Sunnyside Presbyterian Church

Sermon on 2 Corinthians 4:16--5:10. This is the fourth sermon in our seven-week sermon series called Church Work.In a world as complex and hard to navigate as our own, we might wonder what issues we ought to care about. What is the work of the church in the world? As we spend time with Paul's second letter to the Corinthian church, we can discern several tasks that are the church's to do. Although we live in a very different time and place than did the believers in Corinth, we have been called by the same God to share the same good news to the world, and each week we'll focus on what we can do as we love God and others today.In this sermon, we explore how earthly life is temporary, but as resurrection people we walk by faith, loving one another.

Sermon on 2 Corinthians 4:1-15. This is the third sermon in our seven-week sermon series called Church Work.In a world as complex and hard to navigate as our own, we might wonder what issues we ought to care about. What is the work of the church in the world? As we spend time with Paul's second letter to the Corinthian church, we can discern several tasks that are the church's to do. Although we live in a very different time and place than did the believers in Corinth, we have been called by the same God to share the same good news to the world, and each week we'll focus on what we can do as we love God and others today.In this sermon, we explore how the church's work is to proclaim Christ, not ourselves, trusting God's power in our fragile, broken humanity.

Sermon on 2 Corinthians 2:1-10. This is the second sermon in our seven-week sermon series called Church Work.In a world as complex and hard to navigate as our own, we might wonder what issues we ought to care about. What is the work of the church in the world? As we spend time with Paul's second letter to the Corinthian church, we can discern several tasks that are the church's to do. Although we live in a very different time and place than did the believers in Corinth, we have been called by the same God to share the same good news to the world, and each week we'll focus on what we can do as we love God and others today.In this sermon, we explore how forgiveness isn't optional for Christians—it's costly, God-given work that seeks restoration without demanding forgetfulness.

Sermon on 2 Corinthians 1:1-11. This is the first sermon in our seven-week sermon series called Church Work.In a world as complex and hard to navigate as our own, we might wonder what issues we ought to care about. What is the work of the church in the world? As we spend time with Paul's second letter to the Corinthian church, we can discern several tasks that are the church's to do. Although we live in a very different time and place than did the believers in Corinth, we have been called by the same God to share the same good news to the world, and each week we'll focus on what we can do as we love God and others today.In this sermon, we explore how because Christ entered our suffering, the church must meet all grief with consolation, not criticism.

Sermon on Jeremiah 33:14-18, 31:31-34. This is the fifth and final sermon in our five-week sermon series called Faith in Exile.Although Jeremiah didn't preach much during the time of the Exile, his prophetic foresight paved a way for Israel to be faithful as they were taken captive in Babylon. We, too, are in exile, as citizens of heaven dwelling on earth - therefore, we can learn from Jeremiah how to live faithfully here. Each week during this Jeremiah-focused sermon series, we'll focus on an aspect of our earthly life we can anticipate and prepare for.In this sermon, we explore how God's promise in the new covenant is that God will hold onto us, no matter what.

Sermon on Jeremiah 32:1-3, 6-15. This is the fourth sermon in our five-week sermon series called Faith in Exile.Although Jeremiah didn't preach much during the time of the Exile, his prophetic foresight paved a way for Israel to be faithful as they were taken captive in Babylon. We, too, are in exile, as citizens of heaven dwelling on earth - therefore, we can learn from Jeremiah how to live faithfully here. Each week during this Jeremiah-focused sermon series, we'll focus on an aspect of our earthly life we can anticipate and prepare for.In this sermon, we explore how even when circumstances seem hopeless, God always offers us hope.

Sermon on Jeremiah 29:1, 4-14. This is the third sermon in our five-week sermon series called Faith in Exile.Although Jeremiah didn't preach much during the time of the Exile, his prophetic foresight paved a way for Israel to be faithful as they were taken captive in Babylon. We, too, are in exile, as citizens of heaven dwelling on earth - therefore, we can learn from Jeremiah how to live faithfully here. Each week during this Jeremiah-focused sermon series, we'll focus on an aspect of our earthly life we can anticipate and prepare for.In this sermon, we explore how God sends us into exile not as abandonment but as a call to seek the shalom of others, trusting that their welfare and ours are bound together.

