the Anglican Network in Europe, receives prayer for his vital ministry, and opens the Word of God. He reminds us that every Christian has a unique connection with the unbelieving world, and Jesus so prepares us to minister to all people. God rescued us for a great purpose of love and good works, shown even to those who oppose us.

We sometimes pretend that God’s law is difficult to parse, yet Jesus helps us see that the message of Scripture has always been clear. It is a tremendously high calling: a call to radical love and mercy, especially toward those outside our tribe. For we ourselves were enemies and outsiders to God, and Jesus came to restore us to life, that we might go and do likewise for the sake of the world.

We sometimes pretend that God's law is difficult to parse, yet Jesus helps us see that the message of Scripture has always been clear. It is a tremendously high calling: a call to radical love and mercy, especially toward those outside our tribe. For we ourselves were enemies and outsiders to God, and Jesus came to restore us to life, that we might go and do likewise for the sake of the world.

Why are we anxious? Jesus directs this simple question to disciples like us. Our anxiety is a symptom of foolish investing, for when we treasure material wealth and hoard for our own security, we forget what it means to have God as our Father. But even when we forget him, our Heavenly Father does not forget us: calling to us in our anxiety to seek first his Kingdom.

Why are we anxious? Jesus directs this simple question to disciples like us. Our anxiety is a symptom of foolish investing, for when we treasure material wealth and hoard for our own security, we forget what it means to have God as our Father. But even when we forget him, our Heavenly Father does not forget us: calling to us in our anxiety to seek first his Kingdom.

Canon Jonathan observes how, when we feel great comfort and convenience in modern life, we often forget our sure and surpassing need for God. We do well to remember that it is healthy to doubt ourselves. For as King David told of his need for God’s instruction and mercy, so too we must confess how little our wisdom compares to that of the Lord.

Canon Jonathan observes how, when we feel great comfort and convenience in modern life, we often forget our sure and surpassing need for God. We do well to remember that it is healthy to doubt ourselves. For as King David told of his need for God's instruction and mercy, so too we must confess how little our wisdom compares to that of the Lord.