Past Sermon Series

Look Around

During the summer we will take a look at some texts that will help us to “see” what Jesus saw when he engaged with the world around him. Through interactions with people and in the telling of stories and parables, Jesus shows us what we should be “looking for” as we live out our faith.

Click here to go to the sermon
ljpres.org/lookaroundsermonseries

Changing The Narrative

What are the narratives that we hear today?  What are the narratives that we tell ourselves?  Do we need to change the narrative that is being spoken over us?  God’s word tells us a narrative of a God who longs to be in our lives.  A God who is for us and loves us.  Jesus changed the narrative forever and because of Him, we can live in freedom and hope.

Click here to go to the sermon
https://ljpres.org/changingthenarrative/

Lent – Prophet, Priest, & King

In the Old Testament, we read about the role or office of prophet, priest, and king.  In the New Testament we discover that Jesus fulfills all of those offices.  He is the true prophet, he is great high priest, and he is the ruling king who brings his kingdom.  We now live into those roles as well.  We speak God’s word, and we help to bring healing and hope to our society and we show forth God’s kingdom in our lives.

Click here to go to the sermon
https://ljpres.org/prophetpriestandkingsermonseries/

Welcoming One Another

People don’t always remember what they heard or saw, but they do remember how they felt.  What people experience matters, and because of that, the church needs to make sure we are practicing generous and gracious hospitality.  This winter we will be talking about what it means to be welcomed by God and how that impacts the way we welcome and show hospitality to others.

Click here to go to the sermon
https://ljpres.org/hospitalitysermonseries/

Advent 2023

Through the tapestry of the Advent season, a story unfolds, echoed through ancient prophecies and resounding through the ages. Isaiah, the prophet, foretold a divine calling, igniting hearts with purpose and destiny.

In the midst of uncertainty, Isaiah brings tidings of hope, prophesying a future filled with peace and promise. Amidst trials and tribulations, words of comfort emerge, soothing the weary souls seeking solace. And finally, in a yearning for God’s presence, the prophet beseeches the heavens for the ultimate revelation.

Join us this Christmas Season as we unwrap these sacred gifts, written on the canvas of prophecy and painted with the hues of hope, comfort, and the divine call. Experience the radiant presence of God in our journey through the Advent season.

Click here to go to the sermon
https://ljpres.org/2023christmas_series/

Welcome to La Jolla Presbyterian Church’s Fall of 2023 Sermon Series! Join us for an inspiring and transformative journey as we dive into Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.

In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) Jesus talks about the implications and distinctives of being his disciple. Following Jesus transforms our lives. In this sermon Jesus reminds the disciples that they are to be different than the rest of the world. Join us this fall as we talk about what can happen in us, as well as in our community, when we put Jesus at the center of our lives.

Click here to go to the sermons
https://ljpres.org/sermononthemount/

Welcome to La Jolla Presbyterian Church’s Summer of 2023 Sermon Series! Join us for an inspiring and transformative journey as we dive into three captivating blocks of sermons that will deepen our faith, open our eyes, and reveal God’s perspective on our lives.

Block 1 Jude in June:
In the first two weeks of our summer series, we will embark on an enlightening study of the Book of Jude. Through powerful teachings and reflections, we will delve into the themes of the transformative power of changing our narrative and standing firm in our faith. We’ll finish the month hearing from Mindy Smith (Stan and Marie Beard’s daughter) talking about the paralyzed man at the pool of Bethesda and Pastor Scott on the battle for the world’s rule. Prepare to be inspired and challenged as we explore the profound truth of who truly rules the world.

Block 2: Open Our Eyes
Throughout the month of July, our focus will be on the transformative theme, “Open Our Eyes.” Together, we will embark on a five-week journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth. This series will encourage us to not only seek God’s gaze upon our lives but also to cultivate a deeper awareness of the world around us. Through engaging sermons, thought-provoking discussions, and practical applications, we will be inspired to view ourselves, others, and our communities through the lens of God’s love and compassion

Block 3: Seeing with God’s Perspective
As we enter the final portion of our Summer of 2023 Sermon Series, we will continue to be enriched by the wisdom and experiences of a variety of voices. This month will provide an opportunity for diverse voices to share their unique perspectives, enriching our understanding of God’s character and work in the world. Each week, we will explore different themes expanding our spiritual horizons and deepening our connection to God.

Click here to go to the sermons
https://ljpres.org/openeyessermonseries/

In the letter to the Colossians, the apostle Paul makes it clear that it is ultimately all about Jesus. Jesus is sufficient and the only way that we will truly feel alive is when we are in Jesus. Join us this spring as we reflect on what it looks like to live a life that is grounded in the saving work of Jesus.

