Sermons by Rev. Dr. Ron Hankins
The Long Road Ahead
The road ahead for today’s church leaders is a long one, but it is doable with God’s help. It calls for open ears, humble hearts, strength, patience, and resilience.
Beyond the Tension of Advent
Drawing on Matthew’s account of the Christ’s birth, Pastor Ron highlights Joseph’s turmoil over Mary’s pregnancy, God’s intervention in a dream, and Joseph’s obedient, tradition-breaking role in naming Jesus. Conflict and turmoil often precede miracles and that God meets us within the tension in our lives.
Keep Your Eyes Open and Stay Alert
Pastor Ron emphasizes the importance of spiritual vigilance, hope, and readiness for the coming of Jesus Christ, while also highlighting lessons from scripture and contemporary challenges faced by our congregation.
Give Thanks to the King
A reflective and uplifting message for Christ the King Sunday, exploring the close of the church year as a moment for gratitude, reflection, and hopeful new beginnings. Pastor Ron connects personal growth, congregational transition, and spiritual wisdom to encourage us through times of change.
An Opportunity to Testify
“Is God good all the time?” Amidst the presence of suffering, injustice, and hardship in the world, God’s goodness is constant. Despite the brokenness of the world, we are encouraged as believers to maintain faith and endurance during difficult times.
Enemies of Our Faith
In Matthew 14:13-33, Jesus performs the miracle of feeding 5,000 people and subsequently walks on water to meet His disciples amid a storm. Pastor Ron uses this biblical narrative to explore themes of faith versus fear, trust in God during transitions, and the importance of spiritual focus and courage.
Jesus, the Uninvited Guest
Pastor Ron delivers a reflective and motivational message centered on the biblical story of Zacchaeus, the chief tax collector, as an illustration of how Jesus unexpectedly enters lives and invites transformation. The theme revolves around Jesus as an uninvited but loving guest who repeatedly shows up in surprising ways, urging individuals to repent, change direction, and open their hearts.
The Other Side of Through
Pastor Ron preaches on 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18. Paul, nearing the end of his life, reflects on having “fought the good fight” and “kept the faith.” His words remind us that God stands with us in every trial, giving strength to persevere and hope to finish our own race with courage and trust.
A Resilient Faith
Pastor Ron reflects on what it means to have a resilient faith—a faith that endures life’s challenges, leans on God’s strength, and grows stronger through every season.
Rekindling and Guarding an Ancient Faith
Our Christian faith is a gift that is not static, but instead it’s dynamic; constantly evolving and growing from one season into the next, much like a mustard seed. Paul reminds Timothy to rekindle and guard the gift of his faith, with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Take Notice
Jesus warns of the great judgment awaiting those who ignore the poor and the suffering. Hear Christ’s challenge to open our eyes, act with compassion, and live with mercy.