Sermons from Sunday Worship at Falls Church Presbyterian Church in Falls Church, VA.  Also sermons from my previous position in Columbus, OH.

James Sledge

When Jesus' followers heard about the Temple's destruction, they thought about the End Times. But Jesus says forget that. The difficulties and sufferings they face aren't signs of the End, but opportunities. It's the same for us.

It Leads to Something - from Luke 21:5-19

In the midst of suicides by gay teenagers and untold suffering in the world, it can be hard to trust that God's will could be done "on earth as it is in heaven." Believing in a coming Kingdom takes a lot more faith than hoping for heaven when we die, but that is just what Jesus calls us to.

Peering into the Darkness; Glimpsing Hope - from Jeremiah 31:27-34; Luke 18:1-8

Many see faith as a synonym for belief, but the disciples' cry, "Increase our faith!" seems rooted in fears that they won't be able to do what Jesus commands. Jesus' response isn't very pastoral, but his metaphor of "worthless slaves" may actually be quite liberating.

Enough Faith? from Luke 17:5-10

We often seem to worship a far-off God in a far-off heaven who comes in Jesus to rescue us from earth and take us to heaven. But Jesus speaks of the Kingdom, God's new day, and calls us to be a part of it, to invest ourselves in it here and now.

Investing in God's Dream - from Isaiah 1:1, 10-20;  Luke 12:32-40

If Jesus is our best picture of God, then God is loving and self giving. And so being saved can't be about saving us from God's wrath. It must be about something else. Might our relationship to money and things give us some clues about being saved?

Addiction Test - from Hosea 11:1-11 & Luke 12:13-21

Martha is doing exactly what she "should" when she welcomes Jesus to her home. She is not getting carried away or trying too hard. So why doesn't Jesus send Mary to help her? And what does that say about the busyness of our own lives?

What Really Matters (pt 2) from Luke 10:38-42 & Amos 8:1-12

"God Bless America" is a simple prayer for God's guidance, but too easily it becomes God bless us and curse our enemy. Yet Jesus upends notions of a tribal God who is for us and against them. So does the healing of Naaman the Syrian in 2 Kings 5:1-14.

July 4th and Tribal Gods (pt 1) sermon from 2 Kings 5:1-14

Are believing in Jesus and following Jesus the same thing? What does it mean to follow Jesus?  And when people say they are Christian, do they mean that they follow Jesus? Does being Christian mean doing all that Jesus said?  It seems to me that Christian faith, including my own, is often uninterested in actually following Jesus, in giving the sort of commitment he insists on in these words from Luke.

Do Christians Follow Jesus? (pt 1) sermon from Luke 9:51-62

When someone says, "If you love me..." what comes next. The phrase is often provocative, sometimes manipulative, and Jesus uses it to speak to his followers about how to live when he leaves them.

If You Love Me... (pt 2) sermon from John 14:23-29

If You Love Me... (pt 1) sermon from John 14:23-29

Jesus says we should love one another just as he loved us. But we sometimes fight, squabble, and hurt one another. Perhaps it would help to see Jesus as a lover, whose passionate love for us is returned only when we love others.

Passionate Love (pt 1) sermon from John 13:31-35

Congregations often underestimate their size and capabilities, but there is a bigger problem that severely constrains the work of churches.  They often understand themselves to be nothing more than sum of their members' gifts, talents, and resources.  Yet today's scripture readings demonstrate the incredible transformation of the first disciples from a timid, frightened group in hiding to bold, fearless witnesses who defy the authorities.  And it happens, not because of their gifts or talents, but because of the work of the Spirit.

Impressive Congregations (pt 2) sermon from John 20:19-23 and Acts 5:27-32

Impressive Congregations (pt 1) sermon from John 20:19-23 and Acts 5:27-32

In John's gospel, Mary goes to the tomb "while it was still dark." And Mary is caught up in that darkness even after finding the empty tomb. Mary's witness is powerful precisely because she knows the depth of the darkness.

Facing the Darkness (pt 1) Easter sermon from John 20:1-18

The parable of the prodigal son is a favorite of many, but if we identify with the older brother, God's love can seem offensive. How far does God's love go? Answered with a little help from the novel, The Shack. <br />
Sermon text @ http://blvdchurchpastor.blogspot.com/

The parable of the prodigal son is a favorite of many, but if we identify with the older brother, God's love can seem offensive. How far does God's love go? Answered with a little help from the novel, The Shack. 
Sermon text @ http://blvdchurchpastor.blogspot.com/

Scandalous Grace (pt. 1) Sermon from Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

We tend to think that if something is free, it's not worth anything. But in Isaiah 55, the prophet calls exiles, and us, to come, buy food without money. Can we really trust ourselves to something we don't earn or deserve, to God's love offered as free gift?

It's Free!! (pt. 1) sermon from Isaiah 55:1-9

It's Free!! (pt. 2) sermon from Isaiah 55:1-9

1 Corinthians 13 is most often heard at weddings, but it is not an ode to love, certainly not romantic love. Paul is lecturing wayward children, admonishing them for engaging in petty divisions. The behavior of the Corinthians is not unlike that of siblings engaged in all out rivalry. And the Corinthians could surely see themselves in all those things "love is not."

Act Like Family! (pt 2) Sermon from 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

We use the term "gifted" to label those with special talents.  To be labeled "gifted" at school will get one put in all sorts of enrichment classes, although only certain types of gifts impress school systems or society.  Gifts in academics and athletics will serve you well in school and culture.  Gifts for compassion and empathy probably less so.  In a similar fashion, the Christians at Corinth valued some spiritual gifts over others, and we often do the same in the church today.  But the Apostle Paul insists that gifts are allotted to every Christian by the Spirit in a way that works together for the "common good."  Each gift is indispensable, and all must share their gifts for the church to be the body of Christ.

James Sledge Videos