First UMC Dunedin Messages: Recent Episodes
First UMC Dunedin
The two main assumptions about the "who's" and "how's" of heaven are that 1) Good people go to heaven, and 2) I'm a good person. But, the Bible doesn't say that good people go to heaven, it says that forgiven people do. Scripture: Romans 3
Easter is all about love, because only love can make things new in the world. Scripture 2 Corinthians 5:14-17
The most famous passage of scripture, John 3:16 is connected to one of the most obscure stories in the Bible. Scripture: John 3:18 & Numbers 21:4-9
Jesus teaches hard truths that sometimes we don't want to hear, but again and again we are called to listen. Scripture: Mark 8:27-37
The season of Lent is a time where we come to God again & again. Scripture: Mark 1:9-14
The final enemy that can steal the peace and joy from our souls is what the writers of the New Testament call, "the world." When deceptive ideas play into our disordered desires, and then become normalized by an unjust and sinful society. Scripture John 15:18-21
The human heart is full of desires that are complex, and often contradictory. Which desires do we follow? Scripture: Galatians 5:13-25
The problem isn't just that we hear lies, tell lies, even believes lies... the problem is that we live them. Why is that? Scripture: Matthew 4 & John 8 (selections).
What Would Jesus Say about #Technology? During Jesus' earthly ministry, technology certainly looked very different from technology in our day, but Jesus' teaching still hold value for us today.
What Would Jesus Say about #Women? Jesus often broke cultural norms to bring women into the full life of discipleship and ministry. Scripture: John 4:1-40
What Would Jesus Say to our divided nation? Especially as our nation has been so divided over race? Scripture Galatians 3:26-29
What Would Jesus Say to our modern day dilemmas? What Would Jesus Say to the church in America today? Scripture: Revelation 2:1-7
When there is a gap between our expectations and our experience, we can become discouraged. Even in our discouragement there is evidence of God still at work. Scripture: Matthew 11:2-6
John the Baptist was a strange dude, and he had a harsh message. But, what does he have to say about average, mediocre sinners? Scripture: Matthew 3:1-10
What if loving our neighbor starts by something as simple as seeing them the way that God sees them? Scripture: Luke 19:1-10
We all know how to act generous in the moment... at the checkout line, during the phone-athon. But what does it look like to live generously? Scripture: Luke 21:1-4
We can't solve every problem in the world, and yet as followers of Jesus we can't go hide in a hole either. So, what are we to do? Well, we can do for one what we wish we could do for everyone. Scripture: Galatians 6:9-10
Christian math is weird. One doesn't equal one, instead one equals everyone. While we can't do for everyone like Jesus has, we can do for one what we wish we could do for everyone. Scripture: Romans 5:12-19
Why would we pray for God to not lead us into temptation? But, the real question is who leads us into temptation? Or do we lead us into temptation? Scripture: Matthew 26:36-46
When Jesus taught his disciples to pray, he taught them to pray for 3 things: 1) Provision, 2) Pardon, 3) Protection. Scripture: Proverbs 30:8-9
We may have learned how to pray as children, but how do we pray now that we're grown ups and have adult sized problems? Scripture: Matthew 6:5-13
Who do you call when you have to call out "Mayday!" We need our people most when life is hardest. Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:3-7
Second message in our series, "Find Your People." Authentic Christian community is integral to our faith.
New message series about finding your people to build deep community in a lonely world. We need each other to sharpen each other. Scripture: Proverbs 27:17
You know you've started to drift when you stop working and start watching.When you stop working towards the kingdom of heaven that Jesus inaugurated and start just watching the world go by. Scripture: Matthew 9:34-38
You know you've started to drift when you stop gathering and start isolating. The local church needs you, and you need a local church. Scripture: Hebrews 10:24-25
We all wonder. And wonder is great. Wonder is the reason why we have accounts of Jesus' greatest teachings. He taught because we wondered. But, how can we wonder without wandering away from God? Scripture: John 6 (selections)
Sometimes when we want to control or fix things, what we need to do is to "stand still" in the chaos because God will fight the battle for us. 2 Chronicles 20:1-17
Ever feel like you've lost your faith? Maybe not lost, but misplaced? Feel like you've drifted from God? We all can drift, it's easy to do, all you have to do is... nothing. But, we have an anchor. Scripture: Hebrews 2:1-4
What is the faith of the next generation worth? What is the faith of the next generation worth to you? Scripture: Joshua 4
Last message in our series, "3 Mile walk." Faithfulness is what is needed for our journey with God. Scripture: Hebrews 1:1
We won't get to where God has called us without courage. Many times courage means just taking the first step, going the first mile, and not giving up. But, we need encouragers for the journey, especially during a season of delay.
