goodshepherdkc Gladstone sermons

Where is that money tree in our backyard that we're always looking for? We joke about it but have we ever considered how we can actually plant one? In this sermon we will explore the biblical principles for the "how to" of money.

Many of us work so hard to earn money, budget that money, and save that money -- so much that the idea of giving that hard-earned money away seems ridiculous. But what might we learn about ourselves and our relationship with money when we give it away?

Grace is a freeing, life-altering experience that takes a soul-filled journey to figure out. This sermon will help people draw into the idea that grace is an amazing thing that can also surprise us by who is willing to offer it, how powerful it is when we receive it, and what it does for us when we are willing to give it.

We are in the eternal search for joy. Sometimes we find joy in objects, relationships or outcomes of some sort! The birth of Jesus is a reminder that true joy comes from following Him.

Let's face it: For some, the holidays can be stressful. Family gatherings can turn into political rants, old emotional wounds rise to the surface, unresolved conflict reemerges, and feelings can get hurt. What might it look like to experience a stress-free Christmas?

It happens to a lot of us: the cost Christmas gifts sneaks up on us and we end up charging gifts that we can't afford. All of this in an effort to make sure everyone gets what they want. If you Google the most stressful day of the year, you get January 24, partly because that's when the bills come due for the overspending in December. But enjoying a Simple Christmas shouldn't break our bank accounts. Is there a way to still give gifts but with a purpose and meaning that doesn't send us into debt?

Almost every holiday season comes with holiday parties, and along with those parties comes an expectation that you come dressed sharp. How often do we feel the pressure to rush off and buy something new? Have we ever stopped and asked ourselves what's wrong with the clothes we already own and, after all, who are we trying to impress?

When it comes to food, we can get whatever we want whenever we want it. During the holiday season, some of us obsess over food, asking ourselves … Will we have enough? Will the chocolate pie turn out right this year? Should we serve smoked turkey or glazed ham? Menu planning, shopping, and fixing food can be incredibly stressful. But what might it look like this year to have a Simple Christmas and bring God's purpose to our kitchens?

Many of us are preoccupied with physical or psychological needs. In the midst of our search to have these needs met, however, we are called to something greater. Each of us was created with the potential to give ourselves away for the benefit of others, regardless of what they do in return. That's where our greatest fulfillment in life comes from: living by the example of Christ's sacrifice for us, then taking up our cross for others.

Once we believe our basic physical needs have been met, we begin to yearn for love and belonging. As we look for love and belonging, we ask questions like "who will treat me the way I'm willing to treat them?" These thoughts indicate a movement from taking from the world to a willingness to match it. What if God was a matcher?

One consistent message we get from our culture is that whatever we have isn't enough. Believing we don't have enough, we begin to think we're in survival mode, that we can't possibly help others. Combined with the false belief that we are the only source of our provision, we may become takers in our never-enough world. What if the widow would've treated Elijah that way?

One consistent message we get from our culture is that whatever we have isn't enough. Believing we don't have enough, we begin to think we're in survival mode, that we can't possibly help others. Combined with the false belief that we are the only source of our provision, we may become takers in our never-enough world. What if the widow would've treated Elijah that way?

How often do we avoid doing things that we need to do? From the basic everyday things like avoiding the doctor's office or getting your car fixed to having difficult conversations, many of us will try to hide instead of facing the hard things in life. Jonah does everything he can to avoid sharing a message that he does not want share, yet God remained faithful even through the ridiculous lengths Jonah takes to avoid. Isn't it funny that we think we can hide from God?

There are times in our lives when we lose our way, when we don't know what to do next, or when we feel like we are going nowhere. In those moments we need reminders of God's presence and direction. Sometimes the key to moving forward is a good laugh that gives us perspective.

When we imagine the ideal life, we might think of a life that is clean, simple, and easy. But that's not the reality. Sometimes life is messy. Sometimes we have to do the dirty work. And this is true of every single person. No one is exempt from a little messiness here and there.

Bathsheba didn't have agency in her circumstance when King David summoned her. She was taken advantage of and treated with significant injustice through King David's actions against her and her husband. And yet, she gives birth to Solomon, and fights for his rightful place on throne, ensuring the lineage to Jesus.

Bathsheba didn't have agency in her circumstance when King David summoned her. She was taken advantage of and treated with significant injustice through King David's actions against her and her husband. And yet, she gives birth to Solomon, and fights for his rightful place on throne, ensuring the lineage to Jesus.

Rahab, a prostitute, uses her unlikely livelihood to protect and deliver the Israelite spies and provide them with the information they seek. She professes her faith in God and risks everything to protect God's people. In so doing, she becomes among the ancestors of Jesus.

