Renew Covenant Church Sermons

"Ask, Seek, Knock" || Amanda Moffat || Matthew 7:7-11 || 07.06.2025 by RC2 Lynnwood

“Who are the Dogs and Pigs?” || Dave Sim || Matthew 7:6 || 06.29.2025 by RC2 Lynnwood

Jesus delivers a strong warning against judgment and hypocrisy. He commands, "Do not judge, or you too will be judged," urging us to approach others with humility rather than condemnation, challenging us to engage in honest self-reflection before correcting others.

Jesus teaches about trusting God instead of worrying. He urges His followers not to be anxious about their basic needs—food, drink, and clothing—because God, who cares for the birds and flowers, will surely provide for His people as well.

"Prayer" || Tim Hsieh || Matthew 6:5-15 || 06.01.2025 by RC2 Lynnwood

Jesus continues to press into the “heart” of matters–that faith begins from the inside out. Jesus warns against performing righteous acts for public recognition and instead encourages sincere, private generosity that seeks God's approval rather than human praise.

Jesus' teachings in Matthew 5:38-48 are a powerful example of subversive non-violence. In this passage, Jesus challenges the traditional "eye for an eye" principle and instead calls for radical love, non-retaliation, and enemy love. He instructs his followers to turn the other cheek, give more than what is demanded, and go the extra mile—all actions that disrupt cycles of violence without resorting to aggression

Renew's founding verses are embedded in this passage. What does it mean to live into the Good News of these words pointing forward to Jesus' ministry? We are growing deeper roots as ambassadors of reconciliation and participants in God's renewing of all things.

John 17:13-21 NRSV 3 But now I am coming to you, and I speak these things in the world so that they may have my joy made complete in themselves. 14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. 15 I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one. 16 They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. 17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, so that they also may be sanctified in truth. 20 “I ask not only on behalf of these but also on behalf of those who believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

Christ is Risen. And Jesus is real! Jesus reveals himself to his disciples, showing them his hands and feet. Though they continue to doubt, Jesus asks for something to eat and shares a meal with them. He then charges them to be his witnesses. What has Jesus done in your life? When do you doubt this? Continue to share the Good News of What Jesus is doing!

Palm Sunday Sermon

"All Out Love" by Dave Sim || John 12:1-8 || 04.06.2025 by RC2 Lynnwood

We are excited to welcome Lenore Three Stars as our guest speaker at Renew. Lenore speaks, rights, and teaches from a Native perspective on decolonizing theology and racial reconciliation.

34 “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. 35 Look, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.'”

As we begin the season of Lent, we are invited to follow Jesus' example of being led by the Spirit into spaces that invite challenging choices and a clear dependence on God.

33 “Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.' 34 But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne; 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. 36 And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. 37 All you need to say is simply ‘Yes' or ‘No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.

"Anger" by Dave Sim || Matthew 5:21-26 || 02.16.2025 by RC2 Lynnwood

Two major themes we have explored in the Sermon on the Moun so far: 1. the essential character of Jesus' disciples as described by the Beatitudes and 2. their purpose to be the salt and light of the world. Jesus pivots to a discussion of the Law and the Prophets to address concerns about traditional teachings by the Pharisees and other religious leaders, who have turned the Scriptures into strict codes for personal gain. Jesus clarifies that He did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it, bringing true illumination through His presence. Christ himself animates the Scriptures, our faith, and the Church's worship and ministry, and cannot be separated from the Law and Prophets.

13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. 14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

We look at the 1st 4 Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-6. The Poor in Spirit; those who mourn; those who are meek; those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. There is a quality of lack or an awareness of lack in this group of people.

The gift of Jesus fills the empty spaces of our soul with joy, good news, and praise. This abundant grace overflows and spills out to other in contagious praise.

Paul writes while in prison in Rome. He calls the Philippians to rejoice in all circumstances. What does it look like to rejoice even in pain and suffering? What is the relationship between Joy and suffering? As we journey in this Advent season, we recognize that all is not shiny lights and happiness in this season. We recognize that for many, Christmas time is a sad time. We also recognize that our world is hurting and groaning. What does it look like for the community of faith to be of one mind and spirit and to Rejoice at all times?

Jeremiah 33:14-16 14 “‘The days are coming,' declares the Lord, ‘when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah. 15 “‘In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David's line; he will do what is just and right in the land. 16 In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. This is the name by which it[a] will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior.'

From the start, John's Gospel declares Jesus as King through Nathanael's words: "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" (John 1:49). Throughout the Gospel, Jesus is shown as an unconventional king—one who speaks to the lowly, serves rather than being served, and remains humble. His unique kingdom is not of this world, prompting reflection on its significance for us today. Pilate's question, "Are you the King of the Jews?" is answered through Jesus' demonstration of kingship, authority, and reign on the Cross. We approach Advent and the close of the liturgical year reflecting on the implications of this.

19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that[a] the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. 22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.

As citizens of an upside down Kingdom our witness lies in our peace-keeping, love, and good deeds that run counter to values of empire. To give a defense for the “hope you have” is less about apologetics and more about how we live our lives.

Sending out of the 72 into the towns was not explicitly only to the “house of Israel” here in Luke. Jessica Hsieh and Pastor Dave Sim will offer both their takes on the passage as it relates to Renew being sent into our everyday lives/work to “do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.”

We live out our Kingdom citizenship, however, “in the world” We're not supposed to huddle safely within the confines of the church. Let us de-center the “church” as the only place we do the “sacred.” How do we live our faith outside the walls of the church, in our places of work?

