Saints Peter and Paul Sermons

Acts 10 tells the story of Peter bringing the good news of Jesus to Cornelius' household. This is a major shift in the book of Acts as Cornelius is a Gentile, and at this point, Christianity had only been spreading among Jewish people. After Peter's proclamation of the Gospel, the Holy Spirit is manifested among the Gentiles in a similar fashion to the Day of Pentecost.

Have you ever heard the phrase "born-again"? In some circles of Christianity, this phrase is often used to talk about conversion - becoming a Christian. They might call themselves a "born-again" Christian.But how does one become "born-again"? What does it look like? In Acts, chapter 9, we get a glimpse of just such a conversion. Saul has been persecuting the Church...but by the time Jesus is done with him - he has an entirely new outlook on life. He's a new person. He's born-again!In this sermon, Pastor Kevin walks through the conversion of Saul, to highlight the ways in which God continues to "convert" us towards His grace + mercy in our daily walks with Jesus.

This sermon focuses on the work of Philip in Acts 8 after a great persecution breaks out in the city of Jerusalem. We watch as Acts 1:8 begins to come to fruition in Acts 8:1.

In this sermon, we are introduced to the first Christian martyr, Stephen. This sermon walks us through the history of Christian martyrdom from Biblical times to the present day with the hopes that the stories of the martyrs inspire our faith and witness. 

"What is Truth?" This question might summarize the popular 21st century opinion about reality. We live in a relativistic society. Where "my truth" is valued over any "objective truth."What's interesting, however, is that those three words were uttered in the 1st century. To Jesus. By Pontius Pilate - the Roman Ruler. It's recorded in John 18:38, and with that question - he foresaw the "modern problem" of Truth.In this sermon, Pastor Kevin unpacks the "problem of truth" - by looking at the history of truth. If God really is sovereign, then we can expect His Words to ring true through the annals of time.But what do we find when we look at the history? Listen and consider what you look to for truth as these words of Pilate are unpacked.

It's a growing church in Jerusalem when Acts chapter 3 begins. What will happen now that the Holy Spirit has come upon the Apostles? Well, they don't sit still. In this sermon, Peter and John head into the temple and on the way heal a crippled man in the name of Jesus. This sets off a series of events where the religious leaders try to silence the apostles from speaking the name of Jesus.

In Acts, chapter 2, we hear the first sermon ever preached by the Christian Church. Peter stands, in the midst of a Jewish festival called Pentecost, and he proclaims the truth about Jesus of Nazareth.That day, we are told, three thousand people came to believe in Jesus.Why? What was so compelling about what Peter shared?In this sermon, Pastor Kevin demonstrates the secret power that Peter had in his proclamation. A power - that is still available to you today. Listen and consider the radical truth that the world experienced on that Pentecost 2,000 years ago...and which still invades the world today.

This is the first sermon in a new series on the Book of Acts. Pastor Aaron preaches an introductory sermon to this series based on the first 11 verses of chapter 1.

In this sermon, Pastor Aaron examines the unique resurrection appearance of Jesus that occurs in Luke 24. Jesus appears to two disciples on the road to Emmaus. At first they don't recognize Jesus, but then after spending time with him and listening to his word, they come to see Jesus for who he truly is - the resurrected Savior of the world! This event changed their lives from that very moment, and we pray that hearing their eyewitness testimony will change yours as well!

On the first day of the last week of Jesus' life - He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. Those gathered strew palms at His feet - an act of homage to the One they proclaimed to be: "the King who comes in the name of the Lord!" (Luke 19:38).But when a claim is made about Jesus' identity - you can bet: there will be opposition.The same is true for us today. Whether we exclaim it in a public setting, model the way of Jesus in our work or at home, or even confess in our own hearts that Jesus is Lord - you can bet: opposition will be close at hand.How do we face it? Can we? By what power?Listen as Pastor Kevin shares "the secret" to facing opposition - through Jesus' own response to the opposition that faced Him.

