Rev. Brent L. White: Recent Episodes
Brent White
Rev. Brent White, senior pastor at Toccoa First United Methodist Church in Toccoa, Georgia, posts sermons and devotionals on this podcast each week.
I preach this devotional as part of a weekly series on March 19, 2020.
The text is Luke 11:1-8.
I preach this devotional as part of a weekly series on March 18, 2020.
The text is Matthew 6:7-13.
I preach this devotional as part of a weekly series on March 16, 2020.
The text is Matthew 6:7-13.
I preach this devotional as part of a weekly series on March 17, 2020.
The text is Matthew 6:7-8.
I preached this sermon at Toccoa First United Methodist Church in Toccoa, Georgia, on March 8, 2020. The scripture is John 3:1-17.
I preached this sermon at Toccoa First United Methodist Church in Toccoa, Georgia, on March 1, 2020. The scripture is Matthew 4:1-11.
I preached this sermon at Toccoa First United Methodist Church in Toccoa, Georgia, on February 9, 2020. The scripture is Matthew 13:44-46 and Philippians 4:10-13.
I preached this sermon at Toccoa First United Methodist Church in Toccoa, Georgia, on January 26, 2020. The scripture is Genesis 11:27-12:9.
I preached this sermon at Toccoa First United Methodist Church in Toccoa, Georgia, on January 26, 2020. The scripture is Matthew 17:1-9.
I preached this sermon at Toccoa First United Methodist Church in Toccoa, Georgia, on February 2, 2020. The scripture is Matthew 6:25-34.
I preached this sermon at Toccoa First United Methodist Church in Toccoa, Georgia, on January 26, 2020. The scripture is Philippians 3:4b-14.
I preached the following sermon at Toccoa First United Methodist Church in Toccoa, Georgia, on January 19, 2020. The scripture is Matthew 11:20-30.
I had the opportunity to preach the following sermon at Toccoa First UMC's partner church, St. James UMC, on January 12, 2020. The scripture is Matthew 3:1-15.
I preached this sermon on January 5, 2020, at Toccoa First United Methodist Church. The scripture is 2 Corinthians 5:14-21.
How do you interpret the year 2019? I hope this devotional will encourage you as you look toward the new year. I cite the following scripture: Ephesians 5:20; Philippians 4:4; 2 Corinthians 1:8-9; Psalm 119:71-72.
I preached this sermon on December 29, 2019, at Toccoa First United Methodist Church. The scripture is Matthew 2:13-23.
I preached the following sermon on December 24, 2019, at the 7:00 p.m. service at Toccoa First United Methodist Church. The scripture is Luke 2:1-20.
I preached this sermon December 22, 2019, at Toccoa First United Methodist Church. The scripture is Matthew 2:1-12.
I preached the following sermon on Luke 1:5-25 on December 1, 2019, at Toccoa First United Methodist Church. I pray you are blessed by it.
I preached the following sermon at Toccoa First United Methodist Church in Toccoa, Georgia, on November 17, 2019. The scripture is Ephesians 6:10-20.
I preached the following sermon at Toccoa First United Methodist Church on October 6, 2019. The scripture is Mark 6:30-44. Enjoy!
I share a highlight of Day One of the New Room Conference in Nashville. Recorded from my hotel room. (I don't have a "pop" filter or wind screen on my mic, so forgive the pops in the recording.)
The following is a brief reflection on Genesis 40:14, 21. Check out my blog at revbrentwhite.com.
I preached this message on September 15, 2019, at Toccoa First United Methodist Church. The sermon text is John 2:1-11.
The following is a brief meditation on Genesis 39:3-4 and Psalm 104:21. Visit my blog at revbrentwhite.com.
I preached this sermon, "What Are You Seeking?" on September 8, 2019, at Toccoa First United Methodist Church. The sermon text is John 1:35-51.
This episode is a brief reflection on Psalm 103:1-5. Enjoy! Visit my blog at revbrentwhite.com.
I preached the following sermon at Toccoa First United Methodist Church as part of my "Bible School Heroes" series. The scripture is Luke 5:1-11.
I preached the following sermon at Toccoa First United Methodist Church as part of my "Bible School Heroes" series. The scripture is Esther 4:10-17.
I preached the following sermon at Toccoa First United Methodist Church as the final part of my "Bible School Heroes" series. The scripture is Luke 10:38-42.
For September and October, I'll be preaching a sermon series entitled, "Q&A: Questions Jesus Asks." This is the first sermon in the series. Today's scripture is Luke 2:41-52.
In this episode I will explain why the classic Reformation doctrine of imputation, so often underemphasized in contemporary Methodism, has been life-giving for me. It makes my heart sing (as the Troggs once sang). Maybe it will do the same for you, too!
This podcast features the Keith Green song, "When I Hear the Praises Start," from the album For Him Who Has Ears to Hear. Here he is performing it live in 1982. Listen to his introduction: He speaks to some of the same concerns I raise in this episode!
