Liberty Community Church

Every one of us has prayers we've brought before God that seem to go unanswered. Maybe you've found yourself discouraged, doubting, or even giving up on prayer altogether — wondering if God is really listening or if He even cares. In this message, we dive into Luke 18 and the Parable of the Persistent Widow, where Jesus tells his followers a story specifically to encourage them to pray and not lose heart.Through the contrast of an unjust, uncaring judge and a desperate widow who refuses to give up, Jesus makes a powerful argument — if even this coldhearted judge eventually gives the widow what she needs, how much MORE will a loving, righteous, heavenly Father respond to the cries of His people? We also spend time in Luke 11 where Jesus teaches His disciples to pray, and unpacks what boldness and persistence in prayer actually look like in the life of a believer.But perhaps the biggest takeaway from this message is a perspective shift — the ultimate purpose of prayer isn't just getting answers or changing our circumstances. It's about drawing closer to God Himself, being filled with His Spirit, and being formed into people who can honestly say "not my will, but yours." If you've lost heart in your prayer life, this message is for you.

In Luke 15, Jesus tells three unforgettable parables about things that were lost—a sheep, a coin, and a son. Through these stories, we see the heart of God revealed in a powerful way: He actively seeks those who have wandered far from Him. This message will challenge the way we think about grace, repentance, and the overwhelming joy of being found.Whether you feel close to God or distant from Him, this message reminds us that no person is too far gone for the love of the Father. Jesus shows that heaven celebrates when even one lost person turns back to God. These parables are not just stories about others—they invite every one of us to see ourselves in them.Join us as we explore what it means to be lost, pursued, forgiven, and restored. You’ll leave encouraged by the depth of God’s mercy and reminded that His heart is always moving toward people with compassion, grace, and joy.

In this message from Luke 14:12-24, Jesus challenges us to rethink how we treat others by examining the way God has treated us. Speaking to a room full of religious leaders, Jesus instructs his host to stop inviting people who can repay the favor and instead invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind — those who have nothing to offer in return. The reason? God himself set this example first, generously inviting spiritually bankrupt sinners like us to the feast of his kingdom at the ultimate cost: the death of his own Son.Jesus then tells the parable of a man who throws a great banquet, only to have his invited guests offer a string of lame excuses for why they can't attend. In response, the host throws open the doors to the outcasts of society — and still has room to spare. This parable traces the arc of salvation history, showing how Israel's religious leaders rejected Jesus, while the poor, the broken, and eventually the Gentiles responded with faith. The invitation to God's kingdom goes out to all, but it must be personally accepted through faith in Christ.Finally, Jesus brings the parable home with a personal challenge: what excuses are we making to avoid following him fully? Whether it's possessions, finances, or relationships, anything we place above Jesus has become our god. This sermon is a call to stop making excuses, surrender to Christ without reservation, and then generously extend that same invitation to others — because God's feast has plenty of room, and he wants his house to be full.

In Gospel of Luke 14:1–11, Jesus attends a dinner hosted by the Pharisees and uses a simple yet powerful moment to expose the pride hiding beneath their pursuit of honor and recognition. After healing a man on the Sabbath and confronting their hypocrisy, Jesus tells a parable about guests scrambling for the best seats at a banquet, teaching that “everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”This message explores the difference between true humility and false humility. Humility is not self-hatred, insecurity, or fishing for compliments through self-deprecation. Instead, biblical humility is having a right view of yourself before God—neither thinking too highly of yourself nor too lowly, but understanding both your sinfulness and your immeasurable worth through Christ.Ultimately, this sermon reminds us that our value and identity are not found in the praise of others, social status, or recognition, but in God’s grace. Because of what Christ has done, believers are free to stop chasing “the best seats” in life and instead live as humble servants, trusting that true honor comes from the Lord.

