Shows
The Rev. Nick Lannon9/20/20 - We Want Fair; We Need Mercy (Matthew 20)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Matthew 20, in which Jesus tells the parable of the 11th hour workers. Humans think we want fair...but fair is bad news for sinners. The Good News is that God's fairness was laid on Christ on the cross, so that his mercy could be poured out on us.
2020-09-2221 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon9/13/20 - When Jesus Goes Missing (Matthew 18)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Matthew 18, in which Jesus tells a parable about an unforgiving servant. Is our forgiveness temporary? Can it be revoked? No. On account of Jesus' perfect sacrifice for us, we are reconciled to God forever.
2020-09-1524 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon9/6/20 - A Disciplined Church (Matthew 18)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Matthew 18, Jesus' plan for discipline in the church. Is there any Good News here? Yes! The church disciplines itself because of the Gospel, to enable the preaching of the Gospel, and then proclaims that Gospel to people, both within and without. And Jesus' forgiveness is what makes it all possible.
2020-09-0821 minThe Rev. Nick Lannon8/23/20 - You Are The Minotaur (Isaiah 51)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Isaiah 51, in which the prophet tells the people seeking after righteousness that they should keep their eyes on God. This is in contrast to the world's advice ("you do you") and false religion's advice ("become a better you"). The Gospel is that Christ has raised the dead you to new life.
2020-08-2419 minThe Rev. Nick Lannon8/16/20 - Forgiven Much (Genesis 45, Matthew 15)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Genesis 45, in which Joseph forgives his brothers, and Matthew 15, in which Jesus talks about what makes a person unclean. The bad news is that the problem is our hearts. The Good News is that our true measure is not how good our hearts are, but how much we've been forgiven.
2020-08-1816 minThe Rev. Nick Lannon8/9/20 - You Are That Bad, God Is That Good (Genesis 37)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Genesis 37, in which Joseph is sold into slavery by his brothers. Our two great mistakes are thinking that we're not desperate sinners, and that God is not that profound a savior. Both are untrue. God meets our great sin with, in Jesus Christ, even greater saving grace.
2020-08-1021 minThe Rev. Nick Lannon8/2/20 - Jesus Satisfies (Isaiah 55, Matthew 14)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Isaiah 55, in which the prophet tells the people not to work for what they can get for free, and Matthew 14, in which Jesus miraculously feeds a hungry crowd. There are two potential paths to satisfaction: the world's and Jesus. Jesus satisfies, and only Jesus satisfies.
2020-08-0418 minThe Rev. Nick Lannon7/26/20 - God Chooses Ugly (Genesis 29)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Genesis 29, in which Jacob loves Rachel more than Leah. Our God, though, does not choose like Jacob, choosing beauty over ugly. Our God chooses ugliness and sinners, showing the extent of his grace.
2020-07-2718 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon7/19/20 - Wheat In A Weedy World (Matthew 13)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Matthew 13, in which Jesus teaches a parable about wheat and weeds. The Good News is that we don't have to be the saviors, creating a perfect world by pulling out all the weeds. The Good News is that we have a savior who is not us.
2020-07-2016 minThe Rev. Nick Lannon7/12/20 - Good News And Good Soil (Matthew 13)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Matthew 13, in which Jesus tells (and interprets) the parable of the sower. If we look closely at this story, we will see that there is Good News for those of us worried about what kind of soil we've been sown on. There is Good News for sinners.
2020-07-1318 minThe Rev. Nick Lannon6/28/20 - A Miraculous Intervention (Genesis 22)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Genesis 22, in which God asks Abraham to sacrifice Isaac. Like Abraham in this awful moment, we need a miraculous intervention from God. There is Good News: like Abraham, we get just such an intervention.
2020-06-3021 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon6/21/20 - A Double Dose Of Good News (Romans 6)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Romans 6, in which Paul wonders if Christians should keep on sinning to get more and more access to God's grace. Of course not, he says. And then, he does something incredible: to combat sin, he preaches even more Good News.