Christ is our Shalom! We in the church are called to be ambassadors of reconciliation and carriers of Shalom. With our citizenship in the KoG we are centered on the policies of Jesus, and work from there to pursue reconciliation, renewal, and love in the world.

Beatitudes 5-7. We will look at being merciful, pure in heart, and peacemakers--These can be seen as “fruitful” outpouring of the first 4 beatitudes.

We begin a series on the Sermon on the Mount with the question: is Jesus' ethical teaching still relevant and pragmatic for us today?

Embodying Kingdom Values in our everyday lives. Shalom, a Hebrew word for “peace,” means wholeness and well-being in all areas of life–individual, communal, and societal. Human flourishing involves fulfilling God's purposes, nurturing relationships with God and others, living an integrated life, and fulfilling our vocations. We are called to pursue justice, reconciliation, and holistic well-being for all creation. Non-Profit/Education Panel (Steven Li, Anna, Jenn Chong Jewell )

Matthew 25:14-30 English Standard Version 14 “For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16 He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. 17 So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. 18 But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. 19 Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20 And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.' 21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.' 22 And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me two talents; here, I have made two talents more.' 23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.' 24 He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.' 26 But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. 29 For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

Though the Spirit had been moving hte early church towards being a more Gentile-inclusive community, Paul confronts Peter for being a hypocrite and ghosting the Gentiles after a delegation from Jerusalem show up on the scene. Christ-centered unity is more than just getting along, and it's a difficult sustained journey of conviction. There will be push back. There will be loss of reputation and status. Faithful reconciliation involves conflict and truth-telling, with a spoonful of the Holy Spirit.

Unity isn't about being the same or conforming to one culture. People can have different political views, dress differently, and eat different foods, yet still be unified. A strong mission, vision, and purpose can bring people together. True unity centers on the Gospel/Christ, True unity has love at its core. True unity recognizes and honors differences.

In the center of Mark, Jesus touches a blind man who initially cannot see clearly but then can. The disciples earlier do not ‘see' the meaning behind the loaves and the fish. Following the healing of the blind man, they see clearly that Jesus is the Messiah. What in our lives keeps us from seeing.

Jesus raises a widows son from the dead. From a terminal situation, Jesus' heart goes out to a devastated mother and demonstrates that He is the Lord of the Resurrection.

In chapters 8 and 9 JEsus goe on a whirlwind tour of healing. In Matthew 9:37-38 Jesus sees the many people seeking healing and has compassion on them “for they were like a sheep without a shepherd.” Then he looks to his disciples and points their attention to the harvest before them saying: “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” We are invited to participate in Christ's healing work in the world. When the need seems overwhelming and immense–Jesus tells us to prayer for more people to help out.

We are given a few episodes of Jesus very willing to cross the boundaries and propriety to heal people very intimately and with authority. As the prophet Isaiah wrote: Jesus takes ups our infirmities and heals our disease.”. He's willing able and chases us down and holds us in our uncleanness.

Jesus heals a man who had been ill for 38 years at the Pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem. Unable to reach the healing waters, the man explains his situation to Jesus. Jesus tells him, “Get up, pick up your mat and walk.” The man obeys and is immediately healed. What is the interplay between faith, grace, and effort in this healing? What does it look like for us to pick up our mats and walk when we haven't been able to before? What does it mean to "want to be healed?"

Pastor Alison preaches from Mark 3:1-6.

To preach Jesus is to preach healing. Only Luke records the healing of Malchus' (ref. John) ear. In a situation where violence could rule the day and evil would “have its hour” Jesus would perform a miraculous healing and restoration on a rather seemingly insignificant body part. But this ‘little' healing truly highlights the contrast of Kingdoms. Jesus in his incarceration chooses non-violence and even loving touch, when vengeance could easily have won the day. This is who we proclaim and worship!

“People of color have endured traumatic histories and almost daily assaults on their dignity.” The answer is not in “just getting over it,” or to simply “pray more,” and definitely not in denial or venting in anger/violence. We collectively need to recognize and acknowledge racial trauma and pursue active healing corporately. In fact, all of us, people of color and white people carry the history of racial trauma in our bodies, and it is literally passed on through our DNA through generations, cit. Resmaa Menakem “My Grandmother's Hands”

Guillermo Jiménez talks about the Lord as our Banner.

We are paralyzed by body comparisons, self-loathing, discomfort in our own skin, etc. Some of us have wrestled with eating disorders or attempts to make artificial changes to our appearance. Especially in this age of social media we are comparing ourselves to altered-cyber selves. Filters, photoshop, and extreme models all skew our perception of beauty. But we are fearfully and wonderfully made. We are beautiful. The church is called to be prophetically counter-culture for the healing and renewal of humanity.

Pastor Alison continues our conversation around healing.

We pause here to collect ourselves, recenter, and consider what it means to live lives in pursuit of health and transformation. Self-love: embrace yourself and who god has made you to be. Continue to pursue healing from pain/brokenness from the past; knowing your limitations and boundaries; spiritual rhythms: sabbath and rest; develop skills for loving others well.

The Church is the body of Christ, but we have hurt one another.

There is deep hurt, wounding, and trauma that each of us have experienced in our lifetime. Physical and or Sexual abuse, the death of a loved one, the death of a significant relationship. Physical trauma and harm. Crisis and disaster. What does it mean to healthily go “through” trauma and forward into renewal and redemption. Deliverance “through” vs. “From”

We continue in our Healing series and address our families of origin and how family patterns can continue generationally and create hindrances to love in our lives today. God in his infinite Grace and Mercy can heal us and redeem these "family curses" for his glory and purposes.