Church of the Incarnation Sermons

Why does Advent include a pink candle, and what does it teach us about faith and rejoicing? In this Advent sermon, Rev. Canon Oliver Lee reflects on John the Baptist’s honest question from prison: “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?”Drawing from Isaiah and the Gospel of Matthew, this sermon explores the reality of faith under pressure and reminds us that doubt is not unbelief. John’s question is not rebellion, but honest faith refusing to pretend. Jesus responds not with condemnation, but with evidence—signs of healing, restoration, and good news for the poor.As we rejoice that Christ has already come, we are also challenged to look for the signs of God’s kingdom still unfolding around us. Advent invites us to prepare our hearts, rejoice in God’s promises fulfilled, and consider how Christ continues his work in and through his people today.

John the Baptist refuses to let us slip quietly into Christmas. In this Advent sermon, Rev. Jordan Griesbeck unpacks John’s startling call to repentance and the deep hope behind it—that real change is possible because God Himself has come near. Drawing from Flannery O’Connor’s “large and startling figures,” Rev. Griesbeck shows how grace disrupts, awakens, and prepares us to cry out “Jesus!” when we finally reach the manger.📖 Scripture: Matthew 3:1–12 🕊️ Preacher: Rev. Jordan Griesbeck ⛪ Church of the Incarnation, Dallas, TX🙏 Connect with Incarnation Learn more at https://incarnation.org/

John the Baptist doesn’t call us to try harder—he calls us to see the God who is already moving toward us. In this Advent sermon, Rev. Cody Turner shows how the prophets wake us up to God’s grace breaking into the world, cutting down what is lifeless and bringing new life in its place. This is the shocking hope of Advent: God is on the move.📖 Scripture: Matthew 3:1–12 🕊️ Preacher: Rev. Cody Turner ⛪ Church of the Incarnation, Dallas, TX🙏 Connect with Incarnation Learn more at https://incarnation.org/

Pastor Shawn Torres opens the Advent season with Scripture’s urgent call: wake up. Advent doesn’t ease in softly; it jolts us awake to the coming of the King. Isaiah shows us our destination, the psalmist shows us our posture, Paul shakes off our spiritual sleep, and Jesus reminds us that the hour is unknown—so we must be ready.This sermon explores what it means to cast off the works of darkness, put on the armor of light, pursue reconciliation, seek the good of our city, and walk as people shaped by God’s future Kingdom. Advent invites us to live awake, alert, and aligned with God’s purposes—starting now.Scripture: Isaiah 2:1–5; Psalm 122; Romans 13:11–14; Matthew 24:36–44 Preacher: Pastor Shawn Torres Location: Church of the Incarnation, Dallas, TX Visit Us: https://incarnation.org/

Bishop Greg Brewer opens the Advent season with a powerful call to wakefulness. Advent invites us not into passivity but into transformation—casting away the works of darkness, embracing humility, and recognizing that God’s love is actively at work within us.With pastoral warmth and theological depth, Bp. Brewer reminds us that we are not alone. We walk this journey surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses who cheer us on toward our true home in the Kingdom of God. This is the love that wins—and the love that reshapes us into the people God is calling us to be.Preacher: The Rt. Rev. Gregory Brewer Location: Church of the Incarnation, Dallas, TX Visit Us: https://incarnation.org/

Rev. Jordan Griesbeck reflects on Jesus as the King who was mocked by leaders, soldiers, and criminals alike, and yet responds only with forgiveness and grace. On Christ the King Sunday, we are reminded that his kingdom does not advance through force or control, but through sacrificial love. Even mockers are invited into his mercy.Scripture: Luke 23:33-43Preacher: Rev. Jordan Griesbeck, Church of the Incarnation, Dallas

On Christ the King Sunday, Rev. Dorothy Budd explores what it truly means to proclaim Jesus as King — not only over nations and politics, but over our hearts and our hope. Through Jeremiah, Colossians, and the thief on the cross, we learn that even when the world is in chaos, Christ’s kingdom cannot be shaken.Scripture: Jeremiah 23:1–6, Colossians 1:11–20, Luke 23:33–43 Preacher: Rev. Dorothy Budd • Church of the Incarnation, Dallas

