Cedar Mill Sermon Podcast

Incarnation (Life): Inconvenient Compassion - Dave Teixeira

This week, we explore one of the most well-known stories from Jesus’ life: the feeding of the 5,000. At first glance, it might seem like just another story showing how amazing Jesus is—providing for people and performing miracles. But could there be more to it? What if this story reveals what it truly means to be God’s people? What if it challenges us to see how God’s Kingdom stands in stark contrast to the kingdoms of this world? And what if it shows us what happens when we trust Jesus enough to offer what we have, even in the face of uncertainty? Join us again this week as we uncover the deeper meaning behind this incredible moment and discover how we can truly be, people of the Incarnation.

Incarnation (Life): Jesus’ Rejection - Luke Emery

In his hometown of Nazareth, Jesus delivers a sermon in the synagogue, boldly proclaiming God's boundless mercy that extends to both Jews and Gentiles alike. This message, emphasizing compassion for the marginalized and outsiders, proves too unsettling for the local congregation. Do we, as believers, truly embrace God's mercy, even towards those we consider enemies? How might God be calling us to see ourselves and the world around us through His eyes?

Incarnation (Life): Swimming Upstream - Dave Teixeira

This week, we’ll dive into how Jesus offers a bold and countercultural way of life, calling His followers to swim “Upstream.” Beginning with John the Baptist, we are invited to turn away from the world’s values and practices and embrace the way of Jesus—a path defined by authenticity, dependence on God, and unwavering allegiance to His kingdom. In His baptism, Jesus demonstrates His willingness to fully identify with humanity, foreshadowing His sacrifice on our behalf, while being empowered by the Holy Spirit to begin His ministry. Then, in the wilderness, Jesus faces Satan’s temptations—not with divine force, but through Spirit-led trust and faithfulness. This passage ultimately challenges us to reject the cultural currents of self-reliance, compromise, and comfort, and instead live with trust, obedience, and Spirit-empowered resilience. How will you depend on the Spirit to swim upstream in a world that constantly pulls in the opposite direction?

Incarnation (Life): King Jesus Implications - Dave Teixeira

In Matthew 2:13-23, we encounter a vivid account of Jesus’ early life that reveals profound truths about what it means for Him to truly be our King. First, Jesus threatens hypocrisy, as seen in Herod’s fear-driven opposition. This challenges us to reflect on whether there is any hypocrisy in our own lives that Jesus wants to confront. Second, in the midst of struggle, God offers refuge, demonstrated by His guidance of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus to safety in Egypt. This section reminds us that while God doesn’t promise an easy life, He does provide comfort and strength to His people if we follow His lead. Finally, Matthew highlights three fulfilled prophecies to show that even amidst horrific suffering, God’s plans remain unshaken and cannot be undone by the evil of this world. In the end, these truths remind us that the Incarnation is not just about God becoming human, but about a King who confronts our brokenness, offers people refuge, and secures His unshakable plan of redemption.

Incarnation (Birth): The Magi - Jeremiah Nealon

The Magi are unlikely members of our Nativity Sets. They are outsiders; some say they are priests of sorcerers. They know nothing of the prophecies about Jesus. Yet, they are curious about God’s announcement in the stars. They investigate the King of the Jews. They are disillusioned by the Upside-Down story of God. Finally, they encounter God for themselves, redirecting their lives. How can we find ourselves in the Magi? How can we welcome modern Magi into our church? How can we let the Nativity tell our story again?

Incarnation (Birth): A New Kind of King & Kingdom - Dave Teixeira

This week's sermon from Luke 2 highlights the contrast between worldly Kingdoms & God’s Kingdom. Why would an all-powerful God choose a meager birth to a peasant couple, who would wrap him in “cloths” and place him in a manger?  Furthermore, if this is the “sign” that God has come into the world, what does it teach us about what following Him and advancing His kingdom will be like?  If the Christmas story has become all too boring for you, join us this week as we dive into some history and discover the surprising and subversive story of Jesus born as a baby in Bethlehem.

Incarnation (Birth): Choosing Faith When Times Are Tough - Dave Teixeira

In this sermon from Luke chapter 1, we explore how God works through both doubt and faith to accomplish His purposes. Zechariah’s initial struggle to believe the angel’s promise highlights the challenge of trusting God when circumstances seem impossible.  In contrast, Mary’s humble and trusting response, strengthened through deep friendship with Elizabeth, shows us what it looks like to trust God even in the midst of uncertainty. In the end, two songs become the high points of this chapter as we learn that the key to being people of faith is looking to and leaning on the faithfulness of the Lord.

Incarnation (Birth): A Grand Introduction - Dave Teixeira

In this message, we will explore Matthew’s introduction of Jesus and how this seemingly boring list of names reveals the highly anticipated news of Messiah’s arrival.  Looking carefully, we’ll see that Matthew’s genealogy not only grounds Jesus in the covenantal story of Israel but also invites outsiders in by highlighting some unexpected and even scandalous stories from the Old Testament.  In the end, we too will be invited into the adventure, not just as readers, but as people who can receive this heavenly king and allow His story to define ours.

Incarnation (Birth): I’m Still Amazed! - Emilene Valadez

As we enter the Christmas season, it is important for us to take a moment and pause the busyness, silence all the noise, and reflect on the glorious fact that Jesus left his heavenly throne to come into this world to rescue us from death. When we think about that night, the sanctity and the splendor of Jesus coming to earth in human flesh, we realize that what happened on that holy and divine night has the power to transform lives and heal the entire world. As a result, our hearts will rejoice and will continue to be amazed by the miracle of Christmas.

(Re)Building: Not so Happily Ever After; (Re)Storing Holiness - Ashley Bell

Chapter 13 finds Nehemiah entering his last year as governor of Judah. The book closes with a not so happily ever after as we find the Israelites compromising on their commitments, and struggling to live a lifestyle that enabled them to walk in holiness with community integrity. In this sermon, we’ll explore not only what the restoration of holiness and integrity looks like for them but for us as well. Remembering that even in the Not so Happily Ever After God’s desire is for restoration and the only way to “happily ever after” is through the pursuit of holiness.