2020-06-2317 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon6/14/20 - The Things That Are Not (Genesis 18)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Genesis 18, in which Sarah laughs at God's suggestion that she and Abraham will have a son. God, however, is faithful and a promise-keeper in the face of her faithlessness. This is Good News for us: God brings something out of nothing, life out of death, and a family from a barren womb.
2020-06-1615 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon6/7/20 - God Above You, For You, and With You (Genesis 1, Matthew 28)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Genesis 1, in which God creates, and Matthew 28, in which Jesus commissions his disciples. What does it mean that God is a trinity, three and one? It's Good News: it means he is your creator, your redeemer, and your sustainer, all at once.
2020-06-0915 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon5/31/20 - One at the Foot of the Cross (Acts 2)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Acts 2 for Pentecost Sunday, in which the Holy Spirit is released into the world. How can our fractured world be redeemed? By the release of the Holy Spirit through the proclamation of the Good News about Jesus Christ.
2020-06-0118 minThe Rev. Nick Lannon5/24/20 - A Victory For Sufferers (1 Peter 4-5, John 17)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on 1 Peter 4 and 5, in which the apostle tells his readers to rejoice in their sufferings, and John 17, in which Jesus prays for his disciples just before his arrest. There is Good News for sufferers: you are never alone, and your battle is already won in Christ.
2020-05-2619 minThe Rev. Nick Lannon5/17/20 - The Resurrection Is His Name (Acts 17)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Acts 17, in which Paul preaches to the Athenians in the Areopagus. Their urge to worship, he says, is correct...it's just aimed in the wrong direction. Paul gives them the name to worship: Jesus Christ, the one who was raised from the dead for the sins of the world.
2020-05-2214 minThe Rev. Nick Lannon5/10/20 - There Is A Way (Acts 7, John 14)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Acts 7, in which Stephen is martyred, and John 14, in which Jesus claims to be the way, the truth, and the life. How do we respond when we hear that there is a God, and that we're not him? We can put our fingers in our ears, or we can repent and beg for a savior. The Good News is that Jesus, that savior, is always there for us.
2020-05-1216 minThe Rev. Nick Lannon5/3/20 - A Good Shepherd And An Open Gate (John 10)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on John 10, in which Jesus refers to himself both as an open gate and a good shepherd. What Jesus is teaching us is that he's everything to us, and he is the source of our safety.
2020-05-0516 minThe Rev. Nick Lannon4/26/20 - A Contradiction That's Not A Contradiction (1 Peter 1)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on 1 Peter 1, in which the people are told that an impartial God will inspire "reverent fear." Our God, though, is both impartial (judging everyone fairly) and partial (loving only his righteous son). The Good News is that Jesus has covered us by his sacrifice for us, and for the sins of the world.
2020-04-2815 minThe Rev. Nick Lannon4/19/20 - A Glorious God, Grave Sinners, And A Grand Grace (Acts 2)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Acts 2, in which Peter preaches the first sermon after the resurrection. In just a few sentences, Peter tells the whole story of Christianity: God is glorious, we are grave sinners, and yet, we have a grand grace, on account of Christ, which saves us.
2020-04-2117 minThe Rev. Nick Lannon4/12/20 - Easter: Just Another Sermon (Romans 6, Mark 16)On Easter Sunday, the Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon about death and resurrection. Jesus', yes. But yours as well. The new life you have is a free gift from Jesus, on account of the empty tomb.
2020-04-1217 minThe Rev. Nick Lannon4/10/20 - Good Friday: With Jesus In Paradise (Luke 23)On Good Friday, the Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Jesus' comforting words to the thief on the cross: "Today, you will be with me in paradise." What Good News this is to those of us who, like that thief, are justly accused.
2020-04-1112 minThe Rev. Nick Lannon4/5/20 - Palms And An Insurrectionist (Matthew 21)On Palm Sunday, the Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon about the crowds desire for Jesus to liberate them from their Roman oppressors. He came to liberate them, for sure, but not in the way that anyone expected. He came to free them, not from worldly oppressors, but from sin and death.