In this sermon, Rev. Cody Turner guides us through the apocalyptic imagery of Luke 21 and Malachi 4—earthquakes, wars, cosmic signs—and shows that these passages are not meant to terrify us about distant events, but to unveil what is true right now.With striking clarity and pastoral insight, Rev. Turner reveals three profound truths: Nothing lasts. Then comes judgment. And for those who are in Christ—judgment becomes healing.Through a cinematic illustration from The Life of Chuck and a powerful moment from C.S. Lewis’s Voyage of the Dawn Treader, we see that God’s justice is not merely punitive, but restorative. It is His determination to make things right, peel away what is destroying us, and make us whole.This message invites us to honesty, repentance, and deep hope as we prepare for Advent and look toward the Day when Christ will rise with healing in His wings.

In this sermon, Rev. Jon Jordan explores one of the most misunderstood themes in Scripture: God’s judgment and the promise that He will set all things right. Drawing from Malachi’s vision of a day that brings both fire and healing, and from Jesus’ words in Luke 21, Rev. Jordan invites us to see judgment not as something meant to terrify believers, but as part of God’s work to restore and renew the world.This message challenges the misconception that the Old Testament reveals a harsher God than the New Testament. Instead, we discover that mercy threads through the entire biblical story—and that the cross is where God destroys evil without destroying us.As we approach Advent, this sermon calls us to honesty, repentance, and hope. Now is the time to bring our hearts before Jesus, so the Day of the Lord becomes for us a day of healing.

In this powerful message, Rev. Oliver Lee calls us to look honestly at all we’ve been given—and to recognize that every good gift comes from God’s hand.Drawing from 1 Kings 17 and the story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath, he reminds us that tithing isn’t about money—it’s about faith. Like the widow who trusted God with her last meal, we are invited to “get in the wheelbarrow,” placing our full trust in the One who provides and sustains us.Rev. Lee challenges us to live as faithful stewards, to give generously, and to remember that you cannot out-give God. Every act of generosity declares, “Lord, I trust You. All that I have is Yours.”📖 Scripture: 1 Kings 17:8–16 | The Widow of Zarephath🕊️ Preacher: Rev. Oliver Lee🗓️ Date: November 9, 2025 | Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost⛪ Church of the Incarnation, Dallas, TX

This week, Rev. Jordan Griesbeck preaches on Luke 20:27–38, where Jesus meets the Sadducees—those who say there is no resurrection. Their question reveals a deeper anxiety many of us still share: the fear of being forgotten, of needing to build a future for ourselves.But Jesus offers a better way. We are not self-made people trying to secure a legacy—we are children of the resurrection, heirs of eternal life through Christ. Our future is already set.In this message, Rev. Griesbeck shows how that truth changes everything: our work, our relationships, our giving, and our peace.📖 Scripture: Luke 20:27–38 | The Sadducees Question Jesus🕊️ Preacher: Rev. Jordan Griesbeck🗓️ Date: November 9, 2025 | Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost⛪ Church of the Incarnation, Dallas, TX

In a world that defines success by wealth, image, and achievement, Bishop Brewer reminds us that God defines success very differently.On All Saints’ Day, he challenges us to consider what we are modeling for our children and for one another — not ambition or status, but a life of service, humility, and generosity. The Christian life, he says, “is not about self-improvement, but about being empowered by the Spirit to serve others.”From baptismal vows to daily acts of compassion, we are invited to live lives that reflect the sacrificial love of Jesus — a love that gives, serves, and restores the dignity of every human being.📖 Scripture: Matthew 5:1–12 | The Beatitudes

