HPUMC - Sanctuary Sermons (Traditional Worship): Recent Episodes
Highland Park United Methodist Church - Dallas, Texas
Join us each week for traditional worship and an inspiring message from Senior Minister Rev. Paul Rasmussen and Rev. Matt Tuggle.
Rev. Dr. Abe Smith | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide.
Have you ever failed, really failed? It’s an awful feeling. Failure can leave us embarrassed, disappointed in ourselves, feeling like an imposter, and wondering whether we have let down the people we love most. It can even make us question whether God could still love us or use us.
In this sermon, we will look at the story of Peter, one of Jesus’ closest disciples. Peter wanted to follow Jesus with everything in him, yet when the moment came to stand faithfully beside him, Peter denied three times that he even knew Jesus.
Peter’s failure was painful, caused him to weep, and was impossible to undo. Yet, it was not the end of his story. After the Resurrection, Jesus met Peter on the shore, shared a meal with him, and offered him reconciliation and restoration. Jesus did not discard Peter; he restored him for renewed life, renewed purpose, and renewed service.
Failure is not the end of any story. Failure can be renewed in Jesus. Just like Peter, all of our failures can be restored through Jesus.
Rev. Chip Robertson | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide.
Human beings are created for connection. True life is found not in isolation but in communities shaped by grace, forgiveness, and love. We see that in Scripture.
Matthew 18:20 says, "Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them." This verse is not about the minimum number of people required for God to be present. Rather, it is about purpose. Gathering "in Jesus' name" transforms a collection of individuals into a genuine community united around Christ. When people intentionally gather with Christ at the center, something greater than themselves is created—a "we" instead of a collection of isolated "I's."
Community is also important for worship. Singing, praying, speaking liturgy, and participating in worship together are described as practices that deepen human connection. Communal worship can strengthen empathy, trust, and social bonds. Even if you worship online but participate, it can have that same effect.
Worship is not something spectators watch, but something participants experience together, creating a glimpse of God's presence among the community.
Rev. Dr. Abe Smith | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide.
What, or who, fills your tank? We’re not talking about your car. We’re talking about your soul, your spirit, your body, and your energy. What helps you find rest and recharge for the journey of life? Many of us know how to keep going, stay busy, and meet the next responsibility, but we may not know how to receive the kind of rest that truly restores us. Our culture celebrates productivity. We admire people who are always available, always accomplishing, always moving on to the next thing. But eventually, even the strongest among us begin to feel the weight of constant striving.
We may find ourselves physically exhausted, emotionally drained, or spiritually dry. We often try to refill ourselves with vacations, entertainment, hobbies, or distractions. While those things can be good gifts, they cannot ultimately satisfy the deeper weariness of the soul. Jesus recognized this kind of exhaustion. He knew what it was like to live in a world full of demands, expectations, and burdens. Yet instead of telling weary people to try harder or work longer, he offered something radically different: an invitation.
In this sermon, you are invited to reflect on Jesus’ words in Matthew 11:28–30: “Come to me… and I will give you rest.” We’ll discover the “Real Rest” Jesus offers: rest that renews our souls, realigns our lives, and helps us live with greater purpose and meaning.
Rev. Chip Robertson | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide
When you think of “the Father’s house,” you may think about the children’s song talking about it as a big, big house with lots and lots of rooms, or you may begin to picture the clouds of heaven. The Father's house is not primarily a location but a way of living in communion with God and one another. Scripture consistently points toward God creating a people who belong together in a covenant relationship. God's desire has always been to invite people into His family. That desire runs throughout the entire story of Scripture—from Eden to Abraham, through Jesus, and into eternity. Hand in hand with God’s desire for a people of community is the constant theme of redemption and restoration.
In this sermon, the theme of redemption is explored through the metaphor of reweaving. Sin is described not merely as breaking rules but as tearing the fabric of our relationships—with God, with others, and even within ourselves. Redemption is God's patient work of taking those torn places and weaving them back together so that what seemed beyond repair is restored. God does not simply cover over the broken places in our lives; He restores them, weaving together what has been torn until they are made new.