2020-04-0714 minThe Rev. Nick Lannon3/29/20 - A Unique Fixer-Upper Opportunity (John 11)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on John 11, in which Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. Jesus has bad news for us: we're not fixer-uppers...we're dead. But there is Good News: Jesus raises the dead to new life.
2020-03-3116 minThe Rev. Nick Lannon3/22/20 - Now I See (John 9)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on John 9, in which Jesus heals a man born blind. That man decides that, while there is a lot about Jesus he doesn't understand and that is perhaps difficult to believe, the most important thing is that Jesus has given him his sight. In the same way, Jesus has opened our eyes. That means everything.
2020-03-2417 minThe Rev. Nick Lannon3/15/20 - Rejoice! You're Helpless (Romans 5, John 4)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Romans 5, in which Paul urges us to rejoice in our sufferings, and John 4, in which Jesus has a profound interaction with a Samaritan woman. It is only when our sufferings show us our helplessness and needs that we can rejoice: they point the way to our savior.
2020-03-1717 minThe Rev. Nick Lannon3/8/20 - High And Lifted Up (Numbers 21, John 3)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Numbers 21, in which the wandering Israelites are oppressed by poisonous snakes, and John 3, in which Jesus compares his own "lifting up" to the bronze serpent Moses lifts up in the wilderness, saving the people. Jesus is most exalted by being laid low; he saves us by being sacrificed on our behalf.
2020-03-1016 minThe Rev. Nick Lannon2/26/20 - An Ashen Confession (Matthew 6)On Ash Wednesday, the Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Matthew 6, in which Jesus cautions his followers not to draw attention to their acts of devotion. So what are we doing putting ash on our foreheads? Well, this ash is an admission of weakness, of humanity, of the need for a savior. Thankfully, in 40 days, we'll celebrate that savior's finished work.
2020-03-0312 minThe Rev. Nick Lannon3/1/20 - God Says (Genesis 2-3, Matthew 4)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Genesis 2-3, in which the serpent tempts Eve, and Matthew 4, in which Jesus is tempted in the wilderness. These two stories show us the Good News: that where we fall prey to doubt and sin, Jesus is faithful to the end.
2020-03-0319 minThe Rev. Nick Lannon2/26/20 - An Ashen Confession (Matthew 6)On Ash Wednesday, the Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Matthew 6, in which Jesus cautions his followers not to draw attention to their acts of devotion. So what are we doing putting ash on our foreheads? Well, this ash is an admission of weakness, of humanity, of the need for a savior. Thankfully, in 40 days, we'll celebrate that savior's finished work.
2020-02-2712 minThe Rev. Nick Lannon2/23/20 - Two Glories, One Gospel (Matthew 17:1-9)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Matthew 17:1-9, in which Jesus is transfigured on the mountaintop. The law and the prophets, while both glorious, might as well have no glory at all compared to the surpassing glory of the Good News of God in Christ: the salvation of sinners.
2020-02-2720 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon2/16/20 - Do Less, Believe More (1 Corinthians 3)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on 1 Corinthians 3, in which Paul chides the people for their divisions, telling them they're not ready for "solid food." How can we talk about spiritual maturity? Whenever Paul confronts bad behavior or immaturity, he does so by stoking faith. In other words, we don't need to do better...we need to believe more.
2020-02-1818 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon2/9/20 - Love, Grace, And Rules (Matthew 5:13-20)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Matthew 5:13-20, in which Jesus asks his followers to be salt and light to the world. How do we reconcile Christ's free gift of righteousness with this call to radical obedience? It is, in fact, that free gift which creates us anew, bringing forth obedience in our lives.
2020-02-1119 minThe Rev. Nick Lannon2/2/20 - Living And Dying In Peace (Luke 2:22-40)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Luke 2:22-40, in which the boy Jesus is presented in the Temple. Simeon is able to wait, in faith, on God to keep his promise. How? Aren't our lives about striving to fill void after void? The Good News is the God is a promise-keeper, and Jesus is his promise kept.