“There is only one thing that makes a saint—and it has nothing to do with our own actions, but everything to do with God’s initiative.”On All Saints’ Day, Rev. Cody Turner reminds us that sainthood is not earned through deeds, discipline, or spiritual strength. It begins and ends in the mercy of God. Through baptism, we are united with Christ, hidden in Him, and made new creations.The saints—both famous and familiar—show us that holiness is not about perfection, but participation in the grace of God. As we are drenched in that grace, we become who we already are: beloved saints.“The love of God does not find, but creates that which is pleasing to it.” — Martin Luther📖 Scripture: Ephesians 1:11–23

When the kingdom of God breaks in, it turns everything upside down. In Luke 18, Jesus tells a story about a Pharisee and a tax collector — and once again, the Gospel reveals a great reversal: those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.In this message, Rev. Cody Turner reflects on a second kind of reversal found in the Psalms:“Those who go through the desolate valley will find it a place of springs.”Through personal stories, reflections from his recent pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago, and a moving poem by Archbishop Stephen Cottrell, Rev. Turner reminds us that it’s often in the valleys — the hard, hidden, and painful parts of life — where we discover the mercy and strength of Christ. At the lowest points, we find the outstretched hand of the Savior, ready to carry our burdens and lead us into grace.

When Jesus told the story of the Pharisee and the tax collector, He revealed something far deeper than outward righteousness — He exposed the posture of the heart. In this sermon, Bishop Gregory Brewer reminds us that God is not impressed by our record of service, but by our humility and our willingness to receive His mercy.We are owed nothing, yet given everything by God. Out of that mercy, we are invited to become channels of His blessing — moving from duty to worship. Giving is not about earning God’s favor, but about participating in His generosity and transforming our hearts in the process.

What does it take for God to break through our striving hearts?In this sermon, Rev. Jordan Griesbeck reflects on Genesis 32:22–31, where Jacob wrestles with God and emerges wounded, blessed, and changed forever. Through Jacob’s grasp, his wound, and his blessing, we discover that God often meets us in struggle — not to defeat us, but to transform us.Whether you’ve been striving for success, approval, or love, this passage reminds us that what we’re truly reaching for is God Himself.📖 Scripture: Genesis 32:22–31

When life leaves you wrestling in the dark—when your strength fails, when God seems silent—faith still holds on.In this sermon, Pastor Shawn Torres explores what it means to persevere in faith through struggle, trust, Scripture, and prayer. Drawing from Genesis 32, Psalm 121, 2 Timothy 3–4, and Luke 18, he reminds us that our grip on God’s mercy has never depended on our own strength.“Faith that perseveres is faith that clings desperately, deliberately, and relentlessly to God’s mercy.”

Even the proud and powerful need grace. In this sermon, Rev. Jon Jordan unpacks the story of Naaman, a Syrian commander whose healing teaches us what it means to receive God’s grace with humility and gratitude. Naaman wanted to earn his healing, but God had other plans—grace could only be received, never achieved.Naaman’s cleansing in the Jordan River foreshadows the transforming grace found in Christ. Rev. Jordan connects this Old Testament story to Luke 17, where another outsider—a Samaritan leper—returns to give thanks. Both Naaman and the Samaritan remind us that grace always comes to the unlikely, that pride blinds us to God’s gifts, and that gratitude is the natural response of a healed heart.

In Luke 17:11–19, ten lepers are healed—but only one returns to give thanks. Rev. Cn. Oliver Lee explores what it means to be truly seen by Jesus and to respond with gratitude that transforms our hearts.Jesus meets ten lepers on the road between Samaria and Galilee. All cry out for mercy, and all are healed, but only one—a Samaritan—turns back to give thanks. Fr. Oliver shows that this act of returning is the essence of Christian faith: seeing that every breath, every healing, every gift is grace. Gratitude, he explains, is the mark of those who know they’ve been rescued. If our prayers overflow with requests but fall silent in thanksgiving, we’ve missed the heart of worship. True faith returns, kneels, and says, “Thank you.”📖 Scripture: Luke 17:11–19

