HPUMC - Cornerstone Sermons (Contemporary Worship): Recent Episodes
Highland Park United Methodist Church - Dallas, Texas
Join us each week for contemporary worship with a vibrant community of Christian believers. With a modern voice, Cornerstone links Bible-based preaching with relevant life application.
Alex Johnston | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide.
We all long for meaningful connection, yet many of us struggle to find it. While loneliness has become increasingly common, the problem is not always a lack of opportunity for community but misconceptions about how community is formed.
This week’s sermon challenged three myths that often keep us disconnected. First, community is not something we simply find. Instead, it is something we build through intentional time, consistency, and sacrifice.
Second, community is not always easy. Real relationships involve disappointment, forgiveness, and the willingness to work through differences.
Third, the most meaningful relationships are not always with people who are just like us. God often uses people from different backgrounds, generations, and experiences to shape and grow us.
Community does not have to match our idealized expectations to be valuable. God provides different layers of connection, from belonging to a larger church family to cultivating a few trusted confidants.
The good news is that Christian community is not about finding perfect people or perfect circumstances. It is about committing to one another, bearing with one another, and allowing God to form us into the image of Christ together.
Rev. Dr. Abe Smith | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide.
Expectations shape how we experience life. When reality matches what we hoped for, we often feel satisfied. When it doesn't, disappointment, frustration, and even suffering can follow. In Matthew 16, Peter correctly identifies Jesus as the Messiah, yet moments later rebukes him for talking about suffering and death. Peter wasn't confused about who Jesus was; he was struggling because Jesus wasn't meeting his expectations. He wanted a Messiah who would bring immediate victory and change, while Jesus modeled a path of sacrifice and the cross.
This sermon reminds us that unmet expectations often reveal deeper desires for control, approval, comfort, security, or validation. When our expectations become requirements for our happiness, they can rob us of joy and peace. Jesus invites us to a different way of living centered not on controlling outcomes but on following him. As we focus less on the gaps between our expectations and reality and more on God's presence and gifts, we discover that true life is found when we release our expectations and follow Jesus.
Hannah Buchanan | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide.
When we hear the word worship, we often think primarily about music. But throughout Scripture, worship is much bigger than singing. Worship is our response to who God is and what He has done. The Psalms are filled with invitations to praise, give thanks, celebrate, bow before, and honor God because He alone is worthy.
The English word worship comes from an Old English word meaning "to ascribe worth." Every day we assign worth to something. We give our attention, energy, affection, and devotion to what we value most. While those things can include work, family, success, or comfort, our default is often to place ourselves at the center of our lives.
Corporate worship invites us to make a different choice. Rather than remaining spectators or consumers, God calls us to become participants. Singing together is not simply about enjoying music or evaluating a performance. It is a spiritual practice that shapes our hearts, reminds us of God's faithfulness, and reorients our lives around Him.
When we sing, pray, and worship together, we join generations of believers who have declared God's goodness through every season of life. Worship becomes one of the ways God forms us into people who love Him above all else and carry His presence into the world.
Rev. Billy Rainey | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide
At the beginning of his public ministry, Jesus stands in the synagogue and reads from Isaiah 61, proclaiming good news to the poor, freedom for captives, sight for the blind, and liberty for the oppressed. Then, he makes a startling declaration: “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21). In that moment, Jesus announces that God's promised kingdom has arrived in and through him.
The good news is more than forgiveness of sins or the promise of heaven after death, though it certainly includes both. The good news is that through Jesus, the kingdom of God has broken into our world. God's reign is bringing healing, restoration, justice, peace, and hope to a broken creation. Jesus invites us to live in the tension of the "already and not yet": the kingdom is present now, but it has not yet come in its fullness.
As followers of Christ, we are called to be people of living hope, acknowledging the brokenness around us while refusing to let it define us. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we participate in God's work of bringing glimpses of His kingdom into the world through acts of love, mercy, justice, and faithfulness.
Hannah Buchanan | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide.
One of the greatest challenges in any relationship is that we all have blind spots, those things others can see about us that we cannot see about ourselves. Like a driver who fails to check a blind spot before changing lanes, our unseen attitudes, habits, assumptions, and behaviors can lead to costly collisions in our relationships with God and others.
In 2 Samuel 12, King David is confronted by the prophet Nathan after David's sin with Bathsheba and Uriah. David could clearly see the injustice in Nathan's story about a rich man stealing a poor man's lamb, but he could not see the same injustice in his own life until Nathan declared, “You are the man” (2 Samuel 12:7). David's willingness to listen, repent, and return to God became a turning point in his story.
The sermon reminds us that growth requires humility. We need trusted people who love us enough to tell us the truth, and we need the courage to receive that truth. Ultimately, Jesus is our "true mirror." As we fix our eyes on him through Scripture, prayer, and community, he reveals both who we were created to be and the areas where we need transformation.
Hannah Buchanan | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide
No matter how carefully we plan our lives, there are moments that force us onto unexpected detours. Financial struggles, broken relationships, grief, illness, disappointment, and unanswered questions can leave us feeling lost and overwhelmed.
Joseph's story is one of the clearest examples of this reality. At 17, Joseph's life seemed full of promise. Yet he was betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, imprisoned, and forgotten. For 13 years, Joseph endured one breakdown after another.
Throughout the story, however, one truth is repeated: "The Lord was with Joseph." God's presence did not remove Joseph's suffering, but it sustained him through it. Over time, Joseph's suffering became a place where God formed humility, faithfulness, courage, and compassion within him.
The story's redemption extends beyond Joseph. God also works in the lives of Joseph's brothers, the very people who caused his suffering. Through grace and forgiveness, God restores a broken family and brings healing where there had been betrayal and guilt.
Ultimately, Joseph's story points us to Jesus, the God who enters our suffering rather than remaining distant from it. Because of Christ's death and resurrection, we can trust that our breakdowns are not the end of the story.
Hannah Buchanan | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide.
In this week’s sermon, we examine the baggage that we all carry. Just as travelers bring suitcases on a journey, we bring beliefs, habits, expectations, wounds, and experiences into every relationship. Some of what we carry is helpful, some is unhelpful, and some can be harmful.
Looking at the family of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph, we discover that even the family God chose to bless the world was far from perfect. Across generations, they passed down both gifts and struggles. They inherited faith, trust in God, and a sense of God's calling, but they also passed down favoritism, rivalry, division, and dysfunction. Their story reminds us that every family hands something down.
The same is true for us. We all inherit patterns, messages, and ways of relating to others. Some help us love God and love others well. Others hinder healthy relationships. Still others can cause real harm if left unexamined.
The good news is that through Christ, we are adopted into the family of God. We are not defined by our family history, our failures, or the baggage we carry. As God's beloved children, we are invited to bring our whole lives before our Heavenly Father and allow Him to repack our suitcases. Through the Holy Spirit, God helps us hold onto what is good, let go of what is harmful, and learn to live as His sons and daughters.
The truest thing about us is not our brokenness or our baggage. The truest thing about us is that we are loved by God and welcomed into His family.
Hannah Buchanan | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide.
When we hear the word "boundaries," many of us think of limits, restrictions, or even selfishness. Yet throughout Scripture, boundaries are not obstacles to love but conditions for love to flourish. From the beginning, God brings order out of chaos by establishing boundaries, separating light from darkness, land from sea, and sky from water. In the same way, healthy boundaries provide protection, clarity, and responsibility in our relationships.
A boundary marks where one person ends and another begins. It helps us recognize what we are responsible for and what we are not. When we try to manage someone else's thoughts, feelings, or choices, conflict and resentment often follow. As we read and study Scripture, we find that God establishes boundaries not as punishment but as an invitation into a healthy relationship. At the same time, humanity repeatedly crosses those boundaries, resulting in brokenness and separation.
The good news of the Gospel is that through Jesus' death and resurrection, the barrier between God and humanity has been removed, making reconciliation possible. Healthy boundaries are not walls that keep people out. They are guardrails that protect what God has entrusted to us and create space for love, respect, and connection to grow.
Alex Johnston | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide.
