University Church Of Eugene Sermons

Why would Paul suffer beatings, shipwrecks, hunger, imprisonment—and still keep going? Because he was convinced the Scriptures came from God. In this episode, we explore what the Bible says about its own origin and how it was passed down through revelation, inspiration, and canonization. From Paul’s letters to Timothy to Peter’s eyewitness account of Christ’s glory, this message walks through how we got the Bible—and why it’s completely reliable.You’ll hear:- Why Paul invited Timothy into a life of suffering for Scripture- What it means that “all Scripture is God-breathed”- How eyewitness testimony, manuscript evidence, and early church history affirm the Bible’s trustworthiness- Why “this book is made in heaven, not made up” is more than a catchy phrase—it’s a call to live by itWhether you’re skeptical, curious, or already convinced, this episode will strengthen your confidence in the Word and challenge you to live a life shaped by it.

In this sermon, we explore one of the most essential—but often overlooked—questions in the Christian life: How do we interpret the Bible? Many of us read Scripture regularly, yet struggle to truly listen. We open our Bibles, but our hearts are asleep. And like any relationship, when we stop listening—we start drifting.Drawing from the parable in Luke 16 and warnings in Hebrews 2, we uncover the urgency of paying closer attention to God’s Word. Miracles won’t wake up a heart that ignores Scripture—only a renewed hunger for truth can. But how do we go about truly hearing God’s voice in the pages of His Word?This sermon breaks it down into three essential steps:​ Observation – Seeing what’s really there. We learn how to slow down, study the context, and ask key questions of the text without jumping to application too soon.​ Interpretation – Understanding what it meant to the original audience before asking what it means for us. We wrestle with hard truths, cultural assumptions, and the importance of reading with

In this episode, we explore what it means to have faith that breathes, faith that endures, and faith that follows. Drawing from Deuteronomy 1 and the wilderness journey of God’s people, we reflect on how true faith isn’t just belief — it’s trust, allegiance, and obedience to a living King.We dive into:What happens when faith encounters suffering, loss, or spiritual fatigueThe difference between technical and adaptive challenges — and how faith grows in bothA powerful communal spiritual timeline that surfaces both our highest Kingdom moments and our deepest lowsWhat it means to be a Caleb or Joshua in a time of fear, and how to renew your trust in God’s promisesWhether you're discouraged, worn down, or standing at the edge of something new, this message is a call to break camp and move forward — with bold, faithful faith.

What is the proper response to a gift we could never repay? In this episode, we explore the ancient context of charis (grace) and pistis (faithfulness) through the lens of Ephesians 2:8–9.In the Greco-Roman world, grace wasn’t just a random act of kindness—it was a generous gift from a wealthy patron to a client, who then owed them public allegiance, honor, and faithfulness (pistis). The early church understood Jesus as our ultimate Patron, giving grace beyond what we could ever repay—and calling us into a life of loyalty and good works as a response (Ephesians 2:4–10).We reflect on John’s Gospel, where Jesus challenges crowds who only want miracles but not His lordship (John 4:48; John 5:8–15), and how Paul rebukes cheap grace that doesn’t lead to transformed living (Romans 5:21–6:2). True faith isn’t transactional—it’s a response of trust and allegiance to the One who gave us everything.

In a world full of competing values, conflicting voices, and endless theological opinions, how can we focus on what truly matters? In this episode, we explore how Jesus brings clarity to complexity—not through formulas, but through the essential truths of the gospel. Drawing from the sermons in Acts and the resurrected Christ in John 20, we discover the core convictions that unite true followers of Jesus.The Six Essentials of Biblical Christianity:​ God Exists and Can Be Known (Hebrews 11:6)​ Jesus Is Lord (Romans 10:9)​ Jesus Is the Risen Savior (1 Corinthians 15:3–8)​ Salvation Is by Grace Through Faith (Ephesians 2:8–9)​ We Must Be Born Again by the Holy Spirit (John 3:3; John 20:22)​ Faith Must Persevere to the End (Hebrews 3:14)These essentials invite us to live with convicted civility—graciously holding fast to gospel truth while loving those who seek. Whether you’re deeply rooted in church or spiritually curious on the margins, this message offers clarity, hope, and mission.