“When we really love something—or someone—we don’t need thanks, recognition, or rewards. We’d do it for free.”In this thoughtful sermon on Luke 17:7–10, Rev. Jordan Griesbeck unpacks Jesus’ parable of the unworthy servant and what it reveals about our posture toward God. Everything belongs to Him, and yet He graciously shares it all with us—not because we’ve earned it, but because He delights in us.💡 Learn how the Christian life invites us to serve not out of duty or guilt, but out of love, freedom, and joy in God’s presence.📖 Scripture: Luke 17:7–10

“Fear tells us that we are alone—but God is not afraid of our fears.”In this moving sermon, Bishop Brewer reminds us that God meets us right where we are—even in our fear, uncertainty, and doubt. Drawing from 2 Timothy 1:7 (“For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind”), he calls us to trust the One whose love is stronger than death itself.💡 Discover how God transforms fear into faith, anxiety into peace, and control into trust.📖 Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:7, Psalm 37

What do we do with the stark contrast between wealth and poverty in Jesus’ parable of the rich man and Lazarus?In this sermon, Rev. Wes Hill reflects on Luke 16:19–31 and shows the danger of loving money and comfort more than God. Jesus’ parable reveals a great reversal in which the poor are exalted and the rich are brought low. Yet in Christ we find hope, for he who was rich became poor for our sake so that by his poverty we might become rich.📖 Scripture References: Luke 16:19–31, Amos 6:1–7, 1 Timothy 6:6–19, 2 Corinthians 8:9

When Jesus tells the story of the rich man and Lazarus, it’s more than a warning—it’s an invitation to be convinced of God’s mercy, generosity, and grace.In this sermon, Rev. Annette Brownlee reflects on Luke 16 and 19, Acts 3, and 1 Timothy 6, reminding us that we cannot serve both God and money. Our response to Christ’s mercy should be like Zacchaeus, the woman who poured oil on Jesus’ feet, or the disciples on the road to Emmaus. True life—the life that really is life—comes when we honor God with all that we are and all that we have.📖 Scripture References: Luke 16:19–31, Luke 19:1–10, Acts 3:1–10, 1 Timothy 6:17–19

In this sermon, Rev. Cn. Oliver Lee reflects on one of Jesus’ most challenging parables—the dishonest manager. What at first seems like a confusing story becomes a striking reminder that every choice reveals our true loyalty.Scripture makes it clear: money and possessions can either pull us away from God or be used in faithfulness to Him. Jesus asks us to be shrewd not for selfish gain, but for the Kingdom of God. As Rev. Lee proclaims, the ultimate question remains: Whom do you serve—God or money?#WhomDoYouServe #RevOliverLee #Luke16

In this sermon, Rev. Cody Turner unpacks one of Jesus’ most difficult parables—the dishonest manager in Luke 16. While confusing at first, the story reveals a powerful call: Christians are not children of this age but children of the Light.In a world marked by anger and violence, we are invited to remember our baptism and live by the values of Christ’s Kingdom—speaking peace, honoring the dignity of every person, and bearing witness to a different way.#ChildrenOfLight #Luke16 #RevCodyTurner

Bishop Greg Brewer reflects on Jesus’ call to “walk in the light” and become true children of light. Using the story of John Newton—the author of Amazing Grace—Bp. Brewer shows how faith that begins on the surface must eventually break through to the heart, bringing real freedom and joy.This sermon is an invitation to move beyond affiliating with faith and into the transforming reality of God’s mercy. The cross is not about our best efforts, but about God’s breakthrough grace that shatters guilt, fear, and shame. Even when we wander, the Good Shepherd never lets us go.

On Holy Cross Day, Rev. Jon Jordan reflects on the meaning of the cross—not only as a symbol of suffering, but as the ultimate victory of God over sin, death, and evil. The cross was meant for destruction, yet through Christ it has become the source of life, hope, and salvation.Drawing from Galatians 6:14, Romans 8:38–39, and Luke 9:23, this sermon invites us to lift high the cross and live as people shaped by its power. With illustrations from C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia, Rev. Jordan shows how God transforms what was meant for harm into a lamp of light guiding us forward in faith and resurrection hope.