Seemingly out of nowhere is this story of a woman, Tamar, who was betrayed by a member of her family. But her sorrow and unjust treatment isn't the end of her story. Through a scheming plan, the tables turn and she gains not only a double blessing with the birth of her twins, but her story becomes a part of the narrative of Jesus's birth.

Seemingly out of nowhere is this story of a woman, Tamar, who was betrayed by a member of her family. But her sorrow and unjust treatment isn't the end of her story. Through a scheming plan, the tables turn and she gains not only a double blessing with the birth of her twins, but her story becomes a part of the narrative of Jesus's birth.

What might we learn about others if we truly listened to them? Not listening to advise, coach or fix, but to just listen. Jesus demonstrates listening to God through prayer and listening to people. Jesus understood that listening to someone helps them feel understood and would draw Him closer to that person.

Have you ever been with someone who never asks you a question? These one-sided conversations are draining and are not experiences any of us are looking to repeat. Jesus was a phenomenal question asker. He understands how relationships work, he knows that asking great questions builds healthy relationships.

In our life we face good and bad times, but what do we do when we have an emergency? What do we do when the unexpected comes to our lives? We must trust in God, even when we feel that we are completely alone and nobody cares, God is always with you, and He'll hold you in His hands.

Our search for rhythm and routine may sometimes cause us to put parts of our lives on autopilot. When we settle more in the subconscious rather than the conscious, it can seem like we're sleepwalking through life. As we wake up to opportunity, we can come to realize the life we are living out is more or less the result of what we are filling ourselves up with.

Our search for rhythm and routine may sometimes cause us to put parts of our lives on autopilot. When we settle more in the subconscious rather than the conscious, it can seem like we're sleepwalking through life. As we wake up to opportunity, we can come to realize the life we are living out is more or less the result of what we are filling ourselves up with.

Our search for rhythm and routine may sometimes cause us to put parts of our lives on autopilot. When we settle more in the subconscious rather than the conscious, it can seem like we're sleepwalking through life. As we wake up to opportunity, we can come to realize the life we are living out is more or less the result of what we are filling ourselves up with.

One of the coolest parts of the Olympics is seeing the different cultures, customs, traditions and anthems represented. The leader in culture at the games is the host city. It is their role to create spaces that offer amazing experiences and hospitality that is second to none ... all for strangers! We may not host international parties, but how can we convey the heart of Christ by the hospitality we offer others?

One of the coolest parts of the Olympics is seeing the different cultures, customs, traditions and anthems represented. The leader in culture at the games is the host city. It is their role to create spaces that offer amazing experiences and hospitality that is second to none ... all for strangers! We may not host international parties, but how can we convey the heart of Christ by the hospitality we offer others?

There are moments when the training is done, and the event is here. We run the race life has set before us, and it either lands us on the winner's podium, or in the stands clapping for the winners. How can we approach life in such a way that whether we get a gold medal or a participation trophy, we give God thanks through it all?

There are moments when the training is done, and the event is here. We run the race life has set before us, and it either lands us on the winner's podium, or in the stands clapping for the winners. How can we approach life in such a way that whether we get a gold medal or a participation trophy, we give God thanks through it all?

There are moments when the training is done, and the event is here. We run the race life has set before us, and it either lands us on the winner's podium, or in the stands clapping for the winners. How can we approach life in such a way that whether we get a gold medal or a participation trophy, we give God thanks through it all?

It is a lifetime honor to be able to represent your country in the Olympics. To represent them well is to exhibit good sportsmanship in competition, since the behavior of the athlete reflects on the country. It is the same way with the fans. We are given a lifetime honor too, to be ambassadors for Christ - as we give up boasting in exchange for encouraging others to play for God's team.

It is a lifetime honor to be able to represent your country in the Olympics. To represent them well is to exhibit good sportsmanship in competition, since the behavior of the athlete reflects on the country. It is the same way with the fans. We are given a lifetime honor too, to be ambassadors for Christ - as we give up boasting in exchange for encouraging others to play for God's team.

An article in Forbes states that the average Olympic athlete trains 4-8 years in advance of the Olympics. Years of goal setting, discipline, and repetition to give them the opportunity to try out to represent their country. Whether or not they ever make the team, the results of their hard work is obvious. How would our faith life change if we began to train like it was the most important thing in our life?

An article in Forbes states that the average Olympic athlete trains 4-8 years in advance of the Olympics. Years of goal setting, discipline, and repetition to give them the opportunity to try out to represent their country. Whether or not they ever make the team, the results of their hard work is obvious. How would our faith life change if we began to train like it was the most important thing in our life?