Luke 19:1-10 is the story of Zaccheus and Jesus. Perhaps you have read this story in a children's Bible. Maybe you learned it in Sunday School and even sang a song to go along with it. But, have you ever considered the depth of meaning in this short story? This is the final event that occurs in Luke's Gospel before Palm Sunday. This story rounds out all of Jesus' ministry outside of Jerusalem. And the final words... "The Son of man came to seek and to save the lost." This is why Jesus has come.

During the season of Lent, we've been reading through the Gospel of Luke (and preaching on stories/events unique to Luke). For the last two weeks, we've heard Jesus speaking in parables. Through them, He's been teaching about the danger of self-righteousness (Parable of the Two Debtors) and the importance of serving others - especially those different than you (The Good Samaritan).But, as a hearer of Jesus, you might ask Him: "Why?" Why should I do those things? What difference will it make in the end?In today's sermon, Pastor Kevin preaches on another parable of Jesus': The Rich Man and Lazarus. In this parable - Jesus gives us the "long view" of our day to day living and answers the "why" question.As you listen, consider for yourself: "Where are you heading?" May you discover the confidence that Jesus gives us for our destination, through His Word.

In this sermon, Pastor Aaron walks us through the Parable of the Good Samaritan. This parable might be one of the best known parables, or at least the title of it is well known. Jesus tells this parable to speak to the heart of a lawyer putting him to the test. And, this parable still speaks to our hearts as well, in a myriad of ways. 

In Luke 7, we hear a story familiar to the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). A "scandalous" women enters the house of Simon, the Pharisee, and anoints Jesus with tears and perfume.But what comes next, in Luke's Gospel, is unique.Jesus - "the Teacher" - as Simon calls Him, tells the parable of the two debtors. In it, He pronounces peace to the woman, judgement upon Simon, and asks a question of all of us: do we love much? If we think so - are we willing to admit what the parable requires of us?In this sermon, Pastor Kevin unpacks the parable, and the story, of the two debtors.

This is the first sermon in our Lenten journey through the Gospel of Luke. During this sermon series, we will be highlighting texts that only appear in Luke's Gospel. This sermon looks at the only instance recorded in Scripture of Jesus as a young boy.

Throughout the "Gifted for Good" series, Pastors Aaron + Kevin walked through Paul's 1st letter to the Corinthian Church. While Paul was addressing issues specific to that congregation - there were universal principles for the church that Paul was also establishing.One of them being: as a Christian - you are gifted for good!In this sermon, Pastor demonstrates the universal nature of this teaching (among others), by looking at the same principles in the book of Romans. Additionally, you're invited to hear how members of SSPP are living this out, and to consider how you are gifted for good.Wherever you are, you are called by God to use your gifts for the good of the Church. How are you gifted for good?

Everything that we've talked about so far in 1 Corinthians really comes to a head when the Corinthian congregation gathers together for worship. The prophets are speaking over one another. The tongues-speakers are all speaking at once with no interpreters. It's a chaotic and confusing environment where the message of Jesus is not being clearly shared among the people or as a witness to the world. In this sermon, Pastor Aaron walks us through 3 questions about our public worship. Why do we worship? How do we worship? And who is the worship service for?

In the late 1960s the "Charismatic Movement" began in the United States. This movement emphasized the power of the Holy Spirit - moving and working within God's Church - through "spiritual gifts" (charismata in Greek).One of the most highlighted gifts of that movement was: speaking in tongues (prophecy was a close second!). But this gift isn't "new"! In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul teaches on the very same gifts of the Holy Spirit - for the 1st Century Corinthian Church that was utilizing them.So what is speaking in tongues? What is prophecy? And what is their place within Christian worship and the lives of Christians today?In this sermon, Pastor Kevin answers these questions, walking through 1 Corinthians 14:1-25. Listen and pray for the working of God's Spirit in your life - for the building up of His Church!

