United Methodist Pastor Rob Ernest preaches the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a unique and understandable fashion which is relatable to everyday life and situations.
This will be my last regularly scheduled podcast, as retirement sets in. There may be an odd upload from time to time, but nothing on the horizon. Thank you for your time and I hope these messages have been of some enjoyment to you over the years. Blessings on your head!
Here's the gist of this one: When Jesus comes around, you can expect change to come with him. That's what happened in this story that Luke tells when a whole town was witness to some flying pigs and at least one changed life. "When Pigs Fly" is the title of this episode of TURNING HOME.
This will be my last regularly scheduled podcast, as retirement sets in. There may be an odd upload from time to time, but nothing on the horizon. Thank you for your time and I hope these messages have been of some enjoyment to you over the years. Blessings on your head! Here's the gist of this one: When Jesus comes around, you can expect change to come with him. That's what happened in this story that Luke tells when a whole town was witness to some flying pigs and at least one changed life. "When Pigs Fly" is the title of this episode of TURNING HOME.
The prophet Jeremiah had some good excuses for not doing God's will. He, along with Adam, Eve, Moses, and many others, had a bad case of "Yeah-Buts Disease" as we hear in this episode of TURNING HOME.
Looking for a nice, easy explanation of the Holy Trinity? Try "Experiencing the Trinity", this week's TURNING HOME episode.
Hindsight being what it is, would the disciples have looked at Pentecost any differently? Let's talk about it on this episode of TURNING HOME called "If We Only Knew Then..."
The Ascension of Christ took place out "As Far As Bethany", where the poor and miserable were. Why Bethany? Find out in this edition of TURNING HOME.
The apostle Paul went looking for a church in Philippi. What he found was a little smelly. Hear about it in this episode of TURNING HOME called "The Color Purple".
So...what do you know? What do you know that you don't know? What do you want to know? Could you accept "High Level Ignorance"? Find out the answers to these questions on this episode of TURNING HOME.
BJ and Buddy, our Miniature Australian Shepherds, are pretty good shepherds but nothing like the good and worthy shepherd we find in Jesus Christ. He is the G-O-A-T of shepherds! Hear about it in this edition of Turning Home entitled "BJ, Buddy, and The Good Shepherd".
In this retelling of the doubting Thomas story from the Gospel of John, we learn that the beloved apostle left a lot of stuff out. What!? "Believing is Seeing" is the title of this episode of TURNING HOME.
The biggest "Surprise!" of Easter was that the tomb was empty, right? Maybe. Maybe not. Find out for yourself in this episode of TURNING HOME.
It's funny how a song which you've known all your life suddenly takes on new meaning. Find out what "Do Lord" is really all about in this episode of TURNING HOME.
For some, the end of the world is their greatest concern. Jesus tells us this should not be so as we hear in this episode of TURNING HOME called "The Scoreboard".
No such thing as "A Stupid Question"? We explore that premise in this episode of TURNING HOME.
Most of us would agree that we are very blessed, right? Would we also agree that we are saints? Maybe not so much. Let's see what Jesus says about that in this episode of Turning Home for All Saints Sunday called "How To Be A Saint".
Wholeness begins with "The Grateful Heart". Just ask the 10th leper. That's the subject of this TURNING HOME.
On the occasion of new members and a Baptism, Dr. Seuss provides the backdrop for this episode of TURNING HOME entitled "Oh, The Places You'll Go!"
Is our value in Heaven directly proportional to our degree of lostness on Earth? It's the question addressed in this episode of TURNING HOME called "Lost and Found".
God led Jeremiah to the potter's house for some very specific lessons, which he passes on to us in this episode of TURNING HOME entitled "The Divine Potter".
In this episode of TURNING HOME, we find out exactly where to find "The Best Seat" at God's table. At least where Jesus thinks it is.
God's grace is not bound by anything. It is poured out extravagantly as from a fountain to free us from bondage. That is the story told in this episode of TURNING HOME called "Unbinding Grace."
The book of Esther reads like one of those good news, bad news jokes as we hear in this episode of TURNING HOME called "For Such A Time As This".
Wisdom is wisdom, right? Not necessarily, according to James, as we hear in this episode of TURNING HOME called "A Disciple's Wisdom (Heavenly vs Earthly Wisdom)".
