Church of the Resurrection Downtown Sermons: Recent Episodes
Church of the Resurrection
Want to worship with us in person? Join us Saturdays at 5:10 pm or Sundays at 8am, 9:30 am, 11 am or 5 pm. If you can't join us in person, you can worship with us online at rezonline.org.
What does God require of us? Justice. Justice that looks like fairness, consideration for the powerless, the suffering, those who have been mistreated. Justice that is making right judgments, doing the right thing even when it is hard. It is not prejudging or misjudging people. It is always seeking to do what is right. It is not simply something we believe in, but what each of us are called to be and to do. We are to be just. And this is something that every Republican, every Democrat, every liberal and every conservative, should agree upon, even if we disagree about what precisely it always looks like and how we get there. And as Christians, it is what the Lord requires of us. God expects us, requires of us, that we do justice – we judge with righteousness, we ensure fairness and equity on a large scale, and in our individual lives.
What does God require of us? Justice. Justice that looks like fairness, consideration for the powerless, the suffering, those who have been mistreated. Justice that is making right judgments, doing the right thing even when it is hard. It is not prejudging or misjudging people. It is always seeking to do what is right. It is not simply something we believe in, but what each of us are called to be and to do. We are to be just. And this is something that every Republican, every Democrat, every liberal and every conservative, should agree upon, even if we disagree about what precisely it always looks like and how we get there. And as Christians, it is what the Lord requires of us. God expects us, requires of us, that we do justice – we judge with righteousness, we ensure fairness and equity on a large scale, and in our individual lives.
Today’s theme from Luke winds its way throughout the letter, and it has to do with the “great reversal” that comes from the gospel. He speaks of pride and humility, of favoritism or partiality in the church, and he speaks of judging others, of the rich and the poor and of what constitutes true religion and the worthless substitute. Take a listen as Pastor Adam Hamilton invites us to consider how James calls us not to judge a book by its cover, not to make assumptions about others but to value and show honor, dignity and respect particularly to those who are struggling.
Today’s theme from Luke winds its way throughout the letter, and it has to do with the “great reversal” that comes from the gospel. He speaks of pride and humility, of favoritism or partiality in the church, and he speaks of judging others, of the rich and the poor and of what constitutes true religion and the worthless substitute. Take a listen as Pastor Adam Hamilton invites us to consider how James calls us not to judge a book by its cover, not to make assumptions about others but to value and show honor, dignity and respect particularly to those who are struggling.
“Even the demons believe…and shudder” is so powerful – it is not enough simply to believe, we’re meant to act. You can be an “armchair quarterback” and you’ll only be a fan. Or you can give your time, do what makes you a little uncomfortable, give something of yourself, volunteer and serve others, and you’ll actually be on Jesus’ team and in the game. So, let’s not be practical atheists – it is not enough simply to believe in God, we’re meant to do something about it. And in doing something about it – in activating our faith, we find meaning, joy and life, and the world is changed. So, are you going to be a fan or are you ready to get in the game?
“Even the demons believe…and shudder” is so powerful – it is not enough simply to believe, we’re meant to act. You can be an “armchair quarterback” and you’ll only be a fan. Or you can give your time, do what makes you a little uncomfortable, give something of yourself, volunteer and serve others, and you’ll actually be on Jesus’ team and in the game. So, let’s not be practical atheists – it is not enough simply to believe in God, we’re meant to do something about it. And in doing something about it – in activating our faith, we find meaning, joy and life, and the world is changed. So, are you going to be a fan or are you ready to get in the game?
What does it mean to consider it “joy” when we face hardship in life? Our love, faith, and character are tested in and by both trials and temptations. It's not God administering a test - it is life that administers the test. Life is a test, every day a test, and James knows that as we remain steadfast in trials, and resist the temptations, our fiath grows and is found to be tried and true. Tap play and take a listen as we explore how God works through trials, temptations, and the testing of our faith.
The United Methodist Church is at a defining moment in the history of our denomination, and as we kick off the fall here at Resurrection, now is an important time to remember who we are, who God has called us to be and what God has called us to do - as a church, and as individual Christians. Take a listen as we explore how we can remember who we are and come together to change lives, strengthen churches, and transform the world.