What does it mean to be holy? Holiness is so much more than isolating yourself with daily devotionals. Scripture 1 Samuel 14:1-7
Jesus calls his followers to be the "light of the world". What does that really mean? What does that mean for us as a church? Scripture: Matthew 5:13-16
Jesus never referred to his followers as "Christians" instead he called them "the salt of the earth." But, what does it mean to be salt? Scripture: Matthew 5:1-13
When the Holy Spirit came on the day of Pentecost there were elements of wind, fire, and words. Each of these elements tells us something about the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives and in our faith community. Scripture: Acts 2:1-4
We have a divine power to fight against toxic thoughts and renew our minds. Scripture: Romans 12:1-2
Special Message from our home church missionary. All throughout scripture God's heart is for missions and we are all called into mission work.
Jesus gives the command to "not worry" but sometimes that's easier said than done. But, we are given a promise that helps to follow such a command. Scripture: Matthew 6:25-34 & Psalm 23
Psalm 42 asks the question, "Why my soul are you downcast?" How do we care for our soul, and how does that affect our mental health. Scripture: Matthew 13:3-9
Easter Sunday 2022. We've got a God that asks, "Why Not?" to our weary world. Scripture: John 20
How can steps 8 & 9 of the 12 steps of recovery help us understand the practice of confession and repentance? Scripture: Luke 19:8-9
How do steps 6 & 7 of the 12 steps connect with our faith? Scripture: Romans 6 (selections)
Step 4 is the stethoscope step that has us take a look inside our souls. And step 5 begins the hard but necessary work of leading us on a path of healing. Scripture: John 8 (selections)
First message in Lenten series, "Marrow" This series looks at the spiritual aspects of the 12 step program. Scripture: Romans 7:15-25
Final message in our series on the life of King David, and how his reign comes to a tragic end. Yet, in this sad ending we learn that the foundation of our faith does not depend upon happily-ever-after endings. Scripture: 2 Samuel selections.
David would become a great king, but he never confused himself with the greatest king. Scripture 1 & 2 Samuel selections.
David finds himself with a choice to return evil for evil, or listen to the wise council and return good for evil. Scripture: 1 Samuel 25
When we feel angry, alone, or afraid we usually don't have the best judgement and often make our biggest mistakes. David made a colossal mistake at a time when he was angry, alone, and afraid. Scripture: 1 Samuel 20-22 (selections)
The Christian version of the saying, "pick yourself up by your own bootstraps" is this: "God helps those who help themselves." But... is that even really Christian? There's something sort of like it in 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12, but the cliche "God Helps Those Who Help Themselves" is a half truth.
Taken at face value, this cliche seems good and right. After all, Jesus loved sinful people, and sin is a bad thing. But, this cliche sounds very different depending on which side of the table you are sitting on. Scripture: Matthew 7:1-5
Probably the most popular cultural Christian cliche, "Everything Happens For A Reason." Sounds really nice... sometimes, but do we really mean that EVERY THING has a reason behind it? Scripture: Romans 8:28
The Bible is foundational for our Christian faith, however, it's not always easy to understand. Second message in our series, "True or False?" Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16-17
New Message Series! Examining some the cultural Christian cliches to see what's true and what's false. Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:13
There are no misfits at the manger of Jesus, because there is nobody who does not belong. Scripture: Luke 2:1-20.
