Sermons by Michael Howell (Page 14)
Michael Howell
A Mighty Warrior?
Judges 6-8 We can learn from Gideon’s story at two levels. When we look at Gideon the warrior, we see how God taught this weak man lessons about God’s presence, promises and power, before using him to deliver God’s people. But when we look at Gideon the worshipper, we see a man who failed miserably, leading God’s people to worship foreign gods rather than the one true God. From here, things only get worse for God’s people.
A new day dawns
John 20:11-18 John’s Gospel records Mary Magdalene’s encounter with the risen Jesus. Today, we reflect on the significance of what Mary saw, heard and said that first Easter Sunday, and celebrate, with Mary, this fact – Jesus has risen!
Worshiping created things
Romans 1:18-32 Why does every single human being need to put their trust in Jesus? In Romans 1-3, Paul answers this question. He proves that true righteousness can only come through faith in Christ. Today we look at part one of his argument – the messed up state of our world is proof that we have suppressed the truth about God and that he is angry at sin.
The right(?) man for the job
Judges 3:12-30 The story of Ehud is designed to make us laugh, especially at the cartoonish king of Moab, Eglon. And yet even as we laugh, we’re also forced to think, about our greatest problem, our unlikely deliverer and our mighty God, who laughs at those who stand opposed to him (Ps. 2:4)
God’s good news
Romans 1:1-7 In Paul’s greeting to the church at Rome, we learn about Paul’s message and his mission. Listen as we think about why Paul wrote Romans and why it is such an important letter for us to read today.
Carry each other’s burdens
Ephesians 4:11-16 God calls us to care for each other by carrying each other’s burdens. Today we explore Ephesians 4:11-16, thinking through why we’re all called to care for each other, and what it looks like for us to do this in practice.
Boldness in Prayer
As Christians, we’re called to the good work of prayer. But sometimes the good work of prayer might feel more like hard work. If that’s how we feel, then the Scriptures have some encouragement for us. Let us consider three truths about God which remind us that prayer can be simple, and be encouraged to press on being a church which boldly depends on God in prayer.
Made Alive
Ephesians 2:1-10 When we think about the good things God is calling us to do as His church, it’s important that we first remind ourselves of what He has already done for us. We were by nature dead in our sins, but God has made us alive with Christ. By His grace we are made new, so that we might do good works.
Transformed by Jesus
Luke 19:1-10 How has Jesus changed your life? In today’s passage, we meet Zacchaeus, a man who has his life radically transformed by Jesus. Like Zacchaeus, when we receive from Jesus what he is offering to us, our lives will also be transformed.
Desperate Faith
Luke 8:40-56 The story of Jesus raising Jairus’ daughter from the dead and healing the sick woman teaches us that Jesus has authority over sickness and death. It calls us to reflect on our own weakness and mortality and to come to Jesus with desperate faith. We believe that Jesus has power to heal in this life, and even more importantly, that he has the power to give us eternal life.
Born is the King
Matthew 2:1-12 That first Christmas, a king was born. And he’s still king today. As we take a closer look at the way that Herod, the wise men and the religious leaders respond to the birth of Jesus we’re led to ask “which of these characters am I most like?” How do you respond to King Jesus?
Simeon’s Song
Luke 2:25-35 Christmas is a time of great anticipation. In today’s passage, we meet Simeon, a man who has been waiting with great anticipation for the Lord’s Messiah. In Jesus, Simeon finally sees the one he has been waiting for and he praises God for his gift of salvation. But he also has a sombre warning for Mary. This baby might be the bringer of peace, but he will also face great hostility, as will all who pledge their allegiance…