Jesus teaches in Luke 13 that when tragedy strikes, our first instinct is often to ask why—to try connecting the dots between suffering and sin. In this sermon, we explore how the people in Jesus’ day wrongly assumed that those who suffered terrible tragedies must have been worse sinners than everyone else. But instead of encouraging speculation or finger-pointing, Jesus redirects our attention inward with a sobering warning: “Unless you repent, you too will all perish.”Using the illustration of connect-the-dots, this message shows how we often try to make sense of life’s painful events without having all the information God has. Whether facing personal hardship, national tragedy, or the apparent success or suffering of others, Jesus cautions us against making simplistic judgments about God’s purposes. Rather than obsessing over why things happen to others, Christ calls each of us to examine our own hearts before God.The sermon concludes with Jesus’ parable of the barren fig tree, reminding us that God is patient, but His patience is not endless. He expects genuine repentance to produce spiritual fruit. This message is both a warning and an invitation: turn from sin, trust in Christ, and receive the forgiveness and cleansing only He can provide.

In this week's sermon, we explore the surprising dangers of sudden wealth through the stories of real-life lottery winners whose lives were ruined after hitting the jackpot. Using these contemporary examples, we see how the pursuit of money and material possessions often leads to heartbreak, emptiness, and destruction rather than the happiness and security we imagine it will bring.Drawing from Luke 12:13-21, Jesus tells the parable of a rich farmer who, after an abundant harvest, decides to tear down his barns, build bigger ones, and retire into a life of ease and self-indulgence — only to have God call him a fool on the very night he made his plans. Through this parable, Jesus warns his followers to guard their hearts continuously against greed, reminding us that life does not consist in the abundance of our possessions.We will walk away challenged to examine our own hearts and ask whether we are living as people who are rich toward God or simply rich toward ourselves. Whether we are young or old, working or retired, the call is the same: to treasure Christ above material comfort, to invest our time and resources in God's kingdom, and to desire Him above everything this world has to offer.

Have you ever watched a child ask for something completely outlandish with total confidence? In this sermon, we explore what that kind of bold faith looks like in our prayer lives — and why Jesus actually calls us to pray that way. Drawing from Luke 11:5-13, we unpack the parable of the friend at midnight, where a man boldly knocks on his neighbor's door at midnight and receives what he needs because of his shameless persistence. Jesus uses this story to teach his disciples — and us — that we should approach God in prayer with that same kind of bold, unashamed confidence.But bold prayer doesn't mean praying for whatever we want. This sermon takes a clear stand against the prosperity gospel's "name it and claim it" approach, grounding Jesus' promise that "ask and you shall receive" firmly in its context: the Lord's Prayer. True bold prayer is God-centered and kingdom-focused — asking God to forgive sins, empower us to resist temptation, provide for real needs, and advance His kingdom through us and our churches. When our prayers align with God's promises and His glory, we can expect Him to answer.The ultimate reason we can pray with boldness is that our Heavenly Father is genuinely generous. Just as no good father would hand his child a snake when they asked for fish, God — who is far more loving and perfect than any earthly parent — delights in giving good gifts to His children. Most importantly, He gives us the Holy Spirit, the one who makes all the answers to our prayers possible. So come away from this message challenged to examine your prayer life: are you praying timidly, selfishly, or boldly for the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom?

What do Mr. Rogers and the Parable of the Good Samaritan have in common? More than you might think. Just as Fred Rogers believed everyone deserved kindness and respect — from handicapped children to gruff U.S. Senators — Jesus taught that our neighbor is anyone we encounter in need, without exception. In this message from Luke 10:25-37, we explore the familiar story of the Good Samaritan and discover what it truly means to love our neighbor.Through this parable, Jesus reframes the question. The religious expert asked, "Who is my neighbor?" — hoping to find a loophole that would limit who he was required to love. But Jesus flips the question entirely: instead of asking who qualifies as your neighbor, he asks whether you are being a neighbor. The Samaritan — a cultural enemy of the Jewish man he helped — didn't debate definitions. He simply saw a need and met it, in costly, practical, and sacrificial ways.Loving your neighbor isn't just a moral call — it flows from something deeper. Because Jesus, the true Good Samaritan, found us beaten down by sin and paid our debt in full, we are now freed and empowered to love others the same way. Whether the need is food and shelter, forgiveness, mercy, or grace, the call is the same: go and do likewise.