In Revelation 3:14-22, Jesus gives a challenging warning to the church in Laodicea that is often misunderstood. Many interpret his words about being "lukewarm" as a call to greater spiritual passion, but the historical and geographical context reveals a different message.
Laodicea sat between two neighboring cities. Hierapolis was famous for its hot mineral springs that brought healing and restoration, while Colossae was known for its cold, refreshing mountain water. Laodicea's water, by contrast, was lukewarm and unpleasant. Using this familiar imagery, Jesus challenges the church not for a lack of enthusiasm, but for losing its purpose and becoming ineffective.
The Laodiceans had grown self-sufficient, trusting in their wealth, status, and resources rather than in God. They found their identity in what they possessed instead of who they belonged to. As a result, they no longer stood apart as a people who reflected God's character to the world.
Jesus calls them to repent and rediscover their purpose. God's people are blessed to be a blessing, bringing healing and restoration like the hot waters of Hierapolis and refreshment and life like the cold waters of Colossae. Rather than relying on ourselves, Jesus invites us to open the door, welcome him in, and allow him to work through us for the sake of others.
Rev. Billy Rainey | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide.
Pentecost is more than a moment in church history; it is an invitation to a way of life. After the dramatic arrival of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2, the early believers responded not only through miraculous signs and radical generosity but also through simple, intentional practices. They devoted themselves to Scripture, prayer, fellowship, and breaking bread together. The power of Pentecost was expressed through everyday faithfulness.
Acts 2:42-47 paints a picture of a community transformed by the Holy Spirit. The early church experienced God's power, practiced radical generosity, and built deep relationships through fellowship and shared meals. While the miracles inspire us, the passage reminds us that life in the Spirit is often shaped through simple, faithful practices. One of the clearest examples of this is table fellowship. Throughout Luke and Acts, God works powerfully around tables as people gather to pray, share their lives, and encounter Christ. These ordinary moments became places where the Holy Spirit transformed lives and built authentic community.
Living into Pentecost means recognizing that the Holy Spirit is still active today. The Spirit continues to heal, restore, guide, and transform people through the ordinary rhythms of Christian life. As we make room for prayer, fellowship, and meaningful relationships, we open ourselves to experience God's presence and become a witness to His love in the world.
Rev. Chelsea Peddecord | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide.
In James 1:2-4, James writes to believers facing persecution, division, and hardship and tells them to “consider it joy” when they face trials. He is not saying suffering is enjoyable, but that God can use trials to build endurance and deepen our faith. Just like an athlete develops strength through training, spiritual endurance is formed when we continue trusting God through difficult seasons.
The Christian life is a journey of endurance through both joy and suffering. Scripture reminds us that God is faithful in every season, even when life feels painful, uncertain, or overwhelming. Job endured by continuing to bring his honest prayers to God, and Joseph endured long seasons of hardship before seeing God bring redemption from it.
The good news of the Gospel is that suffering is never the end of the story. Through the power of the Holy Spirit and the support of the church, God gives us strength to keep taking the next step of faith. Endurance leads to resurrection. To build endurance, we must keep trusting, keep praying, and keep moving forward, knowing that God is still at work bringing hope, healing, and new life.
Rev. Matt Tuggle | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide.
In 2 Timothy 1:1-7, Paul reflects on the sincere and genuine faith that shaped Timothy’s life, which was first seen in his grandmother, Lois, and his mother, Eunice. Their faith was not merely talked about; it was consistently lived out in everyday life. This week’s message reminds us that our faith is often formed by the people who surround us and the generations that come before us. The faith modeled for us frequently becomes the faith we embrace ourselves.
Paul points to the influence of Scripture and the example of faithful family members in helping Timothy develop a real and lasting faith. But he also challenges Timothy to take ownership of that faith by “fanning into flame” the gift God placed within him. Faith cannot remain borrowed from someone else. It must be nurtured personally and continually renewed.
The passage closes with a reminder that God does not lead His people through fear but through power, love, and self-discipline. As we grow in authentic faith, we are called not only to receive the gift of faith from others but also to live in a way that passes it on to the next generation.
Rev. Matt Tuggle | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide
In 2 Timothy 1:1-7, Paul reflects on the sincere and genuine faith that shaped Timothy’s life, which was first seen in his grandmother, Lois, and his mother, Eunice. Their faith was not merely talked about; it was consistently lived out in everyday life. This week’s message reminds us that our faith is often formed by the people who surround us and the generations that come before us. The faith modeled for us frequently becomes the faith we embrace ourselves.
Paul points to the influence of Scripture and the example of faithful family members in helping Timothy develop a real and lasting faith. But he also challenges Timothy to take ownership of that faith by “fanning into flame” the gift God placed within him. Faith cannot remain borrowed from someone else. It must be nurtured personally and continually renewed.
The passage closes with a reminder that God does not lead His people through fear but through power, love, and self-discipline. As we grow in authentic faith, we are called not only to receive the gift of faith from others but also to live in a way that passes it on to the next generation.
Hannah Buchanan | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide.
This week’s message from Colossians reminds us that the gospel is not just a set of beliefs but a way of life that transforms our everyday relationships. After describing how God has rescued us and brought us into a new kingdom through Jesus (Colossians 3:1-17), Paul shows what that reality looks like in the most ordinary and intimate areas of life: marriage, family, and work. While parts of the text may feel uncomfortable, especially around themes of submission and authority, the deeper message reveals a radical redefinition of power.
Those with influence are called not to use it for control or self-gain but to lay it down for the good of others, reflecting the self-giving love of Jesus. This teaching plants the seeds for a more just, compassionate, and dignified way of relating to others, offering a vision for the kind of relational healing our world longs for. Practically speaking, following Jesus means allowing His love to reshape how we treat others by choosing humility, kindness, and sacrificial love in the places that matter most.
Rev. Dr. Abe Smith | Tap/click here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide.
In this week’s sermon, we are reminded that what we “wear” spiritually matters far more than the clothes we put on physically. While outward appearance may shape how others see us, our inner identity shapes how we live, love, and treat people.
Drawing from Colossians 3, Paul challenges believers to put off the old self: anger, greed, lust, malice, and selfishness—and instead put on the character of Christ: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and, above all, love.
We learn that transformation does not begin with trying harder or becoming worthy enough for God. It begins with understanding that we are already deeply loved by God through Jesus Christ. When our identity is rooted in Christ rather than success, failure, approval, achievement, or past wounds, our lives begin to change from the inside out.
The message also highlights how easy it is to live from our old selves; pain, insecurity, disappointment, shame, or unresolved wounds can shape how we respond to others. But through Christ, we are invited into a new identity. We no longer have to wear the old clothes of fear, anger, or striving. Instead, we can clothe ourselves in the love of Christ and allow that love to shape every relationship and interaction.
Ultimately, the invitation is simple but life-changing: wear what matters most—love.
Rev. Matt Tuggle | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide.
God’s will is something we’ve all wrestled with at different points—whether we’re facing a major life decision like a move or career change or simply trying to discern where we belong and how we should live day to day. We often approach these moments wondering if we’re choosing what God has planned for us. But Colossians 1:9-14 reminds us that, while we may not always know every detail, God’s will is not hidden from us. It is knowable, doable, and good. At its core, God’s desire is to form us into people who love Him fully and love others deeply. And the good news is that God is not only guiding us—He is actively working within us, through His power, to make that kind of life possible. He understands the deepest desires of our hearts even better than we do, and His will is ultimately for our good and the good of others.
Hannah Buchanan | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide.
New things often bring both excitement and fear. Whether it’s stepping into a new season, trying something unfamiliar, or sensing God’s call, the unknown can feel overwhelming. Yet throughout Scripture, and in our own lives, God consistently invites us beyond comfort and into trust.
This week’s message reminds us that the life of a disciple is not about personal strength or ability but about trust and obedience. As followers of Jesus, we are called to step out in faith, obey his voice, and trust that he will hold us.
In Matthew 28, the disciples encounter the risen Jesus. Some worship, while others doubt, providing a powerful reminder that faith and uncertainty often coexist. Despite their fear and lack of qualifications, Jesus gives them a mission: to go and make disciples. This calling wasn’t reserved for the elite or the fearless; it was given to ordinary people willing to trust an extraordinary God.