Every life is immeasurably valuable to God, and no tear is beyond His ability to restore. Like the father in the Prodigal Son, God continually watches, waits, and welcomes people home. Ultimately, the Father's house is not only a promise of where we will one day be. It is a present reality wherever people live in God's love, practice reconciliation, care for one another, and allow God to reweave the torn places of their lives. The invitation has always been open, and the door to the Father's house remains open still.
Rev. Dr. Abe Smith | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide.
In Hebrews 12, we are invited to “throw off everything that hinders” and “run with perseverance the race marked out for us,” keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus. That’s a powerful image because most of us know what it feels like to carry things we were never meant to carry: brokenness, regret, disconnection, wrongdoing, pride, or the weight of trying to hold life together on our own.
The good news of the Gospel is that Christ meets us with grace, forgiveness, and unconditional love. When we receive that grace, we discover a joy that is deeper than happiness and stronger than our circumstances. Christ lived and died so that we could know the joy of reconciliation, forgiveness, love, and the joy of freedom.
Jesus does not simply call us to run harder; he invites us to lay down what binds us and receive the life only he can give.
Rev. Matt Tuggle | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide.
“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Is there a more iconic Bible verse than Philippians 4:13? It is one of the most recognizable verses in all of Scripture. Christians have memorized it for generations, and it has found its way into popular culture. Your grandmother needlepointed it on a pillow. Your niece posted it on Instagram. Tebow put it on his eye black. Philippians 4:13 is everywhere.
Because it is so familiar, we often feel like we know exactly what it means. Many read it as a promise that God will help us accomplish whatever goal we set our minds to—we'll win the game, get the promotion, or overcome any obstacle standing in our way.
Although we know this verse by heart, many of us struggle to live it. When life becomes difficult, when our plans fall apart, when we face disappointment, loss, uncertainty, or suffering, we often discover that our strength isn't enough. We become anxious, discouraged, or exhausted because we've unknowingly emphasized what we can do instead of the One who gives us strength.
In this sermon, Matt unpacks Paul’s injunction to “Rejoice.” We’ve seen how a robust prayer life and an intentional thought life can yield rejoicing; now, we turn to our actions. What we do can lead us to a life of rejoicing. But could Paul possibly be right? Can we really do ALL things!?
Rev. Matt Tuggle | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide.
We're all keeping score. Naturally, we are creating a daily curated account of what our lives look like and what we tend to dwell on. Whether that is a conscious decision or an unconscious one, what we dwell on directly affects our daily account. And what we do with our account of life has everything to do with whether or not we can live lives of "rejoicing."
In Philippians 4:8, Paul encourages us to focus on “whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, pleasing, and commendable.” In this passage, Paul intentionally repeats the word “whatever” to slow us down and emphasize each quality individually. These are not just positive-sounding words but specific things that deserve our attention.
Turning our focus onto the good things is not an invitation to ignore problems or pretend everything is okay. We as Christians are still called to address difficult situations honestly, but we should not allow negativity to become our primary focus.
Because we believe that Jesus has already won the ultimate victory, we can face hardships while still returning our attention to what is good, true, just, and honorable.
Rev. Matt Tuggle | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide
When we think about peace, we tend to think that peace is the absence of problems, conflict, or worry. We tell ourselves, “I’ll finally have peace when this situation is resolved, when this relationship is repaired, when this diagnosis changes, when my schedule calms down, or when life feels manageable again.” But Scripture invites us into a deeper understanding of peace. The peace of God is not simply the absence of angst or conflict—it is a presence that can exist in the middle of difficult situations. It is a gift from God that accompanies us through the storms of life rather than waiting for the storms to pass before appearing. This is why Paul speaks of a “peace that surpasses understanding.” It is a peace that doesn’t always make logical sense because it can coexist with grief, uncertainty, disappointment, and hardship.
Worry, on the other hand, naturally yields something in our lives. It often produces stress, impatience, frustration, sleeplessness, and attitudes that spill over into our relationships with others. Left unchecked, worry can quietly begin to shape the way we see ourselves, others, and even God.