Are we just one generation away from losing the gospel entirely? In this message, we confront the sobering reality that the gospel can be forgotten, distorted, or replaced with vague clichés and self-help platitudes if we fail to clearly understand and pass it on. Too many Christians struggle to articulate the gospel when it matters most — and that has to change. That's why this sermon walks through a simple, memorable four-word framework — God, Sin, Christ, and Faith — designed to help every believer confidently explain the good news of Jesus Christ to anyone they meet.Each of these four elements is essential. Leave one out, and the gospel becomes incomplete. We explore who God is as a holy Judge, the devastating reality of our sin and its consequences, the saving work of Jesus Christ through his perfect life, sacrificial death, and resurrection, and what it truly means to respond in genuine faith — not just mental agreement, but wholehearted trust and surrender. Whether you've been a Christian for decades or are hearing the gospel for the first time, this message will sharpen your understanding and equip you to share the most important message in the world with clarity and confidence.

Easter morning began like any other ordinary day—but it became the most important day in history. In Gospel of Matthew 28, we see how two women went to Jesus’ tomb expecting death, but instead encountered the risen Savior—and everything changed.This sermon explores why the resurrection of Jesus changes everything:First, it proves Jesus is who He claimed to be. Jesus didn’t just teach moral truths—He claimed to be God. The empty tomb confirms that He is the risen Lord, not merely a teacher, but God in the flesh.Second, it proves His offer of salvation is true. Because Jesus lived a perfect life and died in our place, His resurrection assures us that forgiveness, eternal life, and a restored relationship with God are available to all who believe.Easter isn’t just a historical event—it’s a personal invitation. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead can transform your life today.The question is simple: has Easter changed everything for you?

On Palm Sunday, we’re reminded that even a person’s ride can say a lot about them—and that was just as true for Jesus. In Gospel of Mark 11, Jesus intentionally rides into Jerusalem on a colt, and that choice wasn’t random—it was deeply meaningful.This message explores four powerful truths revealed through Jesus’ humble entry:First, it fulfilled prophecy, showing that Jesus is the promised Messiah foretold centuries earlier.Second, it demonstrated His authority—even an unbroken animal submitted to Him, revealing His lordship over all creation.Third, it displayed His humility—He didn’t come as a conquering warrior, but as a servant King, on His way to the cross.Finally, it signified peace—Jesus came not to wage war, but to reconcile humanity to God through His sacrifice.While the crowds shouted “Hosanna,” they misunderstood the kind of King He came to be. Yet today, the same invitation remains: lay down your pride, trust in Christ, and receive the peace He purchased.Jesus’ ride into Jerusalem tells us exactly who He is—the promised King, sovereign Lord, humble Savior, and bringer of true peace.

This sermon explores the powerful connection between forgiveness and love through the story in Luke 7 of the sinful woman who anoints Jesus’ feet. Using the illustration of wind—something invisible yet clearly seen through its effects—the message explains that forgiveness, though unseen, is revealed through a transformed life marked by love. Jesus teaches that those who understand the depth of their forgiveness will naturally respond with deep love, while those who see little need for forgiveness will love little.By contrasting Simon the Pharisee with the forgiven woman, the sermon challenges listeners to examine their own hearts. Simon’s self-righteousness blinds him to his need for grace, leading to judgment and a lack of love, while the woman’s awareness of her sin and Christ’s mercy produces humility, gratitude, and sacrificial love. The message ultimately calls believers to reflect: does your love for others demonstrate that you truly understand and have experienced God’s forgiveness?