Speaking of Green, I mention in the podcast that the 12-year-old appeared in 1965 on the game show I've Got a Secret. Thanks to YouTube, you can watch it here.
In today's scripture, Luke 11:1-13, Jesus encourages us to pray bigger and bolder prayers than many of us are comfortable praying. What prevents us from praying the way we should? That's what this sermon is about.
I preached it on May 26, 20019, at Lavonia United Methodist Church in Lavonia, Georgia.
Today's sermon, "The Most Important Healing," is the first in a new series of sermons from the Gospel of Luke. In this sermon, I challenge our congregation to answer this question: "Is Jesus enough for me, or do I need something else?" The scripture is Luke 5:17-26.
I will be preaching this series of sermons for the next seven weeks at the Lavonia United Methodist Church in Lavonia, Georgia.
It's become a truism within Christian circles to speak of God's "unconditional love" for humanity. But is this the most accurate way to describe God's love? In this episode, following the lead of the late United Methodist theologian Thomas Oden (who first popularized the phrase "unconditional love" within theology), I argue that God's love is best described as "one-conditional," not unconditional.
As I warn in this episode, the difference between the two couldn't be more consequential.
I refer listeners to this recent debate between Dr. Michael Brown and Brian Zahnd. Featured music is the song "Unconditional Love" by the Altar Boys, from their 1986 LP, Gut Level Music and "Crossfire" by Kansas, from their 1982 album, Vinyl Confessions.
We hear many authorities in our culture—even within today's Church—telling us, in so many words, "The Bible can't be trusted." As I argue in this episode, you may as well say, "God can't be trusted," because it's clear from Jesus' own teaching that the Bible is God's Word. I want us instead to "listen to what the man said" and regard scripture the same way Jesus himself did. I want this episode, along with the next one, to serve as an antidote to the skepticism about the Bible that is rampant in our culture and is harming our fellow believers—especially Christian young people. Today's scripture comes from 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
Today's musical theme is the #1 hit song by Wings, "Listen to What the Man Said," from their 1975 album, Venus and Mars.
In this episode I challenge us Christians to ask ourselves which gospel we believe: the gospel according the Beatles or the gospel according to Jesus. Don't answer too quickly! We all know what the "correct" answer is... but what does our heart say? Our primary scripture is Matthew 6:19-21.
Today's episode features two songs: the Beatles' "Girl," which I recorded directly from their 1965 album Rubber Soul, and the Beach Boys' "God Only Knows," which I recorded from their 1966 album, Pet Sounds.
Today's episode tackles a difficult but important truth: There is no way to obey Christ and bear witness to him and his gospel without being perceived as foolish by many people—that is, if we're doing it right. This was true for the apostle Paul; it's true for us. So let's "lean into" this truth for a change and see what happens.
Today's soundtrack is provided by Buddy Holly and his 1957 song "Words of Love," which I recorded from the 1978 LP Buddy Holly Lives.
Today's scripture is 1 Corinthians 1:18-25.
What is the heart of the gospel of Jesus Christ? It can't be something that we do, as so many preachers—especially Methodist preachers—believe. In this episode I explain why, and why it matters. Scripture comes from Mark 1:1-5 and Matthew 3:7-10.
The theme song for this podcast is "Closer to the Heart" by Rush. I recorded this song from their 1981 live album, Exit... Stage Left.
After a long absence, my podcast is back! In this episode I talk about Jairus, the synagogue ruler from Mark 5:21-43. Why does Jesus test his faith? Why does he test ours?
This episode features the song "The Waiting" by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
You can read or watch earlier reflections on this scripture passage, including a recent sermon, at revbrentwhite.com. Enjoy!
There's a little word at the beginning of the first sentence of the Book of Jonah—"and" or "now"—that most modern Bible translations ignore: "And the word of the Lord came to Jonah." That little word not only has great significance for Jonah, but for us as well. I'll tell you why in this episode.
The featured music is a new song from Christian heavy metal band Stryper: "The Devil Doesn't Live Here."
In today's highly autobiographical scripture, from Galatians 1:11-24, Paul describes his life before Christ and after Christ. As I say in today's sermon, if we're Christians, our lives should be characterized by a B.C. (before Christ) and and A.D. (after Christ) as well. Can other people see the difference?
Like a former addict who suffers a dangerous relapse, the Galatians in today's scripture are facing a kind of relapse—only one that is far more dangerous than even a relapse to illicit drugs. Because this “relapse” risks destroying not merely their bodies but their very souls as well… for eternity! And it’s a dangerous threat for us present-day Christians, too! What am I referring to? Listen to the sermon and find out!
Today's scripture comes from Galatians 1:1-10. This is Part 1 of my new sermon series in Galatians.
What's the difference between simply believing in Christ for salvation, as John 3:16 implies, and "cheap grace"? That's what this podcast episode attempts to answer. Our scripture is Mark 9:14-26.
Our song is, unsurprisingly, Journey's "Don't Stop Believin,'" from their 1981 album, Escape.
