Church of the Incarnation Sermons

“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.

In this sermon from Luke 8, Rev. Shawn Torres asks: Does Jesus’ power frighten you—or free you from fear? Through the story of the demon-possessed man, he shows how Jesus meets us in our darkest places—our “tombs” of addiction, shame, and despair—and brings freedom. When Jesus speaks, demons flee, lives are restored, and we are sent out to share what God has done. Help is not just coming—Help has a name, and His name is Jesus.

In this Trinity Sunday sermon, Bp. Greg Brewer reminds us that we are not striving for God's approval—we are held by His unwavering grip. Drawing from Psalm 8, Romans 5, and Hebrews, he paints a picture of our identity as beloved children, justified by faith not as a work but as a gift. This assurance invites us to live with peace, not fear; to trust, not strive. The Trinity is not a puzzle to solve but a divine invitation into relationship and joy. You belong—and He will never let you go.

On Trinity Sunday, Rev. Jordan Griesbeck invites us not just to understand the Trinity but to feel it. Drawing from Romans 5, he describes life in the Trinity as marked by peace with God through Christ, delight in being fully loved and approved by the Father, and hope—a grounded anticipation of future goodness shaped by God’s eternal love. The sermon challenges us to lay down our inner wars and step into the house of the Triune God, where we are welcomed, seen, and delighted in.

Rev. Jon Jordan compares the Tower of Babel and Pentecost, urging us to reject the murky, downstream pursuits of self-reliance and instead seek the pure source of life found in God. At Pentecost, God comes down—not to control us, but to dwell within us, empowering us to live a Spirit-filled, unified, and abundant life.

Bp. Greg Brewer reflects on the unpredictable, transforming power of Pentecost, calling us to surrender pride and control to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Following Jesus may bring misunderstanding and discomfort, but it leads to joy, purpose, and a life shaped by God's love and mission.

Rev. Cody Turner reflects on the in-between time between Ascension and Pentecost, urging us to live with the prayer Maranatha—“Come, Lord” and “The Lord has come.” This word captures the tension of the Christian life: trusting that Jesus is already present while longing for His full return. Even amid grief, fear, and waiting, we are never alone—Christ is near, sustaining us through His Word, sacraments, and promises.

In this sermon, Rev. Cn. Oliver Lee challenges the question, “Is God on my side?” by pointing to Jesus’ prayer in John 17, where Christ pleads for unity among believers. Rev. Lee emphasizes that God is not about choosing sides—we are called to be on His side. Through scripture, he reminds us that division is the work of the enemy, but when we align with God, we experience His power to turn burdens into blessings and despair into joy. True faith is not about claiming God for our cause, but surrendering to His.

In his sermon, Shawn Torres unpacks Acts 16 and the idea that closed doors are often God's way of redirecting us toward His divine purpose. Using Paul’s journey to Macedonia as a model, he reminds us that what seems like a "no" from God may actually lead to something greater—like the first church in Europe. Through faith and obedience, divine direction leads to divine appointments and lasting impact.

Canon Oliver Lee reflects on Memorial Day as both a tribute to fallen soldiers and a call for Christians to stand firm in spiritual warfare. Evil, he reminds us, is the root of all conflict—and we are called to resist it with the armor of God, empowered by the Holy Spirit to stand for truth, freedom, and righteousness.

Bp. Greg Brewer reminds us that praising God is not just a suggestion—it’s a command that reorients our hearts toward availability, not just productivity. Through stories, Acts 10, and Revelation 21, he emphasizes that our presence here is no accident, but the result of divine appointments. We are not just busy people trying to survive—we are tabernacles of God’s presence, called to live with purpose, openness, and expectancy.

Rev. Cody Turner explores our deep longing for "home"—a place of peace, belonging, and love. Through personal stories and Revelation 21, he reminds us that this longing points to our true home with God, where sorrow ends and joy is made complete. Earthly homes fade, but in Christ, we are promised an eternal one.

On Mother’s Day and Good Shepherd Sunday, Rev. Jordan Griesbeck shared the story of Tabitha—an ordinary woman whose life revealed the power of Christ’s resurrection. Through her acts of love, service, and community with the vulnerable, we see a life transformed by Jesus. But more than that, we see that God invites us to participate in His ongoing work of renewal. Like Tabitha, our everyday faithfulness, even when unnoticed, matters deeply to God and plays a part in His kingdom.

On Good Shepherd Sunday and Mother’s Day, Bp. Brewer shared how Jesus, our Good Shepherd, offers us both tender care and fierce protection. In our messy, imperfect families, His mercy makes healing and forgiveness possible. No matter where we are, we belong—welcomed, led, and loved by Him.

Rev. Joe Dewey reflects on Peter’s restoration in John 21, where Jesus meets him in the very place of his failure—not with shame, but with grace. Rather than punishment, Peter receives healing and a renewed calling. Each week at church, we rehearse this story, encountering a God who meets us in our shame and clothes us with mercy.

Bishop George Sumner’s sermon highlights Peter’s restoration after his denial of Jesus, calling it the “Uh-oh Gospel.” Despite failure, Jesus forgives Peter and calls him to lead, showing that the Church is made of forgiven sinners. As we age, we come to see that even life’s hardships can glorify God. Through it all, Jesus welcomes us with grace.

In John 20:19–21, Pastor Shawn Torres reminds us that Jesus’ first words to His fearful disciples were, "Peace be with you." Through His death and resurrection, Jesus accomplished reconciliation with God, offering peace to all who believe. But this peace isn’t just for us to receive — it’s also a mission to share. As Jesus was sent by the Father, so He now sends us to proclaim that same peace to a broken world.

In John 20:19-31, Rev. Jordan Griesbeck reminds us that even after Easter, the disciples were still locked in fear, doubt, and disappointment — until Jesus broke through their walls with unexpected peace. This sermon calls us to see how God's grace still surprises us today, breaking old patterns and breathing new life into places we thought were dead. We are invited to let the winds of God's mercy catch our hearts off guard and open them to joy and transformation.

Rev. Joe Dewey reflects on the darkness of grief and fear, comparing it to entering a tomb—but reminds us that the resurrection of Jesus transforms even death into a doorway to life. Easter is not just about one man rising—it's the promise of a new world, free from sorrow, sin, and fear. Christ's resurrection means that the darkest places in our lives are not the end, but the beginning of something glorious.

Bishop Gregory Brewer proclaims the resurrection of Jesus as a real, historical event that still transforms lives today. He invites listeners—whether certain or seeking—to trust the risen Christ, who offers peace, forgiveness, and purpose. Through the witness of ordinary people, especially the women at the tomb, we’re reminded that Jesus meets us where we are and never turns us away.

Pastor Shawn Torres reflects on Isaiah 53, revealing how Jesus—once considered insignificant—carried the weight of humanity’s sin in humility and suffering. Despite being rejected and misunderstood, His death brought healing, redemption, and access to eternal life. Through the sacrament, we remember not just His death, but the living gift of His resurrection.