As disciples of Christ, we are instructed to give Jesus all of our heart, mind, and body--which includes our tongue. To have "A Disciple's Tongue", we might first need to take "The Tongue Test". It's in this episode of TURNING HOME.
Never thought of the apostle Paul as a football coach, but he might have made a pretty good one! In this episode of TURNING HOME, he coaches up the Philippians on how to have "A Perfect Season".
Humility is the key in learning to love like Christ, as we hear in this episode of TURNING HOME called "It's Hard to Be Humble".
The walls of Jericho were an easy demo for Joshua because he used the plans God gave him. The walls we have built in our society which separate people from each other are much harder to bring down, but God has plans for that, too. This episode of TURNING HOME is appropriately called "Walls".
Lots of opportunities to learn on the job from Jesus, as evidenced in this episode of TURNING HOME called "O-J-T".
We have talked about God's unconditional and transformational love. Now, let's take a look at "God's Invitational Love", which is always on its way to someone else. God's invitation is waiting for your RSVP. Don't miss the party!
Not only is God's love unconditional, it is also transformational! We are being transformed more and more into the likeness and image of Christ himself! Pretty cool, right? Take a listen to how that might happen in your life...on TURNING HOME.
Remember your first love? Sure you do! So does God...and you're it! God's love for us is unconditional, transformational and invitational.
Join us for the first in this 3-part series on God's love.
The Apostle Paul lends his credibility to another slave to sin in this episode of TURNING HOME called "A Note from Paul".
Paul addressed a sticky situation the Corinthian Christians were having concerning food sacrificed to idols. It was a "Food Fight!" not unlike some of the issues we in the church fight over today.
Panic, chaos and draaaaaama--that's what we get when we keep Jesus in the back of the boat. Check out "Run, Girls, Run!", this episode of TURNING HOME.
What is your pastor's job, really? We try to answer that question in this episode of TURNING HOME entitled "Seeds Over the Septic Tank".
Jesus asked this question, then answered it in the same breath. "Who's Your Mama" and your brother and your sister? Take a listen on this edition of Turning Home.
Just after the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, the folks in Jerusalem had a few things to learn about being in denial. The disciple Peter is just the guy to set 'em straight. "Deny, Deny, Deny!" is the subject of this Turning Home.
What is the Trinity? Paul helps us understand in this episode of TURNING HOME called "The Trinity-God's Holy Filter".
Jesus told the disciples it was better for them that he was going back to the Father. Why? That's what we talk about in this episode of TURNING HOME called "Knowing the Spirit".
On his ascension, Jesus informed the disciples of the greatest power source EVER, which would be available to them soon. We talk about it in this episode of TURNING HOME called "A Power Problem".
If you've ever been the one left on the sidelines after a school yard pick, you know how bad that feels. It feels much better to be chosen, doesn't it? And so we are--"Chosen"--by Jesus, as we hear in this edition of Turning Home.
To know how the story ends, we need to know all the characters--the vinedresser, the vine, the branches. In this episode of TURNING HOME, we learn about those characters and so..."The Story Ends the Same".
If we're all promised a perfect body in Heaven, why doesn't Jesus get the same deal? That's the story behind "Beautiful Wounds" in this episode of TURNING HOME.
If we're all promised a perfect body in Heaven, why doesn't Jesus get the same deal? That's the story behind "Beautiful Wounds" in this episode of TURNING HOME.
What happens when you miss church? Well, of course, Jesus shows up! That's what happened to Thomas in this episode of TURNING HOME called "Wha'd I Miss?"
Didja ever want to know the entire story of exactly what happened on that first Palm Sunday? It's all here in the episode of Turning Home, aptly entitled "The Palm Sunday Story".
So, you want to see Jesus, do ya? We explore that question in this episode of TURNING HOME called "The Big Red Hat".
According to John Wesley, God's grace is like a house. We'll explain in this episode of TURNING HOME called "The House of Grace".
In this season of Lent, we are told by Jesus to deny ourselves, pick up our cross, and follow him. But is it that simple? Probably not, as we hear in this episode of TURNING HOME called "No Means No".
