Melbourne Heights - Sermons

When most of us think of the people God uses, we picture people who get everything right, and live extraordinary lives of faith. But that's not the way most of us see ourselves. But does that mean that God can't use us because we're not perfect people with extraordinary faith? Or have we simply forgotten that throughout history God has always used imperfect people...just like us.

When most of us think of the people God uses, we picture people who get everything right, and live extraordinary lives of faith. But that's not the way most of us see ourselves. But does that mean that God can't use us because we're not perfect people with extraordinary faith? Or have we simply forgotten that throughout history God has always used imperfect people...just like us.

Most of us assume that following God requires something big from us. A dramatic life change. A heroic sacrifice. Some kind of extraordinary effort. But that assumption gets in the way of our relationship with God. God doesn't expect us to be or do something extraordinary to prove we're worthy of following him. God just wants us to follow him.

Most of us assume that following God requires something big from us. A dramatic life change. A heroic sacrifice. Some kind of extraordinary effort. But that assumption gets in the way of our relationship with God. God doesn't expect us to be or do something extraordinary to prove we're worthy of following him. God just wants us to follow him.

Every Sunday, we come together for a worship service. And the worship part makes sense...but what about the service? When most of us think about service, we think about eating at a restaurant or making a return at Walmart. So what does service have to do with church? Well, believe it or not, the service part is every bit as important to the church as the worship part.

Every Sunday, we come together for a worship service. And the worship part makes sense...but what about the service? When most of us think about service, we think about eating at a restaurant or making a return at Walmart. So what does service have to do with church? Well, believe it or not, the service part is every bit as important to the church as the worship part.

How many sermons have you sat through over the years? Dozens? Hundreds? And how many do you actually remember? If the answer feels a little embarrassing, you're not alone. But the problem might not be the sermons. Each sermon gives us the chance to hear a word from God. And if we have the chance to hear from God, the question we need to ask is: Are we ready to listen?

How many sermons have you sat through over the years? Dozens? Hundreds? And how many do you actually remember? If the answer feels a little embarrassing, you're not alone. But the problem might not be the sermons. Each sermon gives us the chance to hear a word from God. And if we have the chance to hear from God, the question we need to ask is: Are we ready to listen?

Some people love to sing...but plenty of us feel like we can't carry a tune in a bucket. So it's a little strange that we're all invited to sing at church every week.But singing in church isn't about putting on a performance or showing how talented you are. No, there's a much bigger reason why we sing in church that makes us all want to raise our voices, no matter how well we sing.

Some people love to sing...but plenty of us feel like we can't carry a tune in a bucket. So it's a little strange that we're all invited to sing at church every week.But singing in church isn't about putting on a performance or showing how talented you are. No, there's a much bigger reason why we sing in church that makes us all want to raise our voices no matter how well we sing.

There are times when going to church feels meaningful. And there are times when it just feels like something you do. So why do we keep showing up? Do we keep showing up just because it's a habit or because we have a job to do at church? Or, is there something deeper going on that we need to rediscover to help us understand why we worship?

There are times when going to church feels meaningful. And there are times when it just feels like something you do. So why do we keep showing up? Do we keep showing up just because it's a habit or because we have a job to do at church? Or, is there something deeper going on that we need to rediscover to help us understand why we worship?

Easter is supposed to be a time when we celebrate the good news of Jesus' resurrection...but that doesn't mean we actually feel like celebrating. There's a lot happening in our world right now, and there may be even more happening in your life. But the story of Easter tells us that, even when we don't feel like celebrating, Jesus meets us where we are. Because Jesus is alive and he's with you no matter what.

Easter is supposed to be a time when we celebrate the good news of Jesus' resurrection...but that doesn't mean we actually feel like celebrating. There's a lot happening in our world right now, and there may be even more happening in your life. But the story of Easter tells us that, even when we don't feel like celebrating, Jesus meets us where we are. Because Jesus is alive and he's with you no matter what.

Every one of us has come to a crossroads in our lives where we've made the wrong choice. Every one of us has gone the wrong direction and couldn't find our way back. And the bigger the mistake, the easier it is to believe it defines us forever. But our faith teaches us that God's love for us is greater than our biggest mistakes. So no matter what decisions you've made, your mistakes aren't the end of your journey with God.

Every one of us has come to a crossroads in our lives where we've made the wrong choice. Every one of us has gone the wrong direction and couldn't find our way back. And the bigger the mistake, the easier it is to believe it defines us forever. But our faith teaches us that God's love for us is greater than our biggest mistakes. So no matter what decisions you've made, your mistakes aren't the end of your journey with God.

We've all had times when it felt like God didn't show up when we needed him. We prayed. We trusted. And we still got hurt. So we built walls to make sure it wouldn't happen again. And those walls have worked.But what if the very walls we've built to protect ourselves are the things keeping us from God's greatest work in our lives?

