Lutheran Sermons | David L. Hansen

We often experience darkness as a negative - the absence of light. But throughout Scripture, God meets people in the middle of the dark. And it is often there, in the beauty of the dark, that God's love and grace are revealed.This Advent, we are invited to experience Hope in the Dark.Texts this week: Luke 1:26-38 and Luke 1:46-55

We often experience darkness as a negative - the absence of light. But throughout Scripture, God meets people in the middle of the dark. And it is often there, in the beauty of the dark, that God's love and grace are revealed.This Advent, we are invited to experience Hope in the Dark.Texts this week: Genesis 37:5-11, Acts 2:14-21, Matthew 1:18-24

We often experience darkness as a negative - the absence of light. But throughout Scripture, God meets people in the middle of the dark. And it is often there, in the beauty of the dark, that God's love and grace are revealed.This Advent, we are invited to experience Hope in the Dark.Texts this week: Genesis 15:1-21 and John 20:1-16

We often experience darkness as a negative - the absence of light. But throughout Scripture, God meets people in the middle of the dark. And it is often there, in the beauty of the dark, that God's love and grace are revealed.This Advent, we are invited to experience Hope in the Dark.Texts this week: Genesis 1:1-5, Song of Songs 1:2-6, and Exodus 20:18-21

In our latest worship series we are looking at the stories that Jesus told - the parables that are so familiar to many of them. In this first sermon in the series, we hear the explanation that Jesus himself offered for the parables, Matthew 13:10-17. This passage gives us an invitation to dig deeper in our reading of all the parables, to read them with fresh eyes.

What if now - in the middle of all that is happening - is the perfect time to be a community of faith? What if THIS is exactly what God has called us for? Together we dig deep into the story of Esther and discover the ways God is working behind the scenes in our lives. This week, we are looking at Chapters 7-9 of the Book of Esther

What if now - in the middle of all that is happening - is the perfect time to be a community of faith? What if THIS is exactly what God has called us for? Together we dig deep into the story of Esther and discover the ways God is working behind the scenes in our lives. This week, we are looking at Chapters 5&6 of the Book of Esther

What if now - in the middle of all that is happening - is the perfect time to be a community of faith? What if THIS is exactly what God has called us for? Together we dig deep into the story of Esther and discover the ways God is working behind the scenes in our lives. This week, we are looking at Chapters 3 & 4 of the Book of Esther

What if now - in the middle of all that is happening - is the perfect time to be a community of faith? What if THIS is exactly what God has called us for? Together we dig deep into the story of Esther and discover the ways God is working behind the scenes in our lives. This week, we are looking at Chapters 1 & 2 of the Book of Esther

Unprecedented. Unforeseen. Extraordinary. Unparalleled.To say that 2020 has been weird is like saying that Michael Jordan was a "pretty good" basketball player.It seems as though normal - the normal we expected and anticipated for our lives this year, the normal we have come to count on - normal has died. What does this mean for our lives and our faith. Texts for this Sunday include John 11Follow us on facebook for our weekly livestream.

What does the day of Pentecost say to us in the middle of a respiratory crisis; on the week that George Floyd was murdered and said "I can't breathe"? What does it mean when the crucified one - who was killed in a legal, brutal, public execution comes back and breathes on the disciples? Texts this week are Acts 2:1-21 and John 20:19-23. Our primary recording had a glitch this week, so the audio is from our backup recording with more ambient sound.

The last sermon from our Unsung Heroes of Scripture series. The story of the women who followed Jesus is one of the most consistently overlooked stories of the Bible - a story of faithful compassion, service, and generosity. Our Scripture for the day was Luke 8:1-3 and Matthew 27:54-56, 28:1-8

More Unsung Heroes of Scripture! The faithful women and men whose stories we often overlook when we read the Bible. Today we encounter Onesimus - A reminder that God remembers our names, and calls us to lives of purposeYou can read the story of Onesimus in the book of Philemon

We are continuing to look at the Unsung Heroes of Scripture - the faithful women and men whose stories we often overlook when we read the Bible. Today we encounter Ananias - a faithful disciple who loved when it was hard, loved another who did not deserve his love. You can read the story of Ananias in Acts 9:1-22

We are continuing to look at the Unsung Heroes of Scripture - the faithful women and men whose stories we often overlook when we read the Bible. Today we encounter Shiphrah & Puah - women who show us the power of ordinary people in the face of the trial of life. You can read the story of Shiphrah and Puah in Exodus 1(Once again I am indebted to the insights of Dr. Wil Gafney)

Today we begin looking at the Unsung Heroes of Scripture - the faithful women and men whose stories we often overlook when we read the Bible. Our first Unsung Hero is Hagar - the slave who is overlooked and forgotten. Encounter in her story a new name for God. Read the story of Hagar in Genesis 16. (Cited in this sermon is the work of Dr. Wil Gafney)

We all have questions. Today, with Thomas the Apostle, we bring forward some of our questions. We tackle all sorts of little topics in this sermon: the Trinity, suffering, baptism, the role of Judas, and the classic: Will pets go to heaven. Listen as we wrestle with these questions - and wonder: What would you like to learn more about as you grow in relationship with God this year?

