Recent sermons preached at First Presbyterian Church are available on this page or in the Sermon Library (filed according to scripture text). For access to the manuscripts, simply click on the title(s) in which you have an interest. Feel free to download them to your computer to read at your leisure. All sermons Copyright© date delivered by David Leininger, all rights reserved, unless otherwise noted.
DR. LEININGER'S LECTIONARY TALES FOR THE PULPIT for years A and B are now available. From the publisher's back jacket notes, "Whether you pick up these books as relaxed devotional reading or are searching for a last-minute sermon illustration, you'll be delighted with the imaginative and inspirational stories in the latest installments of CSS' popular Lectionary Tales for the Pulpit series. David Leininger takes you right to the heart of the scriptures with a rich variety of captivating material illustrating Cycle A & B lectionary texts. His thought-provoking reflections are certain to enrich your spiritual life - and point out the myriad ways in which God is at work in our daily lives. These volumes are sure to become a favorite resource for pastors and laypersons alike." Click here for ordering information.
Our series on The Beatitudes resumes this week as we encounter, "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." The meek??? Really, Jesus??? Read Matthew 5:1-12 in preparation.
You can listen to the sermon each week (soon after its delivery during worship) if you have the Windows Media Player (version 6.4 or higher) or its equivalent on your system. Click here to access the message. If you need the free Windows Media Player, click here to download/install.
As is our custom, we celebrate the Lord's Supper on the first Sunday of the month. As we come to the Table, we reflect on God's incredible love for us despite our many flaws and failings. Read Romans 8:31-39 in preparation for the pastor's communion meditation.
Our series on The Beatitudes continues this week as we encounter, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Sure. Eventually - time heals all wounds. But is that what Jesus meant? Read Matthew 5:1-12 in preparation.
Our summer/fall series on Jesus' words at the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount, commonly known as The Beatitudes, continues this week with the first of the Lord's "Blessed are"'s - Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. What about poverty of spirit or, for that matter, poverty of anything, is "blessed?" Read Matthew 5:1-12 in preparation.
Beginning this week, we commence a summer/fall series on Jesus' words at the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount, commonly known as The Beatitudes. "Blessed are..." We start with what we do NOT find. Read Matthew 5:1-12 in preparation.
"Ask the average person..." and (s)he will say (s)he wants to be happy. But too few of us genuinely feel happy. How do we deal with that all too common phenomenon? Read Matthew 11:28-30 in preparation.
The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) has completed it's biennial meeting in San Jose, California with the theme drawn from Micah's words. Dr. Leininger brings his report. Read Micah 6:6-8 in preparation.
Fathers' Day in the United States leads us, not only to recognize the Dads among us today, but to look back at one who is seen in that patriarchal role for three great monotheistic religions. Read Genesis 22:1-19 in preparation.
Do a Google search on "the business of the church" and you will come up with a variety of answers as to what that business might be. The pastor's message suggests how the Apostle Paul might respond to such an inquiry. Read Galatians 1:1-12 in preparation.
Trinity Sunday, the only Sunday on the liturgical calendar that is set aside to call attention to a church doctrine. And an important doctrine it is, especially in an era when so much "god talk" is merely political rhetoric. Read II Corinthians 13:11-14 in preparation.
Pentecost Sunday. Have you ever received a gift you were not sure what to do with? Perhaps that describes some of the feeling of the disciples on that momentous Pentecost in Jerusalem. Read Acts 2:1-21 in preparation.
The sixth Sunday of Easter. Our lesson from Acts has been held up as a good way to evangelize folks who have never heard the gospel, but we wonder. The response to the message was not exactly overwhelming. Read Acts 17:16-34 in preparation.
A Pennsylvania primary election is set for this Tuesday, April 22nd. When the schedule was announced, it was thought that this trip to the polls would have no import beyond local contests, but such is not the case - the eyes of the nation will be on Pennsylvania this week. So saying, is there anything that Christians should be cognizant of as they approach the polling place? Absolutely - in this election or any. Read Romans 13:1-7 in preparation.
The fourth Sunday of Easter. The lectionary lessons from the book of Acts continue with a summary of what happened to those new converts in Jerusalem after Peter's famous Pentecost sermon. Read Acts 2:42-47 in preparation.
The third Sunday of Easter. The lectionary lesson from the book of Acts brings us in on the tail end of Peter's famous Pentecost sermon. The reaction afterward is not simply, "Nice sermon today, preacher," but "What should we do?" Read Acts 2:14a, 36-41 in preparation for the pastor's communion meditation.
Other sermons are available in the Library filed by scripture text (Genesis-Revelation).
| Sermon Library | Home Page | Send E-Mail |