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In this week’s sermon, Rev. Harris introduces the Book of Isaiah. It is a prophetic book that spans several generations of Israelite history. It is also a book beloved by early Christian and Gospel writers who quote it more than any other Old Testament Book. After this introduction, Rev. Harris reflects on the morning’s passage…

This week’s sermon is inspired by Isaiah 7, which is often read at Christmas time, but Rev. Harris has included it in this new Fall sermon series on the Book of Isaiah. He explains that in its original context this passage was not a prophecy about a coming Messiah. The child that is born is…

This week’s sermon is the conclusion of the summer sermon series on the Ten Requirements (aka the Ten Commandments). Today’s verse is Exodus 20:17 “Do not covet.” Rev. Harris shares some of the limitations of the outdated examples given in the verse, but suggests that it still has rich meaning for us if we apply…

In this sermon from his series on the Ten Requirements Rev. Harris reflects on the Ninth Requirement, “Do not bear false witness against your neighbor.” He points out that there are two slightly different versions of this requirement. In Deuteronomy’s version the word translated “false” has the connotation of “empty.” He points out that sometimes…

In this sermon, Rev. Harris asks the question “What does it mean to prohibit stealing in a world where everything has already been stolen?” He explains how “Do not steal” is really focused on the prohibition of the wealthy and powerful stealing from the community. He shares how the story of King Ahaz killing Naboth…

In this sermon, after three weeks away, Rev. Harris continues his sermon series on the Ten Requirements. Today’s requirement is “Do not commit adultery.” Rev. Harris suggests that the meaning of this requirement meant something very different when it was written. It was related to men protecting exclusive sexual access to their property. That is…

Sermon from The Rev. Karen Peterson-Iyer, on Sunday August 9th, 2026. Sermon titled “The Way of Fear and the Way of Possibility”.

The Rev. Byron Bland will reflect on the Lord’s Prayer and how its meaning has changed for him using the scripture Luke 11:1-4.

What is the story of the events in the Garden of Eden really about? Is Eve as bad as many of us have been taught? Is the story about original sin? Or could it be a wisdom tale?In this participatory sermon from July 26, 2026, Rev. Diana Gibson, Pastor Emerita, invites us to examine Genesis…

In this sermon, Rev. Harris reflects on the sixth requirement: Do not kill. This is one of the requirements Jesus quotes directly. But, Jesus calls us to look within and examine not just our behavior but our feelings, thoughts, and motivations. Angry feelings can lead to angry words that can lead to angry actions. Violence…

Welcome to Sermons from First Presbyterian Church Palo Alto. Each week we share a recording of the Sunday sermon, offering theologically progressive, social justice–oriented reflections grounded in Scripture and what’s happening in our lives and in the world. Most weeks the sermon is preached by our pastor, the Rev. Tom Harris, and from time to…

In this sermon from July 5th, 2026, Rev. Harris explains how the Book of Exodus and the  Book of Deuteronomy give different reasons for observing the Sabbath. Exodus says we should observe the Sabbath because God rested on the seventh day of creation. Deuteronomy says we should observe the sabbath so that others don’t have…

In this sermon from June 28th, 2026, Rev. Harris gives the sermon in the form of 19 Haikus. This form is inspired by the third requirement: Do not use the name of God lightly. God will not acquit anyone who misuses their name. We hope you enjoy Rev. Harris’s shortest sermon ever!

In this sermon from June 21st, 2026, Rev. Harris reflects on Exodus 20:4-6, commonly known as the second commandment. This sermon continues the summer series entitled, “The Ten Requirements for the Flourishing of God’s Kin-dom.” The second commandment or requirement warns against making idols and worshipping them. Rev. Harris explains how the Cranberries’ song “Zombie”…

In this sermon from June 14th, 2026, Rev. Harris continues his summer sermon series entitled, “The Ten Requirements for the Flourishing of God’s Kin-dom.” Today we reflect on the first requirement from Exodus 20:2, “I am Yahweh your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You…