Cedar Mill Sermon Podcast

Incarnation (Death): On Trial – Dave Teixeira

In Matthew 26:57–27:26, Jesus stands trial before Caiaphas, Pilate, and the crowds—but in reality, they, and we, are the ones truly “On Trial.” Caiaphas rejects Jesus to protect his power and position, Peter denies Him out of fear, Judas is consumed by regret but chooses despair over repentance, and Pilate sacrifices truth for the sake of convenience. These same responses—rejection, denial, regret, and compromise—still tempt us today. Yet, in the midst of human failure, Jesus remains unwavering. His steadfast commitment to truth and grace stands in stark contrast to our weakness. Even when we falter, He is faithful, and His gracious strength calls us to examine our own hearts and ask, “Are we standing with Him, or are we still deciding what to do with the one called Christ?” 

Incarnation (Death): Gethsemane – Luke Emery

This week's sermon highlights the disciples' initial boldness but ultimate failure - Judas' calculated betrayal, Peter, James, and John's inattentiveness, and Peter's misunderstanding of Jesus' mission —culminating in them all fleeing. In contrast, Jesus remains faithful, drinking the cup for us despite our failures.

Incarnation (Death): Jesus Prepares a Table – Rick McKinley

As Jesus moves towards his sacrifice, He shares the Passover meal with His disciples. Around a table with his closest friends, Jesus prepares a meal that has sustained the Church for 2000 years. In this sermon, Rick McKinley will explore how the shape of the Lord’s Supper becomes the shape of Christian discipleship and in this simple meal of Bread and Wine, we find the grace to follow our Crucified King.

Incarnation (Death): Traps, Taxes & Total Allegiance – Dave Teixeira

In this week’s message, Jerusalem’s religious and political authorities confront Jesus with a politically charged question, hoping to trap Him and seal His fate. But instead of falling into their trap, Jesus masterfully rejects both political simplicity and complacency, reminding His followers that their ultimate allegiance belongs to God. While this passage addresses a specific first-century issue, its message remains profoundly relevant today—calling Jesus-followers to embody the Incarnation by keeping God’s authority at the center of our lives.

Incarnation (Death): Fig Trees & Temple Tables – Dave Teixeira

In Mark 11:11-25, Jesus exposes the emptiness of selfish, exploitative religion by cursing a fruitless fig tree and overturning tables in the temple. The fig tree, full of leaves but barren of fruit, symbolizes a faith that looks good on the outside but lacks true devotion to God’s heart. Likewise, the temple—intended to be a house of prayer for all nations—had become a marketplace of exclusion and exploitation, cutting off access for the poor and foreigners seeking God. Jesus calls us to reject hollow religiosity and instead hunger for lives marked by prayer—authentic connection with God—and forgiveness, extending His mercy to others. A faith that bears real fruit is one that welcomes the marginalized, advocates for justice, and offers grace as freely as we have received it. As we follow Christ, may we be known not for temple tables of self-interest, but for lives that reflect the love of God to the world.

Incarnation (Life): Testing - Jeremiah Nealon

Jesus famously has an epic showdown with Satan in the desert. These tests have been the tests that humanity faced and failed, throughout the Old Testament. How does Jesus approach the tests and the tester? What can we learn from Jesus’ triumph? Most importantly how do we walk in the presence of God through our trials, becoming a church that resists the tests of Satan and strives onward towards the cross in the upcoming Lenten season?

Incarnation (Life): Lives of Listening - Dave Teixeira

The Transfiguration in Matthew 17:1-13 reveals deep truths about Jesus’ identity, God’s redemptive plan, and true discipleship. It confirms that Jesus fulfills both the Law and the Prophets, demonstrating that all of Scripture ultimately points to Him. Moses and Elijah serve as powerful examples of those who found strength through time with God on a mountain. God’s command to “Listen to Him” calls Jesus’ followers to do the same—seeking strength through intentional time with Him. Ultimately, the connection between John the Baptist and Elijah highlights the pattern of suffering before glory, reminding us that God’s kingdom is not just experienced in mountaintop moments but must be lived out in a broken, fallen, and often adversarial world.

Incarnation (Life): Who Do You Say That I Am - Ashley Bell

Who do you say that I am?” This message emphasizes the importance of recognizing Jesus' identity as the Messiah – the anointed one, and the implications of that confession for believers. When culture, society, and government regularly practice worshipping other gods, the realization of Jesus as the Messiah for those who are disciples changes everything. It moves us beyond nominal Christian beliefs, and toward being an incarnational presence in our day-to-day lives; awakened, empowered, steadfast disciples, on mission as the Bride of Christ.

Incarnation (Life): Crossing Lines that Divide - Dave Teixeira

As our journey with Jesus continues, we have the opportunity to take two field trips this week. On both occasions, we will follow Jesus into places and among people outside His cultural norms. These encounters will draw us into intense racial divisions, deep-seated resentment, and a confrontation with our own sense of entitlement. Yet, in these moments, we will witness Jesus seeing, blessing, healing, and affirming those whom His disciples might have overlooked. In the end, we will be invited into a deeper understanding of what it truly means to live out the story of Jesus as people of the Incarnation.

Incarnation (Life): Grains, Hands, Hearts & the Lord of the Sabbath - Dave Teixeira

This week’s story from the life of Jesus highlights not only His opposition to empty religious legalism but also His deep compassion for the poor, hurting, and marginalized. It also exposes the hardened hearts of the Pharisees and others whose pride and stubbornness drive them to reject God’s way in favor of their own. In the end, we see that Jesus’ way is one of care, provision, and healing, and we are once again invited to be people of the Incarnation—living out His love and justice in our world.