Into what wilderness have you been thrust lately? Poverty, disease, depression...? Can you still praise God even in the wilderness? Maybe some insight in this episode of TURNING HOME called "Wilderness Blessings".
Why do you fast, pray, or give? Jesus questions our motives as we begin the Lenten season in this Ash Wednesday episode of TURNING HOME called "Don't Be Like That".
Peter, James and John have a backstage pass to the Transfiguration in this episode of TURNING HOME called "The First Meet-n-Greet".
The Apostle Paul couldn't help but preach the Gospel--it was in his blood. Join us for "In the Blood" on this episode of Turning Home from 1 Corinthians 9:16-23.
Have you tried to exorcise your demons by yourself? How's that going for ya? You don't have the authority to do that, but guess what; Jesus does. He's the only one who does.
Moses' response to "The Call" from God in the burning bush was similar to those we might have. What? Who me? Nope, you've got the wrong guy, God! Listen to the story in this episode of TURNING HOME.
Moses' response to "The Call" from God in the burning bush was similar to those we might have. What? Who, me? Nope, you've got the wrong guy, God! Listen to the story in this episode of TURNING HOME.
When it the last time anybody asked for your opinion? Jesus asked the disciples and he's still asking today in this episode of TURNING HOME called "That's What YOU Think!"
When it the last time anybody asked for your opinion? Jesus asked the disciples and he's still asking today in this episode of TURNING HOME called "That's What YOU Think!"
A 3-act play of sorts in this episode of TURNING HOME. Follow the drama of "Desperate Midwives" Shiphrah and Puah as they navigate the dangerous world of ancient Egypt.
The prophet Jeremiah said there was no balm in Gilead. So, where was it? We answer that question in this episode of TURNING HOME called "Where's the Balm?"
The prophet Jeremiah said there was no balm in Gilead. So, where was it? We answer that question in this episode of TURNING HOME called "Where's the Balm?"
Throughout history, God has used ordinary folks to do extraordinary things. We hear about a few of them in this episode of TURNING HOME called "Ordinary to Extraordinary".
Throughout history, God has used ordinary folks to do extraordinary things. We hear about a few of them in this episode of TURNING HOME called "Ordinary to Extraordinary".
Jesus compared the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed. We talk about what that means in this episode of TURNING HOME called "Let's Get Small!"
Jesus compared the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed. We talk about what that means in this episode of TURNING HOME called "Let's Get Small!"
In this episode of TURNING HOME we celebrate our adoption by Abba, our beloved Father. "Who's Your Daddy?" is a question to which God has an answer.
In this episode of TURNING HOME we celebrate our adoption by Abba, our beloved Father. "Who's Your Daddy?" is a question to which God has an answer.
He seems to be fairly irresponsible in his distribution of seeds--some thrown in the weeds and thorns, some out in the road, and a few manage to make it to good soil. This sower of seeds, what do you make of him, the seeds he sows, and this ground onto which his seed lands? Let's talk about it here on Turning Home.
The folks in Jesus' hometown of Nazareth didn't recognize him as the Son of God. They saw him only as the son of Mary. How do we recognize him today? That's the subject of this TURNING HOME episode called "Pastor Tupid".
The folks in Jesus' hometown of Nazareth didn't recognize him as the Son of God. They saw him only as the son of Mary. How do we recognize him today? That's the subject of this TURNING HOME episode called "Pastor Tupid".
What would you do for Christ? Anything? We look at commitment in this episode of TURNING HOME entitled "I Would Do Anything for You...But I Won't Do That".
What would you do for Christ? Anything? We look at commitment in this episode of TURNING HOME entitled "I Would Do Anything for You...But I Won't Do That".
The crowds that followed Jesus back in the day got pretty thick at times. In this episode of TURNING HOME, it appears Jesus was "Thinning the Herd" a little bit. And he's still doing it today.
The crowds that followed Jesus back in the day got pretty thick at times. In this episode of TURNING HOME, it appears Jesus was "Thinning the Herd" a little bit. And he's still doing it today.
On this Father's Day, we look at how Jesus reconciled the relationship of two "Daughters"; one to her earthly father, the other to her heavenly father.