2020-02-0418 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon1/26/20 - Foolishness...Unless It's True (1 Corinthians 1)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on 1 Corinthians 1, in which Paul addresses some divisions in the Corinthian church. Jesus, he insists, is the only important thing, a message which sounds like foolishness to the world, but is the power of God to those who are being saved.
2020-01-2816 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon1/19/20 - God's Lethal Weapons (Isaiah 49)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Isaiah 49, in which Israel is sent out to witness to the nations. How can a sinful people do God's work? When it's actually God doing the work and when the work is to announce the Good News that God saves sinners!
2020-01-2117 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon1/12/20 - God Goes Public (Isaiah 42, Matthew 3)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Isaiah 42, in which God presents his Messiah to the world, and Matthew 3, in which Jesus is baptized by John in the Jordan River. Here, God is staking his reputation on Jesus, which is incredibly Good News for us: Jesus pleases God, and gives that pleasure to us as a free gift.
2020-01-1413 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon1/5/20 - Remember Who You Really Are (Ephesians 1)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Ephesians 1, in which Paul greets that church as though it's full of perfect disciples of Christ. But there's another truth: they're pretty profound sinners, too. Paul calls them to live a life worthy of their calling by reminding them of the Good News: their new (and true) identity in Christ.
2020-01-0719 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon12/29/19 - In Light Of The Gospel (Isaiah 61-62)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Isaiah 61-62, in which the prophet promises that God will be at work in the world today. Christmas has come and the savior Jesus has arrived...so now what? Well, God will keep his grace coming!
2019-12-3014 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon12/24/19 - The War Is Won At Christmas (Isaiah 9)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a Christmas sermon, focusing on Isaiah 9. The great wars of life, between men and women, people and animals, the way things are and the way they ought to be, and even the war between you and God...these wars are all won at Christmas, when savior is born to us.
2019-12-2515 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon12/22/19 - Engraved On God's Hands (Isaiah 49)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Isaiah 49, in which God promises never to forget his people. He takes that promise so seriously that, many years later at a place called The Skull, he'll forget--for a moment--his beloved son...all so he can remember you.
2019-12-2316 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon12/15/19 - God is Your Home (Isaiah 35)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Isaiah 35, in which the prophet describes a holy road, upon which God's redeemed people are going home. But how will they get there? The Messiah, Jesus Christ, will come and bring them.
2019-12-1717 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon12/8/19 - Shoot And Root (Isaiah 11)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Isaiah 11, in which the Messiah is described both as a root emerging from the stump of Jesse and as the root of Jesse. This shows the Good News that Jesus is both God and man, both righteous enough to bear the sin of the world and eligible to stand in our place.
2019-12-1016 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon12/1/19 - The Mountain Of The Lord (Isaiah 2)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Isaiah 2, in which the people of God are described as streaming up the mountain of the Lord, excited to receive his law. How did a sinful nation reach this point? It is by the announcement of the Good News, that their sins, which are like scarlet, will be made white as snow.
2019-12-0318 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon11/24/19 - One Christ, Two Kings (Colossians 1, Luke 23)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon for Christ the King Sunday, on Colossians 1 and Luke 23, which present Jesus as two very different kinds of kings: one who wears a golden crown as Lord of Heaven and Earth, and one who wears a thorny crown as redeemer of the world.
2019-12-0316 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon11/17/19 - Jesus Is Your Defense And Defender (Luke 21:5-19)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Luke 21:5-19, in which Jesus tells his followers not to prepare their defense in advance because he himself will be their defense. In Christ, there is no need for self-defense. The Good News is that he is our defender.
2019-11-1918 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon11/10/19 - Our Redeemer Lives (Job)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Job, in which a sufferer's three friends attempt to figure out why he's suffering. The Good News of Jesus Christ, however, enables us to instead ask "who." Who is suffering with us? Who suffered for us? Our risen redeemer did just that.