In this episode, we share a powerful call to follow Jesus with renewed devotion and fresh vision. We begin with three Scripture-based prayer prompts. Are we simply doing “church stuff,” or are we wholeheartedly loving and serving Jesus? We then have a discussion about our vision equity (what God has been up to) and other changes for the church. Scriptures Used:​Deuteronomy 13:4 – A call to love, fear, obey, serve, and hold fast to God.​John 12:24–26 – True life comes through dying to self and following Jesus; the Father honors His servants.​Luke 16:10 – Faithfulness in small things reveals readiness for greater responsibility.​Luke 8:21 (MSG) – Obedience to God is a stronger bond than blood.​Hebrews 12:1–2 – Fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.​Philippians 2:5–11 – Take on the mindset of Christ in humility and obedience.​1 John 2:6 – Walk as Jesus walked.​2 Corinthians 4:5 – We preach Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as servants for others’ sake.The ReJesus Vision:“ReJesus” is about real

In a world where truth is often shaped by personal belief rather than objective reality, how do we discern what truly matters in our faith? In this episode, we explore the difference between essential, important, and personal elements of Christian belief.Using the analogy of plate-glass faith (rigid and dogmatic about everything) and play-dough faith (flexible about even core doctrines), we discuss how to navigate these extremes and pursue a faithful, Christ-centered life.We’ll examine: • Personal elements (Pencil): Matters of individual conviction (1 Corinthians 8:7-8) • Important elements (Ink): Necessary for faithfully following Jesus, but not salvation issues (1 Corinthians 6:9-11) • Essential elements (Blood): Core gospel truths that define Christianity (1 Corinthians 15:1-8)Scriptures referenced: • Mark 3:1-6 – Jesus challenges rigid legalism • Matthew 23:23 – Jesus highlights “more important matters” of faith • 1 Corinthians (various passages) – Addressing church disputes and doctrine • Matthew 24:12-1

In a world where opinions shift based on popularity and cultural trends, does what we believe actually matter? This episode explores the importance of deep, unwavering faith over surface-level belief systems. We discuss “convicted civility”—holding firm to our convictions while engaging others with grace and wisdom. Using real-life encounters and biblical insights, we examine the dangers of both rigid, fragile faith (plate-glass faith) and overly flexible, compromised faith (play-dough faith). How can we fight the good fight with wisdom, discernment, and boldness? Join us as we dive into these critical questions.Key Scriptures: • Romans 10:9-10 – The foundation of faith and confession of Jesus as Lord. • John 3:16, 3:21 – True belief leads to action. • 1 Timothy 6:12 – Fighting the good fight of faith. • Jude 1:3-4 – Contending for the faith entrusted to us. • Galatians 1:6-9 – Warning against false gospels. • 2 Peter 2:1-3 – The reality of false teachers. • Colossians 2:8 – Avoiding captivity through hollow

What does it mean to be righteous, and why does it matter for the Kingdom of God? In this episode, we explore holiness as a lifestyle of living under God’s rule, rather than our own. Holiness is not just about moral behavior—it’s about embodying the Kingdom, living in love, and walking in righteousness. Through the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reveals what it means to live as Kingdom citizens today, expressing both holiness and love in our daily lives.Join us as we discuss how the church is called to be salt and light, living out the values of the coming age in the present. Discover how holiness is a response to God’s grace and a marker of Kingdom life.Scriptures referenced: • 1 Peter 1:16 • Matthew 5–7 (The Sermon on the Mount) • Luke 6:20–49 • Acts 1:3 • 1 Peter 2:24 • Hebrews 12:28–29 • Mark 10:13–15 • Matthew 23:3, 23:26 • Matthew 7:24–29Tune in and be encouraged to seek the Kingdom and His righteousness in every area of life!