These reflections on Micah 6:8 and Luke 24:13-35 come from our high schoolers after their return from a summer retreat at Montreat. We give thanks for the experiences and thoughts shared by Bea, Eva, Pastor Susan, Tristan, Lee, Favour, Warren, Brian, Nancy, Trent, Melanie, and Sam.

Sermon on Jeremiah 18:1-11. This is the second sermon in our five-week sermon series called Faith in Exile.Although Jeremiah didn't preach during the time of the Exile, his prophetic foresight paved a way for Israel to be faithful as they were taken captive in Babylon. We, too, are in exile, as citizens of heaven dwelling on earth - therefore, we can learn from Jeremiah how to live faithfully here. Each week during this Jeremiah-focused sermon series, we'll focus on an aspect of our earthly life we can anticipate and prepare for.In this sermon, we explore how God never abandons or forsakes us, but continues to shape us toward holiness.

Sermon on Jeremiah 1:1-10. This is the first sermon in our five-week sermon series called Faith in Exile.Although Jeremiah didn't preach during the time of the Exile, his prophetic foresight paved a way for Israel to be faithful as they were taken captive in Babylon. We, too, are in exile, as citizens of heaven dwelling on earth - therefore, we can learn from Jeremiah how to live faithfully here. Each week during this Jeremiah-focused sermon series, we'll focus on an aspect of our earthly life we can anticipate and prepare for.In this sermon, we explore how God calls ordinary, doubting people, not because of their qualifications, but because God loves and knows them before they even know themselves.

Sermon on Philippians 3:1-21. This is the seventh and final sermon in our seven-week sermon series called Marks of the Christian.Since we trust that our lives have been marked by Jesus Christ, there are certain similarities we will all experience, regardless of when or where we follow Jesus. These marks include positive and negative experiences. As we remember the way the early church followed Jesus and modeled their lives after him, we'll consider some shared experiences we all have as those marked by Christ.In this sermon, we explore how God's grace calls us not to earn it or abuse it, but to be continually transformed by it.

Sermon on Philippians 2:1-13. This is the fifth sermon in our seven-week sermon series called Marks of the Christian.Since we trust that our lives have been marked by Jesus Christ, there are certain similarities we will all experience, regardless of when or where we follow Jesus. These marks include positive and negative experiences. As we remember the way the early church followed Jesus and modeled their lives after him, we'll consider some shared experiences we all have as those marked by Christ.In this sermon, we explore how true Christian exaltation follows Christ's pattern of self-emptying love, serving others rather than grasping for status or recognition.

Sermon on Philippians 1:1-18. This is the fourth sermon in our seven-week sermon series called Marks of the Christian.Since we trust that our lives have been marked by Jesus Christ, there are certain similarities we will all experience, regardless of when or where we follow Jesus. These marks include positive and negative experiences. As we remember the way the early church followed Jesus and modeled their lives after him, we'll consider some shared experiences we all have as those marked by Christ.In this sermon, we explore how every believer is called to participate in the work of the gospel, regardless of their situation.

Sermon on Acts 17:16-31. This is the third sermon in our seven-week sermon series called Marks of the Christian.Since we trust that our lives have been marked by Jesus Christ, there are certain similarities we will all experience, regardless of when or where we follow Jesus. These marks include positive and negative experiences. As we remember the way the early church followed Jesus and modeled their lives after him, we'll consider some shared experiences we all have as those marked by Christ.In this sermon, we explore how proclamation requires speaking truth in a way another person can hear.

Sermon on Acts 16:16-34. This is the second sermon in our seven-week sermon series called Marks of the Christian.Since we trust that our lives have been marked by Jesus Christ, there are certain similarities we will all experience, regardless of when or where we follow Jesus. These marks include positive and negative experiences. As we remember the way the early church followed Jesus and modeled their lives after him, we'll consider some shared experiences we all have as those marked by Christ.In this sermon, we explore how even in life's darkest imprisonments, faithful singing proclaims Christ's hope and sets others free.