This week kicks off our Summer Revival series with the theme of God and Tractors – a fun and lighthearted theme aimed at illustrating scriptural truths about the Christian life. This week we explore a basic premise of biblical faith: We all need help sometimes. We need deliverance. We need rescuing. We need God to save us. Jesus himself came to save us. His name, Yeshua in Hebrew, means God Saves. Christians call him our Savior. Tap play and take a listen as Pastor Adam explores our need for a Savior through the lens of tractors.
Welcome to our second week of Epic Tales: A New Look at Old Testament Stories where we explore some of the most popular and well-known bible stories that many us heard as children but don't think about often as adults. This week's story is David and Goliath and is packed with lessons that we can all learn from, regardless of age.
on Description This week begins a new sermon series called Epic Tales: A New Look at Old Testament stories where we take a fresh look at some of the most well known stories from the bible. This week we focus on the story of Daniel and the Lion’s Den.
Relationships that last are not easy. There are always going to be challenges, even moments when it's easy to wonder if the relationship will survive. This week concludes our series on relationships that last with a focus on the 5th Key to Relationships That Last: Perseverance and Faith.
How do we have and sustain marriages, romantic relationships, and even meaningful family relationships and friendships across the course of the a lifetime? Last week, we looked at our first key: A Clear MVP: Mission, Vision, and Plan. Beginning this week, we will explore the next four keys that all focus on developing a plan, or set of strategies, to help us fulfill the mission and vision of Relationships That Last. In this week's sermon, we dive into the second key: More Deposits Than Withdrawals.
Digging in the Dirt is not just for little kids. From the beginning of creation until now, God invites us to join him in caring for all of creation. In this one-week sermon series, Pastor Scott Chrostek helps us understand how caring for creation brings us fulfillment and purpose as we seek to follow God's invitation to "dig in the dirt" and care for our world.
Throughout the previous seven weeks of Lent we have reading through the Gospel of Luke. In Luke, we see Jesus consistently lifting up the outsiders, outcasts, and even outlaws. Jesus sees beauty in the people that society pushes aside. In today's message, we come to the climactic ending of Luke's Gospel and learn what it means to live both the crucified and resurrected life.
We’ve spent the last five weeks reading and studying the Gospel of Luke together. We’ve noted how Luke wants us to see the Jesus lifts up the lowly. He befriends the outsiders, the outcasts and the outlaws. But we’ve also seen that he has regularly called out religious leaders, frustrated by the way the way many, in their self-righteousness, pushed away the non-religious and nominally religious people of his day. Throughout the gospel we find the conflict building between some of the religious authorities. Today we’ll review what happened as Jesus entered Jerusalem on what we know as Palm Sunday, and what he said and did on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of that week, and we’ll conclude with the Last Supper that took place on Thursday night.
We’ve spent the last five weeks reading and studying the Gospel of Luke together. We’ve noted how Luke wants us to see the Jesus lifts up the lowly. He befriends the outsiders, the outcasts and the outlaws. But we’ve also seen that he has regularly called out religious leaders, frustrated by the way the way many, in their self-righteousness, pushed away the non-religious and nominally religious people of his day. Throughout the gospel we find the conflict building between some of the religious authorities. Today we’ll review what happened as Jesus entered Jerusalem on what we know as Palm Sunday, and what he said and did on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of that week, and we’ll conclude with the Last Supper that took place on Thursday night.
We continue studying the Gospel of Luke for Lent and this week's message focuses on two meaningful, powerful encounters that Jesus has with outsider, outcasts, and outlaws as he journeys from Galilee to Jerusalem.
For Lent we’ve been studying the Gospel According to Luke. We’ve learned that the gospel is characterized by the company Jesus keeps. He befriended the outsiders, the outcasts and the outlaws. This week's sermon explores this theme through Jesus' parables.
At the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, our purpose is to build a Christian community where non-religious and nominally religious people are becoming deeply committed Christians.
At the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, our purpose is to build a Christian community where non-religious and nominally religious people are becoming deeply committed Christians.
At the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, our purpose is to build a Christian community where non-religious and nominally religious people are becoming deeply committed Christians.
At the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, our purpose is to build a Christian community where non-religious and nominally religious people are becoming deeply committed Christians.
At the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, our purpose is to build a Christian community where non-religious and nominally religious people are becoming deeply committed Christians. We have a vision to be used by God to change lives, strengthen churches, and transform the world. And we are on a journey to know, love and serve God.