Looking for a nice, easy explanation of the Holy Trinity? Try "Experiencing the Trinity: The Cat Sat on the Mat", this week's TURNING HOME episode.
Looking for a nice, easy explanation of the Holy Trinity? Try "Experiencing the Trinity: The Cat Sat on the Mat", this week's TURNING HOME episode.
Pentecost arrived amidst some "Moans and Groans" as we hear in this episode of TURNING HOME.
Pentecost arrived amidst some "Moans and Groans" as we hear in this episode of TURNING HOME.
The Ascension of Jesus 40 days after the Resurrection pulled on the disciples' "Heartstrings" as we hear in this episode of TURNING HOME.
Have you ever asked, Jesus, "How Do I Love Thee?" The answer is in this episode of TURNING HOME.
The apostle Paul would have made a pretty good Marine as we hear in this episode of TURNING HOME called "Improvise, Adapt, Overcome".
Lots of shepherdology in this episode of TURNING HOME called "I AM, the Good Shepherd" from John 10:1-18.
The first recorded case of "Heartburn" was in Luke 24:13-35. We talk about it in this episode of TURNING HOME.
The Easter message about the risen Christ was first preached by Mary Magdalene. She was sent by the Angel of the Lord with the commission to "Go Quickly and Tell!" And she did as we hear in this episode of TURNING HOME.
The Sunday before Easter--is it Palm Sunday or Passion Sunday? What should take precedence on our walk with Christ to the cross? Let's talk about it in this episode of TURNING HOME called "Save Us!"
Evidently, Jesus didn't care for funerals. Think about it. He messed up every funeral he was a part of, especially that of his friend Lazarus. Hear about it in this episode of TURNING HOME called "No Funerals, Please."
Just like Jesus cleansed the Temple, sometimes we are in need of a good cleanse ourselves as we hear in this episode of TURNING HOME called "The Cleanse" (of course).
God's patience is remarkable! We are a whiney, complaining people, yet God never stops chasing after us, trying to give us what we want and need as we hear in this episode of TURNING HOME called "In One Ear..."
How do we grow as a church or as an individual? The answer is in the most well-known verse in the Bible. We talk about it here in this episode of TURNING HOME called "God So Loves..."
We look at the transfiguration stories in this episode of TURNING HOME called "Afraid Not". No, that's not a typo; there are more than one.
Jesus takes on a subject we don't talk a lot about in church anymore: SIN! Find out what he has to say about it in this episode of TURNING HOME called "I Porky, I Okay!"
Just as salt enhances the flavor of food, Jesus says we as Christians are meant to enhance the flavor of the world around us. "Salt-N-Light" is the name of this episode of TURNING HOME.
Jesus must have been from the south! He will "Bless Your Heart!" many times in this episode of TURNING HOME.
A worldly fool vs a Godly fool. Pick one. Take a few minutes and listen to each argument in this edition of TURNING HOME called "What Kind of Fool Am I".
The story of the first disciple who became "Second Fiddle" in this episode of TURNING HOME.
John T. Baptist asked "The Obvious Question" when Jesus came to the Jordan. We try to answer it in this episode of TURNING HOME.
"The New Testament" is more than the last 27 books of Bible as we hear in this Christmas Day episode of TURNING HOME.
My high school World History teacher, Mr. Abney, never told us about "Mary the Revolutionary". We'll hear all about her in this episode of TURNING HOME.
John the Baptist would have fit in well with our county road crews as we learn in this episode of TURNING HOME called "The Salvation Road".
What would it be like to wear the uniform of the Lord? If we proclaim to be Christians, we do. All. The. Time.
It's funny how a song which you've known all your life suddenly takes on new meaning. Find out what "Do Lord, O Do Lord" is really all about in this episode of TURNING HOME.
It's funny how a song you've known all your life suddenly takes on new meaning. Find out what "Do Lord, O Do Lord" is really all about in this episode of TURNING HOME. https://cometoparadise.org/
For some, the end of the world is their greatest concern. Jesus tells us this should not be so as we hear in this episode of TURNING HOME called "Snake In the House!"
For some, the end of the world is their greatest concern. Jesus tells us this should not be so as we hear in this episode of TURNING HOME called "Snake In the House!"