But what would it look like for worry to yield prayer? Prayer is a powerful tool for us, and it can become even more powerful when we are honest with God in our prayers. God does not expect polished words or perfect faith. He invites us to bring our real fears, our frustrations, our disappointments, and our hopes before Him. We can thank Him for the blessings we already see while also honestly asking Him for the things we need.
Rev. Matt Tuggle | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide.
"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say, rejoice." This Scripture, along with many other famous verses, all come from one singular chapter in Philippians, which will be the focus of this new sermon series. “Rejoice” is a word we Christians hear often, especially around high holy days like Christmas and Easter. We often think of rejoicing as merely feeling happy or joyful, but what if it is something much deeper and more active? Rejoicing is not simply an internal feeling; it is a way of living. Rejoicing is connected to recognizing God's work and celebrating His presence.
In Philippians, Paul does not say to rejoice only when things are good. Instead, as believers, we are called to rejoice in all circumstances because of one foundational truth: "The Lord is near.” Whether in moments of joy, grief, conflict, uncertainty, celebration, illness, weddings, funerals, or everyday frustrations, we can rejoice because God is near to us and meets us where we are. If He meets you right where you are, that is reason enough for rejoicing. Because God is with us, we can experience strength, peace, and confidence even in difficult seasons. Rejoicing does not mean denying pain or hardship; it means living with the confidence that God is present in every circumstance.
Rev. Dr. Abe Smith | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide.
What does it mean to live with open hands and open hearts before God? Open hands are a posture of surrender—releasing our grip on the things we try to control and trusting God with what we carry. An open heart is a posture of receptivity—making space for God’s presence, guidance, and transforming love. Together, they describe a way of living that is neither clenched by fear nor closed off by self-reliance, but marked by trust, attentiveness, and availability to God.
As we grow in awareness of Christ’s love, our perspective begins to change. The moments we once rushed through or overlooked can become places of encounter with God. A conversation with a friend, a quiet morning cup of coffee, a difficult decision, an act of service, a walk through the neighborhood, or a prayer whispered in the middle of a busy day can become sacred moments. Not because the circumstances themselves are extraordinary, but because God is present in them.
Living with open hands and an open heart is an invitation to discover that faith is not merely something practiced in church or reserved for special occasions. It is a way of being in the world—learning to recognize God's presence in the ordinary, trusting His care in every circumstance, and responding to His love with our whole lives. When we do, we often find that the sacred is woven into the fabric of our everyday experiences, and that God is closer than we imagined.
Rev. Chip Robertson | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide.
We tend to fill the buckets of our lives with things that, in the end, fail us—these things are empty of the promises they held for us when we acquired them—but they weigh a lot. Though there are plenty of things that leave us feeling empty, we can fill our buckets with things that leave us feeling fulfilled. How much does hope weigh? Or love? Or a child’s smile? Or a hand to hold when you are waiting to be taken to the operating room? Or a hug when the world seems to be crumbling around you? Or a willingness to risk your life for something more important than you are?
This is one of life’s great paradoxes: what matters most often cannot be seen at all? The world trains us to chase what is visible and measurable, but the soul is nourished by what is eternal. A person can possess everything the world applauds and still feel profoundly empty. Another person may own very little and yet radiate peace, joy, and purpose because their bucket is filled with things that cannot be taken away. If your bucket is full of love, hope, grace, friendship, courage, and self-giving service, then your life is filled with treasures untouched by time, gravity, or even death.
Rev. Matt Tuggle | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide.
In 2 Timothy 1:1-7, Paul reflects on the sincere and genuine faith that shaped Timothy’s life, which was first seen in his grandmother, Lois, and his mother, Eunice. Their faith was not merely talked about; it was consistently lived out in everyday life. This week’s message reminds us that our faith is often formed by the people who surround us and the generations that come before us. The faith modeled for us frequently becomes the faith we embrace ourselves.
