Sermons by Mike Lamson
What is the Point of Words? [Ecc. 12:9-14]
Pastor Mike concludes our Meaning(less)? series in Ecclesiastes as the author reflects on the Teacher’s words to his own son, talking about how the words of Scripture matter, and how we tend to domesticate the Bible from some of the harder words that seem painful.
The Theology of “I Dunno” [Ecc. 11:1-6]
Mike continues our series in Ecclesiastes as the Teacher talks about the benefits of not knowing everything and how wise living is not based on success, nor taking our lives too seriously.
The Limits of Wisdom [Ecc. 7:1-14]
Mike talks about the pendulum of wisdom and escapism, and talks through how the Teacher in Ecclesiastes shows way we like to escape wisdom, including the dangerous posture of nostalgia in our everyday lives.
Throwing the Bible to the Byrds [Ecc. 3-4]
Mike continues in Ecclesiastes as we look at chapters 3-4, with 2 passages well known from a 60’s song and and a statement on friendship, but have much different meanings when engaging the biblical text on the Teacher’s understanding on what we strive for may be the wrong focus.
Let’s Stop Pretending [Ecc. 1-2]
Mike opens up a new series on Ecclesiastes challenging the typical assumptions that this book is “meaningless.” Instead, he offers challenges and encouragement of why this book is considered wisdom literature, with the first two chapters providing an alternate perspective on living life.
Reflecting on 2020
Pastor Mike reflects on the past year, and shares some stories of others in community on how God has been present during a difficult 2020, in addition to what we’re looking forward to in 2021 at New Ground.
Hope’s Incarnation [Luke 2:22-33]
Pastor Mike wraps up our Hope Sings series on Christmas Eve talking about the when hope decided to show up in the Christmas Story. It may be more relevant to our current situation in 2020 than anyone ever thought.
Hope’s Revolution [Luke 1:67-80]
Mike continues our Advent 2020 series talking about the deeper revolution of hope in Zechariah’s song, one of the heart.
From Hateful to Grateful [Jer. 30:1-22]
Pastor Mike walks through the importance of a posture of gratitude during this moment, and shares stories from several people in our community on how they are journeying from hateful to grateful during this pandemic.
When the Church is Shaped Downward [Matt. 10:32-42]
Mike ends our YOUnited series talking about how the church is called to the way of the cross, which runs contrary to much of the American church experience steeped in consumerism.
When the Church Prioritizes Discernment [Eph. 6:10-17]
Mike talks through the Jewish tradition of the “the powers and authorities” in addition to spiritual warfare. It may not be what you are familiar with, but does place a priority to the church as a body of cultural discernment. Which is shaped by the cross.
When the Church Moves in Rhythm [Prov. 16:9; John 15:1-5]
Mike talks about experiences and seasons as part of the church’s calling. He challenges how we usually look to only one season, but miss all of the others as part of connecting to our divine purpose.
When the Church Walks in Justice [Micah 6:8]
Mike walks through the words justice and righteousness in the Hebrew Bible, leading up to the church’s call to care about the most vulnerable.
We Need To Talk…About Vomit… [Rev. 3:14-22]
Pastor Mike is back and walks through the final of 7 letters to the churches of Revelation. Mike walks through Jesus’ strongest rebuke toward a church and that it might be more applicable to us today than we want to think.
When Fires Come [Rev. 3:7-13]
Pastor Mike walks through the letter to Philadelphia, where he addresses two different responses when fires come in our lives.
“Hold Fast” [Rev. 2:18-29]
Pastor Mike is back as he continues walking through the letters to the churches in Revelation. This week we talk through Thyatira and what the phrase “hold fast” means to them and how true it is still for us, especially during this season.
How Do We Respond To Culture? [Rev. 2:12-17]
Pastor Mike walks through the situation in Pergamum, which has significant relevance on a Christ followers’ response to culture.
What’s Worth Dying For? [Rev. 2:8-11]
Mike continues our series through the book of Revelation talking about Jesus’ letter to Smyrna, who were faced with life or death decisions identifying as Jesus-followers. Mike walks through the context of this story, where Jesus issues a response from all people…allegiance.
Snuffing Our Your Praxy [Revelation 2:1-7]
Pastor Mike details the intense worship cult in Ephesus as Jesus addresses his first of 7 churches. Jesus praises the church for the effort in weeding out false teachers, but gives a stern warning to the church on “losing its first love.”
Shattering Buddy Jesus [Revelation 1]
Pastor Mike starts a new series on the book of Revelation as we examine why the doctrine of the Second Coming of Jesus is important, and how it is especially encouraging in the times we find ourselves in.