Fourth and final message in our series, "She Doesn't Belong Here". Mary was not who you would expect to be the mother of God, and yet God chose her. Scripture: Luke 1:46-55
Jesus was not born from a perfect family tree, filled with perfect people, who did not need saving to begin with. Jesus' family tree is kind of messy, much like many of our own family trees. This message is about the fourth woman mentioned in Jesus' family tree from the Gospel of Matthew: Bathsheba Scripture: 2 Samuel 11
Jesus was not born from a perfect family tree, filled with perfect people, who did not need saving to begin with. Jesus' family tree is kind of messy, much like many of our own family trees. This message is about the third woman mentioned in Jesus' family tree from the Gospel of Matthew. Scripture: selections from the Book of Ruth.
Jesus was not born from a perfect family tree, filled with perfect people, who did not need saving to begin with. Jesus' family tree is kind of messy, much like many of our own family trees. This message is about the first woman mentioned in Jesus' family tree from the Gospel of Matthew. Scripture: Genesis 38
God, won't you revive our hearts again? Final message in our LOVE BIG series. Scripture: Psalm 85:6-7
What are some habits that we can keep, or build into our lives that will help us to be emotionally grounded? Scripture: John 4:31-38 & Philippians 4:4-9.
"It's fine" is reserved for those things in our lives that we just don't want to talk about. But, the thing standing between us, and a healthier version of ourselves is often the unprocessed stuff. Scripture: Matthew 7:1-5 & Psalms.
How do we stay emotionally strong when everything seems to fall apart? Hint: Saying, "It's Fine. I'm Fine. Everything is Fine." Isn't the most helpful approach. Scripture: John 11
Jesus came not just to make us forgiven people, it's better than that. Jesus came to make us forgiving people. He taught us his way of forgiveness that it would be a daily habit of giving and receiving forgiveness. Scripture: Ephesians 4:26-27 & Matthew 18:21-22
Sometimes we might feel like we need to forgive God. While we don't technically forgive God, perhaps we need to be reconciled to God. What might holds us back from forgiving others might be our disappointment or anger with God.
It is impossible to travel through life without collecting some emotional souvenirs. However, while our past reminds us, it does not have to define us. Scripture: Romans 5:1-5 & Genesis selections.
Forgiveness seems like that big, ugly, scary monster under the bed, but if we can shine a light on it then maybe it won't be that scary. There is something that you give up when you forgive, but also something great that you get in return. Scripture: Ephesians 4:31-32
Jesus gave us a practice to commune with God and invites us to take a seat at his table. Scripture: Luke 22:7-30
Jesus was the most joyful person ever, and he used the table to bring joy to the world. Scripture: John 2:1-12
In Jesus' time on earth, the table was a way to bring about justice, but also injustice. Our tables look different, but they can still bring about justice or injustice. Scripture: Luke 14:12-24
What does it take to live a long faithful life, full of faith? The story of Caleb gives us some helpful hints. Scripture: Joshua 14:6-13
What is the real reason we get angry & how do we deal with our anger? Scripture:James 3:13-4:2
Fasting is one of the most under-used and over-abused practices of Jesus. So, what is fasting and why should we do it? Scripture Amos 8.
It’s been said that a thousand mile journey begins with a single step. This is the reality that we really need to embrace if we are ever going to move in any direction as individuals and as a church. If we are so focused on the task ahead of us that we forget to start moving in that direction, we might end up right where we’ve always been. This certainly was true for Jesus’s first disciples, and it’s true for us today.
Change is hard. But, what does it mean to be "for change"? To intentionally pursue change? Scripture: Matthew 5:13-16
Series on our church's core values. Message about our church being "for every person." Scripture: Galatians 3:26-29 & Acts 15 (selections).
Message about having faith and leading others through "in-between" times. Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20 & Joshua 1:1-9
Reconciliation atonement theory is about how Jesus makes up for our breakup with God. Scripture: Romans 5:6-11
Week 3 of Mosaic message series. Moral Influence Atonement Theory: Jesus show you how to live. Scripture: 1 John 3:14-24
New message series about different perspectives of the cross. Week 1: Jesus Took Your Place. Scripture: 1 Peter 2:21-25
Sometimes all it takes to be a hero is to simply stop walking. Scripture: Luke 10 & Acts 11.