Paul points to the influence of Scripture and the example of faithful family members in helping Timothy develop a real and lasting faith. But he also challenges Timothy to take ownership of that faith by “fanning into flame” the gift God placed within him. Faith cannot remain borrowed from someone else. It must be nurtured personally and continually renewed.
The passage closes with a reminder that God does not lead His people through fear but through power, love, and self-discipline. As we grow in authentic faith, we are called not only to receive the gift of faith from others but also to live in a way that passes it on to the next generation.
Rev. Matt Tuggle | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide
In 2 Timothy 1:1-7, Paul reflects on the sincere and genuine faith that shaped Timothy’s life, which was first seen in his grandmother, Lois, and his mother, Eunice. Their faith was not merely talked about; it was consistently lived out in everyday life. This week’s message reminds us that our faith is often formed by the people who surround us and the generations that come before us. The faith modeled for us frequently becomes the faith we embrace ourselves.
Paul points to the influence of Scripture and the example of faithful family members in helping Timothy develop a real and lasting faith. But he also challenges Timothy to take ownership of that faith by “fanning into flame” the gift God placed within him. Faith cannot remain borrowed from someone else. It must be nurtured personally and continually renewed.
The passage closes with a reminder that God does not lead His people through fear but through power, love, and self-discipline. As we grow in authentic faith, we are called not only to receive the gift of faith from others but also to live in a way that passes it on to the next generation.
Rev. Chip Robertson | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide.
Empty. What comes to your mind when you hear the word “empty"? Sometimes it refers to the absence of something; we open a box, and there is nothing in it. Sometimes it’s a feeling; something or someone important seems to be missing from our lives. Sometimes it’s a verb, the act of removing content and leaving an openness; we empty the trash. Physicists tell us that nature abhors a vacuum, and how we fill that emptiness really matters.
In this sermon, we’re going to start thinking about emptiness. It’s something many authors and social scientists think too many of us are experiencing these days. But, as usual, God has an idea about the problem. And sometimes God teaches us in the most unexpected ways.
Rev. Matt Tuggle | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide.
What is downstream of you? You want to make a difference; all of us do. Who we are, what we value, how we speak, how we spend, how we love, how we forgive, and how we show up—or fail to show up—does not stop with us. Every life has an outflow. You want the world—or at least your family and friends—to be better because you are here. You want the outflow of your life to bless others’ lives. Things like intentional love, sacrificial generosity, wise stewardship, and faithful service send hope, stability, and blessing downstream. They send evidence that another way of living is possible.
A decade ago, Nicholas Kristof wrote, “The people I’ve encountered over the years in the most impossible places—like Nuba, where anyone reasonable has fled—are disproportionately unreasonable because of their faith.” Faith—and specifically faith in Christ—does something to a person. Alongside the moral clarity and motivation faith provides, the apostle Paul believed faith in Christ actually, fundamentally changes a person. In this sermon, we explore how faith can change a person and change a life.
Rev. Matt Tuggle | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide.
God’s will is something we’ve all wrestled with at different points—whether we’re facing a major life decision like a move or career change or simply trying to discern where we belong and how we should live day to day. We often approach these moments wondering if we’re choosing what God has planned for us. But Colossians 1:9-14 reminds us that, while we may not always know every detail, God’s will is not hidden from us. It is knowable, doable, and good.
At its core, God’s desire is to form us into people who love Him fully and love others deeply. And the good news is that God is not only guiding us—He is actively working within us, through His power, to make that kind of life possible. He understands the deepest desires of our hearts even better than we do, and His will is ultimately for our good and the good of others.
Rev. Matt Tuggle | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide.
What next? Fortunately, we are not the first generation to ask that question. In fact, the first generation wanted to know the same thing. What now? How do we live a life of faith and love after the Resurrection? In this sermon, we will be looking at how we can live out our real faith in our real lives in very real ways. When we contemplate “what next,” we think about what is to come of our lives, who or what we will influence, what legacy we are going to leave behind, or what is downstream of us.
