Rev. Dr. Jeff Garrison
Jeff GarrisonBluemont and Mayberry ChurchDaniel 4September 12, 2021 At the beginning of worship In Proverbs, we’re told that pride comes before the fall. It’s a central theme in scripture. We’ve been looking at the opening stories in the book of Daniel. All these stories warn us about hubris or pride. Thinking that we’ve done everything … Read more Learning Humility
Jeff GarrisonBluemont and Mayberry ChurchesSeptember 5, 2021Daniel 3 Introduction at beginning of worship We’re back in Daniel this week. We’ll be looking at the third chapter and story in Daniel, but one that doesn’t mention Daniel. Instead, his three friends—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—take center stage. If you remember from my sermon two weeks ago, at … Read more Into and out of the furnace
Jeff GarrisonBluemont and Mayberry Presbyterian Churches Ezekiel 2:1-7August 29, 2021 At the beginning of worship John Knox, the reformer of the Scottish Church, from which came the Presbyterian Church, drew from the book of Ezekiel. His book title, The First Blast of the Trumpet, drew from the prophet.[1] Like Ezekiel, God gave Knox a message. He knew he must … Read more Called by God
Jeff GarrisonBluemont and Mayberry Churches August 22, 2021 Daniel 2 At the beginning of worship Today we’re continuing our look at Daniel. Daniel, as we will see, is like Joseph. If you go back to Genesis, you may remember Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams allowed him to gain favor in Pharoah’s household.[1] Daniel’s ability, through prayer … Read more God’s Wisdom vs. Human Wisdom
Jeff GarrisonBluemont and Mayberry ChurchesAugust 15, 2021Daniel 1:8-21 Introduction at the beginning of worship Last week we learned how Daniel and friends, the cream of the crop of the young men of Jerusalem, were taken to Babylon roughly 600 years before Christ. This was before the great exile that occurred in 587 BCE. These young … Read more Daniel’s God provides growth and strength
Jeff GarrisonMayberry and Bluemont ChurchesAugust 8, 2021Daniel 1:1-7 Introduction at the beginning of worship This Sunday I’m going to begin another series of sermons, this time through the Book of Daniel. This is an interesting and somewhat controversial book within what we call the “Old Testament.” While the Jewish Bible contains the same books as … Read more Introduction to Daniel
Jeff GarrisonMayberry and Bluemont Presbyterian ChurchAugust 1, 2021John 6:25-40 At the beginning of worship: I want to thank Libby Wilcox and Mike Nyquist for preaching the last two weeks. The texts they used—from Matthew and John’s gospel, both spoke of Jesus’ feeding of the multitude. In John’s gospel, there is a follow up to … Read more Jesus: The Bread of Life
Jeff GarrisonBluemont and Mayberry ChurchesJuly 11, 2021Mark 6:14-29 Thoughts at the beginning of worship Last week we saw how, when famous, it can be humbling to go home where people know you too well. It was no different for Jesus. He visits his hometown and immediately faces opposition. So, he leaves. But he also greatly … Read more Fear, the impact of a guilty conscious
Jeff GarrisonBluemont and Mayberry ChurchesJuly 4, 2021Mark 6:1-13 The video of the sermon was recorded on Friday at Mayberry Church. Because it was recorded on Friday, it is a bit different that the text below (that had two days more to jell). Thoughts at the beginning of worship: It’s a rough road to glory. You … Read more Hometown Rejection and Rough Roads
Jeff GarrisonBluemont and Mayberry ChurchesJune 27, 2021Mark 5:21-43 Thoughts at the Beginning of Worship Let’s me share with you a quote I came across this week from Doris Haddock. She went by the name Granny D. In 2000, at the age of 90, she walked across America. It took her a year as she made … Read more Who receives the credit for these two healings?