We've all had times when it felt like God didn't show up when we needed him. We prayed. We trusted. And we still got hurt. So we built walls to make sure it wouldn't happen again. And those walls have worked.But what if the very walls we've built to protect ourselves are the things keeping us from God's greatest work in our lives?

Have you ever had a moment when we've cried out to God, but it felt like God wasn't listening? Like God had forgotten about you? Like God had given up on you? When that happens enough times, it's easy to give up on God. But even though God doesn't always show up when we want God to, that doesn't mean God's not at work in your life. Because God is always at work, even when we can't see it.

Have you ever had a moment when we've cried out to God, but it felt like God wasn't listening? Like God had forgotten about you? Like God had given up on you? When that happens enough times, it's easy to give up on God. But even though God doesn't always show up when we want God to, that doesn't mean God's not at work in your life. Because God is always at work, even when we can't see it.

When you've been hurt enough times, you learn to keep your guard up. It's how we protect ourselves. But the longer we keep our guard up, the more alone we feel. But what happens when keeping your guard up also keeps out the one person who sees you for who you really are and loves you anyway?

When you've been hurt enough times, you learn to keep your guard up. It's how we protect ourselves. But the longer we keep our guard up, the more alone we feel. But what happens when keeping your guard up also keeps out the one person who sees you for who you really are and loves you anyway?

A lot of us have spent years going to church, reading our Bibles, and learning about God. And when you've spent that much time in church, it's easy to feel like you have God figured out. But what happens when life doesn't go the way you expected, and God doesn't show up the way you thought he would? What if God is always bigger than anything we could ever figure out?

A lot of us have spent years going to church, reading our Bibles, and learning about God. And when you've spent that much time in church, it's easy to feel like you have God figured out. But what happens when life doesn't go the way you expected, and God doesn't show up the way you thought he would? What if God is always bigger than anything we could ever figure out?

Sometimes we all feel like we're doomed to repeat the past. We always seem to say or do the wrong things. And we keep making the same mistakes. But no matter how many times we've made the same mistake, we're not doomed to repeat the past. We can always choose a new direction.

Sometimes we all feel like we're doomed to repeat the past. We always seem to say or do the wrong things. And we keep making the same mistakes. But no matter how many times we've made the same mistake, we're not doomed to repeat the past. We can always choose a new direction.

It's easy to learn about what Jesus wants from us. We can study scripture, discuss theology, and understand what God values. We can even agree that God's kingdom has no outsiders and that we're called to move toward the margins. But knowing isn't the same as doing. Sometimes we'd rather stay comfortable in our sacred spaces than actually follow Jesus into the world. But we're not just called to know Jesus, we're called to follow him.

It's easy to learn about what Jesus wants from us. We can study scripture, discuss theology, and understand what God values. We can even agree that God's kingdom has no outsiders and that we're called to move toward the margins. But knowing isn't the same as doing. Sometimes we'd rather stay comfortable in our sacred spaces than actually follow Jesus into the world. But we're not just called to know Jesus, we're called to follow him.

Jesus tells his followers, "You are the salt of the earth" and "You are the light of the world." But even though we know what salt and light are, that doesn't mean we completely understand what Jesus has to say. In the ancient world, salt preserved food from rotting and light protected people from danger. But salt only works when it gets mixed in, and light only works when you shine it. So are you willing to really be salt and light?

Jesus tells his followers, "You are the salt of the earth" and "You are the light of the world." But even though we know what salt and light are, that doesn't mean we completely understand what Jesus has to say. In the ancient world, salt preserved food from rotting and light protected people from danger. But salt only works when it gets mixed in, and light only works when you shine it. So are you willing to really be salt and light?

What does God require from us as Christians? Most of us would say going to church, reading the Bible, praying, and giving. We think being a good Christian is primarily about religious activities. But Micah tells us God wants something different. God cares more about justice, mercy, and humility than religious performance. So what does it actually mean to do what God requires?

What does God require from us as Christians? Most of us would say going to church, reading the Bible, praying, and giving. We think being a good Christian is primarily about religious activities. But Micah tells us God wants something different. God cares more about justice, mercy, and humility than religious performance. So what does it actually mean to do what God requires?

When starting something important, you pick a place that already matters, usually somewhere big and prestigious. Everyone expected Jesus to begin his ministry in Jerusalem, the religious center of Israel, where God's presence dwelt. But Jesus went to Galilee instead—a place looked down on and dismissed. While we wait for God in Jerusalem, God's working in Galilee. Are we paying attention?

When starting something important, you pick a place that already matters, usually somewhere big and prestigious. Everyone expected Jesus to begin his ministry in Jerusalem, the religious center of Israel, where God's presence dwelt. But Jesus went to Galilee instead—a place looked down on and dismissed. While we wait for God in Jerusalem, God's working in Galilee. Are we paying attention?