The same invitation extends to us today. As we go about our everyday lives at work, at home, and in our communities, we are called to live as disciples who reflect Jesus. And all the while, this promise remains: we are not alone; Jesus is with us always.
Rev. Matt Tuggle | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide.
Jesus was asked many questions throughout his life. In fact, most of his teachings come as responses to what people asked or assumed. But here, just before his final week, Jesus turns the tables and asks a question himself—twice, in two different conversations:
“What do you want?”
First, a mother comes on behalf of her sons, asking for places of honor in his kingdom (Matthew 20:20-28). Then, two blind men cry out from the roadside, simply asking to see (Matthew 20:29-34). It’s a familiar question, but Jesus invites a deeper answer, one that moves beyond surface desires to the longings underneath.
Placed side by side, these stories invite us to compare and reflect. One asks for power, and the other asks for sight. One reveals a kind of blindness despite proximity to Jesus, and the other demonstrates true spiritual vision despite physical blindness. Both, however, need Jesus to open their eyes in different ways.
Through these moments, Jesus redefines life in his kingdom: greatness is not found in status or control but in service, sacrifice, and surrender—the way up is down. He not only teaches this truth but lives it, moving toward the cross and praying, “Not my will, but yours be done.” His invitation is to examine what we want, uncover what we really want, and bring those desires honestly to him. As we follow Jesus, we trust that he will reshape our desires according to his will.
Rev. Dr. Abe Smith | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide.
Research shows, as children, we naturally long for equality in that we want everyone to have the same. But as we grow older, that instinct often shifts toward self-interest, and our concept of “fairness” is defined by what benefits us. This way of thinking shows up in Peter’s question to Jesus in Matthew 19:27: “What’s in it for us?”
In response, Jesus tells the parable of the workers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1–16), where each worker receives the same wage regardless of how long they labored. What initially feels unfair exposes something deeper within us: a resentment and resistance to generosity.
Through this story, Jesus reframes the conversation. The kingdom of God is not built on fairness but on grace. If God operated strictly on fairness, giving each of us exactly what we deserve, none of us would stand. Instead, God is extravagantly generous by offering love, forgiveness, and new life to all, regardless of timing or merit.
With an honest examination of our own lives, we see how quickly we fall into judgment and comparison. Yet as followers of Christ, we are invited into a different way of living that is shaped by gratitude, humility, and grace. Following Jesus is not about calculating what we gain but about receiving a love so generous that it transforms our lives completely.
Alex Johnston | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide.
We live in a world obsessed with greatness, which is measured by success, influence, recognition, and achievement. Whether through social media, career status, or personal accomplishments, we are constantly evaluating where we stand compared to others. Like the disciples, we often ask, “Who is the greatest?” or, more personally, “How can I be great?”
In Matthew 18, Jesus responds to this question in a way that challenges our assumptions. Instead of pointing to power or prestige, he places a child in their midst and says that true greatness begins with humility. In Jesus’ day, children had no status, no power, and no influence. They were overlooked and dependent. Yet Jesus says that unless we “turn” and become like them, we cannot even enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:3-5).
In God’s kingdom, greatness isn’t found in climbing higher but in going lower—serving others, especially the vulnerable and overlooked. At the same time, Jesus warns that chasing worldly greatness can leave a trail of wounded people behind. True discipleship requires a radical reorientation that sees others as image-bearers and reshapes how we think, act, and relate.
Ultimately, Jesus points to the cross as the clearest picture of greatness. He did not grasp for power but gave himself away in sacrificial love. To follow him is to take up our cross by laying down our crown, embracing humility, and becoming people marked by sacrificial love.
Rev. Matt Tuggle | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide.
What is the last thing you purchased for the purpose of improving your life? Every day, we encounter hundreds of proposals about how we should spend our money, time, and attention. Advertisements, products, and opportunities promise to make our lives better—healthier, happier, more successful, or more fulfilled.
Each of these proposals asks us to run a kind of cost–benefit analysis: Is this worth it? Will this truly improve my life? Jesus offers a different kind of proposal.
In Matthew 13:44, Jesus says the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man discovers the treasure, he joyfully sells everything he owns in order to obtain it. Jesus is telling us that there is one thing worth everything. It is as valuable as buried treasure. It is like a precious pearl.
The “it” Jesus is pointing to is life in the kingdom of God through discipleship to him. It is a life spent knowing Jesus, learning his ways, and becoming like him. The invitation of the parable is simple but profound:
Consider the cost. Consider the benefit. Decide whether it is worth it.
The life Jesus offers—one filled with love, joy, peace, and purpose—is the greatest treasure we could ever discover.
Rev. Matt Tuggle | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide.
Jesus’ parable of the mustard seed in Matthew 13:31–33 reveals that the kingdom of God often begins in ways that seem small, hidden, and insignificant but ultimately become transformative and far-reaching. Just as a seed absorbs water, soil, and light to become something new, Jesus’ ministry began in the obscure village of Nazareth within the vast Roman Empire. What started small grew into a movement that outlasted empires and changed the world.
Jesus understood that his Father’s kingdom is ever-expanding, and he continues this seed-like work in human hearts today—absorbing pain, shame, addiction, and sorrow and transforming them into hope, forgiveness, healing, and love. The central message is that the world changes one human heart at a time. Though individual lives may feel small and insignificant in the face of seemingly overwhelming global problems, God works through quiet, faithful transformation, turning surrendered hearts into catalysts for change in families, communities, and beyond.
Rev. Matt Tuggle | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide.
Resolutions often fail because they demand an undefined, lifelong commitment; “forever” feels overwhelming. Lent, however, offers a grace-filled, 40-day invitation to intentional change. Rather than relying on sheer willpower, we lean on God’s strength. It is a season of formation—a time to prepare for Easter by saying “yes” to what deepens our life with God and “no” to what distracts or diminishes it.
At the heart of this week’s message is Jesus’ parable of the wheat and the weeds. A weed called darnel, also known as wheat’s evil twin, looked like wheat at first but proved poisonous with its roots entangling and choking the crop. It mirrors our lives: the “weeds” we tolerate often seem harmless, even good, at first, but eventually entangle our hearts and harm others. Still, the field belongs to the Son of Man. Though good and evil grow side by side, Jesus continues planting “children of the kingdom,” marked by forgiveness, patience, grace, and truth.
The parable then moves into the present. Jesus is still sowing good seed in our homes, workplaces, and communities, forming us to think and act in step with his heart. We are sent into the ordinary spaces of life as his representatives.
The invitation for Lent is simple: let these 40 days be a season of growth. Ask God to expose the weeds and cultivate his fruit in you. His life sets the pattern, his death brings forgiveness, and his resurrection provides the power to change.
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In this week’s sermon, we see Jesus interrupt ordinary life with an extraordinary invitation. Matthew 4 tells the simple version: four fishermen—Peter, Andrew, James, and John—are working their nets when Jesus says, “Come, follow me.” Immediately, they leave everything and go. But when we read Luke’s more detailed account, we see why this call was so compelling. Before Jesus asks them to follow, he gets into Simon’s boat, teaches from it, and then leads them into an overwhelming, net-breaking catch of fish. In that moment, the fishermen encounter the power and presence of God—and everything changes.
Jesus speaks their language. He doesn’t discard their skills; he reimagines them. It’s about offering ordinary, everyday work to the kingdom of God. What once served only the economy now becomes part of God’s redemptive work in the world. Following Jesus doesn’t necessarily make life easier, safer, or more comfortable—but it does make it larger, deeper, and more meaningful.
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Following his baptism, Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted (Matthew 4:1). There, he faces three temptations that engage the whole human person. First, Jesus is tempted in his body—the pull toward immediate physical satisfaction. Next, he is tempted in his mind—the subtle twisting of Scripture and the rationalizing of disobedience. Finally, he is tempted in his heart—offered a good and even noble end, authority over the world, but through the wrong means: worshiping something other than God.
