In this heartfelt Mother’s Day sermon, we reflect on the powerful connection between a mother’s love and the love of God, as expressed in John 3:16. Just as God’s love is defined by action—He gave—so too is a mother’s love demonstrated through sacrifice, wisdom, comfort, and enduring faith. A mother echoes God's heart in the way she gives herself tirelessly, not just biologically, but spiritually, emotionally, and prayerfully.

Using the acrostic "MOTHER," this message explores six love lessons that mothers teach us, reminding us that their everyday acts of care and faith are living sermons pointing us back to the heart of the gospel.

Sermon Points & Listener Notes:

M – Mother’s Minister
Scripture: Proverbs 31:26 (ESV)
A mother is often a child's first preacher. Through correction, encouragement, prayer, and song, she plants spiritual seeds. She ministers wisdom and kindness, showing up in both hard times and holy moments—just like God does for His children.

Key takeaway: A real mother shows up, and in doing so, she models God's consistent and present love.

O – Offers Sacrifices
Scripture: John 15:13 (KJV)
There is no love greater than laying down one’s life for another—and mothers do this daily. From sleepless nights to silent sacrifices, mothers constantly put their children’s needs before their own.

Key takeaway: A mother’s sacrifices may be quiet, but they are never small. She reflects the selfless nature of divine love.

T – Teaches the Truth
Scripture: Proverbs 22:6
Mothers are foundational teachers of prayer, forgiveness, and faith. They instill godly values that shape a child’s spiritual identity and prepare them for life’s trials.

Key takeaway: A mother teaches her children to walk by faith, not by fear.

H – Healer of Hearts
Scripture: Isaiah 66:13 (ESV)
A mother offers comfort like no other. She’s a safe place to cry, share, and be held. Her gentle touch and understanding spirit can calm life’s fiercest storms.

Key takeaway: Just like God, a mother comforts and heals, making broken hearts whole.

E – Example of Endurance
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:7 (ESV)
Mothers carry an unmatched strength. Through trials, heartbreak, and silence, they bear, believe, hope, and endure. Their love doesn’t give up—because it’s rooted in God’s strength.

Key takeaway: A mother’s endurance teaches us to press on in faith, trusting God through every season.

R – Reflects God’s Love
Scripture: 1 John 4:19 (NLT)
A mother’s love says, “No matter what, you’re still mine.” It’s unconditional, relentless, and gracious. It mirrors the very love God offers us through Christ.

Key takeaway: A mother’s love is often our first glimpse of God's redeeming and relentless love.

Conclusion:
As we celebrate Mother’s Day, we honor the love lessons of mothers—those who minister with wisdom, offer daily sacrifices, teach eternal truths, heal hearts, endure with faith, and reflect God’s unconditional love. Mary, the mother of Jesus, is the perfect example: she said “yes” to God, nurtured the Savior, stood by Him at the cross, and rejoiced in the resurrection. Her story is one of bold faith and selfless love.

To every mother, grandmother, spiritual mother, and woman who has ever loved sacrificially and prayed faithfully—you embody God's love in action. Thank you.

And for anyone who has never known a mother’s love, know this: God’s love is still available to you today. The greatest lesson a mother teaches is to say “Yes” to God.

In this powerful sermon, Elder Allen Plumber delivers a stirring message titled "Just Enough is Not Enough," encouraging believers to live with a faith that is full, sustainable, and ready to meet the demands of the times.

Drawing from Matthew 25:8-9 and the broader context of Matthew 25:1-15, Elder Plumber challenges listeners to examine the state of their spiritual lives. Using the parable of the wise and foolish virgins, he reminds us that being "half full" or even "half empty" simply isn't enough when it comes to living a life pleasing to God. Our spiritual reserves must be overflowing — not just for ourselves, but so we can support others when they are in need.

Key questions for reflection include:

• When was the last time you told someone, they needed to be saved?
• Can someone truly count on you for prayer and spiritual support?
• How bright is your light shining in a world that desperately needs hope?

Elder Plumber emphasizes that it’s not enough to "have just enough" — we must pursue a deeper, lasting relationship with God that can sustain us through trials and empower us to pour into others.

Follow Along with These Notes:

• Scripture References: Matthew 25:8-9, Matthew 25:1-15
• Self-Reflection:
  • Are you spiritually half empty or half full?
  • Either way, it's not enough — seek to be completely full.
• Action Points:
  • Commit to telling others about salvation through Jesus. We can't share our oil, but we can preach.
  • Be someone others can depend on for consistent prayer.
  • Keep your spiritual lamp filled and your light burning brightly.
• Final Encouragement: Get filled, stay filled, and let your life be a source of sustainable faith for yourself and for others.

This Resurrection Sunday, we reflect on the heart of the Christian faith by exploring three pivotal elements from the final days of Jesus’ earthly ministry: The Crowd, The Cross, and The Cost. Using the events of Palm Sunday and the journey to the cross, we examine how quickly public opinion shifted, what Jesus endured, and what it truly means to follow Him.

This message is a call to authentic discipleship—not just celebration in the moment, but a life that reflects the mission and sacrifice of Christ.

Listener Notes & Key Points:

1. The Crowd: From Cheers to Crucifixion

John 12:13 / Matthew 27:22–23

• The same crowd that shouted “Hosanna!” soon cried “Crucify Him!”
• They celebrated Jesus as King when they thought He would fulfill their expectations—especially political ones.
• When He didn’t meet those expectations, they turned on Him.
  Application:
• Don’t chase the approval of people—it can shift overnight.
• True faith isn’t rooted in the mood of the moment but in the mission of Christ.
• Romans 12:2 reminds us not to conform but to be transformed.

Reflection Question:
Have I ever changed my loyalty based on unmet expectations?

2. The Cross: The Ultimate Sacrifice

Isaiah 53:5 / Mark 10:45

• Jesus willingly endured the agony of the cross: betrayal, mockery, scourging, and crucifixion.
• He was pierced, crushed, beaten, and whipped—for us.
• He didn't go to the cross because He was forced to, but because He came to serve and to give His life as a ransom.

Key Truths:

• Salvation is free to us but it cost Jesus everything.
• The cross was the redemptive mission—Jesus paid a price we could never pay.
• Even in His suffering, Jesus fulfilled prophecy and the Father's will.

Reflection Question:
Do I truly understand the weight of what Jesus endured for me?

3. The Cost: Following Jesus Wholeheartedly

John 12:24–26

• Jesus teaches that unless a grain of wheat dies, it cannot bear fruit—death precedes multiplication.
• He calls us to take up our own cross, to follow Him fully—not conveniently.
• Discipleship requires surrender, sacrifice, and servanthood.

Three Powerful Truths from Jesus’ Words:

1. “He who loves his life will lose it…” – Clinging to worldly comfort leads to spiritual loss.
2. “He who hates his life in this world will keep it…” – A life laid down for Christ is a life secured in eternity.
3. “If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me…” – True service to Christ is not just lip service but life service.

Reflection Question:
What am I willing to lay down in order to fully follow Jesus?

Final Thought:
From the crowd to the cross, and finally to the cost—this Resurrection message challenges us not just to celebrate Jesus, but to follow Him no matter the cost. Palm branches and praises are easy in good times, but true discipleship is proven in sacrifice and obedience.

Takeaway Prayer:
“Lord, thank You for paying the ultimate price for my salvation. Help me not to be a fair-weather follower but a faithful disciple—willing to carry my cross and follow You no matter the cost. Amen.”