The theme of many Easter sermons is, in so many words, “Easter means heaven when you die.” While this is a great and important truth for those who are in Christ, “heaven when you die” is hardly the main message. The main message is this: Christ accomplished everything he set out to accomplish on Good Friday—and the resurrection proves it.
Our scripture comes from John 20:1-18.
Technical note: For the last five minutes of this sermon, I stepped away from the mic through which the recording was made, so the audio quality isn't up to my usual standards. Still very audible, though!
In this Good Friday episode, I discuss the doctrine of penal substitutionary atonement in light of John 3:16. I promise it's more interesting than it sounds! In fact, this doctrine melts my heart when I think about what it says about God's love for me!
Today's music is provided by the Altar Boys and their song "You Are Loved," which I recorded from their 1986 debut album, Gut Level Music.
The “chief end of man”—which is to say the reason we human beings exist—is to glorify God and enjoy him forever. So says the Westminster Shorter Catechism, and that’s exactly right. It takes a certain kind of God-centeredness, as I say in this sermon on the raising of Lazarus, to appreciate the fact that Jesus was willing to disappoint Martha and Mary in such a profound way. What can we learn about our own “disappointments” with God? That’s what the first part of this sermon is about. But the second part of the sermon is more important: what does the raising of Lazarus have to do with the cross, the Atonement, and God’s love?
Today's scripture is John 11:17-44.
This episode is Part 2 of my reflection on the Bible's most popular verse, John 3:16. Today I tackle an unpopular subject: God's wrath. Why does a God of perfect love have wrath? I hope my words help make sense of it. Scripture is Numbers 21:4-9.
Featured music is Jethro Tull's 1974 hit, "Bungle in the Jungle." I recorded it from their LP WarChild.
I'm going to spend a few podcast episodes talking about the Bible's most famous verse, John 3:16. In this episode I only scratch the surface! But I talk about why this verse isn't just for "beginners" or "baby Christians" or people who haven't yet become Christians. It's for all of us!
Scripture is John 3:14-16.
Today's song is "Don't Bring Me Down" by ELO. I recorded it from their 1979 album, Discovery.
Hard luck stories... Everybody's got them. Is that all they are, though? Hard luck? That's just the way life goes, so get used to it? Not if the many promises in God's Word are true.
Our main scripture is Psalm 66:10-12.
The music, appropriately enough, is Richard and Linda Thompson's "Hard Luck Stories," from their 1975 LP, Pour Down Like Silver.
In this episode, I reflect once again on Billy Graham's life, as seen through the eyes of Washington Post columnist George F. Will, who wrote a column deeply critical of Graham. Reading that column helped me to learn something unpleasant about myself, which I want to share with you. Maybe you can relate?
Scripture is Philippians 4:11-13.
The featured song is "Blue, Red and Grey," performed by Pete Townshend on ukulele. It appears on The Who's 1975 album, The Who by Numbers.
In this podcast, I talk about, among other things, Billy Graham. What we admired most about Graham was not his ability to fill stadiums, to convert thousands in one fell swoop, and to be a chaplain to presidents and royalty. No—what we admired most was his integrity... his character. In Graham, what you saw was what you got: a man who sincerely loved the Lord, who trusted in his Word, and who wanted everyone else in the world to do the same.
Does this describe us? If not, why not? Do we doubt that God has a plan for our lives? Do we doubt that we have the same Holy Spirit working through us that Graham had?
Our scripture comes from Genesis 28:10-22. Featured music is Blondie's 1979 hit "Dreaming," from the album Eat to the Beat.
Another jumbo-sized podcast episode!
This one is all about the necessity of healing our past, without which our future won't be as good as we want it to be. Why? Because the past has a way of continuing to exert a harmful influence over our present and future. To help us find healing from our past, I reflect on some helpful resources related to forgiveness and providence from God's Word.
Our main scripture is Philippians 3:8b-14.
Today's music comes from Pete Townshend and his song "Somebody Saved Me," from his 1982 album All the Best Cowboys Have Chinese Eyes.
One of the most important questions we face as Christians is this: Do we believe that our heavenly Father will take care of us? Jesus promises that he will, for example, in Matthew 6:25-34. But Jesus and the New Testament writers warn us that we'll face sickness, violence, suffering, and death. How is that taking care of us? This podcast episode hopes to answer that question.
Music is provided by the Beach Boys and their #1 song "Good Vibrations," which I recorded from their 1967 LP Smiley Smile.
In this episode I talk about the inspiring testimony of Rachael Denhollander, the brave young Christian woman (and attorney) who testified against Larry Nassar, the U.S. gymnastics team doctor who molested over 150 girls. Her words about God's wrath, judgment, and forgiveness were powerful. What can we learn from them?
Our scripture is Luke 7:36-50.
Today's featured song is Bob Dylan's version of "Stay with Me." It comes from his 2015 album Shadows in the Night.
In this episode, I ruminate on answered prayer and something that a Pentecostal Christian told me one time. Our music comes from Elvis Presley—himself a Pentecostal—and his recording "How Great Thou Art."
Our scripture is Luke 11:1-13.