Join Bishop Anthony Poggo, Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, as he reflects on Deuteronomy 30 and the urgent call to choose life. In this sermon, Bishop Poggo explains how our daily decisions reflect our obedience to God, the blessings of choosing His way, and the cost of true discipleship.📖 Scripture Focus: Deuteronomy 30:15–20, Psalm 1

In this sermon, Lauren Whitnah reflects on Paul’s letter to Philemon and Jesus’ words in Luke 14, showing how the gospel radically reshapes our relationships and resources. Paul urges Philemon to receive Onesimus not as a slave but as a beloved brother, reminding us that Christ’s love redefines family, power, and possessions. Only by God’s love can we live transformed lives of freedom and fellowship.

Bishop Brewer invites us to pause, breathe, and walk at God’s pace. In a world that pushes us to hurry and measure success by accomplishment, Jesus calls us instead to serve with peace, humility, and open hearts. Whether in meetings, at home, or with friends, every moment is a divine appointment where Christ is present.

In this sermon, we’re reminded that while it may feel impossible to live out the call of Scripture, God Himself provides the transformation we need. Like Eustace in The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, only Christ can strip away the layers we cannot remove on our own. When we abide in His presence, we are changed from the inside out—reflecting His light, His humility, and His love.

Pastor Torres preaches from Isaiah 58, showing that true religion is not empty ritual but compassion, justice, and delight in the Lord. Israel’s fasting was hollow because it ignored the needs of the oppressed. God calls His people to a fast that frees others, feeds the hungry, and repairs what is broken. When our spiritual practices turn outward in love, God promises restoration, guidance, and joy. Worship then flows from delight, not duty, and we become “repairers of the breach,” instruments of renewal for generations to come.

Rev. Griesbeck preaches that while God’s fire once brought fear at Sinai, in Christ it has become good news. Through the cross, baptism, and Pentecost, God’s consuming fire now dwells within us—not to destroy, but to purify and transform. His love burns away sin and coldness, making us “all flame” so we can live with gratitude, joy, and hope in His presence.

Rev. Cn. Lee reflects on Jesus’ words in Luke 12, showing that following Him may bring division, even within families. Yet through baptism we are brought into a new, eternal family in Christ, where true kinship is found not in blood but in God’s kingdom. Our first priority is to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, letting that love shape every other relationship.

In Luke 12:49–59, Jesus shows He came not to make us comfortable but committed. His truth divides belief from unbelief and calls us to choose Him above all else. Pastor Torres reminds us the cost of discipleship is real—sometimes relationships, security, or even life—but the reward is freedom, forgiveness, and eternal hope in Christ.

Rev. Turner teaches that God does not operate on an action–reward system, but solely on His faithfulness to His promises. Like Abraham, true faith means building our lives in light of what God has said—even when we can’t yet see it—resting in the assurance that nothing can separate us from His love in Christ.

Rev. Griesbeck reminds us that faith is more than belief—it’s active trust in God’s promises, even when they remain unseen. Drawing from Abraham’s story, he challenges us to resist replacing God’s plan with our own out of anxiety, and to trust that God is faithful, writing our names among the great people of faith when our story is complete.

In this powerful sermon, Bishop Greg Brewer returns to the line from the Lord’s Prayer—“Give us this day our daily bread”—to explore the human longing for love, purpose, provision, and mercy. Drawing on Scripture, personal reflection, and pastoral wisdom, he calls us to resist the hollow promises of materialism and self-importance. Instead, we are invited to embrace a life of prayer, generosity, and service—where daily bread becomes a doorway to eternal purpose.

Preaching from Ecclesiastes and the life of St. Thomas Aquinas, Fr. Clay Pruitt invites us to wrestle with the question: Does what we do matter? In a world that prizes legacy, productivity, and self-made purpose, this sermon reminds us that true meaning isn’t found in what we achieve but in who we are in Christ. Because we have already died and risen with Him, our work matters—not by our striving, but through our union with the One who is life itself.

Rev. Griesbeck explores Jesus' teaching on prayer in Luke 11, reminding us that prayer is both bold and childlike. We're invited to persist, even when it feels risky or unanswered. God doesn’t promise quick fixes—but He does promise Himself. Through stories, humor, and honesty, this sermon encourages us to bring our need, our hope, and our doubts to the God who gives us more than we ask: the Holy Spirit.