Special Message in response to the riot at the capitol on January 6th, 2021. Epiphany & Baptism of the Lord Sunday.
First Message in our series "Nothing New" based on Ecclesiastes. What if the future doesn't really hold anything "new"? How can we gain wisdom from our yesterdays?
So, what does the good news have to do with you? Be the good news. Scripture: Philippians 2
Final message in our series, "Family Matters" talking about the problem with unity. Scripture: 1 Peter 4:8
We often find ourselves in a gap between our expectations and our experiences. God's grace fills the gap. Scripture: Luke 7:36-50
Healing broken relationships is a church family matter. Scripture: Genesis 22-23 (selections)
We were not created for autonomy, we were created for community. Scripture: Galatians 5:13-25
Christianity changed the world through unity, not division. World Communion Sunday celebration. Scripture: Luke 14:16-24
Whenever a pattern is broken it paves the way for possibility. Sermon about David in the cave. Scripture: Psalm 142 & 1 Samuel 22:1-5
Part 4 of our message series, "RESET" How do we reset our relationships? Scripture: 1 John 4:7-21
Spiritual practices help us get back in rhythm with God. Guest preacher Rev. Jennifer Potter-Buff sharing on John 15.
We need a factory reset. But... what does that look like? Today we look at the beginning and ending of scripture to discover who God intended us to be/become.
First message in our new series, "RESET" We have the choice to hit the reset button, or just resume where we left off. What will you choose? Scripture John 3:1-9
Sermon on Acts 10 about God brining together different people to make up a diverse and unified church.
God can seem insane sometimes! Sermon on Acts 9:1-20 about how God uses the most unqualified people.
The early church was a movement. A bold movement to bring the kingdom of God on earth. Scripture: Acts 4 selections.
Message on Pentecost 2020 connecting the death of George Floyd & the need for divine breath. Scripture: Acts 2:1-41
In the middle of quarantine we celebrate Easter. Quarantine does not ruin resurrection. Quarantine makes resurrection possible. Scripture: John 20:1-18
Jesus delivers us THROUGH the storms of life so that we can be changed on the other side. Scripture: John 6:16-21
Special Message amidst COVID-19 pandemic. Scripture based on John 4. Jesus shows up in the midst of "social distancing."
In order to demonstrate who he was, Jesus performed a number of miracles—which the apostle John referred to as “signs.” The first of those signs was at a joyous occasion where Jesus turned water into wine. The second sign was in the midst of a heartbreaking circumstance in which a father desperately asks Jesus to heal his dying son. John 4:46-54
First message in our Lent series, "Why Jesus?" Who is Jesus? And why is he worth following? Scripture: John 4:43-54
Our fears often change as we age. Maybe you were afraid of the dark, or the monster under your bed as a child, but you have since outgrown that fear. But, as we age and our life experiences change, so changes our fears. This Sunday we will be talking about the fear of aging, sickness, and death. Scripture: John 11:25-26
Sermon of Sabbath and Creation Care from guest preacher Amy Greene. Scripture: 1 Kings 19:11-13
Sometimes we end up creating mass hysteria over something small. No one is better at creating this "sky is falling" syndrome than the 24 hr. news cycle and political atmosphere of our country. How do we live with courage and hope in a culture that manufactures anxiety? Scripture: Revelation 21:1-4
First message in our series about fear and anxiety. Fear is based on perception, and it's not necessarily a bad thing - fear can save your life, but it can also keep you from living your life. Scripture: Numbers 13-14
First sermon of 2020 about New Year's Goals. Instead of asking the question, "What needs to be done ABOUT me?" Learning to ask the question, "What needs to be done AROUND me?" Scripture: Luke 14:25-34
There is no progress without change. And because of that, progress can feel like a paradox because while there is gain, there is also loss. What are the things that God is calling us to leave behind in order to reach for the better goals that God has for us? Scripture: Philippians 3:1-16
First message in a new series on Philippians about making joy out of a life full of lemons. Scripture Philippians 1.
Jesus gave us one commandment, “Love one another. Just as I have loved you so you must love one another.” Easier said than done when we look at the way that Jesus loved, and the people whom Jesus loved. Often times we love people the way we think they deserve to be loved instead of loving people the way Jesus deserves. Because, the way Jesus deserves - and commands us - is to love others.