Click here to go to the sermons
https://ljpres.org/colossianssermonseries/

Today’s world is filled with noise and anxiety. During this season of Lent, Jesus invites you to listen, pray, reflect, and simply Follow. Jesus did not invite people into a life of discipleship by saying, “come and lead with me.” Instead, he invited people to “follow him” and “learn from him.” Between now and Easter we are going to be talking about what it means to “follow” Jesus and what it looks like to trust God’s “leadership” as we live out our lives.

Click here to go to the sermons.
https://ljpres.org/simplyfollow/

Elijah and Elisha were prophets who were seeking to live out their faith in the midst of troubled times. Many people had turned their back on God and all was not well. In the midst of fear and uncertainty, Elijah and Elisha began their ministry. They called the people of Israel back to faith in the living God. They reminded the people that fear was not their future, but that their future rested in the hands of a gracious God. Join us as we talk about faith in troubled times.

Click here to go to the sermons.
https://ljpres.org/elijahsermonseries/

The prophets of the Old Testament knew that the Messiah was coming. As they shared God’s word with Israel they spoke of the one who would help people know how to walk in God’s paths. They spoke of a righteous savior who would delight and rejoice in his people and would be the messenger of God’s covenant. Join us this Advent season as we consider some of the attributes of our Messiah and prepare ourselves for his arrival.

Click here to go to the sermons.
https://ljpres.org/lightoftheworldsermonseries/

Our Sermon Series for Fall of 2022 is focused on the foundations of our Spiritual Life, what the church would call Spiritual Formation
We’ll talk about what it looks like to live a life that has been formed spiritually by God. We are all being formed by something and God’s greatest desire is that our lives be formed and transformed by the Holy Spirit.
Join us as we discuss a framework for spiritual formation that will help bring transformation to our lives.

Click here to go to the sermons.
https://ljpres.org/afirmfoundation/

The gospel of Luke emphasizes the prayer life of Jesus more than any of the synoptic gospels. We see Jesus in prayer at least nine times and we also get to listen in as he teaches about prayer. Soren Kierkegaard has said, “the function of prayer is not to influence God, but rather to change the nature of the one who prays”. Join us this spring as we consider what we can learn from Jesus about prayer and how we can be a people who integrate prayer into our daily lives.

Click here to go to the sermons.
https://ljpres.org/whatjesussaysaboutprayer/

The gospel of Luke spends ten chapters telling us about the final journey Jesus took from Galilee to Jerusalem. We find Jesus making his way through Samaria, talking about the kingdom of God and using a number of parables found only in Luke. In Luke 9:51 we read, “When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.” During this season of Lent we will reflect on what we can learn from Jesus as he and the disciples make this journey to Jerusalem.

Click here to go to the sermons.
https://ljpres.org/journeytojerusalem/

We read a lot about wisdom in the Bible. We are told to pursue wisdom, but Scripture also makes it very clear that God grants wisdom. Wisdom is a gift and also something to seek after. This winter we are going to be talking about what it means to live wisely and how we find and stay on the path of wisdom.

Click here to go to the sermons.
https://ljpres.org/uncommonsense/

In 1744, as Charles Wesley was reading Haggai 2:7 he looked around at his community. He saw the dire plight of orphans around him, as well as the social divide of the people in Great Britain. He wrote a prayer which eventually became the Advent hymn, Come Thou Long Expected Jesus. He was praying that God would bring deliverance and hope to a troubled and broken society.

We still pray the same sorts of prayers today. This hymn reminds us that a Savior was born for us. A savior who was “Born to set Thy People Free. Born Thy People to Deliver. Born a Child and yet a King. Born to live in us Forever.” During the season of Advent, we celebrate the one who was born for us and brought us abundant and everlasting life. Click here to go to the sermons.
https://ljpres.org/comethoulongexpectedjesus/

At the beginning of the book of Acts we read that the disciples were looking intently into the sky as Jesus was ascending. Then two angels showed up and asked them why they were standing there looking into the sky. Basically, these angels were saying there is “work” to be done. Stop staring into the sky and get busy sharing the message that Jesus shared with you.

The book of Acts shows us how followers of Jesus were “sent” into the world to share about the transforming message of Jesus. This fall we want to think about what it means to be “sent” and what we can learn from the early church about sharing our faith with a society and world that does not always understand what Jesus was all about. Click here to go to the sermons.
https://ljpres.org/sent-acts/

As we move toward the fall Pastor Paul will spend three of those weeks talking about what it means to be made in the image of God. Scripture tells us that we are made in God’s image, but what does that really mean. Join us on August 8th, 15th and September 5th as Pastor Paul reminds us that being made in the image of God impacts the way we view God, the Creation and one another.

