Sermons from Ascension Lutheran Church, RPV

In this powerful and intimate sermon on the Song of Songs, Pastor Scott invites us to rediscover God's passionate, personal love for His people. Often overlooked, this book—traditionally read during Passover—celebrates the beauty of human love and sexuality, the power of worship, and the depth of divine intimacy. We are challenged to pursue God with the same vulnerability, joy, and wholeheartedness as lovers pursuing one anoth...

In this sermon on the book of Haggai, Pastor Scott reminds us that God's word no longer flows only through prophets or temples—it now lives within us. As Haggai urged the people to rebuild the temple, we are called to carry the presence of Christ into the world. We are loved not because we're perfect, but because God's grace makes us lovable. That same grace empowers us to speak life, hope, and peace to a world longi...

In this kickoff to the summer series on the Bible’s shortest books, Pastor Scott explores Obadiah’s message of judgment, justice, and hope. He unpacks the story of the Edomites and their betrayal, showing how Obadiah shifts from condemning a nation to confronting all humanity. Ultimately, we are reminded that true Israel is not a place but a people—those who wrestle with God—and that Christ alone is our King in a world longing for ...

On this Pentecost Sunday, guest preacher Julie Smith, LCMC’s new Service Ministries Coordinator, reflects on the Spirit’s power to break us open and send us out. Just as the disciples were filled with “new wine” and spoke in every heart’s native tongue, we too are called—right where we are—to carry Christ’s promise into the world. God knows your story, speaks your language, and is already pouring out His Spirit through you.

We ...

In this sermon on the Great Commission, we’re reminded that the resurrection of Jesus didn’t just mark the end of His story—it launched a new way of living. Pastor Scott challenges us to tune out the distractions of modern life and rediscover the power of the risen Christ and His ever-present Spirit. The same Holy Spirit that empowered the early church is alive in us today, calling us to live boldly, make disciples, and walk in res...

This sermon explores how the resurrection of Jesus transformed our relationship with God—from a distant, untouchable holiness to an intimate, embodied presence. Through the story of Thomas, we see that Jesus invites us to draw near, to touch, and to believe—even in our doubt—reminding us that his power is not to destroy, but to restore. Blessed are we who have not seen, yet still believe.

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In this special Mother's Day sermon, guest preacher Stephanie Hughes reflects on the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus, exploring how we often fail to see that Christ walks beside us in our everyday lives. Drawing from scripture, philosophy, and embodied faith, she invites listeners to slow down, nourish their spiritual vision, and embrace the peace of God's constant presence—especially in a world full of noise...

The sermon explores how the resurrection appearances of Jesus call us to live each day as if Christ died yesterday, rose today, and will return tomorrow, breaking through human tendencies toward negativity, fear of loss, and resistance to change. Reflecting on the Pharisees’ attempt to suppress the truth of the resurrection and the disciples’ initial confusion, it emphasizes how Jesus personally calls each of us by name—transformin...

This sermon emphasizes the significance of humility and service, illustrated through the act of foot washing, as modeled by Jesus during the Passover feast. It encourages participants to engage in acts of love and service, reflecting on the importance of physical actions in spiritual practice, such as taking communion and washing feet, while preparing for the journey to the cross. The message invites everyone to embody this servant...

This sermon emphasizes the significance of women as the first witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus, challenging cultural norms of inadequacy that existed in both Roman and Jewish societies. It highlights how Jesus intentionally chose women to deliver the most important message in history, symbolizing a transformative shift in perception and value, as everything changes through the light of the resurrection. This message encourage...

This sermon for Palm Sunday emphasizes the chaos and turmoil in Jerusalem as Jesus enters on a donkey, fulfilling the prophecy from Zechariah. This moment highlights the conflicting expectations of the people, who hoped for a Messiah to liberate them from Roman oppression, yet Jesus had a much broader mission of salvation that transcended their immediate desires. This message encourages us to recognize our limited vision of salvati...

The sermon emphasizes the doctrine of "simul justus et peccator", meaning that every individual is simultaneously a saint and a sinner. It highlights the importance of recognizing our inherent flaws—described as being "naked," "wretched," and "fouled"—while also affirming that God loves and values us deeply, as demonstrated by Christ's sacrifice. This duality encourages compassion toward...

Guest Pastor John Bromhal, author of "Living Greatness - 28 Days to a Cruciform Life," emphasizes the importance of listening to Jesus and responding to God's call in our lives, as illustrated by his journey from a press mechanic to a pastor, highlighting the transformative power of obedience to God's voice. It discusses the significance of worshiping in spirit and truth, encouraging us to enter into God's ...