Sermon on Acts 9:1-19. This is the first sermon in our seven-week sermon series called Marks of the Christian.Since we trust that our lives have been marked by Jesus Christ, there are certain similarities we will all experience, regardless of when or where we follow Jesus. These marks include positive and negative experiences. As we remember the way the early church followed Jesus and modeled their lives after him, we'll consider some shared experiences we all have as those marked by Christ.In this sermon, we explore how God's grace breaks open even the most hardened hearts, transforming enemies into siblings.

Sermon on John 20:19-31. This is the sixth and final sermon in our six-week sermon series called One for All.Prior to Jesus' sentencing and death, the high priest, Caiaphas, prophesied that it would be better for one man to die than the entire nation to be destroyed. This exchange - one for all - is the focus of our Lenten and Easter sermon series. In offering his life up for us all, Jesus experienced betrayal from all sides. Despite this suffering, Jesus would overcome death and all the forces of evil, becoming the one who was given for all to live.In this sermon, we explore how the risen Christ meets us exactly where we are, through locked doors, wounds, and doubts, and offers peace.

Sermon on John 20:1-18. This is the fifth sermon in our six-week sermon series called One for All.Prior to Jesus' sentencing and death, the high priest, Caiaphas, prophesied that it would be better for one man to die than the entire nation to be destroyed. This exchange - one for all - is the focus of our Lenten and Easter sermon series. In offering his life up for us all, Jesus experienced betrayal from all sides. Despite this suffering, Jesus would overcome death and all the forces of evil, becoming the one who was given for all to live.In this sermon, we explore how the resurrection of Jesus overturns our self-told stories and invites us into God's greater narrative.

Maundy Thursday is an ancient service in which we remember the command Christ gave his disciples: to love one another as he loved us. "Command" is mandatum in Latin, which is where we get the word "Maundy." During Holy Week, the week between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday, Maundy Thursday marks the turn from adulation to betrayal.This service features a short homily along with communion, handwashing, and the stripping of the chancel to prepare for the grief of Good Friday.

Sermon on John 12:12-27. This is the fourth sermon in our six-week sermon series called One for All.Prior to Jesus' sentencing and death, the high priest, Caiaphas, prophesied that it would be better for one man to die than the entire nation to be destroyed. This exchange - one for all - is the focus of our Lenten and Easter sermon series. In offering his life up for us all, Jesus experienced betrayal from all sides. Despite this suffering, Jesus would overcome death and all the forces of evil, becoming the one who was given for all to live.In this sermon, we explore how Jesus came not to overthrow political oppression, but to reclaim all human hearts from sin.

Sermon on John 18:28-40. This is the third sermon in our six-week sermon series called One for All.Prior to Jesus' sentencing and death, the high priest, Caiaphas, prophesied that it would be better for one man to die than the entire nation to be destroyed. This exchange - one for all - is the focus of our Lenten and Easter sermon series. In offering his life up for us all, Jesus experienced betrayal from all sides. Despite this suffering, Jesus would overcome death and all the forces of evil, becoming the one who was given for all to live.In this sermon, we explore how Pilate chooses crowd approval over truth, while Jesus faithfully stands in sacrificial love.

Sermon on John 18:28-40. This is the second sermon in our six-week sermon series called One for All.Prior to Jesus' sentencing and death, the high priest, Caiaphas, prophesied that it would be better for one man to die than the entire nation to be destroyed. This exchange - one for all - is the focus of our Lenten and Easter sermon series. In offering his life up for us all, Jesus experienced betrayal from all sides. Despite this suffering, Jesus would overcome death and all the forces of evil, becoming the one who was given for all to live.In this sermon, we explore how Jesus reveals truth's light, calling us to discern truth through love of God and neighbor.

Sermon on John 18:12-27. This is the first sermon in our six-week sermon series called One for All.Prior to Jesus' sentencing and death, the high priest, Caiaphas, prophecied that it would be better for one man to die than the entire nation to be destroyed. This exchange - one for all - is the focus of our Lenten and Easter sermon series. In offering his life up for us all, Jesus experienced betrayal from all sides. Despite this suffering, Jesus would overcome death and all the forces of evil, becoming the one who was given for all to live.In this sermon, we explore how faithful love for Christ may create enemies, and grace restores us when we fail.

