Sermons Audio - St. John the Divine

Pentecost isn't just about wind, fire, and speaking in tongues — it's about what happens next. The Holy Spirit unifies, empowers, and reveals — not only to the early church, but to us today. In this sermon, discover how the Spirit bridges divides, equips ordinary people for extraordinary love, and draws us deeper into God's presence. Whether you're curious, skeptical, or longing for more, the invitation is the same: come and see what the Spirit is doing.TEXTS: Acts 2:1-21, John 14:8-27https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%202%3A1-21&version=ESVhttps://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2014%3A8-27&version=ESV

At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came not with spectacle but with purpose—sending ordinary people into the world with extraordinary news. In this sermon, we explore what Pentecost means for the Church today. Why is Christianity a public faith, not a private one? What does it mean to carry Christ's mission into everyday life? And where is the Spirit already at work in your ordinary corners of the world?Discover how Pentecost isn't just a story of wind and fire—but of witness, mission, and love that breaks down walls.

What does it mean to become one? In this poetic sermon, The Rev. Louise Samuelson explores Jesus' final prayer for his followers—that they may be one—as she introduces the ancient word “oneing,” drawn from the writings of Julian of Norwich. In a divided world, this call to spiritual unity is both timely and transformative. Through stories of worship, community, and love in action, this sermon invites us to embody the self-giving love of God and carry it beyond the walls of the church.

On the night before his death, Jesus offers one final prayer—not for himself, but for us. In this sermon, Dr. Kira Moolman Pettit reflects on what that prayer reveals about Jesus' hopes for his followers: unity, love, and enduring presence. From the intimacy of a pre-pandemic dinner to the cosmic visions of Revelation, we are invited into a story where apocalypse doesn't mean disaster, but unveiling. What is revealed? A God who is with us, and a Church called to say, “Come.”

On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus offered His disciples—and all of us—a stunning promise: “I will not leave you orphaned.” In this sermon, the Rev. Dr. Leigh Spruill reflects on John 14 and the intimate care of Christ, who sends the Holy Spirit to be our Counselor, Comforter, and constant presence. Through vivid personal stories and biblical insight, hear how the Spirit brings truth, peace, and belonging—even in a disoriented world. Whether you're seeking clarity or comfort, this message is a reminder that you are never alone.

On this Memorial Day weekend, we honor those who gave their lives for our freedom—and we turn to the One who gave His life to set us free forever. The Rev. Reagan Cocke reflects on Jesus' promise to make His home with us and send the Holy Spirit as our constant Helper and Advocate. Drawing from personal testimony and John 14, he reminds us that we are never alone—Christ is with us in our struggles, our service, and our suffering. Even now, in the space between D-Day and VE Day, between the Cross and Christ's return, we live with the assurance of victory and the peace that the world cannot give.

On the night of his betrayal, Jesus gives his disciples one final command: love one another. In this sermon, Dr. Kira Moolman Pettit explores what it means to follow that command in a world full of pain, weakness, and betrayal. Through the image of a stripped altar and a Savior who shared our vulnerability, we're reminded that Jesus doesn't ask us to love blindly— he asks us to love as he loved, from the depths of sacrifice.Whether you're carrying grief, doubt, or the weight of loving others, this message invites you to see that Jesus is not far off. He's with you at the kitchen table, in the hospital room, in every tender and painful place. And in him, even suffering can become glory.

What if heaven wasn't just something we hope for—but something we live for?While we believe in heaven, one wonders why the revelation God gives us in Scripture does not animate us now as a present power more than simply as a vague future promise. Oh, how our Lord would love to fill us with his Spirit to sense heaven touching down in advance all around us, enlivening us as people of hope and assurance.

Jesus doesn't just give us answers—He gives us Himself. This sermon reflects on our deep need for clarity and how true understanding of Jesus comes not through facts alone, but through daily experience, trust, and action. Like sheep who know their shepherd's voice, we are invited to follow, not as armchair explorers, but as those who walk with the Good Shepherd each day.