What we often forget to factor in is what we are putting into our lives that will, in turn, influence what comes after us, or what is upstream of us. Similar to eating habits, what we put in directly correlates with what we put out. If we are constantly filling our lives with things that are not hopeful, we will not leave behind a legacy of hope. On the other hand, if we fill our lives with faith, hope, and love, we will leave behind a legacy of faith, hope, and love. Just as Colossians 1:4-5 says, “because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people—the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel.” The message of hope and love that we keep upstream in our lives helps others hear about the gospel downstream.
Rev. Matt Tuggle | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide.
Jesus was asked many questions throughout his life. In fact, most of his teachings come as responses to what people asked or assumed. But here, just before his final week, Jesus turns the tables and asks a question himself—twice, in two different conversations:
“What do you want?”
First, a mother comes on behalf of her sons, asking for places of honor in his kingdom (Matthew 20:20-28). Then, two blind men cry out from the roadside, simply asking to see (Matthew 20:29-34). It’s a familiar question, but Jesus invites a deeper answer, one that moves beyond surface desires to the longings underneath.
Placed side by side, these stories invite us to compare and reflect. One asks for power, and the other asks for sight. One reveals a kind of blindness despite proximity to Jesus, and the other demonstrates true spiritual vision despite physical blindness. Both, however, need Jesus to open their eyes in different ways.
Through these moments, Jesus redefines life in his kingdom: greatness is not found in status or control but in service, sacrifice, and surrender—the way up is down. He not only teaches this truth but lives it, moving toward the cross and praying, “Not my will, but yours be done.” His invitation is to examine what we want, uncover what we really want, and bring those desires honestly to him. As we follow Jesus, we trust that he will reshape our desires according to his will.
Rev. Matt Tuggle | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide.
Generosity. This is something that can be controversial to think about. Generosity can easily give rise to jealousy and envy in the human heart instead of grace and gratitude. Something in our hearts leans more toward jealousy when we see or hear about other people's generosity, even if it is a generosity that we are a beneficiary of. We serve a God who is gracious and generous beyond comprehension. This generosity is on display in Jesus’ parable in Matthew 20:1-16.
This parable reminds us that Jesus is all about bringing people into the work of God. There is always work to be done, and whether someone comes in at the first hour or the eleventh hour, God wants them there and will be generous with them in turn. And we’re called, like God, to be generous with others in return, people who receive the blessings of God with an open hand and share the blessings of God with an open hand. We are called to be generous in the big moments of our lives and the smallest moments of our lives.
Rev. Chip Robertson
Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide.
“What does ‘humble’ mean?” That’s the question before us in this sermon. It is a question that many of us have asked throughout our lifetime. Humility is something that we hear about all throughout the Bible and is a common theme in Jesus’ life. Though the disciples saw pure humility in their lives of following Jesus, in Matthew 18 we see them challenge it with human pride, competition, and comparison. Despite everything they had seen, they were still measuring greatness the way the world measures it. And don’t we do the same? We compare. We compete. We seek recognition. We want to be seen, valued, and elevated. The disciples’ struggle with humility isn’t distant from us—it mirrors our own hearts. Their question reveals something deeply human: the pull toward pride and self-importance.
Jesus responds in a way that completely redefines greatness. He calls a child to himself and says that unless we become like little children—lowly, dependent, and unassuming—we cannot even enter the kingdom of heaven. In other words, humility is not optional in the Christian life. It is essential. Let’s explore what it means to be humble together as we continue our Lenten journey toward the cross and the empty tomb.
Rev. Matt Tuggle | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide.
What is the last thing you purchased for the purpose of improving your life? Every day, we encounter hundreds of proposals about how we should spend our money, time, and attention. Advertisements, products, and opportunities promise to make our lives better—healthier, happier, more successful, or more fulfilled.
Each of these proposals asks us to run a kind of cost–benefit analysis: Is this worth it? Will this truly improve my life? Jesus offers a different kind of proposal.
In Matthew 13:44, Jesus says the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man discovers the treasure, he joyfully sells everything he owns in order to obtain it. Jesus is telling us that there is one thing worth everything. It is as valuable as buried treasure. It is like a precious pearl.
