Carlton Landing Community Church Sermons

God Hears Your Prayers - Luke 18:1-14

If prayer is such an essential part of the Christian life, why is it so difficult? In Luke 18, Jesus tells two parables to encourage us to pray, and he starts with the attitudes we bring to prayer: persistence and dependence. In this sermon, Pastor Cole continues our series 5 Truths to Build Your Life on with easy ways to improve your time in prayer. 

Your Sins Are Forgiven - Luke 15:11-32

The parable of the prodigal son is one of the greatest stories of all time. It's proof that anyone can be forgiven, that there is more than one way to be estranged from God, and that the father is waiting with open arms to forgive and restore. Forgiveness is open to all but it is not free; it cost the Son of God his life. Because he is risen, we know that any sin can be forgiven and any sinner can be welcomed back into the family of God. 

The Bible Is God’s Word - 2 Peter 1:16-21

Jesus said, "Anybody who hears these words of mine and does them is like a man who builds his house on the rock." God's words are worth building our lives on. His word is true, life-giving, and the guiding voice in our life. This week Pastor Cole looks at what the Bible says about itself, what it means for God's word to be true, and how to build our lives on the Scriptures.

Who You’ll Be in the New Year - 2 Peter 1:3-11

Who will you be in the new year? As Peter reminds us, our goals and resolutions will accomplish little if we don't know who we are. You have been invited into God's own life, granted his great promises, and given everything you need for life and godliness. Now, how should we live? In this first message of the new year, Pastor Cole talks about identity, growth, and supplementing your faith in 2022.

Good News of Great Joy - Luke 2:1-20

Christmas is good news! When the angel came to the shepherds, he said, "I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people." That good news still inspires great joy. When the Magi saw the star, they searched for the king. When the shepherds heard, they went to the manger. When the angels appeared, they praised God. As we hear the good news that our king has come, he has defeated death and given us peace with God, we're also called to respond. In this sermon, Pasto Cole talks about how the good news of Christmas can become great joy in our lives.

Advent: The Great King - Matthew 2:1-12

After Jesus was born, Magi from the East came to visit him. Through this story, Matthew shows us how to respond to the coming of Christ, contrasting the magi with Herod, earthly kings with the heavenly king. Who were these men and why did they come to Judea? These men were looking for the King of Peace, and when they found him, they opened their treasures and bowed down to worship him. In this sermon, Pastor Cole encourages us to follow the example of the Magi this Christmas.

Advent: The Great Reversal - Luke 1:39-55

Christmas is a great reversal. As the story opens, two unlikely women, Mary and Elizabeth, sing of the goodness and justice of God. They had been awaiting a savior and now they saw God keeping his promises. During Advent, we're reminded that God is still doing the same thing. In this first Advent message, Pastor Cole looks at the Magnificat to see what God might be doing in our lives this Christmas season.

The Greatness of Service - Philippians 2:19-24

Jesus did not come to be served but to serve. Through his life and death, he set up a pattern for us to follow: greatness can only come through service. Christians are called to follow his example by laying down our lives for others. In this message, Kerwin Dees describes a life of service, giving our time, encouragement, and talents for others.

How Not to Miss the Messiah - Isaiah 9:6-7

In some ways, we're not that different than the people of Israel. Focused on the trouble of their day, they missed what God was doing. If we're consumed by what's happening now we'll miss it too. In this famous Christmas text, Isaiah shows us how to live and what to look for if we want to see God working in this holiday season.

Freedom, Salt, and Light - Matthew 5:13-16

We've been called to be salt and light. Salt is a preservative; it cleanses, purifies, and preserves. Light reveals, enlivens, and causes growth. Zach Schemmer shares his story of freedom and transformation and talks about how we can be salt and light in the world today.