Each temptation strikes at Jesus’ identity: “If you are the Son of God…” Yet Jesus does not respond with sheer willpower or clever debate. Instead, he draws from a deeply formed way of life. He is fueled by the Word of God, grounded in God’s truth, and steadfastly committed to worship and service of God alone. When temptation presses on his body, mind, and heart, Jesus remains rooted in loving God fully—with heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30).
This portrait of Jesus shows us not only how temptation works but also how it can be resisted. We live inside this same “dome of temptation”—in our marriages, parenting, relationships, work, habits, and even within our thoughts.
Temptation is inevitable. But because of Jesus, victory is possible.
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Psalm 1 invites us to reclaim our lives by paying attention to the habits that quietly shape us each day. Life is not formed by one defining decision but by the paths we walk over time. The psalm sets before us two ways of living: one rooted in God’s life-giving wisdom and another shaped by influences that slowly drain our attention, peace, and joy. The blessed life is shaped not just by our actions, but by where we are planted and what, or rather who, we orient our lives around.
At the heart of Psalm 1 is the image of a tree planted by streams of water. This picture reminds us that a flourishing life doesn’t happen by accident or overnight. It is the result of being intentionally rooted in a steady source of nourishment. Faithful lives are reclaimed through daily rhythms that keep us close to God’s sustaining presence. What we give our attention to, again and again, is what shapes who we become.
Psalm 1 reminds us that flourishing is not about trying harder, but about being planted wisely. Where we begin our day matters, because where we are planted determines what kind of life—and fruit—we will bear.
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Luke 2 proclaims peace—but not the kind offered by the world. Jesus was born during the Pax Romana, the “peace” of Caesar Augustus, which was enforced through power, military strength, and control. Caesar’s peace depended on domination and fear, rewarding loyalty and crushing opposition. It was orderly on the surface, yet fragile and costly beneath it.
Luke intentionally sets the birth of Jesus within this context to reveal a sharp contrast. While Caesar rules from a throne, Jesus is born in a manger. While imperial decrees are enforced by soldiers, God’s good news is announced by angels to shepherds. This is not a sentimental story but a declaration that a new king and a new kingdom have arrived.
The peace Jesus brings is different in every way. He does not conquer by force but brings peace through humility, self-giving love, forgiveness, and the cross. Instead of demanding control, he invites surrender. Instead of eliminating enemies, he reconciles them. His peace does not depend on circumstances; it meets us in fear, chaos, and suffering and begins within the heart. We are invited to choose between these two kinds of peace: the fragile peace of control offered by the world, or the lasting peace of Christ, found in surrender to the true king whose kingdom will never end.
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This week, we’re invited to reflect on where we are stuck, weary, or struggling to keep going by returning to the birth of Jesus and the very different responses it provoked.
Drawing from Isaiah 49 and Matthew 2, we’ll explore how Jesus’ birth fulfills God’s promise of a servant who would reveal God’s glory, bring salvation to the nations, and draw even kings to attention. The Magi respond to the birth of Jesus with courage and movement, leaving everything familiar to worship the true king, while Herod responds with fear and violence, desperate to protect his throne. Together, their reactions reveal that Jesus’ arrival is not neutral—it demands a response.
This challenges the common assumption that Jesus simply wants to improve our lives. Like Herod, we often sense—rightly—that Jesus’ kingship threatens our control. Jesus does not want to merely reside in our lives; he wants to reign over them, claiming authority over our decisions, relationships, finances, work, and future. This is not bad news but good news, because Jesus is far more fit to be king than we are.
Jesus is coming for our crowns, and giving them to him is the way out of being stuck and leads to true life.
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A higher vantage point changes everything. What once felt overwhelming begins to make sense. What felt hopeless begins to open toward possibility. When God gives us a glimpse of the bigger picture, it doesn’t just change how we see the world—it changes how we live in the world.
Isaiah 49:1-7 and Matthew 1:18-23, though separated by centuries, belong to the same story. What God promises in Isaiah—the calling of a servant to bring hope and salvation—begins to take flesh in Matthew with the birth of Jesus. God’s people are given a vision for the future so that they can live with hope in the present.
Through Scripture, God gives us a view from the top, allowing us to see His unfolding plan across time. From the promises of the prophets to the fulfillment in Christ, God reveals His Son has come to save us from our sin by being with us—Emmanuel. We are invited to lift our eyes above our immediate circumstances and see the bigger picture of God’s redemptive plan. With this vision, we can be confident that God is at work and His promises are true, giving us hope for the future and informing the way we live today.
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Psalm 1 invites us to picture a life that truly flourishes—not because circumstances are easy, but because it is rooted in God’s love and shaped by the steady practice of meditating on His Word. The psalm portrays someone who refuses to be guided by voices that diminish life and, instead, finds joy and clarity in God’s presence. Like a tree deliberately planted beside streams of water, this person becomes resilient, grounded, and fruitful.
This image echoes Joshua 1, where God urges Joshua to step forward with courage by holding tightly to the Book of the Law. His strength came not from his own effort but from staying close to God’s instruction and trusting the assurance of God’s constant presence.
These truths speak directly into our weary seasons—those moments when we feel drained, uncertain, or spiritually dry. With Advent, we are reminded that God meets us exactly in those places. “Emmanuel, God with us” is more than a title; it is a promise of God’s nearness. As we abide in Christ, we receive the hope, peace, joy, and love our hearts long for, even as we wait for the One who has come and who remains faithfully with us.
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The Bible’s temple imagery reveals the unfolding story of God’s glory—a story He has been writing from the beginning and continues through His people today. God’s presence once dwelled in the temple, then took on flesh in Jesus, and now God’s Spirit dwells within us, making the church the living temple He sends into the world. In this week’s sermon, we explore passages from both the Old and New Testaments to better understand who we are and what we are called to do.
With his last words in 2 Samuel, David depicts a life shaped by God as dawn’s first light and refreshing rain, a presence that renews and helps others flourish. Romans 8 shows how this life becomes possible. We are children of God and have been made heirs with Christ, invited to participate in his mission and embody his character. The story of God’s glory continues through us today as He forms us into people who reflect His goodness and carry His presence wherever we go.
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As David prepares God’s people for the building of the temple—an assignment he himself will not fulfill—he gathers them around a vision bigger than their own lives. He reminds them that the work is great because it is the Lord’s. Their giving, serving, and devotion are not the start of God’s work but a response to it.
David’s prayer in 1 Chronicles 29:10–20 is a confession of God’s greatness and sovereignty: “Everything comes from You, and we have given You only what comes from Your hand.”
On Vision Sunday, we step into that same posture. We remember that God is the author of every good work. We offer ourselves, our resources, and our devotion not to build our own kingdom, but to join God in His work—in Dallas as it is in heaven.
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After years of hardship and struggle, David finally experiences peace. The battles are over, the throne is secure, and his home is established. From this place of stability and success, David desires to honor God by building Him a house—a temple worthy of His name. But God gently reminds David that He doesn’t need anything from David; what He desires most is a heart that remains faithful. Rather than allowing David to build Him a house, God promises to build one through David—an enduring “house,” a royal line that will find its fulfillment in Christ.
It’s natural to cling to God out of need or desperation. But what happens when the pressure lifts? When life finally settles and success arrives, our hearts face a new kind of test. Will we continue to depend on God, or will comfort make us forget the One who brought us here?
Isaiah speaks to this same truth. God’s people were searching for strength in their own strategies and alliances, yet God calls them back to quiet trust:
In repentance and rest is your salvation; in quietness and trust is your strength. —Isaiah 30:15
Both David and Israel needed the same reminder—and so do we: true faithfulness isn’t found in what we do for God, but in staying near to Him.
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In 2 Samuel 11, David—the man after God’s own heart—makes a series of devastating choices that spiral into deeper sin. What begins as a private temptation leads to adultery, deceit, and ultimately, the death of an innocent man. David’s story reminds us that sin is never isolated. Our choices ripple outward, wounding others, damaging relationships, and distorting the trust God calls us to live in.
Instead of confessing, David tries to cover up what he’s done. The more he hides, the more harm he causes. But when the prophet Nathan confronts him, David finally stops running. In Psalm 51, we hear his broken, honest confession: “Have mercy on me, O God… Create in me a clean heart.” In that moment, David learns that the only way forward is not by managing appearances but by coming clean before God. Sin always leaves a mess—both in us and around us—but grace offers a way to clean up. Confession doesn’t erase consequences, but it opens the door for healing and restoration. God’s grace not only forgives the sinner; it can begin to heal the people and places our sin has affected.