Jesus calls us to be what we already are--saints! The message on this All Saints Sunday episode of TURNING HOME is that we are already "Blessed" beyond our comprehension.
A wee little man up a tall tree was shone the saving grace of Jesus in this episode of TURNING HOME called "A Short Story".
A wee little man up a tall tree was shone the saving grace of Jesus in this episode of TURNING HOME called "A Short Story".
Are you a nudnick? Take 15 minutes and find out "How to Be a Nudnick" in this episode of TURNING HOME!
Jesus asked "Where are the nine?", but I want to know more about "The Tenth Leper". We'll talk about him in this episode of TURNING HOME.
Every job has it's standards, the minimum requirements to accomplish a given task. What is the "Standard of Service" required to be a disciple of Christ? We talk about that in this episode of TURNING HOME.
How do we bridge the gap between rich and poor, hate and love, heaven and hell? Let's talk about it in this episode of TURNING HOME called "Bridging the Gap".
Is our value in Heaven directly proportional to our degree of lostness on Earth? It's the question addressed in this episode of TURNING HOME called "The Lost and Found Department".
In this episode of TURNING HOME, we learn find out exactly where to find "The Best Seat at the Table". At least where Jesus thinks it is.
The prophet Jeremiah had some good excuses for not doing God's will. He, along with Adam, Eve, Moses, and many others, had a bad case of "Yeah-Buts Disease" as we hear in this episode of TURNING HOME.
Fan support from that great cloud of witnesses is what we're talking about in this episode of TURNING HOME called "Home Field Advantage".
What is "IT", and do you have "IT"? That's the question we explore from Hebrews in this the 100th episode of TURNING HOME.
For lack of a better word, "Greed is Good!" If you like old movie references, you'll love this episode of TURNING HOME as Jesus talks about this deadly sin.
One of the membership covenants in the UMC is to support the church by our prayers. Find out how to do that in this episode of TURNING HOME called "The 3 'P's' of Prayer".
Sisters Mary and Martha both served Jesus in their own ways. Which way was better? That's the subject of this episode of TURNING HOME called "What's For Supper?"
We all know what Jesus' parable of the good Samaritan is all about, right? Maybe you do...maybe you don't. Take a listen to this episode of TURNING HOME and find out the truth behind the story of "The Samaritan".
As Americans, freedom is written on our hearts, but are we truly free? Paul helps us look for the answer in this episode of TURNING HOME called "Free Fruit!"
"Ready or Not..." Jesus comes to us face first! Are we ready to follow, or do we choose to run and hide? That's the subject of this episode of TURNING HOME.
Paul explains to the Galatians--and us--the difference between legalism and faith in this episode of TURNING HOME called "Faith VS Law".
Do you like "Real or Decaf?" Not talking coffee here. We're talking Christianity. Take a listen to this episode of TURNING HOME and discover the difference.
The Ascension of Christ took place out "As Far As Bethany", where the poor and miserable were. Why Bethany? Find out in this edition of TURNING HOME.
The apostle Paul went looking for a church in Philippi. What he found was a little smelly. Hear about it in this episode of TURNING HOME called "The Color Purple".
So...what do you know? What do you know you don't know? What do you want to know? Could you accept "High Level Ignorance"? Find out the answers to these questions on this episode of TURNING HOME.
We're talking super heroes in this episode of TURNING HOME. Can you guess the secret identity of "The Incredible Invisible Woman"?
Seen any good shows lately? God has given us the ultimate show in God's revelation to John as we hear in this episode of TURNING HOME called "Good Show!"
Seen any good shows lately? God has given us the ultimate show in God's revelation to John as we hear in this episode of TURNING HOME called "Good Show!"
This Easter message is a little bit different... It's the story of why John left stuff out of his gospel. "Believing is Seeing" is the title of this episode of TURNING HOME.
This Easter message is a little bit different... It's the story of why John left stuff out of his gospel. "Believing is Seeing" is the title of this episode of TURNING HOME.
What an honor it was to carry the Messiah into Jerusalem on the Sunday of palms! We can learn a lot from "The Little Donkey" in this episode of TURNING HOME.
What an honor it was to carry the Messiah into Jerusalem on the Sunday of palms! We can learn a lot from "The Little Donkey" in this episode of TURNING HOME.