2019-11-1221 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon11/3/19 - Called Out Of The Tree (Luke 19)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Luke 19, in which Jesus calls Zacchaeus out of a tree and demands to be in a relationship with him. This is Good News for us sinners...Jesus came to seek out and to save the lost. He came to save us.
2019-11-0518 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon10/27/19 - Holy Enough To Save (Jeremiah 14, Luke 18)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Jeremiah 14, in which the sinful Israelites call out to God for help, and Luke 18, in which a tax collector cries out to God for mercy. The very God whose holiness reveals our sin is the only one holy enough to save us. The Good News is that, in Christ, he has.
2019-10-2916 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon10/20/19 - The Wrestler (Genesis 32)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Genesis 32, in which Jacob wrestles with God. Jacob, who has been wrestling with people his whole life, trying to get a blessing, finally realizes that only God can give what he's wanted all along.
2019-10-2217 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon10/13/19 - Comfort In Affliction (Luke 16:19-31)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Luke 16:19-31, in which Jesus tells a parable about a rich man and a poor man named Lazarus, who end up in hell and heaven, respectively. What is the Good News for those of us who aren't sure our stewardship makes us righteous? It's that our righteousness is secured in the accomplishments of Christ. Faith in him is credited to us as righteousness.
2019-10-1516 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon10/6/19 - New Mercies Every Morning (Lamentations 3)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Lamentations 3, in which God's mercies are said to be "new every morning." This is very Good News for those of us who are enmeshed in the world's expectation, that "if we're not growing, we're dying." Jesus meets us in that tomb, and he is a resurrection expert.
2019-10-1520 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon9/29/19 - Pursuing Righteousness (1 Timothy 6)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on 1 Timothy 6, in which Paul charges Timothy (and us) to pursue righteousness, and to keep God's commandments "without spot or blame." How are we to live in light of this radical call to holiness? We are to remember our sin, our need for a savior, and the Good News that that savior, Jesus, has come and completed his work.
2019-10-0117 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon9/22/19 - His Master's Possessions (Luke 16)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Luke 16, in which Jesus tells an odd parable about a dishonest manager. When we are generous, we are generous with what is God's. In the same way, Jesus is generous with his master's possession, giving us God's own goodness, which alone can save us.
2019-09-2418 minThe Rev. Nick Lannon9/15/19 - God Repents You (Luke 15)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Luke 15, in which Jesus tells a story about a lost sheep and a lost coin. There is much joy in heaven, he says, over a sinner who repents. But...does that make the Good News dependent on your repentance? Does it make the Good News less good? No...in fact, even repentance is a good work that God accomplishes in you, not something you have to create in yourself.
2019-09-2018 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon9/8/19 - Do What The Good Book Tells You To? (Deuteronomy 30)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Deuteronomy 30, in which Moses asks the people to make a choice: follow God and prosper, turn away and die. Is there Good News for those of us who continually make bad choices? Or who can't follow through on our good intentions? Yes, it's the finished work of Jesus Christ.
2019-09-1119 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon9/1/19 - Honor For The Dishonorable (Luke 14)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Luke 14, in which Jesus observes guests at a dinner party scrambling for honorable seats. Those who seek to exalt themselves will be humbled, he cautions. Here, he's talking about us. Those who seek to humble themselves, however, will be exalted. Here, he's talking about himself.
2019-09-0317 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon8/25/19 - You're Not Harry Potter And That's Good News (Jeremiah 1)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Jeremiah 1, in which the prophet, who protests about his weakness, is called into God's service. We servants of God are not like fantasy heroes, who have a great mission to accomplish. No, we are given Christ's great accomplishment to proclaim.
2019-08-2719 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon8/18/19 - Jesus Divides, Jesus Saves (Jeremiah 23)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Jeremiah 23, in which the prophet compares prophets who tell their own dreams to preachers who proclaim the word of God. The news is bad and good: bad, in that God has spoken, and we are found wanting. Good, in that Christ has come to save sinners.
