Sample Sermons
Dave favors expository sermons that first seek to understand the text in its context, asking what it was saying to the original audience. Then, he explores the tension or question it engaged within its day and how it applies to today. He believes the Spirit of God inspires the text and is the same Spirit that will make it come alive for us today. Less often, Dave will shape a series of sermons around a theme that addresses a present need in the congregation, like his Koinonia series that focused on the New Testament “one another” statements. Although the series is shaped around a need, each message honors and is drawn out of a specific text
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Engaging in Conflict Redemptively – Matt 18:15-17. We’re going to take a deep dive into Jesus’ teaching on how to gently confront sin in a brother or sister. We must resist the temptation to be passive or avoidant—love is active, and relational health requires action. In this message, we’ll explore four steps for engaging conflict in a redemptive way.
Engaging Conflict with Grace and Humility – Matthew 18:18–35
Jesus teaches that we are entrusted with His authority—to bind up sin and to extend forgiveness to those in spiritual debt. Yet Peter asks about the limits: “How often should I forgive my brother?” Jesus’ response exposes our own spiritual bankruptcy, our tendency toward an individualistic faith, and the shallowness of our humility.
Easter 2026 Sermon: “The Beginning” – Mark 15:33–16:7
This message brings our series in Mark’s Gospel to a close. Yet for many, a gap remains—a divide between the head and the heart. So the last thing we need this Easter morning is simply to hear another resurrection sermon, if we are not also experiencing Jesus as alive, active, and present among us.
The Sword – Two Kingdoms – Mark 14:43–52
There are two kingdoms at odds with one another. There is Christ’s kingdom—marked by light and grace. And there is the kingdom of this world—marked by power, control, and broken relationships. God’s kingdom is not a slight adjustment to the world’s values; it is a complete reversal. When conflict comes—when pressure rises, when we are tested—that’s when we discover which kingdom’s values we are truly living from.
The Temple – Mark 11:1–18. Can we be passionate? Jesus was—zealous for His Father’s house. Why? Because the temple had lost its purpose—to be a light to the nations—and it had lost its communion with the Father. It had become busy with religious activity but empty of prayer. Imagine a meter measuring “fatherly passion.” On one end is zero—apathetic, lukewarm. On the other is ten—pure delight in the Father. Where would you place yourself?
You are richer than you think. From a series in Ephesians “Alive in Christ”. Preached at Trinity Church in San Juan Puerto Rico. This sermon gives definition and depth to our union with God, a mutual belonging to one another as our highest treasure.
What is missional? This is a the first message in a a series called Incarnational Living. In this message we’ll get a snapshot of the missional life of Abraham, Jesus and the early Christ followers. Central idea we are a sent people. The people of God on the mission of God by the Power of God.
What is incarnational? Closely tied to the proceeding message “What is missional?” In this message we focus on what we bring with us into mission, that through us sojourners need to have a genuine experience with the non condemning love of God. When confronted with an obvious sinner Jesus chooses the role of advocate over judge.
Flourishing in the Shadow of an Empire is a Daniel series. Even as foreigners in an empire that mirrors Babylon’s moral, social and political culture, God reigns. Amid America’s polarized landscape, we can still thrive as exiles. Daniel 1 offers one conviction and three practices to guide us.
In a series “Listening to the Spirit,” we examine what the Spirit says to the seven churches of Asia Minor as described in Revelation 1-3, and then consider what the Spirit says to us. This message – Faithful Lover (Thyatira), Rev 2:18-29 is about having a primary affection and allegiance directed towards one over all others, emphasizing our devotion to Jesus.
Dave Young 