Sermons
Listen, watch or read sermons from Manchester Lutheran Church, and explore them through the Christian year.
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What keeps a church going?
What keeps a church going? This week I hit a wall. I just felt overwhelmed. And I had points where I couldn’t see how to keep going. You all know that feeling, for all sorts of different reasons: Whether it’s the kids are up so early, crying all day, and then acting out in the…
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What keeps a church together?
What keeps a church together? Everyone in this room is a forgiven sinner. That’s what Paul has explained to the Ephesians back in chapter 2: we were all dead, but God purely because of his mercy, has forgiven us in Christ. And that means two things: It means that everyone is forgiven. God is in…
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Should I give up when my leader is humiliated?
Should I give up when my leader is humiliated? Christian ministry is weak and humiliating. And Christian leaders are often weak and humiliated. That was clearly the problem Paul is addressing for the church in Ephesus in our reading today. Just look again at v. 13: I ask you not to lose heart over what…
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What makes me safe?
What makes me safe? When we feel threatened, exposed, criticised, uncertain, or simply out of control, we instinctively reach for something that will make us feel secure again. We reach for words: if I can explain myself properly, defend myself, correct the record, then I will be safe. We reach for power: if the right…
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Is there any actual benefit to being a Christian?
Is there any actual benefit to being a Christian? God is in a good mood with everyone, because of Jesus. He doesn’t distinguish. The only difference between Christians and others is that Christians see, know, and are assured of God’s goodness and attitude toward us in Jesus. But is there any value or point to…
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If God’s in such a good mood, why does he give commands?
If God’s in such a good mood, why does he give commands? Some people have been very negative about this statement: “God is in a good mood with you! And you see that when you look at Jesus!” I have even heard that some people think that is heresy. They claim that I, and our…
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Why Is Our Tiny Church So Confident?
Why Is Our Tiny Church So Confident? If you read the church emails : some are full of encouragement. The next week, they are depressing. I n your own life: really good things happen. And then really horrible things. And as these events unfold, our feelings trail behind them. T hrown around like a trailer…
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What stops you falling away?
What stops you falling away? This month, God’s Word has given us several serious warnings. A true Christian can fall away if you turn from trusting Christ to trust in yourself . Falling away starts when we turn to our desires and start seeing Christ as the obstacle to them. And the reason people fall…
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Why do people fall away?
Why do people fall away? Over the last two weeks, the Bible has given us two hard warnings. A true Christian can fall away. Not because Christ is weak , or God is unfaithful , or the Holy Spirit fails. But because faith receives salvation in Christ through the Word about Christ. So i f…
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How Does Falling Away Start?
How does falling away start? Last week we heard that a true Christian can fall away. Not because Christ is weak.Not because God is unfaithful.Not because the Holy Spirit fails. But the Holy Spirit gives us the trust that receives salvation in Christ through the Word about Christ. So, if you turn away from Christ…
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Can a True Christian Fall Away?
Can a True Christian Fall Away? Last week we heard the apostle Paul tell us that none of us owns our own body. Either sin owns your body, or God does. If sin owns your body, you are curved in on yourself. You trust yourself to be good, righteous and just. You love yourself and…
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Who owns your body?
Who owns your body? Our culture tells us: My body is mine.Many of the hot topics of the day are all about this:“What I do in the secret of my own bedroom is my business.”“A woman has the right to choose what she does with her own body.”“What I look at on my own screen,…