What does Easter mean for us while we are socially distanced and isolated from one another? How do we celebrate Easter behind closed doors? Text: Mark 16:1-8

Sermon for the Sunrise Service on Easter morning. Texts included Genesis 8:13-18, 9:8-13; Exodus 14:10-14, 21-31; 15:20-21; Romans 6:3-11; and John 20:1-18Musical reflection: Wade in the Water, performed by Sweet Honey in the Rock

Good Friday 2020 - a sermon preached during the Holy Week of quarantine, to and with the people of Spirit of Joy! Lutheran Church. An image of Mattias Gunewald's Isenheim Altarpiece discussed in the sermon can be seen here.

What does the example of Jesus' last night on earth have to teach us during this time of quarantine? Sermon from our Maundy Thursday service, where we gathered on Zoom for worship. Text include John 13:1–17, 31b–35

The story of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, experienced in the middle of the global COVID-19 pandemic. What does faith look like at this time? Texts include Matthew 21:1-11

Loving God's story is not just about learning to tell the story ourselves - learning to share our experience of God with others. It is also about learning to listen to God and to others, so that we can truly hear what God saying through the people we encounter. Texts include James 1:16-20 and 1 Kings 19:8-13. Visit us at sojoy.org/corona for more resources for growing in faith during this time of quarantine.

This week, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we talk about what it means for us to be outside of the church building and still be the church -- How do we tell God's story where God has placed us? Readings include Romans 12:3-17

In the midst of the news stories, warnings, and precautions of a global pandemic, we gathered to hear God's Word of hope spoken to us. Texts include Acts 9:1-20

I'm so excited to introduce you to a new resource - 6 Minute Faith. We all want a deeper connection to God and our neighbors. But we don't always have the time for all-consuming spiritual practices. Life is busy! 6 Minute Faith invites us to grow giant faith through small changes. Watch our Facebook page for more info as this resource rolls out. https://www.facebook.com/pg/6MinuteFaith

On TV, in advertising, on the big screen - we are wrapped up in stories. But often in our faith we forget the power of stories to transform our lives and the world. Our current series, "I Love to Tell the Story," returns us to the power of the story of who God is and our relationship with God. Sermon 2: Whose Story? Scriptures include: Deuteronomy 26:4-11

On TV, in advertising, on the big screen - we are wrapped up in stories. But often in our faith we forget the power of stories to transform our lives and the world. Our current series, "I Love to Tell the Story," returns us to the power of the story of who God is and our relationship with God. Sermon 1: The Power of StoryScriptures include: Psalm 71:14-20, Joel 1:1-3, and Luke 10:25-37. During the sermon, we showed the "Lost Dog" Budweiser commercial, which you can watch on youtube here. Next week's sermon asks the question, "Telling Whose Story?"

The hope and freedom found in the Ash Wednesday proclamation, "Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return" Preached February 26, 2020 at Spirit of Joy! Lutheran Church in The Woodlands, Texas

The Transfiguration is one of those "church words" that is hard to make sense of. What happened, and what does it mean for our lives? Preached at Spirit of Joy! Lutheran Church of February 23, 2020Texts: 2 Kings 2:1-12 and Matthew 17:1-9

Jesus shared a lot of wisdom in the Bible. And lately, he also seems to share a ton on Instagram, on screen-printed mugs, and in those images your aunt posts on Facebook, too.But how much of it is true?Where’s the line between what Jesus actually told us, and the Things Jesus Never Said?Sermon 5 in the series looks at the idea of personal, individual faith lives - the idea that "You have to have a personal relationship with Jesus." Scriptures this week include Philippians 2:1-12 and 1 Corinthians 12:12-27

Jesus shared a lot of wisdom in the Bible. And lately, he also seems to share a ton on Instagram, on screen-printed mugs, and in those images your aunt posts on Facebook, too.But how much of it is true?Where’s the line between what Jesus actually told us, and the Things Jesus Never Said?Sermon 4 in the series looks at our ideas about fairness - about God, or Karma, or life catching up with the people who deserve to be punished. Scriptures this week include Matthew 5:43-48, 1 John 1:8-10, and Job 1:1-8; 31:1-8; 38:1-24

Jesus shared a lot of wisdom in the Bible. And lately, he also seems to share a ton on Instagram, on screen-printed mugs, and in those images your aunt posts on Facebook, too.But how much of it is true?Where’s the line between what Jesus actually told us, and the Things Jesus Never Said?Sermon 3 in the series takes up that go-to cliche for tragic situations - Did Jesus ever say "Everything Happens for a Reason"?Scriptures this week include Romans 8:26-32 and John 9:1-11