Sermon on John 13:1-17. This is the fifth and final sermon in our five-week sermon series called For Everyone Born.The good news of the gospel is intended "For Everyone Born," in the words of the hymn. Jesus came for all kinds of people - both those like and unlike us. As we encounter the different characters who interact with Jesus as he travels to Jerusalem, we are invited to ensure out faith is good news for each person we meet as well.In this sermon, we explore how Jesus kneels to cleanse us, revealing love that serves and transforms.

Sermon on John 11:17-44. This is the fourth sermon in our five-week sermon series called For Everyone Born.The good news of the gospel is intended "For Everyone Born," in the words of the hymn. Jesus came for all kinds of people - both those like and unlike us. As we encounter the different characters who interact with Jesus as he travels to Jerusalem, we are invited to ensure out faith is good news for each person we meet as well.In this sermon, we explore how God's love defeats death, bringing life, joy, and flourishing.

Sermon on John 9:1-41. This is the third sermon in our five-week sermon series called For Everyone Born.The good news of the gospel is intended "For Everyone Born," in the words of the hymn. Jesus came for all kinds of people - both those like and unlike us. As we encounter the different characters who interact with Jesus as he travels to Jerusalem, we are invited to ensure out faith is good news for each person we meet as well.In this sermon, we explore how Christ's light transforms blindness into faith through patient, personal encounter.

Sermon on John 4:46-5:18. This is the second sermon in our five-week sermon series called For Everyone Born.The good news of the gospel is intended "For Everyone Born," in the words of the hymn. Jesus came for all kinds of people - both those like and unlike us. As we encounter the different characters who interact with Jesus as he travels to Jerusalem, we are invited to ensure out faith is good news for each person we meet as well.In this sermon, we explore how God's grace heals by compassion, not fairness, and calls us to live transformed lives.

Sermon on John 4:1-42. This is the first sermon in our five-week sermon series called For Everyone Born.The good news of the gospel is intended "For Everyone Born," in the words of the hymn. Jesus came for all kinds of people - both those like and unlike us. As we encounter the different characters who interact with Jesus as he travels to Jerusalem, we are invited to ensure out faith is good news for each person we meet as well.In this sermon, we explore how Jesus meets the excluded with grace, stretching God's welcome wider than we dare.

Sermon on John 3:1-21. This is the fifth and final sermon in our five-week sermon series called Love Has Come.When Jesus comes into the world, everything changes! This sermon series will focus on how Jesus' love and presence impacted lives in his time and continue to impact our lives today. Drawing inspiration from the hymn "Love Has Come," the titles of these sermons point toward ways Jesus invites us into the heavenly song of praise and thanksgiving.In this sermon, we explore how God's love rebirths the world through Christ, not condemnation, but healing and new life.

Sermon on John 2:13-25. This is the fourth sermon in our five-week sermon series called Love Has Come.When Jesus comes into the world, everything changes! This sermon series will focus on how Jesus' love and presence impacted lives in his time and continue to impact our lives today. Drawing inspiration from the hymn "Love Has Come," the titles of these sermons point toward ways Jesus invites us into the heavenly song of praise and thanksgiving.In this sermon, we explore how Jesus disrupts false sanctuary to make room for God's living presence within us.

Sermon on John 2:1-11. This is the third sermon in our five-week sermon series called Love Has Come.When Jesus comes into the world, everything changes! This sermon series will focus on how Jesus' love and presence impacted lives in his time and continue to impact our lives today. Drawing inspiration from the hymn "Love Has Come," the titles of these sermons point toward ways Jesus invites us into the heavenly song of praise and thanksgiving.In this sermon, we explore how Jesus reveals God's abundant love, inviting us to flourish rather than merely survive.

Sermon on John 1:35-51. This is the second sermon in our five-week sermon series called Love Has Come.When Jesus comes into the world, everything changes! This sermon series will focus on how Jesus' love and presence impacted lives in his time and continue to impact our lives today. Drawing inspiration from the hymn "Love Has Come," the titles of these sermons point toward ways Jesus invites us into the heavenly song of praise and thanksgiving.In this sermon, we explore how Jesus invites us not to have all the answers, but to come, see, and follow.