2019-08-2718 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon8/11/19 - From Groundbreaking To Grand Opening (Hebrews 11)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Hebrews 11, in which God's faithful promise-keeping is illustrated through a description of the city promised to Abraham and his descendants and the fact that Sarah's barren womb is able to give Abraham descendants at all. Faith is of utmost importance, but it is God's faith that matters, not yours.
2019-08-1320 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon8/4/19 - Out Of Whoredom (Hosea 1)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Hosea 1, in which the prophet is told to marry Gomer, a "woman of whoredom." God is illustrating what it's like for him to be in relationship with us, his sinful people. But there is Good News: God will rescue us, at great cost, and remain faithful even when we are not.
2019-08-0618 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon7/28/19 - An Extravagant Giver (Luke 11)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Luke 11, in which Jesus teaches the disciples about prayer. What kind of listener is God? What kind of gift-giver? The Good News is that God is not like us: we give reluctantly; God gives overflowingly. We give after being hounded; God gives immediately. We give to people we think deserve it; God gives to the undeserving. We give when there's something in it for us; God gives everything--the life of his beloved son.
2019-07-3019 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon7/21/19 - Company is Coming (Luke 10)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Luke 10, in which Jesus is a guest in Mary and Martha's home. Martha works, Mary sits, and Jesus says that Mary has chosen the better part. The Good News is that we already have Jesus for us and there is no more work to be done.
2019-07-2317 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon7/7/19 - Wash And Be Clean (2 Kings 5)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on 2 Kings 5 in which the leper Naaman is angry that instead of being commanded to do a difficult thing to procure his healing, he is asked to do an easy thing instead. We who are saved by the grace of God are the recipients of an easy thing--a free gift--but it was not easy nor free for our savior, Jesus Christ.
2019-07-0918 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon6/30/19 - Christianity Is About Being Dead (Galatians 5)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Galatians 5, in which Paul contrasts the fruit of the Spirit with the works of the flesh. Contrary to popular belief, Christianity isn't about doing. It's about being...dead. Dead, that is, and then raised to new life.
2019-07-0919 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon6/23/19 - Everything Is Already Done (Galatians 3)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Galatians 3, in which Paul explains to Christians that they don't have to work anymore to get close to God. It is God's job, in Christ, to get close to them.
2019-06-2516 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon6/16/19 - Time Travel And The Demonic Trinity (Romans 5)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches on Trinity Sunday about the "demonic trinity": sin, death, and the devil. Christ's accomplishments on the cross (in the past) defeat all three, and make a life of peace possible in the present and in the future.
2019-06-2518 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon6/9/19 - The Spirit's Deeds Of Power (John 16, Acts 2, 2 Cor 5)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Pentecost Sunday about the Holy Spirit's deeds of power: first, he convicts us of our sin, then he participates in our redemption, and then he guarantees that it is really accomplished.
2019-06-2519 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon6/2/19 - More One Than Anyone (John 17)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on John 17, in which Jesus prays that his disciples be one. That's bad news and Good News: the bad news is that the law makes us one in our sin, while the Good News is that the Gospel makes us one in our salvation.
2019-06-0416 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon5/26/19 - If That's Not Love, What Is? (John 14)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on John 14, in which Jesus tell us that if we love him, we will keep his commandments. What kind of love is this? Is the truest love one that is connected to deeds or one that is separated from all deserving?
2019-06-0418 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon5/19/19 - No Matter Who You Are (Acts 11)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Acts 11, in which Peter has a vision about the Good News being available to the Gentiles. This doesn't mean that you're okay no matter who you are, it means that, no matter who you are, Jesus is for you.
2019-06-0416 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon5/12/19 - Out Of The Great Ordeal (Revelation 7:9-17)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Revelation 7:9-17, in which John has a vision of the throne room of God. These worshiping saints have come out of a great ordeal, he's told, and have been washed white in the blood of the lamb. We are such saints.