We are also glad to have Rev. Scott Mitchell sharing God’s word with us on Sunday August 1st, Rev. Mindy Smith – Stan and Marie Beard’s daughter – sharing God’s word with us on Sunday, August 22nd, and our Middle School Director, Abraham Musto, preaching on Sunday August 29th. Click here to go to the sermons.
https://ljpres.org/madeintheimageofgod/

The book of Daniel shows us what it looks like to “stand firm” in our faith in the midst of culture and society that knows little of the ways of God. Many of us grew up with the well-known stories of Daniel. Daniel in the lions’ den. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the fiery furnace. The mysterious writing on the wall. Daniel interpreting dreams. Many of us still remember these stories, and yet, they are more than stories. They remind us of an important lesson. God is in control of all things and God has a plan. Join us this summer as we look at Daniel and remind ourselves that God does have a plan and our calling is to live faithfully in the midst of a society and culture that often seems troubled and broken. Click here to go to the sermons.
https://ljpres.org/danielsermonseries/

It has been said by many pastors and Biblical scholars that Romans 8 is the greatest chapter in all of Scripture. While we recognize that every chapter in Scripture is great, the words of Romans 8 are full of incredible promises and inspiring encouragement. The apostle Paul takes us on a journey which reveals that when our lives are in Jesus we are no longer bound by sin and death and we can “truly live.” We are reminded that nothing the world throws at us will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus and that is great news! We are looking forward to you joining us this spring as we talk about “Finding Hope in Jesus.” Click here to go to the sermons.
https://ljpres.org/findinghopeinjesus/

During the season of Lent we are going to be taking a look at the book of Hebrews. If you look at Hebrews closely, you discover that it reads more like a sermon than an actual letter or book. Hebrews shows us how all the promises of God in the Old Testament find fulfillment in Jesus. Piece by piece, the “preacher” in Hebrews puts the story together, just as you put together a jigsaw puzzle. Join us this season of Lent as we see how all the pieces fit together and find completion in Jesus Christ. Click here to go to the sermons.
https://ljpres.org/puzzled-thebookofhebrews/

The psalms are more poetry than they are prose. They were written to help us know how we can express ourselves before God and experience what God might have to say to us. They do not necessarily give us ideas about God or offer us theological reflection, as much as they help us to see what it feels like to be in relationship with the living God who has made us in His image. They are the songs that the nation of Israel would sing. The words help us to find our own voice as we seek to make our way. So, join us as we reflect on “the songs that we sing.” Click here to go to the sermons.
https://ljpres.org/thesongswesing/

Our theme for Advent in 2020 is “A Thrill Of Hope, The Weary World Rejoices.” We all need hope and we find our hope in Jesus Christ. Advent should encourage us to look back at the first arrival of Jesus in a manger in Bethlehem, but it should also cause us to look ahead and remember that one day Jesus shall return and restore all things. Click here to go to the sermons.
https://ljpres.org/a-thrill-of-hope/

This Thanksgiving we are reflecting on Gratitude…we are blessed by God to be a blessing to others. Click here to go to this sermon.
https://ljpres.org/rejoice/

For the fall we are looking at discipleship…how we follow Jesus, become like Jesus and behave like Jesus. Click here to go to this sermon.
https://ljpres.org/findingourway/

In Ephesians 1:15-23, the Apostle Paul shares with us about the hope, the riches, and the power that we have in being a part of God’s glorious and cosmic plan. But we can learn about God’s plan only when the eyes of our heart have been enlightened by wisdom and revelation. Click here to go to this sermon.
http://ljpres.org/thehope/

A Study in Jeremiah
Jeremiah was called to prophesy during an extremely difficult time. Judah was not being obedient, the religious leaders were not being faithful to their calling, the covenant God had made with Israel was in shambles. How do you keep the faith when the circumstances look bleak around you? How do you lament and yet hold on to hope? How do you speak truth and live a life of integrity in a world that seems to care little for the things you value? Join us this summer as we see how Jeremiah persevered and found hope and peace. His life and his words will be encouragement for all of us. Click here to go to this sermon.
https://ljpres.org/jeremiah/

Pentacost
In the New Testament, Pentacost is the day that the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples of Jesus. It is the Greek name for Shavuot, the spring harvest festival of the Israelites, which was happening when the Holy Spirit came. Click here to go to this sermon.
https://ljpres.org/pentacost-2/

Questions
This Spring we will be following our Lenten sermon series, “Questions Jesus Asked” with a new series called, “Questions”. We are looking at YOUR questions of faith and belief. Click here to go to this sermon series.
https://ljpres.org/2020questions/

