Kevin Orr's show: Recent Episodes
Kevin Orr
This podcast is where I provide a recording of the messages I give on Sunday mornings. I hope you find these meaningful.
This talk is given by Rev. Steven Hensinger. The text the talk is based on is James 5:13-20.
This message is based on Ephesians 2:11-22. It was recorded live at Parkview UMC, Columbus, OH (www.parkviewumccolumbus.org.)
This message is based on Mark 4:26-34 and was recorded live at Parkview United Methodist Church, Columbus, Ohio on June 13, 2021, the Third Sunday after Pentecost.
This message is based on Mark 3:20-35. It was recorded live at Parkview United Methodist Church, Columbus, Ohio.
This is a live recording on Trinity Sunday at Parkview United Methodist Church. The message is based on John 3:1-17.
This message is based on Acts 2:1-21, the story of Pentecost. We look at that experience and see God’s intention to bring everyone together through the sharing of how God is experienced in the world.
This message is based on John 17:6-19. We look at a few themes woven into the prayer Jesus lifts up for his disciples.
This talk is based on John 15:12-17. In it we reflect on what it means to claim Jesus as a friend and to recognize that Jesus has claimed us as a friend.
This talk, based on Luke 24:36-49, considers what evidence we have available to back up our claims that Jesus rose from the dead and offers forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God.
This message, based on John 20:19-31, reflects on the ways Jesus prepared the disciples to be able to go out and witness to the world of their belief in Jesus so that the world can be reconciled with God.
Christ is risen! This message walks us through and reflects on Mark’s poignant account of Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Salome went to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body (Mark 16).
This is a message based on Isaiah 50:4-9. We reflect on the challenges of being a prophet and consider what we can do if we lack the courage to be prophetic ourselves.
This message is based on Jeremiah 31:31-34. We are reminded that with God there is hope for the future. A hopeful future does not mean things will go back to the way they were. A hopeful future means that things will be different because they will be better.
This talk invites us to explore the basis and context for the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17). We are asked to consider these commandments by asking ourselves:
Which one of these speaks to you as the one you need to focus on?
Is there someone you can talk to about this, who can encourage you and keep you accountable?
This talk is based on Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16. You are invited to reflect on these two questions:
What am I being asked to let go of so I can grow in my divine purpose?
What is God promising to give me and those who come after me?
This message is based on Genesis 9:8-17. We are asked to consider how we can partner with God in the preservation of life, particularly as we move into the season of Lent.
This message, based on Mark 9:2-9 recounts the Transfiguration experience. We are encouraged to keep our own “mountain-top” experiences in our mind as we listen for what God may be wanting to say to us as we move into the season of Lent.
This message, based on Mark 1:29-39, invites us to follow the lead of Jesus and begin our day with prayer. We foster this habit so that our spirits can be renewed and so that we can get focused on the work God has for us to do.
In this talk, we look at the story of Jonah, who was not the greatest prophet of all time. As we explore how he related to God, we will reflect on what might be the message we are called to share and how we might go about sharing that message. This talk is based specifically on Jonah 3:1-5, 10.
Based on Mark 1:4-11, this talk explores what baptism is about and how remembering our identity as baptized Christians assist us as we make our way through a period of great turmoil.
In this week’s message we look at Luke’s account of Mary receiving a message from God through Gabriel. The scripture passage is Luke 1:26-38. We will see what Gabriel and Mary say in this exchange reveals how God relates to us and how we might respond to God’s invitation to partner together in the work of salvation.
In this talk, we look at Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 and see how the proclamation of good news initiates a process of excitement, anticipation and action. In these challenging days, we all could use some good news. Listen to this message and you will get some!
Based on Mark 1:1-8, we look how in these eight verses Mark presents a lot to reflect on. We consider how the gospel is about Jesus leading us through the wilderness, a new exodus. But for us to journey through the wilderness, there are some things we have to do. Take a listen to hear what those things are.
Based on Isaiah 64:1-9, this talk invites us to reflect on the mess of this world, our complicity in that mess, and how God is working within us so that through us the world can heal. This talk also marks the beginning of our annual pilgrimage through Advent.
This talk, based on Matthew 25:31-46, has us focus on what it was that separated the “sheep” and the “goats” in the judgment scene that Jesus describes. The difference is that one of the two groups loved without limits.
This talk is based on the Parable of the Talents, Matthew 25:14-30. We will focus on the motivations and actions of the three servants and consider what is motivating us these days.
This message is based on the Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids, Matthew 25:1-13. In this talk, we look at how this story gives us clues on how we prepare ourselves for the return of Jesus and the establishment of God’s reign on the earth. Now is the time to be getting ready.
This message is a reflection on the community of saints to which we belong. We look to the Beatitudes of Matthew 5:1-12 as a description of this community, both as a reflection of our current reality and our future reality we anticipate. For those listening to this message on All Saints Day, blessings!
