La Jolla Presbyterian Church Sermons

Spending The Day With Jesus - Sermon for June 28th, 2026

Community is not something we create on our own. It is something we learn from Jesus. Rev. Dr. Paul Cunningham will share the sermon title “Spending The Day With Jesus,” exploring John 1:29–42, with a focus on verses 37–39. As Jesus invites His first disciples to "come and see," we discover that authentic community begins by spending time in God's presence. The more we abide with Christ and immerse ourselves in His Word, the more we learn how to love and grow together as His people.  We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at chadf@ljpres.org to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ. It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate.

I Will Serpentine But Not Divert - Sermon for June 21st, 2026

Where do you look when life takes an unexpected turn? This Sunday, Pastor Paul returns from sabbatical with a message titled “I Will Serpentine But Not Divert,” based on Psalm 121. In this beloved psalm, the writer lifts his eyes to the hills and asks a timeless question: “Where does my help come from?” The answer is both simple and profound: “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Join us this Father’s Day as we reflect on God’s steadfast care and discover how we can stay focused on Him, even when the road ahead is anything but straight. Join us this Sunday! Sermon Questions: 1. Can you think of a time when God used what seemed like a ‘detour’ to teach you something important? 2.How do you keep your eyes on God when the path is not clear and the road is uncertain? We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at chadf@ljpres.org to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ. It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate.

The Gift Of Self-Control - Sermon for June 14th, 2026

What shapes the choices we make when emotions run high, distractions pull at our attention, or habits become difficult to break? This Sunday, Rev. Chad Fransen concludes our Keeping in Step with the Spirit series with a message titled “The Gift of Self-Control.” Looking at Proverbs 25:28, Matthew 7:3–5, and John 15:1–8, we'll explore the final fruit of the Spirit and what it means to live with intentionality and dependence on God. Rather than relying solely on willpower, Scripture points us toward a life that remains connected to Christ, allowing God's Spirit to shape our character and help us grow in faithful discipleship. We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at chadf@ljpres.org to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ. It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate.

Peace Begins With Gentleness - Sermon for June 7th, 2026

The fruit of the Spirit often takes shape in ways that are quieter than we expect. This Sunday, Rev. Dr. Mindy Smith will share a message titled “Peace Begins With Gentleness,” focusing on Philippians 4:4–7. Writing to a community facing uncertainty, Paul invites them to rejoice, pray, and bring every concern before God. He points toward a peace that is not dependent on circumstances, but grows through trust and a gentle spirit. Together, we'll reflect on how gentleness can transform our relationships, calm anxious hearts, and help us experience the peace of God that guards and sustains us. Join us this Sunday! We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at chadf@ljpres.org to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ. It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate.

Persistent Faith (Faithfulness) - Sermon for May 31st, 2026

What does it mean to keep trusting God when answers feel delayed? In Luke 18:1–8, Jesus tells the parable of the persistent widow - a woman who continues seeking justice from an unjust judge who neither feared God nor cared about people. Through her persistence, Jesus paints a picture of enduring faith: a faith that keeps praying, trusting, and returning to God even in seasons of uncertainty. Rev. Kiersten Hill’s message, “Persistent Faith,” explores how the fruit of the Spirit: Faithfulness takes shape through steady trust, perseverance, and a life continually turned toward God. Join us this Sunday! We want to connect with you! Email Pastor Chad at chadf@ljpres.org to get plugged in, or you can find our website at ljpres.org/connect. We hope to see lives transformed by a relationship with Jesus, and we strive to be a place where you experience and are able to express that transforming love of Christ. It builds our faith to help give back a portion of what God has given us. If you would like to help further His work in La Jolla, San Diego and the world you can give online at LJPres.org/Donate.