What does love look like? What does love require you to do? Sermon on Deuteronomy 6:4-5.
Sermon on Ecclesiastes 11:3-4. Time to quit watching the clouds and start "seeding" the clouds by putting our faith into action.
Final message in our series on Habits. We all need some direction, because disciples without direction... drift. Scripture from 2 Peter 1:3-11.
New sermon series on habits. In order to change our habits, we must first undergo an identity change. Sermon on Romans 7:15-8:2
Always be prepared, be prepared to give YOUR answer for the reason for YOUR hope. Sermon on 1 Peter 3:13-16.
Christianity has a very specific understanding of love that holds in tandem "grace" and "truth". In this message on Luke 17:1-10 we see Jesus exemplify this.
We all live with some fear, some doubt, and some faith. But, which one will ultimately win the day and determine the direction of our lives? Sermon on Matthew 14:22-33.
Sermon from Youth Sunday about bearing one another's burdens and the importance of community. Scripture passage: Galatians 6:1-10
The most important question that you will ever be asked to answer, "Who do you say that Jesus is?" Sermon on Matthew 16:13-18.
Is it ok to protest God's goodness? Is it ok to be angry with God? Those things may actually be a sign of our faith. Sermon on Psalm 88 & Hebrews 4:14-16.
The unforgettable truth is that "doing makes all the difference." Our faith is about application, always. Sermon on James 1:22-27.
Sermon on Joshua 3:17-4:7. What are you leaving behind for those who are coming behind you?
An unforgettable truth has the power to change our lives. In this sermon we look at the unforgettable truth of Jesus' invitation to "Follow Me" from Matthew 9:9-13
Message about living "under the influence" of the Holy Spirit. Scripture reference Ephesians 5:15-21.
Who is the Holy Spirit? What difference does the Holy Spirit make in my life? Message based on John 14.
Sermon on Luke 12:13-21. Learning to see our stuff through the lens of eternity loosens our grip on it, and it's grip on us.
Taking a careful look at Matthew 7:1-5 as Jesus teaches on judgement and how you can help.
Sermon on John 16:16-24. Message on eternity, anxiety, future, and the question of "why?"
Final sermon in our series, "A Tale of Two Houses" Sermon from Exodus 4:1-5 about calling.
Sermon about the impact that relationships have on our spiritual lives. Sermon from Ruth 1.
Sermon from Luke 10:38-42 on distractions, rest, and listening to God even when God says "no".
New sermon series, "A Tale of Two Houses" looking at Jesus' parable from Matthew 7:24-27. What kind of life are you going to build?
Sermon from the third Sunday of Advent on the story of King Herod, Magi, and the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5)
Sermon from the First Sunday in Advent on Light & Hope. Scripture: Genesis 1 & Isaiah 35.
Sermon on James 1:19-20 looking at the ancient advice of being "Quick to Listen, and Slow to Speak."
Sermon in response to Tree of Life Synagogue shooting on Oct. 27, 2018. Final message in our WHOLEHEARTEDLY series.
Sermon on John 10:10 and Jeremiah 29:11-13. Cultivating Faith leads to a wholehearted life.
Sermon on the Lord's Prayer, "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Scripture selections from the Book of Jonah.
Second Message in our series, "Won't You Be My Neighbor?" Message based on Luke 8:40-48
"Would You Be My Neighbor?" Part I. Sermon from Matthew 22:34-40. It's really hard to love your neighbor, when love to you have been a stranger.
Final message in our "Next Gen" series. A message from Jeremiah 1:1-10 on Youth Sunday.
Second Episode in our "Next Gen" series. Sermon from Hebrews 12:1 and 2 Timothy selections.
First message in our series "Next Gen". Everyone has someone coming behind them in the next generation, so what is our responsibility to them? Sermon on Deuteronomy 6:1-9
Second message in our series, "Lost and Found" on Luke 15. The grace of God invites all to come and join the party.
First message in our 3 part series, "Lost and Found" A message about God's grace that goes before us, calling us to "come and see."