Sermons for a Critical Faith

What does it mean to be truly free?Join Pastor Sue Coller for this inspiring sermon on finding freedom in our lives and how our courage can inspire others to do the same.May 11th, 2025 | The Cup of Freedom: The Freedom To Sing | First Presbyterian Church

What does it take to change hearts and minds?Discover the powerful story of Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus. Learn how this transformation went beyond an individual experience, inviting those around him to reflect on their own journey and consider God's calling for them. Don't miss this compelling exploration of collective change and spiritual direction!April 27th, 2025 | Converting Hearts and Minds: Paul's Road to Damascus | First Presbyterian Church

Dive into the revolutionary power of Easter with Rev. Dr. Sue Coller as she explores the courage and defiance of those who encountered the empty tomb. Discover the untapped strength within you and how to stand up against forces that seek to diminish life. Join us as we embark on a journey of hope and courage!

Why would the Prince of Peace tell his followers to buy swords?

The sermon explores how the values of joy, love, and inclusion act as guideposts for following Jesus faithfully.  Learn how to live out these values, even in difficult times, in order to make the world a better place.

This sermon emphasizes that the gift of the Holy Spirit empowers believers to live out Hesed, following the example of Jesus in loving both God and creation, practicing inclusivity and expressing God's loving-kindness in all relationships.March 30th, 2025 | Hesed: Steadfast Loving-Kindness | First Presbyterian Church

This sermon explores the transformative power of inclusion, joy, and love in bridging divides. Let's come together as Christians to make a difference and bring healing to our communities. Don't miss this inspiring conversation that promises to ignite hope and unity amidst the challenges of our times.March 23rd, 2025 | Reclaiming Our Humanity: Embracing Inclusion, Joy, and Love in a Polarized World | First Presbyterian Church

This sermon delves into the powerful parable of the sower from Matthew 13:1-8, exploring the boundless generosity of God's love for all people. Just as the sower scatters seeds without hesitation, God invites us to embrace the same lavish grace and welcome. Don't miss this opportunity to discover how we can reflect God's inclusive love in our own lives.March 16th, 2025 | Seeds of Inclusion: Embracing God's Generosity | First Presbyterian Church

What if the answer to our divided world isn't found in power or persuasion, but in three simple foundations? Boundless Love, Radical Inclusion, and Genuine Joy.  Ready to build something that lasts?

What happens when love crosses borders? Discover how an ancient immigrant's story challenges our modern prejudices. Ruth faced discrimination, danger, and stereotypes - sound familiar? Her journey from outsider to beloved community member might just change how you see immigration today.

This sermon continues our series on the women of Jesus' genealogy. Appearing in the book of Ruth, Ruth is a woman who outlived all the male members of her family. This sermon focuses on her story.March 2nd, 2025 | The Women In Jesus' Genealogy: Ruth's Voice | First Presbyterian Church

This sermon continues our series on the women of Jesus' genealogy. Appearing in the book of Samuel, Bathsheba  is a woman who wasn't even considered worthy of a name. This sermon focuses on her story.February 23rd, 2025 | The Women In Jesus' Genealogy: Bathsheba's Voice | First Presbyterian Church

This sermon continues our series on the women of Jesus' genealogy. Appearing in the book of Joshua, Rahab is a woman who protected Israelite spies. This sermon focuses on her story.February 16th, 2025 | The Women In Jesus' Genealogy: Rahab's Voice | First Presbyterian Church

This sermon continues our series on the women of Jesus' genealogy. Appearing in the book of Joshua, Rahab is a prostitute who protected Israelite spies. This sermon focuses on her story.February 9th, 2025 | The Women In Jesus' Genealogy: Rahab's Voice | First Presbyterian Church

This sermon discusses the challenges and conflicts faced in society, condemning words and actions that go against Christian values. It emphasizes the importance of following Jesus' teachings and urges believers to be a light of hope in a world full of darkness and hate. January 26th, 2025 | Embracing Hope and Healing in a World of Conflict | Rev. Dr. Sue Coller | First Presbyterian Church

This sermon explores the concept of incarnation, focusing on how God's presence can be found in the simple, everyday aspects of life, as exemplified by Jesus' first miracle of turning water into wine, emphasizing the idea of God becoming flesh and dwelling among us. January 19th, 2025 | Everyday Miracles: Turning Water Into Wine | Rev. Dr. Sue Coller | First Presbyterian Church

Guest pastor Rev. Jane Holtzclaw shared more words of wisdom with our congregation in Sunday's service. January 12th, 2025 | Baptism of the Lord | Rev. Jane Holtzclaw | First Presbyterian Church

Having followed Scrooge's journey from past to present to future, now we ask "where do we go from here?". This service reflects on the true meaning of Christmas and features seasonal hymns and scriptures. December 29th, 2024 | A Christmas Carol: Where Do We Go From Here? | Dr. Kris Brammer | First Presbyterian Church

We conclude Scrooge's journey with the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come and explore how the birth of Christ provides a source of hope and the inspiration for a new beginning. December 22nd, 2024 | “The Hope of Christmas Future” | Rev. Dr. Sue Coller | First Presbyterian Church

This week we take inspiration from the Ghost of Christmas Present and explore the themes of gratitude and generosity. Let's unwrap the gift of Christmas Present to experience its transformative power during the holiday season and our lives every day of the year.