Matthew 25:14-30

Matthew 25:1-13

Matthew 22:1-14

Matthew 21:33-46

Matthew 21:28-32

Matthew 20:1-16

Matthew 18:21-35

Matthew 13:31-33, 44-50

Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

Various passages

Advent Series - Week Two

Advent 2025 Series

Galatians 6:11-18While boasting about ourselves is a sin, but not all boasting is.  The apostle Paul contrasts sinful boasting with God-glorying, Christ-exalting boasting.

Galatians 6:7-10Using a farming metaphor, we’re reminded that we should not deceive ourselves into thinking we can sin with impunity and never face any consequences.  

Galatians 6:1-6We don’t walk in the Spirit alone, as if the Christian life is just about you and God and no one else; it’s to be done within Christian community, the church.  

Galatians 5:16-26 There’s a war taking place inside of us, a battle between the Spirit of God and our sinful flesh. It’s a war Christians daily engage in as we seek to put off our old selves and put on Christ.

Galatians 5:13-15The apostle Paul gives us important instructions to make sure that our freedom doesn’t turn into a license for self-imposed slavery.

Galatians 5:1-12The apostle Paul contrasts slavery to the law with thefreedom we have in Christ.

Galatians 4:21-31The difference between the law and the promise of the gospel is highlighted by thinking allegorically about the children of Hagar and Sarah.

Galatians 4:8-20Having sharply rebuked the Galatians for falling for the work-righteousness of the Judaizers, Paul communicates his pastoral care and concern for them.

Galatians 4:1-7 - Joe Martucci, Elder

Galatians 3:15-29What’s the purpose of the law and how does it relate to God’s promises?  Paul helps us understand the reason why the law was given and its place in preparing us to receive the gospel.

Galatians 3:10-14The law cannot be obeyed in part and still please God.  If one insists on being justified by works of the law, then it must all be obeyed, perfectly.  Anything short of total obedience results not in salvation, but rather to be under a curse.

Galatians 3:1-6 Attempting to break the spell they are under, Paul appeals to the Galatians’ personal experience to help them realize that their experience of the blessing of salvation came to them by faith, and not by their obedience to the law.

Galatians 2:17-21 The apostle Paul highlights the role of the law: not to save us, but to show us our sin and lead us to our Savior.

Galatians 2:15-16The central message of Christianity stands at the center of this passage: we are saved, not by works we do, but solely by faith in the atoning death of Christ, who suffered the wrath of God in our place.

Galatians 1:10-2:14Paul provides an extended autobiographical account to show that neither his calling nor his gospel is man-made; rather, he was specially commissioned by the Lord Jesus and sent to proclaim the gospel of grace to the Gentiles.

Galatians 1:6-9The message is far more important than the messenger!  There is no other gospel than the one given by Jesus and proclaimed by the apostles.

Galatians 1:1-5Through the opening greeting, the apostle Paul introduces themes that will occur throughout his letter, such as his calling to be an apostle and the core elements of the gospel.

Pastor Glenn Havumaki

Various passages

1 JOHN 5:13-21As he wraps up his letter, the apostle John gives a number of bullet-point reminders he wants us to know as we live our lives for Christ.

1 JOHN 5:6-12John wants us to have absolute confidence in Christ, that we might know without a shadow of a doubt that Jesus is the Son of God in whom we can have eternal life

1 JOHN 5:1-5As Christians, we’ve overcome the world, not because of our own strength, but through Christ we have gained victory.

1 JOHN 4:13-21Returning to the instructions given previously in his letter, John reminds us to be confident in God’s love shown to us in Christ.

1 JOHN 4:7-12John encourages us to love, but it’s important we don’t put the cart before the horse – our love is contingent upon and finds its origin in the love of God.  We only know what true love is because God first loved us.

1 JOHN 4:1-6The apostle John warns of religious scammers who threatened to deceive the church, instructing them to be discerning, to test whether they’re legit or not.