On this Good Shepherd Sunday, we reflect on the comforting truth that we are held in the loving, strong hands of God—hands that create, protect, guide, and never let go. No matter where we are or what we face, nothing can snatch us from His grasp.

Easter is not a one-time event; it is something that keeps happening. When Peter returns to fishing—lost, empty, and searching—Jesus meets him right where he is. Through empty nets, a charcoal fire, and a quiet meal, Christ brings healing, restoration, and a renewed call to love. Wherever you are—wrestling, weary, or weighed down—this story reminds us: Jesus shows up. Not to shame, but to restore. Not to condemn, but to call us forward in love.

Ever felt like you've let God down—or like you're just not quite "spiritual enough"? In this sermon, we hear the good news of resurrection life through three simple truths: Jesus finds us where we are, Jesus calls us to follow him, and Jesus forgives us. Wherever you are in life, this is a reminder that Christ is already there—calling you by name and inviting you into grace.

Even when we are locked away by fear, shame, or doubt, the risen Jesus shows up. If we are small, he becomes small. If we doubt, he comes to those doubts. If we are wounded, he shows us his own wounds. In this sermon, we reflect on how Christ meets us right where we are — offering peace, healing, and hope. He is risen — and he is risen for you.

On the night of his resurrection, Jesus speaks the words we all long to hear: "Peace be with you." In this farewell sermon, our seminarian The Rev. Caroline Devitt reflects on Christ's unstoppable love—the love that walks through locked doors, carries our wounds, and calls us into new life. As we celebrate baptisms and resurrection hope, we are invited to believe again, to wonder again, and to live in the peace that can never be taken away.

No one would've written this story. A God who dies? A Messiah who suffers? A Savior who walks out of the grave? And yet, that's exactly what happened. In this sweeping Easter sermon, we retrace the eyewitness accounts of Jesus' resurrection— women at the tomb, disciples on the run, and even a brother who once doubted. With vivid detail and deep conviction, this message reminds us that Jesus is risen and we have a story to tell.

On Easter morning, the women came to the tomb carrying spices—ready to mask the stench of death. But they found no body, no need for perfume, no need to cover anything up. In this stirring Easter sermon, we're reminded that because Christ is risen, we don't have to mask our brokenness or pretend we have it all together. The tomb is empty. The stone is rolled away. And the life Jesus offers is real, full, and unmasked. Hallelujah!

On Good Friday, we are invited to pause, to stay with Jesus in His suffering. This homily walks us to the foot of the cross—to behold the man, to witness His sorrow mingled with love, and to remember the deep, personal cost of our redemption. Through silence, song, and sacred memory, we wait together… watching, praying, and holding on to hope.

On the night before His death, Jesus broke bread and said, “This is my body, given for you.” In this Maundy Thursday sermon, we explore the deeply personal and communal meaning of the Lord's Supper—its call to remember, repent, and renew our love for Christ and one another. A powerful reflection on vertical grace and horizontal reconciliation.

As Holy Week begins, we reflect on the triumphal entry of Jesus—not into a city, but into the hearts of a people called to peace. In this sermon, we're challenged to confront our self-betrayals, remember our identity in Christ, and walk the road to the cross with integrity. Let this week be a return to wholeness. Let this week be your Jerusalem.

Psalm 126 address the despair that often characterized our world. This passage shows us a joy that is grounded in the God's faithfulness, looks toward to God's promises, and strengthens us for today.

Do you relate more to the prodigal son—or the elder brother? In this thought-provoking sermon, explore how elder brother spirituality can subtly creep into our lives, making us believe that doing the right things earns God's favor. But the truth is, God's grace is a gift, not a reward.Discover how the father in Jesus' parable demonstrates lavish love and radical grace by going out to meet both his wayward and self-righteous sons. Will you let go of striving and simply say “yes” to God's embrace?

Is the Parable of the Prodigal Son really about the son— or is about the father? Dr. Kira Moolman Pettit demonstrates how the father's lavish, prodigal love is the heart of the story. Whether you're the wayward child or the resentful elder sibling, God waits with arms outstretched—ready to celebrate your return.