Sometimes, we feel as though we are just another face in the crowd. It is easy to feel like it wouldn't make a difference if you showed up or if you didn't. But, there is power in a name. Zacchaeus was a face in a crowd of people straining to see Jesus. But, when Jesus called him by name, he became more than a face. He became worthy.

Shame of our past frequently prevents us from getting to know other people and getting to know God. Jesus knew Zacchaeus had been a tax collector and was distrusted by the community for the things he had done. But he also knew that Zacchaeus could make an impact on the world. We as the church can be a safe place where baggage does not have to be left at the door. We can bring it in, go through it and let someone leave excited about their future instead of weighed down by their past.

The gospel frequently challenges systems of privilege, oppression and injustice. Such was the case in Paul's encounter with the slave girl at Philippi. She was in a situation with seemingly no options, when Paul delivered her from demonic oppression. The girl's bosses reacted to their loss and Paul paid for her liberation by going to jail. Are you willing to pay the price to bring equity or justice to others who are suffering?

Simon's request was motivated by the same illusion of power that drives so many in today's business, political, and entertainment arenas. Popular culture invests actors, sports figures and other celebrities with the appearance of unusual significance. But God's power has little or nothing to do with outward appearances or worldly acclaim. Simon adopted the world's perspective on power. How much do we allow status and position to define who we are? The first shall be last and the last shall be first

Simon's request was motivated by the same illusion of power that drives so many in today's business, political, and entertainment arenas. Popular culture invests actors, sports figures and other celebrities with the appearance of unusual significance. But God's power has little or nothing to do with outward appearances or worldly acclaim. Simon adopted the world's perspective on power. How much do we allow status and position to define who we are? The first shall be last and the last shall be first

The longer we live, the more certain we may become about things in our life. It becomes easy for our thoughts and viewpoints to become solidified to the point where we become difficult to influence. The risk we run here is an unhealthy judgment of others. Judgment belongs to God alone, and our happiness will increase when we leave God's work to God. Humility is a safeguard against pride

The longer we live, the more certain we may become about things in our life. It becomes easy for our thoughts and viewpoints to become solidified to the point where we become difficult to influence. The risk we run here is an unhealthy judgment of others. Judgment belongs to God alone, and our happiness will increase when we leave God's work to God. Humility is a safeguard against pride

Everyone experiences a daily interaction between internal thoughts and the words we choose to speak. Although sometimes we use our words carefully, other times we can be quite careless. James tells us that with our tongue we are capable of blessing or cursing others. How important in the overall picture are the words we choose to share?

For some of us, our main connection to God is through our thoughts. We understand God on a cognitive level, and feel like we've made real progress when we're able to believe things we can't see or explain. Yet James states that even people who don't follow Jesus believe in him. What sets Christians apart is when our faith leads to action. Without action, we run the risk of being all talk. Faith leads to actions.

As the saying goes, practice makes perfect. There are a lot of things that we improve upon as we do them more. But the most important task is the task of love. God doesn't just love us and forgive us so that we can continue to be the same person; God invites us into a new way of living that is full of love. This is our journey, the journey to love. Following Christ means striving for perfect love.

As the saying goes, practice makes perfect. There are a lot of things that we improve upon as we do them more. But the most important task is the task of love. God doesn't just love us and forgive us so that we can continue to be the same person; God invites us into a new way of living that is full of love. This is our journey, the journey to love. Following Christ means striving for perfect love.

As the saying goes, practice makes perfect. There are a lot of things that we improve upon as we do them more. But the most important task is the task of love. God doesn't just love us and forgive us so that we can continue to be the same person; God invites us into a new way of living that is full of love. This is our journey, the journey to love. Following Christ means striving for perfect love.

Because we are imperfect human beings, we make mistakes. We make choices that hurt others, we do things that are counter to God's desires for us, and we do things that are harmful to even ourselves. When we make mistakes, it can be easy to identify with the mistakes, and misidentify who we are. But in Christ, we experience a different message: the message of grace and love that forgives. God goes to great lengths to restore us

Have you ever asked yourself the question, am I lovable? Love is something that we desire. The love of a parent, the love of a friend, the love of a spouse. But because human beings are imperfect, we don't love each other well all the time. We hurt each other, which may lead us to believe that we're unlovable. Yet, the God who created it all loves us deeply; thus, we are never unlovable. God knows every part of us and loves us deeply.

Type 7 - The Enthusiast (the need to avoid pain) Type 6 - The Loyalist (the need for security). Type 5 - The Observer (the need to perceive). God frees you to become the best version of yourself

Type 2 - The Helper (the need to be needed) Type 3 - The Achiever (the need to succeed) Type 4 - The Individualist (the need to be special). God frees you to become the best version of yourself