1 Corinthians 13 is a familiar passage because it is often read at weddings due to its descriptions of what love looks like. But this passage is sandwiched in between all of the issues that Paul has been dealing with causing conflicts in Corinth. In this sermon, Pastor Aaron walks through this passage describing the supremacy of love, the character of love, and the absolute necessity of love in the body of Christ.

Many people around the world are "members" of a Church. Why do we use that word? What does it mean to be a "member" of the Church?In 1 Corinthians 12, we're given the biblical answer. As "members" of the Church that Jesus established - we're confessing the reality that we are actually connected to HIS body. We, individually - and as the whole - represent Christ to the world.In the words of Francis Schaeffer: "So then...how shall we live?" In unity. In this sermon, Pastor Kevin unpacks Paul's metaphor by example and by story. Listen, and consider your place - in the body of Christ!

The Bible teaches that when a person believes in Jesus as their Lord, by faith, they are granted the Holy Spirit. Whoa. Re-read that!If you are a Christian (i.e. you've been birthed into the Christian Church by faith/baptism) - that means that YOU have the Holy Spirit working inside of you.But what does that mean? How does it look? What's the point?In this sermon, Pastor Kevin considers the ramifications of Paul's teaching in 1 Corinthians 12 on "Spiritual Gifts." Listen, and consider how God has equipped you - and how you might employ your giftedness for the sake of His body.

In this week's sermon, we look at the good gift that God gives to us in the Lord's Supper. Pastor Aaron walks us through two important questions, "What is the Lord's Supper, and Why is it Good?"

This is the first sermon in a series called Gifted For Good based in the latter chapters of 1 Corinthians. Over the next few weeks we will be seeing that all of the gifts that God gives to us are for the good of our neighbors. In this first sermon, we are introduced to the concept of Christian freedom. In Christ, we have many freedoms, but what are these freedoms for? Not just for our own personal edification, but they are for the good of our neighbor. 

At the end of chapter 2 of Luke - the Christmas Story flashes forward to an episode from the young boy-Jesus' life. He is 12 years old and headed to the Temple in Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. But, during the trip, Jesus is lost!Can you imagine how Mother Mary felt? She was entrusted with the caretaking of the Savior of the world...and He slipped through her grasp! Her salvation - gone!As Christians, we are also given life + salvation. But what happens when it seems to be falling out of our grasp? What is God's posture towards us, when we have failed to live up to the high calling of "Child of God?"Listen as Pastor Kevin shares the surprising end to Luke's story - and the surprising nature of the Gospel.

In the ongoing Christmas narrative (yes, the Christmas season continues!) -- we see four characters who are "waiting." In Luke 2:22-39: Mary, Joseph, Simeon, and Anna are all waiting for something...from a significant Jewish ritual to the "consolation of Israel."So...what are you waiting for? What are your overarching hopes in your life? What are they hinging on?In this sermon, Pastor Kevin explores the "waiting" that we experience. What's it for? What does it say about us? What or who do our hopes hinge on?Listen and reflect on this continued Christmas story as you consider what you are waiting for...

This final sermon of our Advent series "Foretold," looks at the birth of John the Baptist, and Zechariah's exclamation of praise for the deliverance that God is bringing through Jesus in Luke 1:57-80.Yet, prior to that, John must come to prepare the way for the Lord. Are you prepared to meet Jesus? He's coming for you. To deliver you out of darkness and the shadow of death and guide your feet in the way of peace. 

In this week's sermon, our focus is on the visitation of Mary to Elizabeth. This is an incredible interactions. The young, unmarried girl who has miraculously conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit. And the old, barren woman who has miraculously conceived with her husband by the power of the Holy Spirit. These two are relatives, and Mary goes from Nazareth on a 4 day journey to the hill country outside of Jerusalem. Upon Mary's arrival, the baby inside Elizabeth leaps for joy! This third week of Advent is the week for joy is so it is fitting to follow John's reaction as we engage with Jesus. 