Jesus shared a lot of wisdom in the Bible. And lately, he also seems to share a ton on Instagram, on screen-printed mugs, and in those images your aunt posts on Facebook, too.But how much of it is true?Where’s the line between what Jesus actually told us, and the Things Jesus Never Said?Sermon 2 in the series looks at the relationship between being sorry and being forgiven. Is it true that you have to be really repentant to be forgiven? Did Jesus say, "You have to be sorry to be forgiven"?Scriptures this week include Luke 23:32-38, Luke 6:27-37, and Matthew 9:1-10

Jesus shared a lot of wisdom in the Bible. And lately, he also seems to share a ton on Instagram, on screen-printed mugs, and in those images your aunt posts on Facebook, too.But how much of it is true?Where's the line between what Jesus actually told us, and the Things Jesus Never Said?Sermon 1 in the series looks at the saying "God helps those who help themselves" to see how it matches up with what we learn about God in Scripture. Scriptures this week include Ephesians 2:4-10, Proverbs 28:26-27, and Luke 18:9-17

How can we start the year off right? A sermon for the first Sunday of 2020, looking at the story of Epiphany (Matthew 2), alongside the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5) and the changing of seasons in Ecclesiastes 13.

A sermon of Christmas Eve, preached at Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church in The Woodlands, Texas on December 24, 2019

 The essential stories of Scripture, looking this week at the story of Creation. Reading: Genesis 1:1-2:4. Preached at Spirit of Joy! Lutheran Church on September 1, 2019

 The essential stories of Scripture, looking this week at the message of the Prophets. Readings: Amos 5:14-16, 21-24 and 2 Samuel 12:1-10. Preached at Spirit of Joy! Lutheran Church on October 6, 2019 

The essential stories of Scripture, looking this week at the story of Jesus' death and resurrection. Readings: Luke 23:13-56 and Luke 24:1-12. Preached at Spirit of Joy! Lutheran Church on All Saints Sunday, November 3, 2019

What does generous living look like? Part of the Summer of Service worship series at Spirit of Joy! Lutheran Church. Preached on July 21, 2019. Readings:  Luke 21:1-4; Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Corinthians 9:5-14 

As we continue to read the entire Bible, this week we move into the Prophet Isaiah and his words of promise and hope. What do we mean be hope, and how can it make a difference in our lives? Listen for more. Preached on Sunday, July 22, 2018. To learn more about the ministry of Spirit of Joy! visit our website at sojoy.org

We made it halfway through the Bible! Congratulations! The week we spend time with the songs of faith that are the Psalms, and wrestle with the complex and dynamic relationship with God that the Psalmist calls us to. Preached on Sunday, July 15, 2018. To learn more about the ministry of Spirit of Joy! visit our website at sojoy.org

As we continue to read the whole Bible, this week we encounter the stories of Ruth and Rahab. In the middle of this broken world, what does it mean to find help from unexpected places? Preached on Sunday, June 17, 2018. To learn more about the ministry of Spirit of Joy! visit our website at sojoy.org

Week 1 of the Bible in 90 Days read through, talking about Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. What are 21st century Christians to make of these long list of laws from a different time and culure? Sermon by Pastor David Hansen on June 10, 2018. Readings used in from Leviticus, Romans 12, and Mark 2:23-28. For details and resources for reading the whole Bible, visit sojoy.org. You will also find our resources for growing faith while we travel this summer on the website.

Week 1 of the Bible in 90 Days read through, talking about Genesis and Exodus. Sermon by Pastor David Hansen on June 3, 2018. For details and resources for reading the whole Bible, visit sojoy.org. You will also find our resources for growing faith while we travel this summer on the website.

Sermon from May 27, 2018 at Spirit of Joy! Lutheran Church. Kicking off our 90 Day read cover to cover reading of the Bible, Pastor David Hansen preaches on the power of the Word of God to transform our lives and our faith. Texts: Deuteronomy 6:1-9 and John 1:1-5, 14 For more on the B90 challenge, visit http://sojoy.org/b90

Sermon for Pentecost Sunday, May 20, 2018 at Spirit of Joy! Lutheran Church.

Pastor David Hansen, sermon for May 13, 2018. Talking about how having a purpose transforms our lives. “Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” Howard Thurman “Powers” referenced in passing is a service dog whom we blessed this Sunday.

Pastor David Hansen, sermon from May 6, 2018. Talking about how being part of a community transforms our lives. From the series "This Changes Everything," Easter season, 2018.The idea of "bowling alone" comes from Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community by Robert D. Putnam More information on the affects of loneliness on our health at https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-squeaky-wheel/201708/loneliness-poses-greater-public-health-threat-obesity

Pastor David Hansen, sermon from April 29, 2018. Talking about the power of listening to transform our faith and our lives. From the series "This Changes Everything," Easter season, 2018. The song "Be Still and Know" is © 1989 and 1998 Wild Goose Resource Group, Iona Commuity, Scotland, GIA Publications, Inc., exclusive North American agent (author); Public Domain The quote "Being heard is so close to being loved that for the average person they are almost indistinguishable." is from David Augsburger