This talk, based on Matthew 22:34-46, focuses on how Jesus engaged with his opponents. We will see how Jesus, motivated by love for his accusers, engaged them in conversation by asking questions and telling stories. Jesus gives us a pattern for how we can lovingly engage with others when we find ourselves in a confrontation.
Based on Matthew 22:15-22, this message invites us to consider what belongs to God and how we go about giving ourselves to God in any given situation.
This talk, based on Matthew 22:1-14, invites us to consider to what we have been invited to and what we need to be about doing to get ready for that banquet.
Based on Matthew 21:33-46, we reflect on the parable of the wicked tenants. We consider what this story may have meant to Matthew’s church and we try to make a connection with our own context in these perilous times.
Based on Matthew 21:23-32, this talk explores some of the reasons people don’t “get” Jesus. For those of us who do “get” Jesus, we are encouraged to stick with our discipleship journey even when people challenge us, or when we have to work through our own questions and doubts.
The parable of the laborers in the vineyard gives us an opportunity to think about the generosity of God, how God invites everyone to be included in God’s kingdom, and of God’s desire that everyone receive eternal life. We want to affirm that. Still, there are times when we think we know who deserves God’s grace and who doesn’t. We even sometimes think we have earned an extra dose of grace, which no longer makes it grace. This talk invites us to consider how we may sometimes presume on God’s grace.
This talk, based on Matthew 18:21-35, focuses on the value of forgiveness. Forgiveness is critical in healing our hearts when we have been hurt by others. Forgiveness is also critical for healthy systems of accountability. It isn’t always easy. But it is so important.
This message, based on Matthew 18:15-20, invites us to reflect on the community values that make possible mutual accountability and healthy community life.
Based on Matthew 16:21-28, this message reflects on the challenge of keeping Jesus at the center of our lives. If we want to identify ourselves as followers of Jesus, then we have to get behind Jesus and follow.
Sometimes it seems Jesus could be just plain rude. The scripture this talk is based on is one of those times. We will consider why Jesus acted the way he did toward a Canaanite woman and then address what is the central concern of this passage: the character of great faith. The talk is based on Matthew 15:21-28.
This message is based on Matthew 14:22-33. This is the account of Jesus walking on water to catch up with the disciples. This event of the disciples riding out the storm is a powerful image of being the church in these stormy times.
This talk, based on Matthew 14:13-21, is a reflection on the miraculous feeding of the 5,000. We are challenged to give all we can to meet the needs of others as we are moved by compassion, trusting that with Jesus it will be enough.
This message, based on Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52, concludes this series on the parables of Matthew 13. All these parables reveal something about the kingdom of God. In this week’s message, we consider four very brief parables Jesus shares to reveal aspects of the kingdom.
The early followers of Jesus could not understand it. The evidence was overwhelming that Jesus was the messiah. It was so obvious. Yet, so many people, including the religious professionals, just didn’t get it. How can this be? Jesus gives an answer with the parable of the weeds and the wheat, Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43. In this message, we will apply this parable to our day by focusing on our responsibility to be the best “wheat” we can be for the sake of the well-being of our community.
The parable of the sower that Jesus told gives us an opportunity to reflect on the state and condition of our hearts. It is important to receive the gospel and the teachings of Jesus. But those teachings can’t root in and flourish in our lives unless our hearts are prepared and tended. This message is based on Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23.
Many of us feel weary and burdened these days with all that is happening. It is a relief to hear this invitation from Jesus to come to him, lay that burden down, and take on his yoke. But what does that involve? This talk, based on Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30, explores what it takes to lighten the load during these heavy times.
Based on Matthew 10:40-42, this message is meant to encourage us to be welcoming. Whether you are the on initiating a conversation or you are the one who is receiving a person’s engagement, openness to others and the willingness to engage leads in the direction of a more healthy community. As followers of Jesus it helps us represent Jesus in the world, contributing to the reconciliation of people with God.
Based on Matthew 10:24-39, this message is a call for Christians to proclaim and demonstrate the way of Jesus in this transformational moment in our nation’s history.
When the disciples went up the mountain to meet with Jesus after his resurrection, they had been through a lot. They were emotionally tender. They were anxious about the future. They were confused about all that had happened. And they were filled with joy that Jesus was alive again. They all showed up. They worshipped Jesus. But some doubted.
Based on Matthew 28:16-20, this message explores how sometimes we have to show up, do the work of following Jesus, even when we have some doubts. I hope you can relate to this message and that it will be an encouragement for you.
What does this pandemic mean for us as a society? What does this mean that in 2020 we still have unarmed black people being killed by police or white vigilantes with often little or no accountability? This talk addresses these questions by reflecting on the Pentecost story, Acts 2:1-21.
Based on John 17:1-11, this message considers this part of Jesus’ prayer before he is arrested. We will see how we can gain comfort and strength from this prayer to keep on the way of love.
As our society enters the process of re-opening, we are all looking for guidance. We get guidance from health officials and government officials. But is there any guidance from the scriptures? I think there is. This message takes a look at 1 Peter 3:13-22. We will find there some wisdom that can help us navigate through the weeks and months ahead.