At the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, our purpose is to build a Christian community where non-religious and nominally religious people are becoming deeply committed Christians. We have a vision to be used by God to change lives, strengthen churches, and transform the world. And we are on a journey to know, love and serve God.
Everyone has doubts. Where is God when bad things happen? Does God hear our prayers? Does God really love me? Is there a heaven? But questions and doubt are not the enemy of faith. They're the path to a deeper faith. Come with us as we wrestle with faith together.
Everyone has doubts. Where is God when bad things happen? Does God hear our prayers? Does God really love me? Is there a heaven? But questions and doubt are not the enemy of faith. They're the path to a deeper faith. Come with us as we wrestle with faith together.
Wrestling with doubts about our faith is how our faith becomes stronger. So when we have questions, we shouldn't push them aside – we should face them! In this week's sermon, Pastor Adam shares his perspective on the question of whether God exists.
In this sermon, Pastor Scott Chrostek challenges us to live as representatives of the light of Christ, to feel the hope and illumination of God in our lives and to go forward differently because of our experience with God.
When we are weary, Jesus Christ comes beside, showing us a way of hope and life. In this year's Candlelight Christmas Eve sermon, Pastor Adam Hamilton shares with us the hope we find in a child born in a manger.
In this sermon, Pastor Scott Chrostek reminds us that the journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem wasn't necessarily an enjoyable one for Mary and Joseph, but God was with them through it. In the same way, God is with us when we walk through difficult and painful journeys.
In this sermon, Pastor Adam teaches us about the power of inter-generational mentorship, and he asks us to consider how we can find joy for ourselves and inspire joy in others this holiday season.
In this week's sermon, Pastor Adam Hamilton shares some interesting information about the life of Joseph, the husband of Mary. We learn about the humility of Joseph and are challenged to consider how we can have the same posture of generosity as Joseph.
In the Gospels, it was important that Jesus was from Nazareth because it showed that he was humble and that God chooses the most lowly, unexpected people to bring the kingdom of God into the world. In this sermon, Pastor Adam Hamilton takes us on a journey to Nazareth and challenges us to think about the ways we might be representatives of God in our communities.
In this week's sermon, Pastor Adam Hamilton considers how our legacies are about so much more than the money we make. People remember us for the time we spent with them, the things we're passionate about, and the memories we've made. How do the decisions we make today affect the legacy we leave behind?
In this week's sermon, Pastor Adam shares his tips on how young adults can plan and save for a retirement that is full of life, generosity and continuing impact for God. Find tools for budgeting and financial planning on our stewardship website at https://pledge.cor.org.
In this week's sermon, Pastor Adam gives us seven simple tips to take control of our financial outlook. They may be simple, but they can have a profound impact on our ability to give back to causes and missions that help shape our world into a better picture of the kingdom of God.
In this week's sermon, Rev. Adam Hamilton teaches us what scripture says about having self-control, gentleness and faithfulness in our lives, and he points us toward using the fruit of the Spirit as our measure of success, rather than the measures of the world.
In this sermon we learn about the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Pastor Adam preaches on how science and scripture agree about the importance of patience, kindness and goodness in our lives.
We're beginning a new sermon series exploring the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. In this sermon, Pastor Adam looked at the first three fruit and gave us tips and inspiration for how we can embody love, joy and peace in our lives.
In this week's sermon, Bob Goff challenges us to live in such a way that people feel invited into the Christian life.
This week, Rev. Dr. Kevin Murriel helps us see a vision of the church where our witness transcends race, gender, class, socioeconomic status, and ability to work for justice every day – a church that reflects the great love of the kingdom of God.
In this week's sermon, Pastor Anne Williams helps us consider how the love of God draws us together.
In this week's sermon, Pastor Adam demonstrates how Paul called the church in Rome to be gracious with one another in the midst of their disagreements and to remember that they are united in Christ.
In this week's sermon, Pastor Adam Hamilton digs into Romans 12 and 13 as he examines the Apostle Paul's teachings on how we ought to live our lives in response to God's grace and mercy.
Does God choose some people to experience eternal life and others to experience eternal separation from God? In this week's sermon, Pastor Adam Hamilton considers this difficult passage in Romans and interprets it through the lens of Jesus.
Who can separate us from the love of Christ? In this sermon, Pastor Adam Hamilton considered Romans 7-8 and what the Apostle Paul wrote about our human tendency to make bad decisions and how God's love remains with us through all of life's troubles.
