Vineyard Church of Ann Arbor Sermon Podcast Vineyard Church of Ann Arbor

The Resurrected Jesus - Why are you troubled? - Rev. Donnell T. Wyche - a2vc.org. Like us on fb.com/vineyardannarbor or watch our livestream Sundays @ 10:45am - vimeo.com/annarborvineyard
In this sermon, we explore a deeply transformative moment from John 20, focusing on the disciples' experience after the resurrection of Jesus. On the evening of the first day of the week, the disciples, locked away and fearful of persecution, are visited by Jesus, who greets them with a message of peace. This encounter highlights the overwhelming fear the disciples felt—even in the face of good news—similar to our contemporary anxieties, such as those related to financial debts. Despite the resurrection, Thomas remains skeptical, needing personal proof of Jesus' wounds to believe, underscoring a profound theme of the sermon: even the most tangible signs of hope cannot erase deep-seated fears.

The sermon delves into the implications of Jesus’ interactions with the disciples, particularly emphasizing His approach to Thomas. Jesus does not chastise Thomas for his doubts but meets him exactly where he is, demonstrating understanding and offering reassurance by inviting Thomas to touch his wounds. This act not only reaffirms Thomas’s faith but also illustrates a key message of the gospel—Jesus’ readiness to meet us in our uncertainty and fear, offering peace and confirmation without judgment.

The sermon concludes by reflecting on the broader message of the resurrection as a symbol of relentless hope and divine intervention in moments of despair. It challenges listeners to recognize that, like the disciples, we are often caught between fear and hope, but the presence of Jesus reassures us that we are not alone in our struggles. The resurrection signifies that God continues to work in our lives, inviting us into a story of forgiveness, reconciliation, and new beginnings, no matter the challenges we face. This message of enduring hope and peace is particularly resonant as we navigate the complexities and fears of modern life.
 

Encountering the Resurrected Jesus - The Road to Emmaus by Pastor Marissa Ortiz Jadrich - a2vc.org. Like us on fb.com/vineyardannarbor or watch our livestream Sundays @ 10:45am - vimeo.com/annarborvineyard

Easter 2024 - Resurrection is a Promise and it is a Prophecy - Rev. Donnell T. Wyche - a2vc.org. Like us on fb.com/vineyardannarbor or watch our livestream Sundays @ 10:45am - vimeo.com/annarborvineyard
In this Easter sermon manuscript titled "Resurrection is a Promise and it is a Prophecy," Pastor Donnell Wyche introduces the concept of the Holy Week, focusing on Jesus Christ's entrance into Jerusalem and subsequent crucifixion under Pontius Pilate's orders. This event is portrayed as a clash between Jesus, seen as a usurper by the Roman Empire, and the oppressive forces of the time. The manuscript delves into the notion that Jesus's death, while seemingly a victory for the Empire, actually opens the door to new possibilities and life beyond death, challenging the empire's narrative and offering a new hope through self-sacrifice.
The second part, "It’s Not a Zero-Sum Game," draws on the story of Adam and Eve to discuss human nature, rebellion against God, and the resultant separation from divine love and grace. The sermon highlights humanity's tendency towards self-centeredness and the belief in a zero-sum game where one's gain is another's loss. The sermon highlights how these attitudes lead to spiritual death and alienation from God but also introduces the concept of hope — a hope that is not based on human efforts, but on the trust in God's ongoing involvement in the world and God’s promise of restoration and love.
Finally, "It’s Not the End, It’s Just the Beginning" centers on the transformative power of Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection. In this section of the sermon, Pastor Donnell argues that through Jesus's act of ultimate love and self-sacrifice, Jesus defeats the powers of sin, death, and evil, thereby debunking the myth of life as a zero-sum game and opening a way for humanity to re-enter God's presence without fear of death. The sermon concludes on a hopeful note with the resurrection, symbolizing a new creation and a renewed relationship between God and humanity, illustrated through the encounter of Mary Magdalene and the resurrected Jesus in a garden, signifying a full circle back to the intimacy of the original creation story.

