Sermons by Matt Smith (Page 13)
Isn’t It Ironic
Matt’s message is rooted in John 4.5-42. In this time of social distancing, may we slow down with Jesus and be drawn by Living Water into ever deeper relationships with one another.
Cannonball
Matt’s message is rooted in Micah 6.8 & Matthew 5.21-37. The salty, light people of God are hanging around the edges of the pool, dipping their toes in the water, when Jesus cannonballs into the deep. Once he has their attention, Jesus calls them deeper into creatively, vulnerably, and honestly responding to the conflicts in which they are swimming.
Reverse!
Matt’s message is rooted in Micah 6 & Matthew 5.1-12.
That Mad I Feel
Matt’s message is rooted in John 1. 29-42. What do we do with the mad that we feel? is a four week worship series in January on lessons in Christian life from Rev. Fred Rogers.
I Like You Just The Way You Are
Matt’s message is rooted in Matthew 3.13-17 and Mister Rogers’ message to children, “I like you just the way you are.”
Drip. Drip. Drip.
Matt’s message on this third Sunday in Advent is rooted in Matthew 11.2-11. Barbara Brown Taylor writes, “The Messiah has decided to come for now—not all at once but steadily, drop by drop, for millennia.” How are we experiencing the steady drip of God’s mercy in our lives this Advent season?
Already/Not Yet
Matt’s message on this first Sunday in Advent is rooted in Matthew 24.36-44. While dominant expressions of Christianity would have followers of Jesus believe what we do in this world means nothing because it will all be wiped away as the faithful are taken into eternity upon Jesus’ return. The Gospel of Matthew invites us to practice an eschatological existence as we join with God in bringing healing in places of hurt.
Rooted In Grace
Matt’s message is rooted in the parable of the Pharisee & the tax collector (Luke 18.9-14). Marjorie Procter-Smith asks, “If a tax collector can find mercy before God, who is excluded?” Luke’s Gospel tells us the tax collector goes down to his home justified by God, but we don’t know what his new life will look like. How might God call us beloved through the waters of baptism and long for us to deepen in our commitments to loving God and our neighbors? Matt invites…
Growing in Faith
Matt’s message is rooted in the story of Jacob wrestling with the divine (Genesis 32) and Jesus’ parable on praying always and not losing heart (Luke 18.1-8). How might we be called to wrestle with God in our Deep Commitments to God and our community of faith?
Reaching in Love
Matt’s message hold’s Amanda Lindsey Cook’s newly released The New Country in conversation with Jeremiah 29 and Luke 17. As we reflect on ways to deepen our commitments to God and one another, what “new country” might God be calling you toward as you reach in love?
Giving Generously
Matt’s message invites reflection on life together at The Table. How has God been moving among us at The Table this year? What might God’s vision be for The Table in the year ahead? What Deep Commitment might you be called to make to God and our community of faith for the coming year?
Sabbath
Matt’s message this Labor Day weekend invites reflection on how we might be called to renew our commitments to keeping a weekly day of Sabbath.