Jesus' beloved friend, Mary of Bethany, has "No Regrets" in a last astounding act of love for her master, in this episode of TURNING HOME.
Jesus' beloved friend, Mary of Bethany, has "No Regrets" in a last astounding act of love for her master, in this episode of TURNING HOME.
The parable of "The Prodigal" is explored in this edition of TURNING HOME. But maybe it's not exactly the familiar story you thought it was...
Is your righteousness being rewarded properly? Are you getting your "Just Desserts?" Jesus explains a little about how that works in this episode of TURNING HOME.
Who holds authority in your life? In this edition of TURNING HOME called "A Fox In the Henhouse", we find out that Jesus holds all authority in Heaven and Earth, but leaves it to us to come under that authority...or not.
Who pushes your buttons? Is it that little demon whispering in your ear? Or is it God tugging at your heart? Jesus answered this test in the wilderness temptation as we hear in episode #80 of TURNING HOME entitled "Pushing Buttons".
On the day Jesus was transfigured, God gave Peter, James and John (and us)--not just another great idea--but another commandment: "Listen to Him!" It's what this episode of TURNING HOME is all about!
How is it with your soul? Has it been pummeled during the pandemic like the rest of us? Could you use a little soul restoration? King David gives us the recipe for that project in the 23rd Psalm, and we pass it along in this episode of TURNING HOME called "Soul Restoration".
If the Messiah could come from a little podunk town like Nazareth, then maybe there is good that can come from our own insignificance. Ya think? Nathanael has his question answered in this episode of TURNING HOME called "Good From Nazareth? Please!"
A normal activity like fishing can be used by Christ to build the Kingdom of God. Just ask Peter. And Andrew. And John. And James. All became "fishers of men", "catchers of people" just using the skill and talent they already had...as fishermen. We don't have to be specially gifted or talented for God to use us in the Kingdom. Just be normal.
A normal activity like fishing can be used by Christ to build the Kingdom of God. Just ask Peter. And Andrew. And John. And James. All became "fishers of men", "catchers of people" just using the skill and talent they already had...as fishermen. We don't have to be specially gifted or talented for God to use us in the Kingdom. Just be normal.
Seems like the folks in Jesus' home town of Nazareth had a problem with inclusiveness as we hear in this episode of TURNING HOME called "Misfits and Meatloaf".
The gospel of Jesus Christ is simple, but it ain't easy (pardon my French). Jesus Keeps It Simple, Stupid...er, uh, I mean...and Straightforward ("K.I.S.S.") in this episode of TURNING HOME.
"The Wedding" in Cana signaled the start of Jesus' ministry. It also is a short story which exemplifies what inviting Christ into our lives can do. Take a listen in this episode of TURNING HOME.
Those who witnessed the baptism of Jesus were also privy to hearing "God's Voice"! And it was awesome! Have you ever heard it? Take a listen to this episode of TURNING HOME and find out how to do that.
What was the best gift you got for Christmas this year? The Magi brought Jesus some gifts but I wonder what the toddler/savior thought of them, unlike "The Best Gift Ever" that God gave us. That's the subject in this episode of TURNING HOME.
"Why Me?" was the question Elizabeth asked when she realized she was in the presence of the not yet born Savior of the world. What did she do to deserve such a blessing? We ponder the same question in this episode of TURNING HOME. Episode #70
Paul is a "Cheerleader for Joy" in this episode of TURNING HOME. As we move through Advent, pick up your pom-poms and lets give a cheer for joy!
Advent is a call to "Advent-ure" from John T. Baptist and Jesus as we hear in this message from Luke on TURNING HOME.
In this first lesson of the Advent season, Jesus teaches us how the little fig tree can help in figuring out when the second Advent will take place. The message is called "Hope & Expectation" in this episode of TURNING HOME.
In this episode of TURNING HOME called "The Kingdom: Past, Present and Future", we celebrate Christ the King by attempting to answer the question Pilate asked Jesus, "Just what kind of king are you?"
We give a nod to our veterans in this message called "Some Gave All". The widow gave all she had in this story from Mark, and Jesus explains to his disciples--and to us--exactly what that means.