In today's devotional, I reflect briefly on the life of Keith Green, who, along with two of his young children, died in a plane crash in 1982—doing the work of his ministry, naturally. Green's life, as much as anyone's, was characterized by the title of his second album, No Compromise.
As I argue in this podcast, Jesus teaches all of us to live lives of "no compromise."
Our scripture comes from Philippians 3:8-11.
Short answer: yes. But listen to this podcast for the long answer. Our scripture is Psalm 38:1-3, 8-11.
This episode features the 1979 song "Daytime Nighttime Suffering," by Wings. It was the B-side to his hit single "Goodnight Tonight.
How can we be confident that all of our sins—past, present, and future—are forgiven? For starters, by not being confused about justification and sanctification. That's what this special "flu-length" episode is all about. Enjoy!
The featured song is Keith Green's "Make My Life a Prayer to You," written by his wife Melody, from his 1978 album, No Compromise.
I suspect many thoughtful, sincere Christians feel guilty because of their sins. Not necessarily the ones they commit before their conversion but after. If that describes you, I hope this episode and the next one will help you. Our scripture comes from 1 Corinthians 6:13-18.
The featured song is Glen Campbell's version of the Randy Newman song "Marie." I recorded it from his 1975 LP, Rhinestone Cowboy.
Today's podcast makes sense of Jesus' strange response to his mother in John 2:4, "Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” Our scripture is John 2:1-11.
The featured song is the Everly Brothers' "Devoted to You," which I recorded from their 2015 compilation LP 15 Everly Hits.
Have you noticed that the things that you fear today aren't things that are happening today? Rather, they are things that might happen next week, next month, next year. Why is that? Yet Jesus says not to worry about anything beyond today. It seems clear to me, then, that our fear is a far bigger problem than the things that we're afraid of.
Our scripture comes from Matthew 6:34.
Today's podcast features the Beach Boys' "In My Room," which I recorded from their best-selling 1974 double-LP compilation album, Endless Summer.
In this episode, I talk about the upcoming Super Bowl, and what we can learn about God from the Eagles' inevitable defeat... Just kidding! Like nearly every American outside of New England, I'll be rooting for the Eagles!
Our scripture is Genesis 50:20. This podcast features the Beatles' "I'm a Loser," which I recorded from their December 1964 Capitol album, Beatles '65. (Yes, I know it originates on the UK album Beatles for Sale.)
As I argue in this sermon, we make prayer more complicated than it needs to be. The message of Jesus' words in today's scripture, Matthew 6:6-13, is that prayer isn't that complicated. Listen to this message and find out way.
What does the band Journey have to do with the gospel of Jesus Christ? Find out in today's devotional podcast. Our scripture is Ephesians 5:31-32.
The featured music is Journey's "Open Arms," from their 1982 album Escape.
In today's devotional podcast, I reflect on the meaning of the Bible's many references to the Lord's being our portion. Our scripture is Psalm 16:1-11.
The featured song, "A Rose for Emily," comes from the Zombies' 1968 album, Odessey and Oracle.
This is the first of a new six-part sermon series on the Lord's Prayer. In this sermon, I talk about Jesus' promise of a reward for praying the way that he teaches. I suspect many of us haven't experienced prayer as "rewarding"—at least as much as God wants us to! I want that to change! I also talk about the privilege that we have in calling God "our Father."
Our scripture is Matthew 6:5-9.
The title of this devotional is provocative, but I mean it: Our Father wants to give us "good things," as Jesus says. The problem is, we often desperately want isn't good for us. God knows that, even if we don't!
As I say in this podcast, however, there is one prayer petition that God will answer every time. Let's learn to pray for that!
Today's scripture is Matthew 7:7-11.
It's become a truism among many Christians that "listening for God" in prayer is at least as important as "talking to" God in prayer. But what if that's not true? What if prayer doesn't involve "listening" at all? If that's the case, then prayer suddenly seems much easier, doesn't it?
Of course listening to God speak to us is incredibly important, but, as I argue in this podcast, the way we do that is not through prayer but through reading God's Word.
This is the second in my new series of devotional podcasts, which I've titled "Still Life." In today's episode, I tackle two big subjects: witnessing and God's sovereignty. Our scripture is Romans 8:28.
Today's featured music is Leslie Phillips's "No One but You," from her 1988 compilation album, Recollection.
Today I'm beginning a new series of devotional podcasts, the first of which is about how difficult prayer can often be. How can it become less difficult? This episode explores that question. Our scripture is Lamentations 2:19.
Today's scripture, the Parable of the Persistent Widow in Luke 18:1-8, is about more than the need to be persistent in prayer. It's also about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ—and how we can be ready for it.
In today's scripture, Luke 1:39-56, Mary visits her relative Elizabeth and finds her pregnant, thus confirming the angel Gabriel's message to her in last Sunday's scripture. She exclaims, "My soul magnifies the Lord."
In the same way, we need to teach our soul to "magnify the Lord." Too often, however, we Christians magnify our problems instead. As I point out in this sermon, our God is so much bigger than any problem we're facing.