The “it” Jesus is pointing to is life in the kingdom of God through discipleship to him. It is a life spent knowing Jesus, learning his ways, and becoming like him. The invitation of the parable is simple but profound:
Consider the cost. Consider the benefit. Decide whether it is worth it.
The life Jesus offers—one filled with love, joy, peace, and purpose—is the greatest treasure we could ever discover.
Rev. Matt Tuggle | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide.
Jesus’ parable of the mustard seed in Matthew 13:31–33 reveals that the kingdom of God often begins in ways that seem small, hidden, and insignificant but ultimately become transformative and far-reaching. Just as a seed absorbs water, soil, and light to become something new, Jesus’ ministry began in the obscure village of Nazareth within the vast Roman Empire. What started small grew into a movement that outlasted empires and changed the world.
Jesus understood that his Father’s kingdom is ever-expanding, and he continues this seed-like work in human hearts today—absorbing pain, shame, addiction, and sorrow and transforming them into hope, forgiveness, healing, and love. The central message is that the world changes one human heart at a time. Though individual lives may feel small and insignificant in the face of seemingly overwhelming global problems, God works through quiet, faithful transformation, turning surrendered hearts into catalysts for change in families, communities, and beyond.
Rev. Matt Tuggle | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide.
Resolutions often fail because they demand an undefined, lifelong commitment; “forever” feels overwhelming. Lent, however, offers a grace-filled, 40-day invitation to intentional change. Rather than relying on sheer willpower, we lean on God’s strength. It is a season of formation—a time to prepare for Easter by saying “yes” to what deepens our life with God and “no” to what distracts or diminishes it.
At the heart of this week’s message is Jesus’ parable of the wheat and the weeds. A weed called darnel, also known as wheat’s evil twin, looked like wheat at first but proved poisonous with its roots entangling and choking the crop. It mirrors our lives: the “weeds” we tolerate often seem harmless, even good, at first, but eventually entangle our hearts and harm others. Still, the field belongs to the Son of Man. Though good and evil grow side by side, Jesus continues planting “children of the kingdom,” marked by forgiveness, patience, grace, and truth.
The parable then moves into the present. Jesus is still sowing good seed in our homes, workplaces, and communities, forming us to think and act in step with his heart. We are sent into the ordinary spaces of life as his representatives.
The invitation for Lent is simple: let these 40 days be a season of growth. Ask God to expose the weeds and cultivate his fruit in you. His life sets the pattern, his death brings forgiveness, and his resurrection provides the power to change.
Rev. Matt Tuggle | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide.
Jesus offers abundant life. If you’ve been a Christian for a while, this should be a familiar concept. The only way to have an abundant life is through a relationship with Jesus and reorienting our lives around our faith. When we try to work our faith into the corners of our lives, the forces that try to work against human thriving are given more room to take hold of our hearts and minds. These forces subtly distort truth, inflame disordered desires, and tempt us to build our lives around lesser kingdoms, like success, comfort, control, and approval.
When faith is confined to a compartment of life—Sunday mornings, occasional prayers, moral checklists—those opposing forces are given space to shape the rest of our hearts and habits. Abundant life requires full integration. It calls for building our entire lives around Christ rather than attempting to fit him into the margins. When Jesus becomes the center—informing our decisions, relationships, work, ambitions, and even our suffering—our lives gain coherence. When we lay down our kingdom—our demand for control, our self-made identity, our ultimate allegiance to our own plans—we make room for his kingdom. In losing our lives, we find it.
Rev. Matt Tuggle | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide.
Luke 5 opens with Peter, a skilled fisherman, exhausted after a night of empty nets. It is in the midst of this frustration that Jesus steps into Peter’s boat, meeting him in his ordinary work. When Jesus tells him to go into deep water and lower his nets, Peter chooses trust over relying on his own expertise (Luke 5:5). His obedience results in an overwhelming catch that nearly sinks two boats.
Rather than celebrating, Peter falls to his knees in awe and confesses his unworthiness. Jesus responds with a new calling: “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people” (Luke 5:10). Peter leaves everything to follow him, showing that true life is found in following Jesus, not clinging to the blessings he has provided.