Sermon on Luke 2:1-20. This is the first sermon in our five-week sermon series called Love Has Come.When Jesus comes into the world, everything changes! This sermon series will focus on how Jesus' love and presence impacted lives in his time and continue to impact our lives today. Drawing inspiration from the hymn "Love Has Come," the titles of these sermons point toward ways Jesus invites us into the heavenly song of praise and thanksgiving.In this sermon, we explore how God enters a weary, grievance-filled world not with power, but with vulnerable, authentic love.

Sermon on John 1:1-18. This is the fourth and final sermon in our four-week sermon series called The Promise of Life.This short Advent series focuses on the promises God made to Israel for new life after the exile. Jesus fulfills these promises in his incarnation, so we wait in anticipation for Jesus to be born among us once again, trusting that God will bring us life.In this sermon, we explore how God's Word becomes flesh, inviting us into real, embodied relationships of grace and truth.

Sermon on Ezekiel 37:1-14. This is the second sermon in our four-week sermon series called The Promise of Life.This short Advent series focuses on the promises God made to Israel for new life after the exile. Jesus fulfills these promises in his incarnation, so we wait in anticipation for Jesus to be born among us once again, trusting that God will bring us life.In this sermon, we explore how God breathes hope and new life into our dry, lifeless places, again and again.

Sermon on Jeremiah 29:1, 4-14. This is the first sermon in our four-week sermon series called The Promise of Life.This short Advent series focuses on the promises God made to Israel for new life after the exile. Jesus fulfills these promises in his incarnation, so we wait in anticipation for Jesus to be born among us once again, trusting that God will bring us life.In this sermon, we explore how God promises real shalom—not nostalgia—and calls us to seek flourishing where we are.

Sermon on Isaiah 9:1-7. This is the sixth and final sermon in our six-week sermon series called God Speaks.Different people hear God in different ways. How does God speak to you? Throughout Israel's history, God has spoken in many ways--all ways God continues to speak today. As we listen for God's voice and prepare for the arrival of God's Son, let Israel's history prompt you to hear what God is speaking to you.In this sermon, we explore how Christ sovereignly brings light, hope, and peace when our world feels dark and unstable.

Sermon on Amos 1:1-2; 5:14-15, 21-24. This is the fifth sermon in our six-week sermon series called God Speaks.Different people hear God in different ways. How does God speak to you? Throughout Israel's history, God has spoken in many ways--all ways God continues to speak today. As we listen for God's voice and prepare for the arrival of God's Son, let Israel's history prompt you to hear what God is speaking to you.In this sermon, we explore how God's justice flows like water—eroding sin, rejecting double standards, and renewing community.

Sermon on 1 Kings 19:1-28. This is the fourth sermon in our six-week sermon series called God Speaks.Different people hear God in different ways. How does God speak to you? Throughout Israel's history, God has spoken in many ways--all ways God continues to speak today. As we listen for God's voice and prepare for the arrival of God's Son, let Israel's history prompt you to hear what God is speaking to you.In this sermon, we explore how when God seems silent, we're invited to rest, pray, and trust new life.

Sermon on 1 Samuel 3:1-21. This is the third sermon in our six-week sermon series called God Speaks.Different people hear God in different ways. How does God speak to you? Throughout Israel's history, God has spoken in many ways--all ways God continues to speak today. As we listen for God's voice and prepare for the arrival of God's Son, let Israel's history prompt you to hear what God is speaking to you.In this sermon, we explore how God dwells among us—not in perfection or grandeur, but in presence, promise, and grace.

Sermon on 1 Samuel 16:1-13 and Psalm 51:10-14. This is the second sermon in our six-week sermon series called God Speaks.Different people hear God in different ways. How does God speak to you? Throughout Israel's history, God has spoken in many ways--all ways God continues to speak today. As we listen for God's voice and prepare for the arrival of God's Son, let Israel's history prompt you to hear what God is speaking to you.In this sermon, we explore how God calls ordinary people by grace, seeing the heart rather than outward strength or status.

Sermon on 1 Samuel 3:1-21. This is the first sermon in our six-week sermon series called God Speaks.Different people hear God in different ways. How does God speak to you? Throughout Israel's history, God has spoken in many ways--all ways God continues to speak today. As we listen for God's voice and prepare for the arrival of God's Son, let Israel's history prompt you to hear what God is speaking to you.In this sermon, we explore how when we listen for God, God's Word convicts us of sin yet speaks an even louder word of grace.

