Sermons by Mike Lamson
Peter Almighty | Mike Lamson
Peter walks on the water. Whether you’ve heard the story or not, most are familiar with it. Most interpret this story on how we need to “keep on our eyes on Jesus and never doubt.” But this is not how the 1st-century Jewish person understood it at all. Mike Lamson walks through how the understanding of disciples believed about following their rabbi and vice-versa has a…
Dust: Takin’ Jesus to School
Understanding the schooling of Jewish children gives us tremendous insight on the types of people Jesus chose as his followers. It was as shocking then as it would be today. Mike walks through the invitation of who Jesus invites to the Table each and every day, and why it was so shocking to to the people of his day, and should be to us.
Dust: Why a Jewish Rabbi?
What was the 1st Century world of Jesus really like? What did disciples of Jesus actually look like and how did they live? You might be surprised how different that picture is then today.
Easter 2021: Rising from the Ashes [John 21:9-19]
How does the resurrection even matter today? We end our Lenten series by talking about how Jesus rose from the ashes with miraculous power that we still see all around us each day. Join us as we conclude our “Rising from the Ashes” series on Easter Sunday!
Caterpillars and the Book of Revelation [Rev. 21:1-5]
Caterpillars and the Book of Revelation? What do these two have in common? Pastor Mike walks through the process of caterpillars as a hint to the transformation God is doing within us.
The Demand of Grace [Exodus]
Grace. It’s a “churchy” word. And many times, those in church think it’s only found in the New Testament. Mike walks through God’s grace in Exodus, and also talks about how many of Jesus’ closest followers were thugs. Grace’s demand is not a burden, but a blessing.
Does God Have Too Much Earwax? [Psalm 122]
Does God listen to us when we’re struggling? Sometimes it feels like His ears are plugged up. Mike walks through a text that reminds us that even when we feel God isn’t listening, He is closer than we think.
Homesick [Gen. 2:4-15]
As much as we love to talk about Sin (The “S” word) and the Fall, Genesis 2 paints a picture of humanity’s fundamental longings, that for the Garden of Eden. Pastor Mike walks through how this intersects with our everyday lives, and how we can let go of the hopelessness of this world’s ways by connecting with our basic longings for Eden.
The “S” Word [Gen. 3]
Mike starts our Lenten sermon series talking through a word that has been abused by the church, yet also is important in the story of Scripture, the “S” word. Mike reflects on the story of the first humans and what they did when they chose to go against the way humans were designed, and it is a familiar story to us even now.
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.