In Luke, chapter 2, when Jesus' birth is announced by angels to the shepherds, the angels declare: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!"But when the angel Gabriel announces Jesus birth to Mary, the announcement looks different: "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you."Peace and shadow. Light and darkness. Both are true in the life of the Christian. And both would be true in the life of Mary. Yet, she surrenders to the working of God in her life anyhow.What gave her the strength and wisdom to do this? How can we find the same courage to act as Mary did? In this sermon, Pastor Kevin considers the "shadowed" life of the Christian - and the light which gives us hope and peace.

For this first Sunday in Advent, we turn our attention to Luke chapter 1. Luke chapter 1 is often overlooked as we jump straight into the Christmas narrative in Luke chapter 2. But, that's often how it goes with Christmas, isn't it? We rush right ahead. As soon as the Halloween decorations are down at Walmart, the Christmas ones are up. We're too quick to jump ahead to fulfillment, when there's something spiritually edifying in waiting in the foretelling. In this sermon, we are introduced to Zechariah and Elizabeth, the parents of the one we will come to know as John the Baptist. 

In Revelation - the apostle John gives us a glimpse of what's coming - at the end of all things. Yes, there is an ending. Not just to the Scriptural Narrative, but to the world as we know it. And then, something new. As Semisonic once penned: "Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end."But we're not thrust into an endless cycle of rebirth and recreation. We're not subjected to the same pain, suffering, and struggle that we're so accustomed to living in, in this life. You might say we don't long so much for "life after death"...but "love after death."And that's what awaits all who fall asleep in Christ. But what does this "love" and "life" look like? What difference does it make to me now? How do I know I'll experience it? Listen as Pastor Kevin unpacks the glimpse of John, given to us in Revelation 21.

In the Scriptural narrative, Jesus death and resurrection is the climax of the story. It's everything that everyone had been waiting and hoping for. But...there's still more to the recorded story of history after the climax. This sermon focuses on the words of the Scriptures that take place after the ascension of Jesus into heaven. The New Testament is filled with the people of God living into the reality that in Christ, that (we) are a new creation. The old has gone, the new has come. This is still our reality to this day. 

Everything in the story has been pointing to this movement. It's all about Jesus. Every page of the Old Testament has been gearing up for His arrival. Jesus is the one who fulfills everything that every person in the Old Testament was incapable of doing. In this sermon, Pastor Aaron walks through the Bible to demonstrate that Jesus is the perfect prophet, priest, and king. 

David is one of the most central figures - not only in the Bible - but in history. His biography is longer than any other from ancient history. Statues of David can be found from Venice, Italy to Washington D.C. More stories from his life are recounted in Scripture than that of Abraham or Moses. In the New Testament - one of David's Psalms (110) - is quoted more than any other passage from the Old Testament.Why is David so important? And what is the connection between David and Jesus?In this sermon, Pastor Kevin explores 2 Samuel 7 - to demonstrate how the promises made to David are fulfilled ultimately in Jesus of Nazareth.

Moses is one of the most well known characters in the Bible. Multiple episodes from his life feature prominently in children's Bibles and Sunday School lessons. His story is covered in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. But, the events of his life end up becoming themes that carry on throughout the Old and New Testaments, and even meet us today. In this sermon, Pastor Aaron reminds us that Moses was an ordinary man, like all of us, but God is the one who worked His promises through Moses. 

In Genesis 12, God comes down. No, this is not the "incarnation." This is not the virgin birth of Jesus. But it sets a certain pattern (which Jesus will ultimately fulfill!) - of God partnering with humanity to achieve His goals.God meets with a man named Abram, calling him from his homeland, and thrusting him into a quest for the salvation of all mankind. Sound epic? It is. And it's also the way God continues to work.God, still today, "partners" with humanity for the sake of the world - to fulfill the promise made to Abram - that His people would be "a blessing to all the families on the earth." And he accomplishes this - through His people.Looking for inspiration for how God is working in your life? Listen as Pastor Kevin unpacks this week's "Movement of Scripture."