This sermon explores how holidays bring memories of past Christmases, both joyful moments and regrets. Drawing inspiration from the story of Scrooge, the sermon encourages reflection on our own past experiences to find wisdom, healing, and a deeper connection to God's grace. December 8, 2024 | “The Ghost of Christmas Past | Rev. Dr. Sue Coller | First Presbyterian Church

This sermon challenges the "Bah, Humbug" attitude that can often arise from holiday stress and instead encourages a shift towards finding joy, transformation, and deeper connections during Christmas. Learn how approaching the holidays with a different mindset can lead to a more meaningful and fulfilling experience. December 1st, 2024 | “Bah, Humbug!” or Making Change? | Rev. Dr. Sue Coller | First Presbyterian Church

Pastor Sue Coller emphasizes the idea that one cannot live in both the realm of God and the world simultaneously, that we ultimately have to choose one over the other. The Kingdom of God is portrayed as subversive and defying logic, with a focus on values such as generosity, service, and lack of grudges. The sermon contrasts this with the world, highlighting its potential for debt, self-interest, and lack of support for others. Despite the challenges, it ultimately presents the listener with the choice of who they want to be in the world - a kingdom person or a worldly person.

In a world filled with competing and often contradictory messages, it can be challenging to remain focused on living as people of God. This sermon will explore strategies for navigating the noise and staying loyal to the message of Jesus Christ. November 17th, 2024 | Navigating the Noise: Embracing God's Call in a Distracted World | Dr. Kris Brammer | First Presbyterian Church

This sermon investigates the role of risk-taking in making the world a better place. The audience is asked to reflect on their willingness to take risks with their resources, whether it be their own or those entrusted to them by others. Pastor Sue Coller emphasizes that all that we possess ultimately belongs to God. She explains how the parable of talents challenges individuals to step out in faith and take risks with what they have been given.

In this sermon, Pastor Sue Coller describes how money traps us with fleeting gratification and empty promises. She challenges us to instead follow our hearts and live with a mission for a more fulfilling and joyful life.  November 3rd, 2024 | Don't Fall For The Happiness Trap: Putting Money In Its Place | Rev. Dr. Sue Coller | First Presbyterian Church

Our value isn't tied to our bank accounts! That taking a spiritual perspective on money is the path to freedom. Join Pastor Sue Coller as she cautions listeners not to "break the gaze" and to instead keep our eyes, and our hearts, focused on Jesus. Part 1 of 3. First Presbyterian Church, Lincoln, Nebraska

Pastor Sue Babovec describes an exercise where she challenged a group of youth to think differently about how they form a circle. Despite their initial skepticism and resistance, they eventually realized the importance of changing their perspective and forming a circle by facing outward instead of inward. This metaphor illustrates the importance of shifting focus from self-centeredness to serving others.

Re. Sue Babovec

A Critical Faith Sermon by Rev. Dr. Sue Coller...

This sermon reminds us that divisions and suspicion of outsiders aren't unique to modern times. The experiences of early Christians illustrate how easily an "us vs them" mentality can turn people against one another. The church provided a place of safety and belonging for those early Christians, just as it does for us today. September 22nd, 2024 | Showing The World A Better Way: Overcoming The "Us vs Them" Mentality | Rev. Dr. Sue Coller | First Presbyterian Church

The sermon highlights the impact of personal experiences on political viewpoints. By reflecting on the distinction between individual grievances and ideological divides, Pastor Sue encourages understanding and empathy in political discourse. The audience is challenged to consider their own motivations, fears, and concerns regarding the upcoming election. September 15th, 2024 | Exploring the Root of Political Polarization: A Call for Empathy | Rev. Dr. Sue Coller | First Presbyterian Church

In a world divided by politics, this sermon calls for tearing down walls of hostility and embracing grace to work together for the common good. Despite the challenges and differences that may exist, the sermon highlights the potential for reconciliation and cooperation. September 8th, 2024 | Beyond Red and Blue: The Role of Faith and Grace in Healing Political Divisions | Rev. Dr. Sue Coller | First Presbyterian Church

What would our world be like if we focused on catching people doing something good, rather than catching them doing something wrong?   What would life be like if people experienced grace from us, and not judgment?  How would your experience of life be different if you focused on joy, and not fear? September 1st, 2024 | Choosing Love Over Judgment: A Radical Shift in Mindset | Rev. Dr. Sue Coller | First Presbyterian Church

A Critical Faith Sermon by Rev. Dr. Carl Eskridge...

This sermon delves into the timeless wisdom of King Solomon's prayer. Learn how this ancient prayer continues to offer guidance for living in a manner that reflects the heart of God. August 18th, 2024 | Divine Guidance: King Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom | Rev. Dr. Sue Coller | First Presbyterian Church

This sermon delves into the moment when Elijah finds himself in the depths of depression, longing for his life to end. The angel's compassionate care reminds us that God's people are valued regardless of their actions or circumstances. August 11th, 2024 | Divine Care: Lessons From Elijah's Despair | Rev. Lauren Peters | First Presbyterian Church

This sermon highlights the deep, universal hunger for significance, meaning, and recognition. It emphasizes how unmet spiritual hunger can lead to a sense of mere existence, devoid of purpose. By drawing a parallel between physical and spiritual hunger, the sermon underscores the transformative power of connecting with Jesus to fulfill our deepest needs, leading to a life imbued with meaning, purpose, and fulfillment. August 4th, 2024 | A Deeper Hunger: Exploring the Need for Significance and Meaning | Rev. Dr. Sue Coller | First Presbyterian Church