Questions Jesus Asked
Throughout the gospels Jesus asks a lot of questions. Many of these questions are asked of his own followers. During the season of Lent we will consider some of the questions that Jesus asked, and reflect on how we might try and answer those same questions asked some 2000 years ago. Click here to go to this sermon series.
https://ljpres.org/questionsjesusasked/

Gospel Glimpses: Jesus in the old Testament
Throughout the Old Testament we read about events and signs and stories that point to Jesus. Jesus’ story does not begin with his birth. He has been there from the very beginning as the gospel of John makes clear. Join us as we take a look at where we see glimpses of Jesus in the Old Testament. Click here to go to this sermon series.
https://ljpres.org/gospelglimpses/

Making Room: Advent 2019
Our theme for Advent this year is “Making Room.” God “makes room” for us by including us in His wonderful plan of salvation and calls us to “make room” for others, as well as for God.
Click here to go to this sermon series.
https://ljpres.org/makingroom/

Strangers in a Strange Land: Finding Hope in 1st Peter
This fall we are going to be taking a look at the letter of 1 Peter. The theme of this letter could probably be summed up with 1 Peter 5.12b where Peter writes, “I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.” This fall we want to think about how we stand firm in God’s truth. How do we live as “strangers in a strange land?” Join us as we talk about how we can “experience” the living hope that has been offered to us in Jesus Christ and how we can “express” that hope to our community and world.
Click here to go to this sermon series.
http://ljpres.org/strangers/

Storyteller: Eight Parables Told By Jesus
For the next 8 weeks we’ll be looking at the Parables of Jesus. Parables are stories that reveal a deeper spiritual meaning.
Click here to go to this sermon series.
http://ljpres.org//storyteller/

Summer 2019
For the months of June and July, we will be hearing from our pastoral staff and studying a variety of scripture lessons.
Click here to go to this sermon series.
https://ljpres.org/summer2019/

Focused: Experiencing and Expressing the Transforming Love of Christ
For the next four weeks we are going to be taking an in-depth look at the church in Antioch, in Acts 11 and Acts 13, as well as utilizing other Scriptures from the Old and New Testament, to talk about the theme of “How We Experience and Express the Transforming Love of Christ.” We want to look at the church at Antioch and see what we can learn from it. How was it formed? How did it understand its mission in the world? Where was it located?
Click here to go to this sermon series.
https://ljpres.org/focused/

One on One With Jesus
As we approach Easter morning, we’re focusing on “One on One with Jesus”, people’s personal encounters with the Lord. Click here to go to this sermon series.
https://ljpres.org/oneonone/

Letters to The Seven Churches in the book of Revelations
What lessons can we learn from the early church? What did the early church get right, what did they miss and where did they need some encouragement? What does this mean for us in 2019? This winter we will take up the seven messages that John was commissioned to write to the early church in Revelation 2-3. We hope these letters will challenge and inspire LJPC to continue our mission in our community and world. Click here to go to this sermon series.
http://ljpres.org//past-sermon-series-dearchurch/

Finding Hope in Isaiah
The overall theme is “finding our way when we feel like we are in the wilderness.” “What is our hope when all seems lost or broken or forsaken.” Isaiah prophesied in a difficult time. The people of Israel were in exile and yet Isaiah reminded them to not lose hope. God was on the move. Click here to go to this sermon series.
http://ljpres.org//past-sermon-series-isaiahsermonseries

Engage Like Jesus
In Matthew 28, Jesus tells his followers to “go make disciples of all nations.” This group of people had been traveling with him and watching him teach and heal for three years. Then, right before he returned to heaven, he told them that the mission belonged to them. They were the ones being commissioned to engage with the people around them and share the hope of Jesus. What an incredible privilege and challenge that is! We will consider the theme of “engagement” as we look at the life of Jesus and see how he engaged the people around him. Join us as we reflect on the great privilege and challenge given to us to engage our community and world with the hopeful message of Jesus Christ. Click here to go to this sermon series.
http://ljpres.org/engage-like-jesus/

Faith That Works
The letter of James is full of “strong” suggestions about how to “live out” the faith. Of the one-hundred and eight verses in James, sixty of them are in the imperative voice. In this series, we want to consider how we can find the balance between faith and works. We are saved by faith, but we are also called to express our faith through our actions. The letter of James offers us some insights as we seek live out a “faith that works. Click here to go to this sermon series.
http://ljpres.org/faith-that-works/

The Story
Are You Curious About the Bible? Join us for a journey through The Story! The Story is a book of selections from the Bible, arranged chronologically, that will help guide you through the Bible and experience God’s word in its entirety. During this unique 31-week experience, every member of the family can read their own version of The Story. Come discover how our story is found in God’s story!
Click here to go to this sermon series.
https://ljpres.org/the-story/