The 2nd major movement with the Scripture is the fall into sin. In our first sermon, we established that God is the creator of all things. We discussed that what we believe about our beginnings affects our every day reality. In this 2nd movement of Scripture, we looked at the origins of where sin and all its horrible effects come from. Because, what we believe about the origins of sin also affects our every day reality. So, where does it all come from? Take a listen to this sermon as we open up the Bible to Genesis chapter 3.

This is the first sermon in a series called "Movements of Scripture." In this series, we will be focusing on 8 major movements that happen within the Bible. The goal of focusing on these movements is that we will have placeholders throughout the story of the Bible so that as we open up the Bible and read it we will have a better understanding of where we are. In this first sermon we begin where the Bible begins: creation. 

The word "politics" comes from the Greek word "polis" which means "city." It's the term that describes how we go about tending to shared, civilian life: how we govern and are governed, what laws order our life together, and what programs & systems are put in place towards the welfare of humanity.With this definition in mind, it is clear: Jesus was political. Jesus had much to say regarding how we interact in our shared, civilian life. The scriptures give explicit direction towards how to treat those who govern us (see Romans 13). So, what does "The Word" have to say about politics?In this sermon, Pastor Kevin unpacks the unique path our faith gives us to navigate the political realm. Instead of bowing down to any one ideology/party/agenda - we are given "Kingdom Vision" to demonstrate our ultimate allegiance to God - even in the realm of politics.

Being in relationships with other people is part and parcel to what it means to be humans. And yet, from the very beginning, in the first relationship between Adam and Eve, sin broke it. That same sin also broke the perfect relationship that God created between himself and those same humans. Every one of us have broken and strained relationships with other people. But, is that the way that it has to be? No. Jesus has given us the gift of forgiveness. We talk about forgiveness all of the time as Christian people, but how many of us actually put into practice what Jesus offers us?In this sermon, Pastor Aaron helps to demonstrate to us the beautifully freeing gift that forgiveness is. 

Do you feel like life is too busy? Do you find your schedule overwhelming? Do you notice yourself being scattered or unable to sit still for periods without a device?For many of us, are lives are overly complex. We've got too many commitments, too much to do, and not enough time. But what if that wasn't the case? What if we have just the amount of time we need to live a fulfilling life?God gave the ancient Israelites a practice that is as revenant today as ever. It's called "The Sabbath." Much more than a "command" (it's one of the "Big 10") -- the Sabbath is an invitation to live an unhurried, peace-filled life. How do we practice it? What does it look like to live this way?Take a listen, as Pastor Kevin preaches on the Sabbath - the antidote for peace in our schedules.

This sermon is the first in a new sermon series called "Peace." Pastor Aaron teaches us based on Matthew 6 that Jesus is after our hearts when it comes to our finances. "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." He also walks us through the Biblical history of what a tithe is. We had a bit of a technical difficulty in our sound quality this week. Our apologies for that. 

John says two incredible things in his final chapter of his first letter (1 John). He says: 1) The commandments of God are not burdensome. 2) He says that everyone who is "born of God" overcomes "the world."These two things should strike anyone (whether Christian or non-Christian). Are not the commandments of God an incredibly burdensome thing? Isn't Jesus' vision of morality impossible to live up to? How could anyone imagine them not to be burdensome?What is more - aren't the forces of evil too great to suggest that we could overcome them? Jesus? Sure, He could. But is it really possible for me to experience real, lasting freedom from the forces of evil that plague me?In this sermon, Pastor Kevin unpacks these two truths, and helps listeners to understand - and expect - the spiritual growth that comes for all who are "born again." 

For John, you cannot experience the "love of God" without the "grace of God." They are intertwined and inseparable. But what does it mean to experience God's grace?In 1 John, chapter 3 - we get a glimpse of John's experience of grace as the truths he is telling become real. Listen as Pastor Kevin elaborates on John's experience of "grace" and how (through understanding the doctrines John is teaching), we too can experience grace.