Of all the amazing that God does throughout the events of the Christmas story, the most amazing thing—indeed, the most difficult—is that God provided a way for all of humanity to be saved through faith in Christ. As I say in this sermon, Jesus was born so that he could die.
Scripture for this sermon is Luke 2:1-20.
Today's sermon investigates three different responses to the news of the newborn king: from King Herod, from the scribes and chief priests, and from the magi. At different times, our own responses to Christ our king may be similar to each of these. How can we become more like the magi?
Today's scripture is Matthew 2:1-12.
This is my sermon for the Second Sunday of Advent. I'm working through Luke chapter 1. In this sermon I contrast Mary's response to Gabriel with Zechariah's response. When it comes to treasuring God and his Word, are we more like Mary or Zechariah?
My scripture is Luke 1:26-38.
I blog regularly at revbrentwhite.com.
I'm catching up on posting my sermons! Today's comes from Luke 1:5-25, the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth. What a blessing it must have been for the two of them to be used by God as part of his saving plan for the world! But please notice something: God's blessings sometimes hurt. And when they do, it isn't a sign that God is punishing you or is angry with you.
What do we do when God's blessings hurt?
I blog regularly at revbrentwhite.com.
Merry Christmas! It's Day 23, the final day, of my series of Advent-themed podcasts. Scripture is Luke 2:13-14.
The featured song is Brian Wilson's Love and Mercy, from his 1988 self-titled solo album.
I blog regularly at revbrentwhite.com.
This is Day 22 of my Advent-themed series of podcasts. In this episode, I reflect on the Star of Bethlehem, and what this says about God's passion for reaching the lost. Do we share this passion? Today's scripture is Matthew 2:1-12.
The featured song is Jon Anderson's version of "O Holy Night," from his 1985 Christmas album 3 Ships.
I blog regularly at revbrentwhite.com.
This is Day 21 of my series of Advent-themed podcasts. In this episode, I tease out the meaning of the angels' words to the shepherds in Luke 2:13-14.
The featured song is the Vince Guaraldi Trio's rearrangement of "The Little Drummer Boy," called "My Little Drum." It comes from the 1965 soundtrack LP A Charlie Brown Christmas.
I blog regularly at revbrentwhite.com.
This is Day 20 of my Advent-themed podcast series. Today I talk about the movie It's a Wonderful Life and Mary's words to Elizabeth, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior."
Featured music includes Brian Wilson's song "Wonderful," from Brian Wilson Presents Smile, from 2004.
I blog regularly at revbrentwhite.com.
This is Day 19 of my Advent-themed series of podcast devotionals. In today's podcast, I talk about the symbolic significance of the winter solstice—which is today—along with growing up in the '80s. Our scripture is John 1:1-5.
The featured song is Jethro Tull's joyous "Ring Out, Solstice Bells" from their 1977 album, Songs from the Wood.
If you prayed the prayer that I prayed at the end of the podcast, please let me know, if possible. Click here to go to my email address.
I blog regularly at revbrentwhite.com.
This is Day 18 of my Advent-themed series of podcasts. I'll be podcasting a short devotional each day between now and Christmas. Today's scripture is Matthew 1:21.
Today's featured song is the Vince Guaraldi Trio's version of "What Child Is This?" from A Charlie Brown Christmas.
I blog regularly at revbrentwhite.com.
This is Day 17 of my Advent-themed podcast. I'll be podcasting a short devotional each day between now and Christmas. Today's scripture comes from Luke 1:51-53.
The featured song is Steeleye Span's version of "Gaudete," a 15th- or 16th-century Christmas carol—in Latin, no less. Believe it or not, the band had a Top 15 hit in Britain with this song in 1972. It comes from their album Below the Salt.
I blog regularly at revbrentwhite.com.
This is Day 16 of my Advent-themed podcast. I'll be podcasting a short devotional each day between now and Christmas. Today's scripture comes from Luke 1:46-49.
The featured song is Big Star's "Jesus Christ," an update of "Angels from the Realms of Glory." It comes from the band's 1974 album (unreleased until 1978), Third.
I blog regularly at revbrentwhite.com.
This is Day 15 of my Advent-themed podcast series. I'll be podcasting a short devotional each day between now and Christmas. Today's scripture comes from Matthew 2:1-2, 7-10.
The featured song is the Beach Boys' version of "We Three Kings," from their 1964 LP The Beach Boys' Christmas Album. As you can hear, I'm taking this directly from glorious vinyl.
I blog regularly at revbrentwhite.com.
This is Day 14 of my Advent-themed podcast series. I'll be posting a short devotional here every day between now and Christmas. Today's scripture is Matthew 2:3-6.
Featured music is Maddy Prior & the Carnival Band's version of "See, Amid the Winter's Snow," which is found on their 2012 album The Best of Maddy Prior & the Carnival Band: A Christmas Caper.
I blog regularly at revbrentwhite.com.