2019-05-1416 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon5/5/19 - Love Me Three Times (John 21:1-19)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on John 21:1-19, in which Peter, after Jesus' resurrection, proclaims his love for his savior three times. Jesus is about the business of fixing the broken things of the world. He is a redeemer.
2019-05-0714 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon4/28/19 - Your Faithfulness Is In His Wounds (John 20:19-31)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on John 20:19-31, in which Jesus appears to Thomas, who doubted his resurrection. We are all like Thomas, and the Good News is that Jesus shows up to the faithless, offering us his wounds and thereby giving us the faith we lack.
2019-05-0715 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon4/21/19 - Never A Soap Opera - Easter Day (Mark 16)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches an Easter sermon on Mark 16, in which the resurrected Jesus leaves a message for his disciples, and Peter. It's a message filled with hope: despite our broken promises, Jesus is a promise-keeper.
2019-04-2120 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon4/19/19 - Jesus Was Thirsty - Good FridayThe Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon for Good Friday, when Jesus gave his life for the sins of the world. When he proclaimed his thirst, it was proof that he was really a human, really suffering and dying, and really accomplishing the salvation of sinners.
2019-04-2015 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon4/7/19 - Towers Of Trash And A New Resume (Philippians 3)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Philippians 3, in which Paul says that all of his many accomplishments are like garbage compared to the value of knowing Christ. All of our efforts to build ourselves up are for nothing; our accomplishments are given to us by Christ.
2019-04-2014 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon3/31/19 - The Old, Old Story (Luke 15)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Luke 15, in which Jesus tells the famous parable of the prodigal son. What new thing can possibly be said about a story this old and well-known? Well, we don't look for new stories to tell, in fact. We tell--and retell--the old, old story of Jesus and his love.
2019-03-3116 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon3/24/19 - A Big Smiley-Face In The Sky (Luke 13:1-9)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Luke 13:1-9, in which Jesus tells a parable about an unfruitful fig tree. How are we to react when Jesus tells stories about the righteous anger of God poured out in his judgment of sin? We are to cling to the Good News! We have an intercessor, a savior, who steps between our sin and an angry God. It is Jesus who redeems us.
2019-03-2517 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon3/17/19 - The Imitation Game (Philippians 3:17-4:1)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Philippians 3:17-4:1, in which Paul tells his readers that they should imitate...him? The Good News that Paul proclaims to us is that we don't have to "live up" to our savior. Our savior comes down to us.
2019-03-2516 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon3/10/19 - Grace That Holds You (Romans 10:8-13)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Romans 10:8-13, in which Paul says that all who call upon the name of the Lord will be saved. That sounds like wonderful news, but can it possibly be true?
2019-03-2516 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon3/6/19 - You're Only Human (Ash Wednesday)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon for Ash Wednesday, a day on which we make a mark on our foreheads...not to show how spiritual we are, but how deeply needy we are. The Good News is that Jesus Christ died for needy sinners...he died for us.
2019-03-2511 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon3/3/19 - A Torn Veil (2 Corinthians 3)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on 2 Corinthians 3, in which Paul says that we can now approach God with boldness. But how is that possible, as sinners? Going back to Moses and to the crucifixion, we see that sinful people have always had to fear a holy God...until the intervention of Jesus Christ.
2019-03-2516 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon2/24/19 - You Are Made Complete (Gen 45, Luke 6)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Genesis 45, in which Joseph forgives his brothers, and Luke 6, in which Jesus commands a revolutionary love of neighbor. How is such a love possible? It can only exist in light of a prior love, the one-way love of God in Christ for a sinful person.
2019-02-2518 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon2/17/19 - The Good News Is No Platitude (Jeremiah 17:5-10)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Jeremiah 17, in which the prophet says that wise people trust in the Lord, while fools trust in their own strength. That's all well and good, but where is the Good News for those of who are addicted to our own strength? Spoiler alert: it's in Jesus.