As we continue our study of Romans, Pastor Adam teaches us what "atonement" and "justification" mean for us and asks how we will choose to receive those precious gifts.
When Paul wrote his letter to the church in Rome, he was writing to a group of Christians who were deeply divided. In this week's sermon, Pastor Adam Hamilton considers how Paul's message in Romans can guide us today through the conflict we feel in our society.
In this week's sermon, we hear from Bishop Ruben Saenz as he teaches us how we have access to "superfood" that can energize us to be better representatives of Christ in the world. Just as Olympic athletes have to take care of their bodies and minds, we have to take care of ourselves.
As he concludes his sermon series on "Influencers," Pastor Scott Chrostek asks us to consider the ways in which the world is watching us.
Probably the greatest influencer of all time was Jesus, and as Christians we ought to look to Jesus as a model for how we ought to live in our own influence. In this week's sermon, Pastor Scott reminds us that Jesus was particularly interested in teaching children and showing them what it meant to live into the kingdom of God. We should do the same!
In this week's sermon, Pastor Scott Chrostek invites us to listen to Jesus' great commission – the call to follow Jesus by influencing the world around to become more like Christ.
This past weekend, Rev. Dr. Kevin Murriel cast an incredible vision for how we at Resurrection can participate in God's healing and liberative work for the people on the margins of our society.
This week we welcome Rev. Dr. Anne Gatobu to the pastoral staff at Resurrection, and she shares with us what it means for us to seek the living water that Christ offers us.
This week Pastor Steve Langhofer preaches his final sermon before retirement, and he shares with us some of the wisdom he's learned over his 49 years of ministry. He shows us how to love God, love ourselves, and love the people around us.
In this week's sermon, Pastor Scott Chrostek looks at the film "The Mitchells vs. The Machines" and considers what it can teach us about how to connect with the people around us, including with the people in our own families.
In this week's sermon, Rev. Scott Chrostek looks at the film "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood" and considers how Mister Rogers was intentional about being present with the people around him at any given moment. How can we learn from this to genuinely connect with the people we meet today?
In this week's sermon, Rev. Scott Chrostek considers the gospel messages in the movie "Onward" and how this story can teach us to have hope and peace.
This week, Rev. Cheryl Jefferson Bell considered the story of Harriet Tubman and challenged us to continue her work – the work of seeing the suffering of people around us and helping set them free to a full life in Christ.
In this week's sermon, Pastor Adam Hamilton concludes our series on being People of the Light by teaching us three keys to a life filled with meaning: Using discernment in the voices we listen to, remembering to rejoice, pray, and give thanks, and pursuing the good of our fellow humans.
In this weekend's sermon, Pastor Adam explores what Paul (and Jesus) said about the Second Coming, the end times, death and the afterlife as we continue our study of Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians.
What does it mean to live a life pleasing to God? In this week's sermon, Pastor Adam Hamilton considers what that kind of faithfulness ought to look like for Christians today.
As we begin a new sermon series, Rev. Adam Hamilton introduces us to Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians and challenges us to not let criticism stop us from doing the work of God.
What does it look like to live in community as our society emerges from the lockdowns of COVID-19? This week, Pastor Adam considers the power of our lives when we're pouring into relationships with the people around us.
Today is a good day for us to stop and reflect on the pandemic – to consider how we've changed and what is different in our lives. In this week's sermon, Pastor Adam Hamilton draws our attention to the wisdom that can be found in this type of reflection.
Even in the most difficult of circumstances, we know that God walks with us. When we reflect on the painful parts of our life, we can often find unexpected gifts for which we can be thankful. Over this past year, we know that COVID wasn't sent by God, but God has used COVID to move our hearts toward compassion to other people.
The message of Jesus' resurrection is that there is always hope for us. The worst thing is never the last thing – every Friday is followed by a Sunday.
As we begin Holy Week, we walk through the events of the last week before Jesus' crucifixion, from his entrance into Jerusalem on a donkey to his death and burial.
Jesus had a particular affinity for children, and in this week's sermon, Pastor Adam Hamilton shows us how we ought to be serving the children in our communities.
Who is Jesus? And what does Jesus ask of us? Every story in the Gospel of Mark is intended to answer those two questions. In this sermon, Pastor Adam Hamilton considers the answers to these two questions as found in the story of feeding the multitudes.