When we stop covering up and start cleaning up, we discover that God’s grace is bigger than our biggest mess.
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Before David was a king, he was a shepherd. In the quiet fields, he learned to guide, protect, and care for sheep—lessons that would later define how he led God’s people. Psalm 23 reveals that before David could lead others, he first had to be led by God.
David knew what it meant to depend on the Shepherd who restores, guides, and provides. His leadership flowed from intimacy, not authority—from being cared for, not from striving to control. Centuries later, Jesus called himself the Good Shepherd—the One who knows his sheep by name and lays down his life for them. Jesus leads not through power or position, but through love and service.
To lead like Jesus, we must have a willingness to follow—learning what it means to be led by the Shepherd. We cannot lead others well if we are not first following well.
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David knew God had called him to be king—but that promise didn’t come to pass quickly. Around 15 years passed between David’s anointing and the moment he finally took the throne. David faced 15 years of uncertainty, running, hiding, and trusting that God was still at work.
We often think of faith as a belief we hold—but Scripture shows us that faith is meant to shape how we live. The life of David in 1 and 2 Samuel offers us a vivid picture of what faith looks like in real time: not only in great victories, but also in the long stretches of waiting.
Last week, we looked at one of the fruits of faith: courage. This week, we focus on another: patience rooted in trust.
In 1 Samuel 24, David has the perfect opportunity to take matters into his own hands. Saul—the king trying to kill him—falls right into the cave where David and his men are hiding. David can end the threat and get the crown, but instead of seizing power, he chooses restraint. He refuses to harm the one God had appointed for that season. David waits—trusting that the promise would be fulfilled in God’s timing.
David shows us that waiting well is not passive—it’s a courageous act of faith.
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When David faced Goliath, he wasn’t the strongest, tallest, or most experienced warrior on the battlefield. He wasn’t even supposed to be there—he was just delivering supplies to his brothers. But David showed up. And when the moment came, he offered what he had: a sling, a few stones, and a heart confident in God.
David didn’t try to wear Saul’s armor or fight with someone else’s weapons. He knew who he was and trusted that God could use his own unique gifts and experiences for a greater purpose. What seemed small in the world’s eyes became powerful in God’s hands.
The story reminds us that God isn’t asking us to be someone else. He’s asking us to show up with what we have—regardless of the odds. Our gifts, our stories, and our faith can all be used by God when we step forward in trust. Victory doesn’t come from our strength but from our willingness to let God work through us.
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In 1 Samuel, God sends His prophet to anoint a new king. Everyone assumes the next leader will look impressive—someone strong, tall, and commanding. But God reminds Samuel, “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).
When God chose David, the youngest and least expected son of Jesse, He revealed something essential about His Kingdom: God’s concern is not appearance, status, or performance—it’s the condition of our hearts.
Later in life, having faced his own failures, David prayed in Psalm 51:10, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” The same man chosen for his heart learned that a heart for God requires continual renewal. Our hearts are shaped not by perfection, but by repentance—a willingness to be remade by God’s grace.
This week’s sermon challenges us to ask: How’s your heart? Is it teachable, humble, and open to the leading of the Spirit? God still searches hearts today—raising up people who are less concerned with outward appearances and more devoted to His presence and purposes.
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In Matthew 6:9-13, Jesus teaches his disciples to pray, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” This prayer isn’t just words—it’s an invitation to live as people shaped by God’s kingdom. Likewise, in 1 Chronicles 29:10-13, King David reminds the people that everything—power, greatness, glory, and majesty—belongs to the Lord alone. Both passages call us to orient our lives around God’s reign, God’s power, and God’s glory.
Through Project Mockingbird, HPUMC is seeking to embody this prayer and confession right here in Dallas. From the corner of Mockingbird Lane, we long to see God’s kingdom take root—in raising up new leaders, strengthening families, serving the vulnerable, and sending disciples into every corner of the city. This vision isn’t about building our name or power, but about declaring with David, “Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the glory and the majesty.”
As followers of Jesus, our calling is not just to pray “Your kingdom come” but to live it out: in Dallas as it is in heaven, by God’s power, and for God’s glory.
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In Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus faces temptation in the wilderness. Offered shortcuts to comfort, recognition, and power, he responds each time with God’s Word and chooses obedience to the Father. His testing shows us that true ministry flows not from ease or compromise, but from faithfulness and dependence on God. In the same way, Project Mockingbird calls our church to trust God with a bold vision. It’s not simply about buildings or numbers—it’s about creating spaces of worship, raising up leaders, and serving our city so that God’s Kingdom comes in Dallas as it is in heaven.
For each of us, the call is personal. Just as Jesus resisted the temptation to take the easy path, we too are invited to surrender our comforts, our pride, and our desire for control, choosing instead to live by God’s Word. This means asking: Where am I tempted to take shortcuts in my discipleship? Where is God calling me to trust Him more deeply? As we give, serve, and pray, we participate not only in a church-wide vision but also in the ongoing work of God’s Kingdom in our own lives and in the city we call home.
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In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus teaches us to pray not just for our own needs but for God's Kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven—including right here in Dallas. This is a call to live in alignment with heaven's values: relationship with God, justice, mercy, forgiveness, and daily provision.
HPUMC’s Project Mockingbird puts this prayer into action—by investing in the church, equipping leaders, and partnering with the community to bring hope, healing, and renewal to our city.
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When Jesus taught his disciples to pray, he gave them words that were both simple and revolutionary: “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” This prayer is more than words—it’s a vision for life under God’s reign.
The Lord’s Prayer reminds us that we don’t just pray for heaven to come; we step into God’s mission and embody His kingdom wherever we live, work, and play. Dallas can be a place where glimpses of heaven break through, and we believe God wants to begin that work right here, right now, within us, and through us. We believe that God has big plans for what He wants to do on our street corner and from our street corner at 3300 Mockingbird Lane, and we are invited to be part of His mission in our city and beyond!
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We all carry worries—not just about what might happen in the future, but about how we’re doing in the present. Am I doing enough? Am I the spouse, parent, friend, or follower of Jesus that I should be? These questions weigh heavily on many of us.
In Matthew 28:18-20, often called the Great Commission, Jesus meets us with both grace and clarity. Instead of leaving us to guess what truly matters in life, he tells us plainly: “Go and make disciples… baptizing them… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Jesus gives us direction and purpose—not a rigid checklist, but an invitation to be with him, become like him, and do what he did.
If we are leaning into this commission—helping others know Jesus, growing together in obedience, and trusting his presence—we are right where we need to be. The pressure to “measure up” is lifted, because Jesus not only tells us what to do but also promises to be with us always, to the very end of the age (Matthew 28:20).
So, when the worries creep in, we can rest in this truth: life is not about perfect performance but about faithful participation in Jesus’ mission with the assurance that he is with us.
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Before giving the Great Commission, Matthew tells us that when the disciples saw the risen Christ, they worshiped him—but some doubted (Matthew 28:17). It’s a striking moment: face-to-face with the resurrected Savior, both worship and doubt existed side by side in the hearts of his followers. Matthew doesn’t hide this tension, and Jesus doesn’t rebuke them for it. Instead, he meets them right there—in the mixture of faith and uncertainty—and entrusts them with the greatest mission in history.
There is a myth that if we do not understand everything, we cannot believe anything. However, in reality, our doubts do not disqualify us from discipleship. The disciples’ story shows us that faith and doubt can coexist and that Jesus still calls us to follow him. When we are rooted in the firm foundation of what we do know, we can be honest about our questions without being paralyzed by them. Like those first disciples, we are invited to move forward in obedience, trusting Jesus’ promise that he is with us always (Matthew 28:20). Even without all the answers, we worship and move forward in faith, trusting Christ to transform us into his likeness.
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Jesus began his public ministry with a clear and urgent message, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near” (Matthew 4:17). The kingdom is not distant—it is God’s reign breaking into the world through Jesus. When we pray, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done,” we are aligning our lives with his mission.