Bishop Brewer explores Jesus’ response to “Lord, teach us to pray,” showing that prayer is more than a ritual—it’s an invitation into deep relationship with God and others. Through stories of intercessors and everyday believers, he reminds us that prayer is powerful, world-shaping, and meant to be shared. Even our smallest prayers can make an eternal impact.

Bishop Brewer speaks to those moments when words fail and we don’t know how to pray. Drawing from the week’s collect and Colossians, he reminds us that God doesn’t require performance—He desires our honest, unfiltered hearts. Even when we feel distant or inadequate, Christ dwells in us. Our inability to pray can be the starting point for deeper intimacy with God. We are invited not to impress, but to be real—and to trust that God meets us in that raw, honest space with mercy, nearness, and love.

Rev. Dr. Victor Lee Austin reflects on the parable of the sower, emphasizing that the mystery of spiritual growth lies not in the sower or even the seed—but in the soil. He explores how the human heart must be prepared to receive God’s Word and how grace alone allows that Word to take root and bear fruit. Growth in the Christian life often happens quietly and invisibly, shaped by God’s action rather than human effort. We are called to cultivate openness and humility, trusting that God brings the increase.

Luke Miller explored the parable of the Good Samaritan, reminding us that Jesus redefines “neighbor” as everyone we encounter, including those we might call enemies. We often look for limits—who we must love and who we can exclude—but Jesus refuses those boundaries. The Samaritan’s compassion foreshadows the mercy Christ showed us: when we were spiritually dead, He drew near, healed us, and paid our debts. Now, we are called to do the same, loving without exception.

Rev. Jon Jordan reflected on the deep human question of identity through Deuteronomy, Colossians, and the parable of the Good Samaritan. He emphasized that before we ask “What must I do?” we must first ask “Who am I called to be?” We are God’s children, set apart as saints, and called to live out that identity in our daily lives. True purpose and faithful action flow from knowing and resting in who we already are in Christ.

Rev. Shawn Torres preached from Isaiah 66 about God’s power to bring sudden breakthroughs when hope seems lost. He reminded us that God isn’t bound by human timelines and can deliver instantly what we’ve waited on for years. True faith prepares in advance—believing and acting as if God’s promises are already fulfilled. When we embody hope and trust, God’s flourishing becomes visible in our lives, transforming despair into joy and barrenness into fruitfulness.

Rev. Jordan Griesbeck reflected on Jesus sending out the seventy disciples with nothing but trust, showing that real joy is found in dependence on God and others. He reminded us that while life brings both beauty and tragedy, like the recent flooding in Texas, we are always held in God’s mercy. Following Jesus means letting go of control, traveling light, and discovering the power of God’s kingdom breaking into the world around us.

Bishop Brewer challenges us to rethink freedom as more than personal improvement. Drawing on examples of persecuted Christians and miraculous prayer, he shows that true Christian freedom comes when we stop obsessing over our flaws and give ourselves to God’s mission in the world. Freedom grows as we serve others, join God’s work, and step beyond self-centered living.

Rev. Cody Turner contrasts the world’s idea of freedom—doing whatever we want—with the Bible’s vision of true freedom: liberation from sin and death through Christ. Like sheep “hefted” to familiar land, humanity is bound to self-indulgence. But Jesus breaks that bond, freeing us to live as citizens of God’s kingdom. True freedom means surrendering to God and walking in the Spirit rather than returning to old ways.

In this powerful sermon, Rev. Canon Oliver Lee reminds us that spiritual warfare is real—but so is our authority in Christ. Drawing from Scripture, C.S. Lewis, and the promises of our baptism, he boldly proclaims that Satan and his demons hold no power over those who belong to Jesus. In the name of Jesus, we have dominion over darkness, healing over sickness, and victory in every battle. Whatever you're facing—fear, despair, or opposition—there is power in His name to overcome.