Sermons by Rory Naeve (Page 2)
Senior Pastor
Sister Wives
Sermon from July 23, 2017. The Scripture passage is Genesis29:15-28. It’s the story of Jacob trying to marry Rachel only to be given her older sister Leah. In some ways, it’s a beautiful love story about Jacob working 14 years for the woman he loves. But what about Leah? And what does any of it have to do with us?
Promises Kept and Broken
This sermon is based on Genesis 22:1-14 which is read before the sermon. Additionally, Genesis 18:1-15 was read earlier in the service to remind us of how special Isaac was to Abraham and Sarah. This sermon takes the Gen. 22 passage very seriously, and when you do, you can’t help but wonder about all of the people in the story. Abraham is willing to kill his own…
In the Beginning
Sermon on June 11, 2017. The Scripture passage is from Genesis 1:1-2:4a, an account of creation. Because this is audio, you’re missing out on the children’s artistic contributions to worship on this Sunday during the Scripture reading. They made posters the previous Wednesday depicting each of the days of creation and during the reading, they held up their…
Who Do You Think You Are?
Sermon from 6/4/17, Pentecost. The sermon is on Numbers 11:24-30, with some reference to Acts 2:1-21 since it is Pentecost The Numbers passage is such a good story. It foreshadows Christian Pentecost, and Moses puts some people in their place. The overarching theme running throughout the two passages in Numbers and Acts is the Spirit upon ALL flesh. Moses’ dream becomes a…
Ascend
Sermon from 5/28/17. The Scripture is Acts 1:6-14 but it also touches on I Peter 5:6-11 Jesus ascends into heaven, and then…? The disciples are left to their own devices. This whole new movement, church, Kingdom thing is left in their hands. What are they going to do with it? What are we going to do with it, now that it’s been handed to us? We are destined for…
Account for Hope
Sermon from 5/21/17 It’s based somewhat on I Peter 3:13-22 which is read before the sermon. But the sermon is mostly about Acts 17:22-31, which was read earlier in the service. In Acts, Paul goes to Athens (a city known for its wisdom, philosophy, and theology), and finds an altar “to an unknown god.” Paul then preaches that he can tell them about this Unknown God.…
Death Cannot Stop True Love
Sermon from May 14, 2017 based on the end of Acts 7, when Stephen is stoned to death. Admittedly, it’s a strange passage for Mother’s Day. But maybe it works? You decide. At any rate, it’s about what our mothers (biological and otherwise) give to us, which is far more than the greeting care sentimentality. Mothers are strong, brave, giving, and wise.…
Church 101
Sermon on May 7, 2017 The passage is about the church and who we are. The sermon compares the “business” of church with the account in Acts and instead finds a better metaphor than “business.” Church is home. Acts 2:42-47 & I Peter 2:2-10
Upside Down Grace
Sermon on April 30, 2017 This is a bit of elaboration on the Gospel message in the light of humorous reversal. Essentially, this sermon compares two “versions” of the Gospel story: one that emphasizes our inadequacy and the other that emphasizes grace. Both aspects are true, but the Gospel can often be used as a weapon rather than being the “good…
The Cross is Foolishness
Sermon on April 17, 2017. This Sunday, we celebrated the tradition of Holy Humor Sunday. It’s a day of reversal and of doing things a bit out of order. Turns out, it’s totally in line with the Gospel, too. One of the most universal aspects of humor is the frustration of expectation. It’s why comedians push the boundaries of acceptability with language or…