This is Day 13 of my Advent-themed podcast series. Between now and Christmas, I'm posting a new podcast each day. Today's scripture is Matthew 2:1-8, 16.
Featured music is "King Herod's Song," from the 1970 rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar, by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. (I know that the Herod of this song is the son of the Herod of the Christmas story, but the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.)
I blog regularly at revbrentwhite.com.
This is Day 12 of my Advent-themed podcast series. I'll be posting a new podcast each day between now and Christmas. Today's scripture is Matthew 1:21.
Featured music is Chicago's version of "Little Drummer Boy," from the 2014 album What's It Going to Be, Santa? The LP, and Keith Green's "When I Hear the Praises Start," from For Him Who Has Ears to Hear.
I blog regularly at revbrentwhite.com.
This is Day 11 of my Advent-themed podcast series. I'm posting a new podcast each day through Christmas. Today's scripture is Matthew 1:20-25.
The song featured in the podcast is a breathtaking new version of "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" by the great trumpeter Herb Alpert, from his brand new Christmas album, The Christmas Wish.
I blog regularly at revbrentwhite.com.
This is Day 10 of my Advent-themed podcast series. I'm posting a new podcast each day through Christmas. Today's scripture is Matthew 1:18-19.
Featured music is "Joseph, Who Understood," by a Canadian rock band called The New Pornographers (no, they're not pornographic!). It's from their 2007 EP, "The Spirit of Giving."
I blog regularly at revbrentwhite.com.
This is Day 9 of my Advent-themed podcast series. I'm releasing a new podcast every day through Christmas. Today's scripture is Luke 1:28.
Today's featured music is Bob Dylan's version of "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing" from his 2009 album Christmas in the Heart.
I blog regularly at revbrentwhite.com.
This is Day 8 of my Advent-themed podcast series. I'm releasing a new podcast every day through Christmas. Today's scripture is Luke 1:26-34.
Featured music is Stryper's 1984 original song "Reason for the Season," from the 12" single.
I blog regularly at revbrentwhite.com.
This is Day 7 of my Advent-themed podcast series. Scripture is Luke 1:18-23.
Featured music is Jethro Tull's "A Christmas Song," from 1968. It's collected on their 1972 compilation album Living in the Past.
I blog regularly at revbrentwhite.com.
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This is Day 6 of my Advent-themed podcast series. Scripture is Luke 1:5-7, 13.
This podcast features Jethro Tull's version of "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen," first from 1978's Live–Bursting Out and then 2003's The Jethro Tull Christmas Album.
I blog regularly at revbrentwhite.com.
This is Day 5 of my Advent-themed podcast series. Scripture is Genesis 22:1-13.
Featured music is "Poor Little Jesus" and "God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen" by Maddy Prior and the Carnival Band, both of which are found on The Best Of: A Christmas Caper.
I blog regularly at revbrentwhite.com.
This is Day 4 of my Advent-themed podcast series. Today's scripture is Matthew 1:1-17.
Today's episode features Frank Sinatra's version of "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing" from his 1957 album A Jolly Christmas from Frank Sinatra, arranged by Gordon Jenkins, and "Alexander Hamilton" from the Broadway cast album Hamilton, written by Lin-Manuel Miranda.
I blog regularly at revbrentwhite.com.
This is Day 3 of my Advent-related podcast series. Scripture is from Matthew 1:20-23.
The featured music is Amy Grant's "Emmanuel," from her 1983 album A Christmas Album, and Sleater-Kinney's "Modern Girl," from their 2016 live album, Live in Paris. Both songs are taken from glorious vinyl, so if you hear some clicks and pops, that's why.
I blog regularly at revbrentwhite.com.
This is Day 2 of my new series of Advent-related podcasts. Scripture is Romans 7:15, 18-19, 24-25
The featured music, straight from vinyl, is Jon Anderson's original song "Where Were You?" from his 1985 Christmas album, 3 Ships.
I blog regularly at revbrentwhite.com.
Today is the first Sunday in Advent, and I’m beginning a series of daily devotionals through Christmas. Enjoy!
Each episode will feature a song from my extensive collection of Christmas records. (Yes, this is vinyl you're listening to.) Today's song is by Jon Anderson, the lead singer of Yes, from his 1985 album, 3 Ships.
I blog regularly at revbrentwhite.com.
Paul writes, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” Does “always” really mean always? If so, I suspect most of us struggle to obey these words. Our main problem, as I point in this sermon, is that we usually rejoice in our circumstances: “I got the job, therefore I rejoice!” “She said ‘yes,’ therefore I rejoice!” “The tests came back negative, therefore I rejoice!” But notice Paul says to rejoice in the Lord. If we are in the Lord, we always have reasons for joy.
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In today's scripture Paul considers everything he's lost as a result of following Christ. From the world's point of view, it's substantial. Yet Paul says he counts it all as loss in comparison to what he's gained in Christ. Too often, I can think of many things in my own life that don't seem like "rubbish" in comparison to Christ. What about you? How can we learn to treasure Jesus the way Paul does?