Jesus’ ministry of teaching, preaching, and healing shows that God’s kingdom is holistic—addressing spiritual as well as physical needs. As his church, we are called to embody that same mission, praying for and working toward God’s will in our lives, our church, and our city.
To pray “Thy kingdom come” is to offer ourselves as God’s hands and feet. Much like the first disciples, we are invited to step out in faith and step into the story, joining his transforming work in the world around us. In the year ahead, may we be a people devoted to seeking God’s will and living on mission.
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In 1 Thessalonians 4, Paul urges believers to live in a way that pleases God and to keep growing more and more in their walk with Christ. This is not about reaching a point where we’ve “arrived,” but about continually maturing in three key areas: faith, hope, and love.
We grow in faith by obeying God’s Word and pursuing holiness, trusting Him in every area of life. We grow in hope by fixing our eyes on the risen Lord, who conquered death. We grow in love by encouraging and building up one another, speaking truth, offering comfort, and walking together through life’s challenges.
Paul’s vision for the church is a community that keeps growing and pressing forward, more and more, until the day Christ returns to make all things new.
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How do you respond when life turns up the heat—when the trials and tribulations inevitably come? Do you find yourself reacting in fear, scrambling for answers and stability? Or are you able to respond with faith, drawing from a place of preparation and strength?
In his second letter to Timothy, the Apostle Paul offers a powerful reminder: Scripture is not merely a sacred text or a religious tradition—it is the very word of God (2 Timothy 3:16). It’s alive, authoritative, and divinely designed to shape every part of who we are and how we live.
Paul’s words are a call to spiritual readiness. He makes it clear that if we want to stand firm in the face of adversity, we can’t afford to be passive or spiritually unprepared. We must be people who are trained in the Word—letting Scripture teach us, correct us, strengthen us, and prepare us for whatever lies ahead. Training doesn't begin in the fire; it begins long before. So that when the trials come, we can respond in faith and stand firm in God’s truth.
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In this week’s sermon on Matthew 5:9-10, we explore the deep meaning of shalom—a peace that is more than just the absence of conflict but the presence of wholeness, justice, and the right relationship with God and others. Jesus calls us to be peacemakers, not by passively avoiding confrontation, but as active agents of reconciliation in a broken world. True peacemaking often leads to resistance, even persecution, because it challenges systems of injustice and selfishness. Yet Jesus reminds us that those who pursue peace and righteousness are blessed and belong to the kingdom of heaven.
As followers of Christ, we are called to embody God's peace wherever we go. Is there a specific issue or injustice you feel deeply passionate about? That burden may be more than a feeling—it could be God’s invitation to lean in, take action, and bring shalom to the world around you.
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Do you ever struggle to see how God is at work? Not just in the world, but in your own story? Though God is never mentioned by name in the book of Esther, His presence is unmistakable through every twist and turn of the story, revealing that God is at work even when we can’t see it or understand.
This week’s sermon shifts our perspective and reminds us that God isn’t part of our story—we are part of His redemptive story, and it is still being written. We’re invited to join God in His ongoing purpose of restoring what is broken and making things whole.
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During difficult or trying seasons, there’s power in showing up. All of us are moved by stories of people who go beyond their own security and sense of comfort to show up for people in need. In this message, we’re asking ourselves this question: What does it look like to be people who show up for others but also as those who are fully alive in our own stories?
Esther’s story reminds us that, while there is often a cost to showing up for others, there is also a cost to not showing up. Esther’s boldness in the face of unimaginable fear inspires us to move from comfort to courage in our own lives so we can show up and make a difference for others.
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In the midst of suffering and tragedy, the example of Stephen in Acts 7:55–56 offers a profound glimpse of hope and perspective. As he faced death, Stephen, "full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God." Even while being unjustly stoned, he fixed his eyes on the risen and exalted Lord. This vision reminds us that in our darkest moments, Christ is not distant—he is with us.
Together with John 16:33, where Jesus assures us that though we will have trouble, he has overcome the world, we are able to acknowledge and face suffering with steadfast faith. The risen Lord is our peace in trials, our source of wisdom, our strength in weakness, and our hope beyond tragedy.
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We all face moments in life when we feel uncertain, overwhelmed, or simply unsure of what to do next. Whether it’s a major decision, a season of suffering, or a quiet struggle, those moments can leave us feeling stuck or unprepared.
In this week’s sermon, we learn what it looks like to couple wisdom with action to navigate the difficult seasons of life. It’s not enough to just know what’s right—we need the courage and capacity to live it out. What we need is wisdom to know what to do, strength to actually be able to do it, and hope to know God is with us no matter what.
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Have you ever asked, “Why am I going through this? What is God doing?”
No matter the season we’re in, testing is inevitable. Some trials come from our own decisions; others are allowed—or even designed—by God to shape us. James 1:2-4 urges us to “consider it pure joy” when we face these trials, because they produce endurance and maturity. But let’s be honest, finding joy in hardship isn’t our natural response. That’s why perspective matters.
Perspective can change everything, from the way we think to the way we live. And when we begin to view our circumstances with an eternal perspective, it also changes how we view the trials we walk through. In this week’s sermon, we explore Genesis 22, the story of Abraham and Isaac, to better understand what it means to look to Jesus, especially in difficult times.
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All of us make decisions all the time. You make thousands of small decisions every day, a handful of important decisions every year, and a few truly life-altering decisions throughout your life.
The environment we create is a direct result of the source of wisdom that we allow to influence our decisions. Where are you getting the wisdom it takes to make the best decisions for yourself and for those around you? In this week’s sermon, we learn a framework to help us live by wisdom from above.
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Have you ever said something and immediately wished you hadn’t? If that’s you, you’re not alone. James, one of the letters in our New Testament, says, “You can tame a tiger, but you can’t tame a tongue—it’s never been done.”
Words are powerful. The way we speak can give life to those around us. But if we’re not careful, our words can also leave cuts and bruises that last a lifetime.
How are you using your words? And how on earth can we tame the proverbial tiger? In this week’s sermon, we unpack some ancient wisdom from James’ letter about what it means to live wisely when it comes to our words—and how we use them.
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What is something you can never get enough of? We all have insatiable desires, and no matter how much we have or accumulate, we still want a little more. Not just more material things like money, more shoes, more trips—it’s the deeper longings for things like affirmation, security, and love.
What do we do with our deep desires? Is satisfaction even possible? In this week’s sermon, we learn that only Jesus, the bread of life, can satisfy our hunger and thirst (John 6:35).
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Have you ever experienced a moment when things didn’t work out the way you thought they would? You expected the situation to go one way, but it went in a totally different direction— and you were left wondering, “What just happened?”
Maybe it was a job you thought for sure you’d get, but didn’t. Or a relationship that fizzled out when you believed it would go the distance. Or a business deal that showed every sign of success, but failed unexpectedly.
What do you do in these moments when life seemingly veers off course?
In this week’s sermon, we unpack a story about two brothers— one in particular who faces a moment like this. Things don’t go the way he’d hoped, and he’s left with a choice to make about how to respond. As we hold up this story, we’ll discover wisdom and guidance for what to do when we find ourselves in the same boat, navigating uncharted waters.
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All year, we’ve explored what it looks like to cultivate a life with God, where the Holy Spirit grows good things in us and around us. You know the yield: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
Who doesn’t need more of these blessings in their lives? While we recognize that only God can grow us in these areas, it does require our participation. As we seek to keep in step with the Spirit, we must tend to our soul by spending time in the garden, cultivating lives that yield the fruit of the Spirit.
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Family can be messy and complicated. In this week’s sermon, we look at the story of Sarai, Abram, and Hagar in Genesis 16. Sarai tries to control God's timing, Abram goes along without resistance, and Hagar finds herself exploited and abandoned. Yet, God shows up, reminding us that God does not ignore the suffering of the vulnerable. In fact, the first person in Scripture to name God is Hagar—a pregnant, runaway servant.
Being in the middle of a mess—whether it's a family struggle, personal failure, or broken relationship—doesn't mean God does not see us. He meets us there, not after we've cleaned everything up, but right in the middle of the chaos.