The pandemic is an apocalyptic event if we remember that the word “apocalypse” means “to reveal.” The pandemic is revealing things about society and the church. It is showing us what church is really about as well as forcing us to recall all the resources we have to nourish our faith when we do not have public worship to fall back on.
This message, based on 1 Peter 2:2-10, will consider who we are as church and what we can do to keep our faith healthy and growing.
Were you ever picked on by a bully? Has anyone ever started a false rumor about you? Have you ever been the victim of prejudice? We all have had to deal with unjust suffering. In this episode, we will consider some guidance on how to deal with these experiences. The message is based on 1 Peter 2:18-25.
As we think about how we will re-enter society in this next phase of the global pandemic, what values do we as Christians have that can guide our decisions and actions? We are going to consider three values that can be found in 1 Peter 1:17-23. I hope this message gives you some clarity.
How do you have joy in this time of global pandemic? We get an answer to that question from 1 Peter 1:3-9. In this message, we will take a look at the reality of what we are going through and be reminded of the foundation upon which we can keep our joy.
This is a brief meditation for Easter 2020. I encourage you to check out this video some of my friends made. Click on this link: https://youtu.be/jvI6xxvfZow
Christ is risen!
As we enter into Holy Week or Passion Week, we do so at a time when we are going through a passion pandemic. Today, we remember Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, which caused a lot of confusion and tumult in the city. In this message, based on Matthew 21:1-11, I think we will get some insight on how we might make our way through this time of “pandemic passion.” Thanks for listening.
This talk, based on Romans 8:6-11 reflects on how people are setting their minds on life, creativity, solidarity, the Spirit, instead of selfishness, their own mortality, despair, the “flesh.” Take a listen. I hope you will be encouraged.
This talk is based on Psalm 23. It emerged fairly quickly while I was processing my head and heart space with all that is going on right now. I hope it speaks to what you are going through and gives you encouragement.
In Romans 5, Paul gives an amazing argument about our relationship with God. Because of our actions, we have so broken our relationship with God that it is beyond repair. We can’t fix it. So, God took matters into God’s own hands and fixed it for us. By what God did for us, not only have we been reconciled to God, we also have a foundation from which we can work to be reconciled with each other. I hope this message gives you encouragement to trust your relationship with God and inspiration to try and restore broken relationships in your life.
Romans 4 is often used to defend the doctrine that we are justified by faith and not by works. This chapter carried a lot of weight during the Protestant Reformation. But justification by faith alone was not the point Paul was making. Instead, he was addressing a serious issue in the church of his day around how to incorporate Gentiles into the church. This issue may seem irrelevant today. But the implications of Paul’s argument still matters. Take a listen as we consider that we belong to a global family.
Covid-19 is on the minds of everyone. It seemed to me a natural move to talk about sin. Sin is like a virus. It is a foreign “substance” that infects every human being. The effect of the sin virus is spiritual death. There is no vaccine. But there is a cure. Based on Romans 5:12-19, this talk explores the process of ridding ourselves of sin. Take a listen.
Do you ever think about the impact vision has on your life? Whether it is a vision about something you want to accomplish, a vision about a hoped for future, or even a vision about what heaven will be like (or not), vision pulls us forward in our lives, helps motivate us when times are hard, and impacts our attitude about life itself.
This talk, based on Matthew 17:1-9, reflects on the power of vision. Take a listen. Consider what visions of the future you hold.
Paul had to deal with something that plagues every community across the ages...divisiveness. Paul has his fans and Apollos has his fans. Each fan base were antagonizing each other, diverting them from the common mission they all shared. In this message, we consider divisiveness and how we can try to overcome it by uniting around a common mission rather than one leader or one “tribe.”
When it comes to sharing your faith, you don’t have to know any fancy words, have all the doctrine figured out, or be a good public speaker. All you have to do is tell your story from the heart. This talk reflects on 1 Corinthians 2:1-12. We will explore the method Paul used to let other people know about God. I hope you will be encouraged that evangelism doesn’t have to be a scary word. It’s all about simply telling your story.
Did Jesus get picked first on the playground when teams were being set up? What about the disciples Jesus chose? We know Jesus was extraordinary, being the incarnate Word of God. But he didn’t act like a superhero. He may even have come across as an ordinary person. His disciples were ordinary people too. Yet, they did extraordinary things.
Based on 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, this message strives to make the point that God does not mend the world through superheroes or singular strong people. No, God mends the world through countless extraordinary actions of ordinary people...like you and me.
Whether you got picked first when you were on the playground or not, God has picked you to be on God’s team. Will you take the field?
Following Jesus includes letting go of something. Sometimes what we need to let go of is easy. Other times it is hard and even a little scary. Based on the story of when Jesus called his first disciples (Matthew 4:12-23), this message invites you to consider the question of what it is you need to let go of so that you can take another step on your journey of following Jesus.
This message is based on John 1:29-42 and was delivered on Jan. 19,2020. My first recording on Spreaker!