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Last week, in the wake of the Sutherland Springs shooting, more than a few tweets called into question the effectiveness of prayer. What good is prayer when these kinds of massacres become routine? After all, the victims were already praying when they were shot. What good is faith if God doesn't seem to intervene? This sermon is, I hope, a Christian response to these kinds of questions.
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Just in time for Thanksgiving, today begins a 4-part sermon series on Paul's letter to the Philippians—a letter bursting with joy and gratitude. Paul's tone should surprise us: After all, he's writing this letter from prison, facing trial and execution for his faith. Moreover, his missionary work—his vocation to reach the Gentiles with the gospel—appears to be seriously hampered. How is Paul able to be so happy?
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This is the second of two sermons on Hebrews 2:5-18, and the final sermon in my "Reformation 500" series. Among other things the author of Hebrews says that on the cross, Jesus "destroye[d] the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil." How is this true, especially since Satan remains alive and active in our world? This sermon is about how Christ defeated Satan through his atoning death on the cross.
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This sermon, the first of two on today's scripture, is about an unpopular subject: the wrath of God. As I explain in this sermon, if God truly loves us, then that means that he will also have wrath toward sin. At the same time, God made a gracious provision to save us from his wrath. Every sin will be punished, scripture tells us, either through Christ on the cross or through us in hell for eternity. The choice is ours.
Today's sermon examines the Protestant (and biblical) doctrine of Sola Gratia—that we are saved by God's grace alone. I begin the sermon looking at two Old Testament portrayals of grace and how they relate to the cross of God's Son Jesus. These will give us a sense of how costly grace is. Understanding the costliness of grace will help us fall in love with Jesus Christ more and more.
I preached the following sermon one week after the tragic events in Las Vegas, in which a gunman killed at least 58 people. How do we make sense of this kind of evil and suffering light of our Christian faith? Jesus shows us how.
This sermon is the second of two on Sola Scriptura, the classic Protestant (and ancient church) doctrine that the Bible is the ultimate authority guiding Christian faith and practice. I contrast this doctrine with ideas put forward by Adam Hamilton in his recent book Making Sense of the Bible. From my perspective, Hamilton is dangerously off-base.
As with my previous sermon, I hope to inspire confidence that the Bible is, as Wesley said, "infallibly true"—every word of it—and that we can built our lives on it.
As we look forward to the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation on October 31, this sermon is about the classic Protestant doctrine of Sola Scriptura, "scripture alone"—which means that the Bible is the ultimate authority guiding our Christian faith and practice. Of course, in our culture today, the Bible's authority is under constant attack. It's even under attack in the church, including the United Methodist Church!
With that mind, I pray that these next two sermons on Sola Scriptura will give you confidence in God's Word. We can trust it! Every word of it! We can build our lives on it!
In today’s scripture, Jesus wants to feed approximately 15,000 people (5,000 men plus women and children). So he asks Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?” He’s asking him, John says, in order to “test him.” What was the test? To see whether his disciples believed that in Christ, they had enough. Do we present-day disciples believe that?
I preached this sermon on the Sunday in which our church, Hampton United Methodist, packaged over 10,000 meals for hungry people around the world.
My previous sermon was about the classic Protestant doctrine of justification by faith alone. But that sermon didn't mention the 800-lb. gorilla in the room: What about good works? Don't they play a necessary role? In fact, doesn't the apostle James warn that "a person is justified by works and not faith alone" (v. 24)? Is James contradicting Paul? This sermon answers these questions.
Five hundred years ago this October 31, Martin Luther inadvertently launched the Protestant Reformation when he nailed his “Ninety-five Theses” to the door of the All Saints Church in Wittenberg. One of his core convictions, derived from scripture, is that we are justified by faith alone. We Methodists share his conviction that we can do nothing to earn or merit God’s saving grace. It is only on the basis of what Christ has done through his life, death, and resurrection that we’re saved. Why does this doctrine remain relevant today? Why do we still need to hear this message? That’s what this sermon is about.
The following sermon is the last in my sermon series on 1 Peter. It’s mostly about our adversary, the devil, who, Peter tells us, “prowls around (J)like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” I begin my making the case for the reality of Satan and demons before talking about a couple of ways—through seemingly “small” sins (!) of pride and anxiety—that he gets a foothold in our lives.
This sermon is about Second Coming of Jesus Christ. I chose to preach this doctrine because of Peter's words in 1 Peter 4:7a: "The end of all things is at hand." Does this mean that Peter expected that the Second Coming would happen at any moment? Probably not. He knew, based on the teaching of Jesus, that there were signs in history that must occur before that happened. I explore these signs and talk about the most important thing we Christians should do while we wait.
This sermon is unusual for me because it’s about one verse, 1 Peter 4:6, which includes strange words about the gospel being “preached to those who are dead.” What does that mean? One thing it doesn’t mean, as I argue in this sermon, is that people get a second chance to hear and respond to the gospel even after they die. No, the time to receive God’s gift of salvation is now.