In Jesus' day, becoming a disciple required proving yourself worthy. You had to demonstrate your qualifications and convince a rabbi you had what it takes. So most people were rejected. Then Jesus called fishermen and tax collectors—people already rejected or who never bothered applying. He tore down the barriers. But we keep rebuilding them. Who have we decided isn't qualified?

In Jesus' day, becoming a disciple required proving yourself worthy. You had to demonstrate your qualifications and convince a rabbi you had what it takes. So most people were rejected. Then Jesus called fishermen and tax collectors—people already rejected or who never bothered applying. He tore down the barriers. But we keep rebuilding them. Who have we decided isn't qualified?

Jesus didn't need to be baptized. Everyone at the Jordan River was there because they were sinners seeking purification. Jesus was without sin, so he had no reason to step into that water. So why did Jesus insist? Because while we try to avoid what's unclean, God moves toward it. The question is: are we willing to do the same?

Jesus didn't need to be baptized. Everyone at the Jordan River was there because they were sinners seeking purification. Jesus was without sin, so he had no reason to step into that water. So why did Jesus insist? Because while we try to avoid what's unclean, God moves toward it. The question is: are we willing to do the same?

We've all seen the wise men in nativity sets, but we rarely ask who they actually were. They were foreign priests who practiced a different religion and worshiped different gods. They were outsiders in every way. But God chose them to be among the first to worship Jesus while leaving the religious insiders behind. What does that reveal about who belongs in God's kingdom?

We've all seen the wise men in nativity sets, but we rarely ask who they actually were. They were foreign priests who practiced a different religion and worshiped different gods. They were outsiders in every way. But God chose them to be among the first to worship Jesus while leaving the religious insiders behind. What does that reveal about who belongs in God's kingdom?

It doesn't take long after Christmas comes to an end for us to put away our presents, pack away our decorations, throw away the shreds of wrapping paper, and move on to the next thing. But what if part of the reason we feel let down when Christmas comes to an end is because we rush right past it? Maybe if we learn to hold on to the meaning of Christmas we won't feel so disappointed.

It doesn't take long after Christmas comes to an end for us to put away our presents, pack away our decorations, throw away the shreds of wrapping paper, and move on to the next thing. But what if part of the reason we feel let down when Christmas comes to an end is because we rush right past it? Maybe if we learn to hold on to the meaning of Christmas we won't feel so disappointed.

We all have a picture in our minds of what Christmas should look like. We want to give and receive the perfect gifts. We want to throw the perfect gatherings. We want all of our decorations to look perfect. But we get disappointed when reality doesn't match our expectations. But the Christmas story reminds us that we don't have to feel let down when things don't go the way we expect. Because sometimes, when we don't get what we want, that's when we really get what we need.

We think of Christmas as a time for family gatherings, attending parties, and just being with the people we love. So we can easily feel let down at Christmas when we don't fit in with our family, or get invited to any parties, or have people we feel close to. But even though Christmas is a time when we can feel alone, Jesus' birth reminds us that God is always with us.

We don't mean to be selfish at Christmas, but somehow the holidays become more about what we want to get than what we can give. So our Christmas lists grow longer, our expectations get higher, and we make this season revolve around us. And that might just be part of why we feel let down at Christmas. Because Christmas isn't about us...it's about Jesus.

When Christmas doesn't feel magical enough, we think the solution is to do more. So we bake more cookies, attend more parties, buy more presents, and put up more decorations. We fill our schedules with so much Christmas activity that there's no room left for anything else. But maybe part of the reason we feel let down at Christmas is that we keep filling our lives with everything except what matters the most.

We cry out desperately when we need God's help, but when God answers our prayers, we immediately move on to the next problem. David spent over a decade hiding in caves, running for his life, begging God for rescue. When God finally delivered him, David didn't just sigh with relief and worry about what's next. What did David do that most of us forget to do?

We all face giants that feel too big to defeat - the diagnosis that terrifies us, the crisis that keeps us awake, the problem we can't solve. A teenage shepherd boy walked into a valley to face a nine-foot warrior when trained soldiers refused.His confidence didn't come from his own abilities but from something he learned while protecting sheep. What gave David courage when everyone else was paralyzed by fear?

When we mess up badly, we often replay our mistakes over and over until we're convinced we're complete failures. We get so consumed by what we've done wrong that we can't see past our guilt. Yet, David broke half the Ten Commandments in one terrible episode of his life. But somehow he moved from crushing shame to genuine gratitude - how did he do it?

It's easy to think we have all the pieces we need when things are running smoothly. We stick with our systems and avoid complications because efficiency feels safer than inclusion.But what if the people we think we don't need are actually essential? Because every person plays an important part in making the church who we are.

We all have things we want to do but avoid starting because we're afraid we'll mess it up. The fear of imperfection keeps us from taking the first step toward serving others. But what if God doesn't need our perfection before we begin? Sometimes the most beautiful outcomes come from the messiest beginnings.