When God Comes Near by David Paladino - a2vc.org. Like us on fb.com/vineyardannarbor or watch our livestream Sundays @ 10:45am - vimeo.com/annarborvineyard
In his Palm Sunday sermon, Dave reflects on the complexities of Jesus' arrival in Jerusalem, which is narrated in the Gospel of Luke. He discusses the tension between the celebratory mood of Jesus' followers and the somber reality of Jesus' mission, which culminates in his crucifixion. Dave explores how different groups—the joyful disciples, the threatened religious leaders, and Jesus himself—perceived this event. Jesus' entry provokes various reactions, underscoring the conflict and misunderstanding between him and the religious authorities, who are portrayed as increasingly antagonistic.

Dave then introduces the concept of the "false self," using the character from the film "Good Will Hunting" as an analogy to explain how people construct protective personas based on their desires and agendas. This idea extends to a "religious false self," where individuals manipulate their spirituality to fit their needs, rather than fully surrendering to God's will. The sermon illustrates how these false identities conflict with the authenticity and challenge presented by Jesus' teachings and actions, particularly as he confronts the commercial and exclusive practices in the temple.

The sermon concludes by tying the themes of false self and true surrender to the broader narrative of Holy Week. Dave emphasizes that Jesus' life, death, and resurrection exemplify the ultimate surrender and service to God, challenging followers to move beyond superficial faith. He encourages the congregation to embrace a more profound spiritual journey, aided by the model of Jesus' obedience and sacrifice, which is commemorated during Holy Week. This journey involves letting go of the religious false self and genuinely engaging with God through practices like the Lord's Prayer, which reflects Jesus' life and teachings.

The Promises of God - Our Story in the Light of God's Promises by Pastor Marissa Ortiz Jadrich - a2vc.org. Like us on fb.com/vineyardannarbor or watch our livestream Sundays @ 10:45am - vimeo.com/annarborvineyard
Pastor Marissa encourages us to explore our personal narratives in the context of Jesus' life, as detailed by the different Gospel writers, in her sermon from the Vineyard Church of Ann Arbor. Part of the "Promises of God" series and titled "Embracing Our Story in the Light of God's Promises," the sermon delves into how each Gospel author uniquely presents Jesus' story, urging us to reflect on how these perspectives resonate with our own life experiences. Whether it's our family background, achievements, or significant historical events we've witnessed, she emphasizes that our stories are integral to our identity and purpose.
She invites the congregation to see themselves as part of a larger narrative, one that is deeply loved and cherished by God. This divine love and acceptance, Pastor Marissa suggests, are the foundations for genuine personal change and growth. Her message interweaves the Biblical account of Jesus with personal introspection, offering insights into our individual lives through the lens of Jesus' story.
The sermon concludes with a call to action, encouraging us to live in acknowledgment of God's eternal love and promises, embracing our own stories as part of God's grand narrative.

The Promises of God - Jonah - Contending with God's Mercy by Rev. Donnell Wyche - a2vc.org. Like us on fb.com/vineyardannarbor or watch our livestream Sundays @ 10:45am - vimeo.com/annarborvineyard
In this sermon, Pastor Donnell encourages us to embrace gratitude and grace as we reflect on our year. He begins by expressing gratitude for those present and emphasizes the importance of focusing on what we should be thankful for, rather than dwelling on our failures and disappointments. Pastor Donnell reminds us that despite the challenges, we have made it through the year, which is a significant accomplishment.
He then delves into a sermon series on the promises of God, using the story of Jonah to illustrate his points. Pastor Donnell explores the idea of trust in God, especially in situations where God's plans might seem daunting or disagreeable. He provides a detailed analysis of Jonah's story, including Jonah's reluctance to follow God's command to go to Nineveh and his eventual compliance after trying to flee.
Pastor Donnell highlights Jonah's internal struggle and his anger towards God's mercy towards the Ninevites, which Jonah perceives as unjust. This part of the sermon invites listeners to reflect on the nature of justice, mercy, and our own responses to perceived injustices.
Throughout the sermon, Pastor Donnell skillfully weaves in contemporary applications, encouraging listeners to consider their own lives in light of Jonah's story. He challenges us to think about how we respond to God's calls, how we handle our own reluctances and disappointments, and how we can learn to trust in God's broader plan, even when it conflicts with our personal desires or sense of justice.
In conclusion, Pastor Donnell leaves us with a thought-provoking choice: to live in a world where mercy triumphs over judgment, as exemplified by God's treatment of Nineveh, or to choose a different path. This message, rooted in biblical narrative and rich in personal application, invites reflection and a deeper understanding of our relationship with God and others.