How do we calibrate a healthy fear of the Lord with a gracious image of God? We look ahead to the cross of Jesus.

Lent is a time to prepare for Easter by reorienting ourselves to the Lord. Remembering that while we get distracted and stray from the Lord, we have the opportunity over and over again to return to him, and be welcomed into his loving and protecting embrace.

Jesus set His face toward Jerusalem, unwavering in His mission to die for us. In this sermon, we explore God's covenant with Abram, Christ's sacrifice on the cross, and the powerful image of Jesus as a mother hen gathering and protecting her children. As we journey through Lent, how do we turn our faces toward Him?

On this Transfiguration Sunday, we step into the mountaintop experience where Jesus reveals His divine glory to his closest friends. But beyond the dazzling light, what does this moment teach us about Jesus' humanity and our own need to listen to Him? This sermon challenges us to see the Transfiguration in a new way, to embrace Scripture, prayer, and faith when God seems distant, and to trust in His voice even when we don't understand. "This is my Son, my chosen one—listen to Him."

Have you ever had a mountaintop experience—an undeniable moment where heaven seems to invade earth? The Transfiguration of Jesus was just that: a stunning revelation of His divine glory, confirming that He is the bridge between heaven and earth. In a world that often feels disconnected from the spiritual, we need to develop eyes to see the loving power of God at work all around us. Through prayer, we train our hearts to listen, to perceive, and to experience God's presence in our everyday lives. Are we looking in the right direction when God chooses to appear?

Jesus teaches us how to live when everything goes wrong. He is one who ultimately redeems all brokenness.

When faced with the overwhelming abundance of God, we may feel unworthy like Simon and Isaiah. The good news is that Jesus makes us worthy, taking on our sin and shame, and sends us out to share His good news.

The Word of God is powerful and life-changing. It draws us in to know Him better and pushes us out into the world to share His love and Mercy. Through scripture, we learn of the character of God and how even in our smallness and imperfection, in fact, because of it, we are deemed worthy to be His hands here on earth. A path we step into knowing that in His faithfulness and love,e He will never abandon us.

There is an old adage that I love: “the light that shines farthest shines brightest closest to home.” As we move more deeply into our mission to be A Light for the City, we do well to remember this wisdom as it relates to the gospel.

God's people have been reading God's word together for centuries in worship. The way we worship today in 2025 is greatly informed by the way God's people worshipped together in the 400s BC. Do you explore the richness of God's word with others? If not, today is a great day to start!

The water jars, symbols of purification under the old covenant, are filled and transformed into wine, signifying the renewal of the Temple, now present as Christ's Body. But there is more: the servants who fill the jars and serve the wine represent discipleship. Through their obedience, they become participants in the miracle—disciples bearing witness to the glory of God and, in turn, are filled themselves.

The story of the wise men shows us that God is at work in all times and in all places. Jesus is the fulfillment of all God's promises, and he is still drawing us to himself today.

The Wise Men provide beautiful model of what it looks like to encounter Christ and how to respond to him. They fall to their knees and worship. Likewise, we are called to a life of worship which extends beyond the church on a Sunday morning into every aspect of our lives.

In Christmas God becomes someone we can see.

God coming near to us at Christmas is not a gift that we pack up and put away like a box of ornaments until next Christmas. No this is a gift that goes with us out into our lives. And by grace God brings us into intimate conversations of love with him and one another.

The gift of the Holy Spirit is power to recognize God present in your life; power to discern God has come to where you are right now.

It is God who changes lives. It is God who calls us to bring light into the darkness. As we come together, to pray together, to encourage each other to give birth to what God has called each of us to, our world will be changed. And it may be much bigger than we could have hoped or imagined.

Advent is a season of being puzzled by images we don't always understand. So far in our Advent Bible readings we have reflected on the time before the birth and ministry of Jesus and on the time of his return, but we have yet to reflect on the preparations for his birth. In the opening verses of Luke's Gospel, we find out that he is an investigative historian. He records testimony from eyewitnesses so that his readers can be certain of who Jesus is. Metaphorically, he puts the Jesus puzzle together for us.