In 1 John 2:15-17, John tells us very clearly that we cannot love the world and love the Father. To love one is to forsake the other. But, we still live in this world. So, how ought we relate to this broken world in which we live as Christian people?In this sermon, Pastor Aaron walks through different world philosophies that have tried to answer this question. And then he provides us with a Biblical worldview which calls us to an even more meaningful way to live. 

In 1 John 2:1-14, John says that love is not a new command. He's right. It's in the Mosaic Law. It's what Jesus says is the great command. John is telling us once again, that love is the way of the Christian's life. It has to be. Because He first loved us, we also ought to love one another. We can't claim to know Jesus and walk in a direction that is opposite to him. In this sermon, Pastor Aaron tells us once again about the depth of God's love for us and how it transforms our lives to be people of love. 

In the modern world, people recoil at the thought of a "God of wrath." We think it's irreconcilable with a "God of love." How can a God who loves the world - judge it? Isn't it a sin to judge?However - the Bible (emphatically) tells us that God IS a God of wrath. Of judgment. Of justice. Even Jesus demonstrates it - in His own life and ministry.How can God be BOTH a God of love AND a God of judgment?In this sermon, Pastor Kevin explores the reality of judgment, the Divine basis for it, and how we can escape it ourselves.

There are two places where you can find the 10 Commandments in the Scriptures: Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5. In both of those places you will find all 10 "words" of God, but you'll also find another. It's the "Preface" to the 10 Commandments and it goes like this: "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery."The very next words are the first, and most critical commandment: "You shall have no other gods before me." So we hear, in the span of two verses, this premise: 1) You were enslaved. 2) I have freed you. 3) Now, live into the freedom I have gained for you.What do "gods", "slavery", and "freedom" have to do with each other? Are "gods" or "idols" even relevant to us? Haven't we progressed beyond our archaic ancestors with their primitive worship practices?In this sermon, Pastor Kevin shows how the 1st commandment may be the most relevant commandment for you and I. And through it, shows how we all have idols, the various forms they take, and most importantly - how to become free of them.

God is a God of "majesty." That means, what God wills...happens. There is no disparity between what He plans and what is. And that means - that all the other attributes of God will become the "reigning and ruling" attributes of the universe.Now, what does that look like practically? If that's the case, shouldn't this world be more "godly"?In this sermon, Pastor Kevin shows what it means that God is a God of "majesty" - and how we can see it in the world. If we don't understand God's power, we will end up either overestimating or underestimating all human power in the world. Take a listen, and understand your relationship to God's power, and how you can come to wield "true power."

Did you know there are different "kinds" of prayers? Some prayers take the form of "Adoration." Others, "Petitionary." Still others, "Confession." But the Lord's Prayer takes on them all.In this final sermon of the "Teach Us to Pray" series, Pastor Kevin looks at the final two petitions of the Lord's Prayer which show us a final kind of prayer: "battle prayer."Are there challenges you are facing that have you doubting in God's presence? Or His goodness? Are there temptations that seem to have a "foothold" or a "stronghold" in your life? Learn how to pray this way, so that you can be delivered!

We are locked in a spiritual battle. There are forces of good and evil waging war all around us - and we are caught in the fray. Are you aware of that?This particular petition of the Lord's Prayer is striking. By teaching us to pray this way - Jesus opens our eyes to the spiritual struggle that we are ALL engaged in. And through it, He equips us for the fight.In this sermon, Pastor Kevin shares the reality that 1) we are all tempted 2) why it works 3) and the key to standing firm in the midst of it.Take a listen, and gird up your loins!

In Matthew 18 Jesus shares one of the most terrifying truths of all Scripture. After describing a servant who is sent to prison for all eternity, Jesus says: "So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”You cannot escape this life without experiencing hurt in relationships. How will we find the strength to forgive those who have caused us pain?Listen as Pastor Kevin unpacks the "Parable of the Unmerciful Servant" - to point us to the One who can strengthen us to forgive, by what He has done for us.