What does it mean for the church to let love rule in all she does? In this episode, we explore how love fuels disciple-making and drives the mission of God’s Kingdom. True love isn’t just words—it’s action. It’s a life shaped by the gospel, transforming communities and individuals alike.We’ll discuss the challenge of self-centeredness, how Jesus modeled servanthood, and why serving others is central to expressing God’s love. When the church embodies Christ’s mission, we become a refuge for the weary, a haven for the broken, and a witness to the world.How can you live out this love in your daily life? Join us as we dive into practical ways to bring the Kingdom of God into every aspect of life.

In this episode, we explore what it means to enter the Kingdom, not just study it, and how the church should function as an extended family on Kingdom mission. We reflect on Jesus’ call to seek the Kingdom as treasure (Matthew 13:44-46) and examine how our modern, compartmentalized view of church has disconnected us from true Kingdom life.We challenge ourselves to move beyond picking and choosing commandments to full-hearted surrender to King Jesus. What does it mean to live the Kingdom dream rather than letting it gather dust? How do we build tables of fellowship that God uses to construct His Kingdom? Let’s unpack these questions together.Scriptures Discussed: • Mark 12:33-34 – Not far from the Kingdom of God • Matthew 13:44-46 – The Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl • Romans 14:17 – The Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy SpiritDiscussion Questions: 1. What does it mean to enter the Kingdom of God rather than just admire or study it? 2. How does Jesus’ vision of the chur

Have you ever longed for something greater than the brokenness of this world? A place where truth, justice, and love reign—where hope isn’t crushed by disappointment? What if this isn’t just a distant dream, but a present reality breaking into our world through the people of God?In this episode, we explore what it means to truly live in the kingdom of God, rather than just admire it from a distance. Jesus didn’t just proclaim the kingdom—He lived it, and He calls His people to do the same. The church is not just an institution; it’s the visible expression of God’s kingdom on earth.We’ll look at: • Jesus’ declaration of the kingdom in Mark 1:10 and how His ministry ushered in the “life of the age to come.” • Peter’s confession in Matthew 16:13-19, where Jesus established His church as the instrument of His kingdom. • The role of the church as God’s Plan A—His primary way of bringing redemption to the world. • The keys of the kingdom and how the apostles’ teaching, repentance, and baptism open the doors for peo

The gospel of Jesus is more than a personal salvation plan—it’s the proclamation of a new King and His Kingdom. In this episode, we explore the true good news that Jesus preached, how it challenges half-truths we’ve grown up with, and why understanding the Kingdom of God changes everything.We’ll discuss: • How the gospel is the culmination of Israel’s story (Mark 1:1) • Jesus’ anointing as King and the significance of His mission (Mark 1:11) • Why the Kingdom of God is the center of Jesus’ message, not just heaven and hell (Mark 1:14-15) • How the gospel is deeply political, challenging worldly power structures • What it means for us to surrender our own rule and live under King JesusDiscussion Questions: 1. What misconceptions have you had about the gospel? 2. How does recognizing Jesus as King change the way we live out our faith? 3. In what ways do we see the Kingdom of God breaking into our world today? 4. How can we proclaim the good news of Jesus in a way that reflects His Kingdom vision? 5. What are th

We share the gospel by testifying in word and deed that Jesus is the victorious, rescuing king. We encourage others to become loyal followers of the king through a faith response of trusting allegiance, repentance from sins, and baptism. What does it mean to be an ambassador for Christ, and how should this shape the way we share the gospel? (2 Corinthians 5:19-20)How does the "King Jesus Gospel" differ from the consumer, prosperity, or forgiveness-only gospels?Why is allegiance to Jesus, not just belief in His death, central to the true gospel?How does discipleship serve as the proof of conversion, and what are ways we can ensure we are making disciples, not just converts?In what ways have we allowed cultural influences to distort the gospel message, and how can we return to the gospel of the Kingdom?What practical steps can you take this week to share the gospel as both a proclamation and a lifestyle?