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We often think about self-control in terms of being from something—to not say this or not do that. But what about self-control for something?
God is calling us into life with Him, yet there are so many pressures and voices calling us away. Cultivating self-control allows us to say yes to God and orient our lives to the things that matter the most. In this next season to come, what might God be wanting from you and for you?
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Over the past year, we’ve been learning what it means to cultivate lives that bear the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and finally, self-control.
Self-control is about mastery over our own desires. It’s the strength to say “yes” when everything in us wants to say “no” and to say “no” when our impulses push us toward “yes.” In Romans 7, Paul describes the tension between his intentions and his actions—he wants to do what is right but often ends up doing what he hates. That struggle is one we all know. The irony is that we cannot truly develop self-control by relying on ourselves. Only God can put to death those desires that have the potential to enslave us and help us cultivate lives in which we grow in the fruit of the Spirit.
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Jesus stood on a hill overlooking Jerusalem—the Kidron Valley spread from right to left before him, the temple mount rising up on the other side of the valley, and the walls of Jerusalem encircling the capital city. From that hill, Jesus would descend into the valley, up again into the city, and into the temple itself.
Everyone who knew him, and many who had only heard of him, were asking themselves, “What will he do?” They believed he would become the next King of Israel, reigning from Jerusalem.
But, “How will he secure the throne?” And, “What kind of king will he be?”
Well, we know from last week that he will be a gentle king. And how will he secure the throne? In this sermon, we explore how what Jesus did in Jerusalem the last week of his life tells that story. Spoiler alert, it has to do with gentleness too!
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What does Jesus mean when he says, “gentle”? Jesus says he has a gentle heart and that the gentle (or “meek,” the same word in Greek) will inherit the earth. So, what is it that Jesus means when he uses the term "gentle”?
The gentleness question has taken me from the New Testament to the Old. Through word studies and commentaries and desperate Google searches, to times in prayer and many, many conversations.
In this message, we explore what it looks like to live as gentle-men, gentle-women, gentle-teenagers, etc. Spoiler alert, it has a lot to do with this: “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5).
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What tone do you imagine when you think about God speaking to you? Our past experiences and current circumstances often shape the tone or how we hear God’s voice. Yet, the clearest way to understand God's nature is by looking at the life of Jesus, who shows us gentleness in how he carries his authority with both care and humility. Instead of delivering hard truths with harsh words or condemnation, Jesus speaks with compassion.
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In Romans 4:19-25, the Apostle Paul recounts the faith of Abraham and explains that righteousness is granted by faithfulness. Despite setbacks and seemingly impossible circumstances, Abraham remained faithful and trusted in God’s promise, which is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness” (v. 19-22). Not only was this true for Abraham—it is true for us as well (v. 23-24).
Belief in God fundamentally changes how we live, no matter the challenges we face. It is the door into a new world as we trust that God is there with us, He is able, and He is for us.
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What are you afraid of? How does fear hold you back or keep you from living by faith? In this week’s sermon, we look at the family of Moses whose faith toppled the most powerful empire in the world. They had much to fear, but by putting their hope in the right place, and being faithful in ordinary moments, this family changed the course of history. If we are to cultivate lives that produce faithfulness, our fear of God must be greater than our fear of everything else.
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What do you do when it seems like faith has failed you? How do you handle disappointment, difficulty, and doubt that inevitably comes when things do not turn out how you thought they would?
In this week’s sermon, we examine the life and faith of Abraham (Hebrews 11). Although he encountered uncertainty, setbacks, doubt, and fear, Abraham stayed the course and ultimately trusted God with the outcome. Similarly, our faith should guide us to obedience, no matter the result. Even when the end is unclear and we cannot see the finish line, we are called to run the race set before us with perseverance, living by faith and entrusting God with the outcome.
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The author of Hebrews likens living a faithful life to running a race with perseverance, throwing off anything that hinders or entangles us (Hebrews 12:1). The Christian life is a relay race, in which someone else handed us the baton that we will inevitably hand off to someone else. We are called to be faithful with our stretch of the race!
In the preceding chapter, the author explains that faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). Even though we may not be able to see the finish line, we run the race marked out for us and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).
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Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness, do not defraud, honor your father and mother… How are you doing with these? In Mark 10:17-22, a rich young ruler who seemingly had it all and had it all together, asks Jesus what he must do to live a good life. Jesus then reminded him of the commandments, all of which he claims to have kept since he was young. But there was one thing he lacked—covetousness. He lacked freedom from the relentless desire to acquire more. The solution Jesus provides, which is to sell all of his possessions and give the money to the poor, results in the young man walking away in sorrow.
It’s easy to play the comparison game. When we look at God’s commandments, we may be tempted to focus on the commandments we are keeping. The truth is, we all have areas of our lives where there is plenty of room for growth. But growth comes at a price. Sometimes we have to give something up if we are to grow up. To cultivate lives that reflect God’s goodness, to say “yes” to the life that God is calling us into, we will have to say “no” to something else.
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In a world that emphasizes individualism and autonomy, everyone has their own definition of what is good. And without even realizing it, we can also choose heteronomy, in which others tell us what’s good. Whether it is ourselves or another human being, we must consider the source and confront the possibility that our ideas of right and wrong might be flawed. In fact, Jesus tells us that “no one is good—except for God alone” (Mark 10:18).
We often live as though we are the rulers of our own lives, deciding what is good for ourselves. Only God is truly fit to be the king of our lives because He is the ultimate source of goodness.
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What is good? We each have our own ideas of what’s good and what’s bad, and it’s often where these differences collide that we run into problems.
In this week’s sermon, we discover that true goodness isn’t about our actions or outward appearances. In Mark 7, Jesus teaches his disciples that goodness doesn’t come from what’s external but from what’s inside. It’s a matter of the heart. To cultivate goodness within us and in the world around us, we need to shift our focus from outward behaviors to the inner condition of our hearts. When we open up about our struggles and invite God to heal and transform us, His love becomes the source of goodness in our lives.
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“What difference does it make?” We have all asked that question at some point. It’s easy for us to think about what we lack rather than what we have. However, this mindset is a kindness killer, causing us to miss out on opportunities for God to work through us and within us.
In this week’s sermon, we explore the passage leading up to Jesus’ miracle of feeding the 5,000 with just five loaves of bread and two fish (Mark 6:30-38). Although the disciples focused on the fact that they didn’t have enough, Jesus took what little they did have and used it to meet the needs of the crowd. As followers of Christ, we are called to be “5 + 2” people—giving whatever we have to God and allowing Him to use it to cultivate kindness both in us and around us.
Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. When we think about Jesus’ life and ministry, we often think of the miracles, healings, and teachings. In just three short years, Jesus changed the world and yet, he did not seem to be in a hurry. In fact, in the Gospel of Mark, we see Jesus making time for the intentional pursuit of purpose, rest, and for a grace-filled response to interruptions.
In a world that glorifies speed, productivity, and constant hustle, we may find ourselves moving through life at an unreasonable rate. This not only kills kindness, but also causes us to miss what’s most important. Creating a Jesus-ish rhythm enables us to move at a reasonable rate and make time for what’s important, helping us cultivate kindness within us and around us.
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All of us want more kindness. So, what stands between our desire for and our actual experience of more kindness? In other words, if all of us want more kindness, why do we not have a more kind society?
In this week’s sermon, we look at Mark 2 in which Jesus is criticized for associating with tax collectors and sinners. Through Jesus’ response and example, we learn what it means to cultivate kindness within us and around us, especially to those who might be considered to be undeserving of our kindness.
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Everyone has a different take on New Year’s. Are you into resolutions or intentions? Do you pick a word for the year? Maybe New Year’s is no big thing for you, and it’s just like every other day. With this week’s sermon, we learn a unique and helpful way to view the new year by looking at the foundation of Jesus’ ministry.
In Mark 1:14-15, Jesus began his ministry by proclaiming the good news that God is near and the time has come for change and reorientation (repent and believe). In other words, it is time to stop doing the things that lead us away from God and start doing the things that lead us toward God. This truth can change the way we approach the new year as we seek to grow spiritually and bring about real, lasting change in our lives.
