Central Presbyterian Church

"Of the Temple of Artemis, and Stepping on Toes"

Text: Acts 19:23-27

Psalm 36:7-9

When I was studying to be a minister, I remember some advice I received from an elderly gentleman who was a member at a church I served as a student intern: “Sonny, when you preach, talk only about Jesus. Talk of spiritual things. If you talk about worldly things like money, culture, and politics, it will only get you into trouble.”

"Stewardship of Time"

Text: Luke 10:38-42

Psalm 90:1-4, 9-10

            At this time of the year on the church’s calendar – which we sometimes call “Stewardship Season” – we talk a lot about the three T’s of stewardship: treasure, talent, and time.

"For All the Saints"

Text: Hebrews 12:1-2

Revelation 19:5-8

In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a date to honor deceased saints and martyrs of Christianity; to remember and celebrate those who had faithfully and diligently served the church, even pouring out their very lives in testimony to the gospel.

"F-O-O-L"

Text: Luke 12:13-21

Galatians 5:16-26

            There is a peculiar incongruity about abundance. Does it not seem that the more we have, the less we appreciate what we have? Does it not seem that the more things we accumulate, the less satisfied we become? And the only thing which seems to take the edge off our dissatisfaction is what?

"Listening for the Divine Whisper"

Text: 1 Kings 19:3-15a

Psalm 46

      Before we read this morning’s primary Scripture lesson, I’d like to give you some context. Elijah is a Biblical name many of us are familiar with. The name in Hebrew is Eliy-yahu which literally means “my God is YHWH,” “my God is God.” But just who was this Eliy-yahu?

"From East and West"

Text: Luke 13:29-30

Psalm 23

            As Jesus was traveling through the towns and villages on His way to Jerusalem, He was speaking of those who would enter the Kingdom of heaven. In response to someone’s question about how few or many would be saved, Jesus warns that while many would try to enter, the door would be narrow.

"Let the Church Fly!"

Text: 2 Corinthians 9:1-8

1 Thessalonians 1:2-3, 6-8

There’s a story of a minister who was preaching very pointedly to his congregation one Sunday morning. He was wrapping up his message and said, “Now, let the church walk.” Elder Jones replied from his pew right up front, “That’s right preacher! Let it walk!” The preacher, excited by the response, became bolder:

"The Tragedy of Tamar"

Text: 2 Samuel 13:1-19

Revelation 21:1-8

     This morning, we’re going to deal with an Old Testament story that if made into a movie would be rated at least PG-13. Carol Bechtel Reynolds, a professor at Western Theological Seminary, has called this “one of the Bible’s neglected texts.”

"Back in the Day"

Text: 2 Timothy 1:1-7

Deuteronomy 6:1-9

"A Reason to Celebrate"

Text: Genesis 17:15-17: 18:1-2, 9-15

Psalm 27:23-26