What if the Bible isn’t just a collection of stories, but one unified story with God at the center? In this episode, we explore how the gospel—the ultimate good news—transforms not just Sunday mornings, but the very rhythms of our lives. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible is a living story that reveals our true identity, God-given authority, and privilege of walking with God daily.We’ll unpack what it means to grow in “gospel fluency,” allowing the truth of Jesus Christ to shape how we live. Learn how the gospel invites us into God’s restoration project for creation, how it redefines who we are, and how it empowers us to live with purpose and hope in every moment.If you’ve ever wondered how the Bible speaks to your everyday life or how to share the good news naturally with others, this episode is for you.Discussion Questions: 1. How does seeing the Bible as one unified story impact the way you understand the gospel? 2. What does it mean to live out your identity as someone created in God’s image? How does

What makes Jesus’ kingship such good news? In this episode, we explore how Jesus, the saving King, restores God’s glory in us and renews all creation. From the broken mirrors of sin to the hope-filled reality of being transformed into His image, we’ll uncover the cosmic, communal, and personal benefits of Jesus’ reign. Learn how to move from unbelief to belief, live out gospel fluency, and become a living display of God’s kingdom in your daily life. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation on finding hope, worth, and power in the good news of Jesus Christ.

In this episode, we explore why humanity needs a King to save us—a King who perfectly bears God’s image and restores His glory to creation. Beginning with a sobering story from 1 Samuel 4, we reflect on the tragedy of “Ichabod”—a time when God’s glory departed from Israel. This historical illustration points us to a deeper truth: sin disrupts our image-bearing and creates a “glory deficit.”We discuss how sin is more than guilt; it’s a distortion of God’s glory in our lives. Humanity’s exchange of God’s glory for idols has cosmic implications, leaving us empty and disconnected. Yet, the good news is that Jesus, the ultimate image-bearer, entered our broken world to restore creation and humanity to their original glory.Through Scripture—from Romans 1 to John 1:14 and Colossians 1—we see how God’s plan isn’t just to rescue us from sin but to renew us for His presence and purpose. This episode challenges listeners to reflect on their relationship with God’s glory: are you welcoming His presence, or are idols stea

Join us as we explore how the Gospel is not just about salvation or forgiveness but is rooted in the proclamation of Jesus as the Christ—the universal King—and the fulfillment of centuries of prophecy. With a deep dive into scripture, historical evidence, and theological insights, this episode will challenge you to align your faith with the truth of Jesus’s kingship and its implications for discipleship and daily living.What is the gospel?“Jesus is the saving king. He preexisted with God the Father. In accordance with God’s promises, Jesus became human in the line of David, died for our sins, was buried, was resurrected on the third day, was seen, was installed as king at God’s right hand, sent the Spirit, and will return to rule.”Scripture passages mentioned: Mark 1:1, Luke 4:43, John 18:33–39, John 19:1–11, John 19:19–36, 1 Corinthians 15:1–11, Isaiah 53:5, 7, 8, 10–11, Romans 1:1-7Discussion Questions:​How does understanding Jesus as “the Christ” reshape your view of the Gospel?​What does it mean for Jesus

C. Comprehensive, O. Orthodox, R. Restorational, E. Essential.

In this episode, we explore the transformative power of unity in the body of Christ. Unity isn’t just a command; it’s a sacred gift rooted in humility, love, and a shared commitment to Christ. We’ll discuss how relationships shape unity, the blessings it brings, and the challenges we face in maintaining it. Learn how the Spirit equips us to preserve the bond of peace and reflect God’s heart in our communities.Scriptures Discussed: • Matthew 11:28-30 – Jesus’ call to humility and gentleness. • Philippians 2:2-4 – The joy and blessing of unity through humility and love. • John 17 – Jesus’ prayer for unity among His followers. • Psalm 133 – Unity as a sacred and life-giving gift. • Ephesians 4:1-6 – Living a life worthy of our calling through unity and peace. • Romans 15:5-6 – Harmony and glorifying God with one voice. • Colossians 3:13 – Forgiving and bearing with one another in love.Tune in to discover how to align your heart with God’s vision for unity and foster strong, Spirit-led relationships.