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Among the many titles given to Mary, the mother of Jesus, she was also known as theotokos or “God-bearer.” Just as God chose Mary, He has also chosen to be in a relationship with you. As followers of Christ, we carry the presence of God with us wherever we go. This Christmas, remember that you are carrying the Holy Spirit inside of you and are called to bear God to the world around you.
In this week’s sermon, we continue the backstory of Jesus in Luke 1 by looking at Mary, an ordinary young woman who was chosen and called by God. Although she did not fully understand God’s plan or timing, Mary’s response provides an example of how we are to open ourselves to the wonder of what God wants to do in our lives, even in the midst of waiting.
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Although it may look different for each of us, at some point we all experience some form of hopelessness. This may be the result of our own doing or simply the reality of living in a fallen, broken world. Whatever the cause or circumstance, what matters is how we respond.
In Luke 18, Jesus takes the time to stop and engage with a blind beggar. Because of the blind man’s faith, Jesus restores his sight. From this passage, we learn that hope often begins in desperation, it requires action, and it ultimately leads to transformation.
Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. Winston Churchill was quoted as saying, “You make a living by what you get; you make a life by what you give.” We put a lot of effort in trying to make a living (and rightly so); but how do we go about making a life?
In this week’s sermon, we explore this question by studying the words of the Apostle Paul (Acts 20:32-35) and Jesus (Matthew 13:31-32) to learn how to cultivate a life of generosity. As this year draws to a close, we focus on how to End Well in 2024 and Start Strong in 2025.
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In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). However, in some way, with someone, we are all in some degree of conflict. So the question is, how do we navigate and resolve conflict in a way that aligns with our faith? In other words, how do we become people who make peace?
To be peacemakers, we must cultivate lives in which the Spirit changes and transforms us to become people who seek reconciliation, show grace, and reflect the love of God to the world around us.
Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. In today's politically charged culture, it’s easy to view everything through a red or blue lens. But this clouds our vision, making it harder to see Jesus as he truly is, beyond the confines of political affiliation. It's crucial to remember that while we cast our votes for candidates, we cast our hope on God and our peace rests in Him alone. Even when storms and chaos swirl around us, staying rooted in the truth of who Jesus is allows us to experience lasting inner peace and empowers us to be peacemakers in a divided world.
In times that feel the opposite of peaceful, we draw on the wisdom of the Apostle Peter, who encourages us to humble ourselves and cast all our anxieties on Jesus, trusting him to carry our burdens (1 Peter 5:6-7). Peter also employs us to stay alert and sober-minded, resisting the enemy who seeks to divide and destroy (1 Peter 5:8-9). In these ways, it’s possible for us to be at peace, regardless of what’s happening around us.
Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. Throughout this sermon series, we have learned that joy is not dependent on our circumstances. But how do we claim joy in the midst of uncertainty or challenges? In Acts 9, Ananias is called by God to go find a man named Saul and minister to him. We know him today as the Apostle Paul, one of the most influential leaders in the history of the church. But at that time, he was a well-known Pharisee who persecuted Christians. Despite his concerns, Ananias obeyed and God used him to change Saul’s life and the course of history. Ananias was open to what God wanted to do and put himself in a position to experience joy by simply saying, “Here I am, Lord” (Acts 9:10).
When we have to go places we don’t want to go, or are asked to do things we don’t want to do, or to be with people we don’t want to be with, we can choose to claim joy with those three words: “Here I am.” No matter where we find ourselves in this current season, this simple prayer can help center us and make us available to what God might want to do in our lives.
Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. The apostle Paul knew one thing about how to cultivate joy that we so easily miss today. In his last meeting with the elders from Ephesus, Paul charges them to watch over and serve the church (Acts 20:28). He also reminded them of Jesus’ teaching, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Finally, he knelt down with all of them and prayed (Acts 20:36).
Ultimately, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, what Paul knew is that we claim joy through humility—thinking less about ourselves and more about others. We can practice humility and cultivate joy by reorienting and prioritizing our lives in the following way:
Jesus (first)
Others (second)
Yourself (last)
Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. You don't have to be Christian to experience joy. However, the joy that is offered by Jesus is unique in that it does not depend on circumstances and it can coexist with suffering. Why? Because the resurrection of Christ changes everything!
As followers of Christ, we have a living hope because of his resurrection (1 Peter 1:3). It changes the way we experience our circumstances and how we respond to suffering. In faith, we look forward to the day when God will restore all things. But in the meantime, our suffering is not wasted (1 Peter 1:6-7). As we follow Jesus, our soul is being saved and the byproduct of this process is joy (1 Peter 1:8-9).
Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. In Nehemiah 8, we find the people of God celebrating and praising God with the completion of the wall in Jerusalem. However, when the priests read the Law, they became convicted of the sin that had resulted in their captivity, and their joy quickly turned into despair as doubt and fear crept in. In a similar way, we can allow insecurities, cynicism, worry, and anxiety to turn blessings into burdens and rob us of our joy. What if I’m not good enough? What if I’m not ready? How am I going to do this? What will others think?
As followers of Christ, our joy does not depend on us or someone else. Nor is it dependent upon or deflated by our circumstances. Just as Nehemiah told the people of God, the joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10). No matter what may be going on in our lives, we can claim joy and know that God is still at work.
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In John 15, Jesus identifies himself as the true vine and explains that we, as the branches, must stay connected to him in order to bear fruit. To be the kind of people for whom love comes naturally, we must remain (abide) in God’s love. But how do we do that? We remain in God’s love by keeping His commandment to love one another. In other words, we become more loving when we love others. Sounds simple enough!
But what about people who are difficult to love? When it comes to loving others, it is important, and even loving, to establish healthy boundaries as unconditional love does not equate to unconditional access. Sin violates God’s boundaries, separating and detaching us from Him. But, Jesus came along and renewed our access to God, reattaching us to the source of all life and empowering us to become people of love.
Click here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. Forgiveness is foundational to the Christian life and yet, it is often misunderstood. This misunderstanding creates one of the greatest obstacles to cultivating love in our lives. Originally used as a financial term, to forgive means to cancel a debt, choosing not to collect it now or in the future. With the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21-35), Jesus teaches us that we should forgive others because of the forgiveness we have received from God. To cultivate a life in which God yields love in and around us, we must be people for whom forgiveness is not only freely received, but freely given.
Click here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. What is love? It’s a word we often use, but do we really know what it means? Although the ancient Greeks had several words for love, “agape” is the term that appears 259 times in the New Testament. This word refers to an unconditional, sacrificial kind of love that combines feeling and action. A classic definition of agape love is to will the good of the other; it means wanting what is best for another person and actually working for their good. This is much easier said than done!
Like the other Fruit of the Spirit, we cannot force growth in this area, but we can cultivate a life with God that yields love in us and around us. If we are to grow in our ability to love, we must both know what love is and want to love. Then, through prayer and practice, we can become people for whom loving others becomes second nature.
Click here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. As followers of Christ, we choose a life marked by the Fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control). However, there is an ongoing battle within all of us between the flesh and the Spirit. When we are living by the flesh, we are being controlled by our most basic and selfish desires. We recognize that there are things that need to die in us and things that need to be birthed in us. We also feel the tension between what we can do and what only God can do. A life in the Spirit is not something that we can achieve on our own; it is something that we receive when we believe and trust in God. Through prayer and practice, we can cultivate a life with God where the Holy Spirit yields good things in us and around us.
These are the questions I’m asking as a new year begins:
--What self-imposed limits on my life have I accepted as inevitable?
--What have I accepted as IMPOSSIBLE for me that is actually POSSIBLE with God?
See, it turns out (again!) that Kevin Garnett was right, and the Apostle Peter proved it:
With God, anything is possible.
Preacher: Andrew Forrest
Scripture: Matthew 14:22-33
Kevin Garnett video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyjOy7fRzs0
Zeal is almost a technical term in the Bible:
It refers to doing whatever it takes to preserve God’s holy name.
Christmas is the purest form of zeal in the scripture.
And the form that zeal took surprised everyone.
Scripture: Isaiah 9:2, 6-7, and lots and lots of other Biblical references.
Preacher: Andrew Forrest
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