Sermon on Exodus 16:1-18. This is the fifth and final sermon in our fall sermon series called Blessings of God.As we kick off the fall, we'll look at the foundational stories of Israel through the lens of gratitude and blessing. With each step of the journey taken by God's people, they encounter another blessing God offers them. Some are obvious; others are disguised by circumstance. Through this series, we'll begin to see the blessings God gives us today.In this sermon, we explore how even in our complaining and rebellion, God provides what we need.

Sermon on Exodus 2:23-25; 3:1-15; 4:10-17. This is the fourth sermon in our fall sermon series called Blessings of God.As we kick off the fall, we'll look at the foundational stories of Israel through the lens of gratitude and blessing. With each step of the journey taken by God's people, they encounter another blessing God offers them. Some are obvious; others are disguised by circumstance. Through this series, we'll begin to see the blessings God gives us today.In this sermon, we explore how God appears as a holy companion, showing up unexpectedly and calling hesitant people.

Sermon on Genesis 27:1-4, 15-23; 28:10-17. This is the third sermon in our fall sermon series called Blessings of God.As we kick off the fall, we'll look at the foundational stories of Israel through the lens of gratitude and blessing. With each step of the journey taken by God's people, they encounter another blessing God offers them. Some are obvious; others are disguised by circumstance. Through this series, we'll begin to see the blessings God gives us today.In this sermon, we explore how God blesses even imperfect followers, opening heaven through Christ who sees, knows, and redeems us.

Sermon on Genesis 21:1-3; 22:1-14. This is the second sermon in our fall sermon series called Blessings of God.As we kick off the fall, we'll look at the foundational stories of Israel through the lens of gratitude and blessing. With each step of the journey taken by God's people, they encounter another blessing God offers them. Some are obvious; others are disguised by circumstance. Through this series, we'll begin to see the blessings God gives us today.In this sermon, we explore how God does not demand child sacrifice but provides, calling us to trust, gratitude, and faithful living.

Sermon on Genesis 1:1--2:4a. This is the first sermon in our fall sermon series called Blessings of God.As we kick off the fall, we'll look at the foundational stories of Israel through the lens of gratitude and blessing. With each step of the journey taken by God's people, they encounter another blessing God offers them. Some are obvious; others are disguised by circumstance. Through this series, we'll begin to see the blessings God gives us today.In this sermon, we explore how as God's image bearers, we are stewards of God's creation, called to love God's world and one another.

Sermon on Ecclesiastes 2:18-3:8. This is the fifth and final sermon in our summer sermon series called Wisdom.Scripture's poetry and wisdom literature can be difficult to understand. We'll end the summer with a short survey of the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, both of which will remind us of the importance of wisdom working hand-in-hand with the Lord we serve.In this sermon, we explore how instead of trying to control our lives, we can choose to find joy in them.

Sermon on Ecclesiastes 1:1-18. This is the fourth sermon in our summer sermon series called Wisdom.Scripture's poetry and wisdom literature can be difficult to understand. We'll end the summer with a short survey of the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, both of which will remind us of the importance of wisdom working hand-in-hand with the Lord we serve.In this sermon, we explore how life's seeming vanity is transformed by Christ, who assures us we matter to God beyond control or achievement.

Sermon on Proverbs 8:22-36. This is the third sermon in our summer sermon series called Wisdom.Scripture's poetry and wisdom literature can be difficult to understand. We'll end the summer with a short survey of the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, both of which will remind us of the importance of wisdom working hand-in-hand with the Lord we serve.In this sermon, we explore how wisdom is much more than a set of abstract principles - wisdom is a journeying companion.

Sermon on Proverbs 3:1-18. This is the second sermon in our summer sermon series called Wisdom.Scripture's poetry and wisdom literature can be difficult to understand. We'll end the summer with a short survey of the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, both of which will remind us of the importance of wisdom working hand-in-hand with the Lord we serve.In this sermon, we explore how wisdom grows through daily choices, guiding us to trust God in every season.