2019-02-1815 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon2/10/19 - Jesus Won't Go Away (Isaiah 6, Luke 5)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Isaiah 6 and Luke 5, in which Isaiah and Peter (respectively) come into the presence of God. Both men, acknowledging their sinfulness, ask God to go away. And God, in his mercy, says "No."
2019-02-1218 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon2/3/19 - Not The Sorcerer's Apprentice (Jeremiah 1:4-10)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Jeremiah 1:4-10, in which Jeremiah receives his calling from God. Unlike fantasy heroes, God's servants are not given a great mission to accomplish. We are given a great accomplishment to proclaim: Jesus' victory for sinners.
2019-02-0520 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon1/27/19 - Favor For The Broken (Neh 8, Luke 4)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Nehemiah 8, in which the Israelites break down after hearing the law, and Luke 4, in which Jesus proclaims the year of the Lord's favor. Though the law always oppresses, the Gospel sets us free.
2019-01-3019 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon1/20/19 - The God Who Speaks (1 Cor 12, John 2)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on 1 Corinthians 12, in which Paul reminds the people that they used to worship mute idols, and John 2, in which Jesus reveals his power by turning water into wine. There is Good News for Christians: we worship a God who speaks, and what he says to us is Jesus.
2019-01-2214 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon1/13/19 - A Life Good Enough (Matthew 11:25-30)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Matthew 11:25-30, in which Jesus claims that his yoke is easy and his burden, light. How can this be true? Jesus yoke is easy because it is emblazoned with the words, "It is finished."
2019-01-1519 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon1/6/19 - That A-Ha Moment (Matthew 2:1-12)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Matthew 2:1-12, in which wise men come to visit the newborn Jesus. We call this "The Epiphany," but why? It's because the grace of God in Christ is a completely shocking revelation.
2019-01-0817 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon12/30/18 - God's Final Word (John 1:1-18)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on John 1:1-18, in which John says that while the law came through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. When trying to understand tensions like this, remember that the Law and Gospel are two different ways that God speaks to us...and that the Gospel always wins.
2018-12-3118 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon12/24/18 - That One Guy (Christmas Eve) (Luke 2:1-14)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Luke 2:1-14, in which an angel announces Jesus' birth to a group of shepherds. When we are afraid, God's first word to us is always, "Do not fear."
2018-12-2513 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon12/23/18 - A Joy To Sinful People (Matthew 1:18-25)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Matthew 1:18-25, in which an angel appears to Joseph to comfort him about the birth of Jesus. Jesus, it turns out, can always be found where there is discomfort, failure, and sin.
2018-12-2312 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon12/16/18 - Happy Advent, You Brood Of Vipers! (Luke 3:7-18)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Luke 3:7-18 in which John the Baptist tells the people to prepare for the coming of God. His advice? Be good. But when Jesus comes, he does things a little bit differently.
2018-12-1816 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon12/9/18 - Soap And Fire (Malachi 3:1-4)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Malachi 3:1-4, in which the prophet describes the coming God as a "refiner's fire" and "fuller's soap." These images are actually terrifying...until we remember the intervention of our savior, Jesus Christ.
2018-12-1114 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon12/2/18 - Fear, Foreboding, And Redemption (Luke 21:25-36)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Luke 21:25-36, in which Jesus warns of a coming cataclysm. He also promises that redemption is drawing near. This transition, from fear and foreboding to redemption, is the essence of the Good News.
2018-12-0416 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon11/25/18 - Christ Is King And Savior (2 Sam 23, John 18)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon about Christ as King. Ultimately, Jesus is two kings at once: one who wears a jeweled crown as King of Heaven and one who wears a crown of thorns as savior of the world.
2018-11-2716 min
The Rev. Nick Lannon11/18/18 - The God Who Rescues (Daniel 6:16-28)The Rev. Nick Lannon preaches a sermon on Daniel 6, in which Daniel is thrown to the lions. Daniel knows that he worships a unique God: one who makes laws that matter, yes, but finally, one who rescues.
2018-11-2015 min