Today’s sermon deals mostly with what many scholars consider the most difficult verse in the New Testament, 1 Peter 3:19, which says that sometime after his death, Christ “went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison.” This verse has been used as a proof-text for a part of the Apostles’ Creed that we United Methodists no longer say: “[Christ] descended into hell.” But is that what it means? This sermon will help us figure it out.
The first question-and-answer of the Westminster Shorter Catechism tells us that the chief end of man is “to glorify God and enjoy him forever.” The apostle Peter would surely agree. As he puts it in today’s scripture, we are to “live for the will of God.” Yet don’t we often push God to the periphery of our lives? I pray that this sermon inspires us to put God back at the center.
The Christians to whom the apostle Peter was writing were willing to risk everything for the sake of their faith in Christ. Why? Because they understood how high the stakes were: People they knew and loved were living and dying apart from a saving relationship with God through Christ. What about us? Do we live as if we understand those stakes?
Like so much of 1 Peter, today's scripture is about unjust suffering. As I point out in this sermon, we American Christians likely won't face much suffering for our faith, yet our fear of suffering often prevents us from witnessing boldly to our faith. The difficult truth, as Peter makes clear, is that God sometimes wants us to suffer and to do so being "mindful of God." What does that mean and how can being "mindful of God" help us to suffer well? This sermon answers this question.
Our scripture today, Luke 15:25-32, tells the story of the older son in the Parable of the Prodigal Son. As this sermon makes clear, we Christians—who are justified by faith alone through grace alone—can easily slip into the "religious" mindset all over again: we believe that we have to earn our place in God's family.
For Father's Day, I began a two-part series on the Parable of the Prodigal Son, otherwise known as the Parable of the Loving Father. This sermon focuses on the more popular part of the parable: the story of the younger son, from Luke 15:11-24. Even six or seven years ago, I thought the younger son's story was for new converts to the faith—that it didn't "apply" to those of us who have been Christians for a while. Of course, now I see how foolish that is. In this sermon, I challenge us to think about ways in which we're a lot like the younger son.
"Lifestyle evangelism" is often maligned among evangelical Christians, yet Peter makes clear that it is a powerful and necessary component for effective witnessing. How do we do it? Mostly by being in love with Jesus. Are we? Our scripture for this sermon is 1 Peter 2:11-17.
This sermon, preached on Pentecost Sunday, emphasizes the person and power of the Holy Spirit in the church. Peter tells us that we are a holy priesthood that offers "spiritual sacrifices." I explore the nature of these sacrifices, especially as they relate to witnessing—or as Peter puts it, "proclaiming the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."
"Long for the pure spiritual milk," Peter writes—by which he means the "milk of the word," as the King James puts it. In other words, as God's children, we should long for the gospel, for God's Word, and for God's kingdom. As I discuss in this sermon, we can't fake "longing for" something. Either we do or we don't. And if we don't, then that's a symptom of a spiritual problem. See, when Peter tells us to "put away" these various sins in verse 1, my temptation is to preach a "try harder"-type sermon: "Try harder to be a better Christian. Work harder on the 'spiritual disciplines.' Pray more. Study the Bible more." But as I make clear in this sermon, our problem isn't that we're not trying hard enough; our problem is that we're not believing the gospel wholeheartedly enough. We need to learn to apply the gospel to the problems in our lives. This sermon talks about how to do that.
In today’s scripture, the apostle Peter quotes from Isaiah 40: “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass…” We Christians are often distracted by things in our lives that don’t last. Yet Peter is calling us to build our lives on a foundation that which lasts for eternity: the gospel of Jesus Christ and God’s Word. How do we do this? That’s what this sermon is about.
The following is mostly a sermon about one word, “Therefore.” It appears at the beginning of verse 13. It means that everything that Peter commands us to do—and there are four commands in this passage—is in response to what God has already done for us. I conclude by reflecting on Peter’s emphasis on the mind: living a Christian life must involve thinking rather than just feeling. The main way that we “prepare our minds for action” is by devoting ourselves to God’s Word, the Bible.
Today's sermon marks the beginning of a new sermon series in 1 Peter. Its message couldn’t be more relevant for us today: the apostle Peter wants us to know deep and lasting happiness in Jesus Christ, which we can experience no matter what is happening in our lives. Even the suffering we experience and the trials we endure, Peter says, are for our good.
The angel in today’s scripture didn’t tell Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, “Jesus isn’t here. He is risen. Take my word for it.” He said, “Go and see!” And so we should rightly expect that if the resurrection of Jesus Christ is a real historical event—like any historical event that we know about—there should be evidence for it, which we can investigate. This sermon investigates some of that evidence before tackling the important question, “What does it mean?”
This is my last sermon in this series on Matthew. Enjoy!
This sermon, from Matthew 21:1-11, was preached on Palm Sunday, April 9, 2017, at Hampton United Methodist Church. I begin by discussing the messianic roles that Jesus fulfills when he rides into Jerusalem in the Triumphal Entry. Then I challenge us to consider whether or not Christ is king over our lives. How do we resist his kingship? Is the Lord calling us to change?