This week’s message invites us beyond shallow safety into deeper trust with God and reminds us that our everyday places (work, school, and home) are where Jesus calls us to join his mission. He steps into our boats first, meeting us where we are, before we ever prove ourselves worthy.
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Life is full of beginnings and endings. Most of the time, we get more excited about the former. With relationships, opportunities, careers, etc., there is a level of excitement and expectation with something new. Hope abounds. With endings, not so much. There is a finality to endings that often seems unsettling. There is a fear of uncertainty that can be particularly debilitating.
But what if our perspective on both was just a bit off? What if beginnings and endings were far more connected than we realize? New things cannot begin if something else doesn’t end. Life goes in seasons of life, death, and resurrection, or in other words, beginnings, endings, and new beginnings. We see that new beginnings mean new blessings and new mercies from God. Endings do not always have to have a negative connotation; there can be a glimmer of hope.
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Have you met many shepherds lately? Seems like a dying profession. They’re out there, but they don't get much press. Which is a shame, because Jesus thought the work of a shepherd was mission-critical.
Turns out, it still is. The work of a shepherd is intentional, tedious, and repetitive. A shepherd knows their flock, how many are supposed to be there, and notices when one wanders off. You’ve got to know your flock well to notice when just a singular sheep goes astray. That’s how God knows us.
That's why, nearly 100 years ago to the day, Dr. Umphrey Lee decided that Jesus' Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:1–7) should be the featured Scripture adorning the walls of our Sanctuary. As we go through week three of “The Final Four,” we'll take a look at this marvelous story and why it's more relevant than ever.
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What do you think about when you think about God? Is God tall or short? Mean or kind? Present or distant? Angry or content? All of the above? At some point, we all consider what God is like. Even the most confident atheist had to come up with an understanding of God that they would decide to reject. So, one more time, what do you think about when you think about God?
What you believe about God also shapes how you see yourself. If God is loving, then you are lovable. If God is merciful, then you are more likely to forgive yourself. It doesn’t stop there. The way you think about God determines how you love people. A God who keeps score often produces relationships marked by judgment and comparison. A God who delights in mercy forms people who are slower to condemn and quicker to restore. We tend to treat others the way we believe God treats us.
So the question matters deeply: What do you think about when you think about God? Because that belief doesn’t stay in your head—it moves into your prayers, your self-worth, your relationships, and the way you move through the world. Change your understanding of God, and over time, you change the way you live.
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The comparison trap can be harmful. That insatiable allure of being more like someone else than who we are meant to be. Why is it so difficult to believe in ourselves? We were fearfully and wonderfully made, and we tend to forget that when comparison seeps in. We look around constantly at the masterpieces that God created, forgetting that we are also a masterpiece created by God. Humans were specifically and intentionally created by the God of the universe. Every part of our lives—our gifts, personalities, stories, and even our struggles—is connected to our lives for a purpose.
Believing in ourselves becomes difficult because comparison trains us to measure our value externally rather than anchor it in truth. Instead of resting in who God says we are, we look for validation in people’s achievements, appearances, or approval. Fear creeps in—fear of not measuring up, fear of being overlooked, fear that we somehow missed the mark in who we were created to be. We were not short-changed when God created us. Over time, this fear erodes confidence and replaces faith with insecurity. Letting go of comparison is an act of faith. It is choosing to believe that we are enough—not because we are perfect, but because we are God’s.
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Epiphany marks the moment when God’s love was revealed to the world through Jesus Christ, as the Magi followed a star to the Christ child. It is the story of God’s light shining in the darkness and making God known to all people.
In this sermon, we invite you to worship with us as we explore what it means to live a legacy of light. The Magi were guided by the star to Jesus, but their journey didn’t end there. After encountering Christ, they returned home changed, carrying the story and the light with them.
Epiphany reminds us that Christ is the Light of the World and that light is meant to be shared. There is no better way to begin a new year than by discovering how Christ’s light can shape our lives, our choices, and the legacy we leave behind.
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Following Jesus is serious work. But have you ever met someone who seems to take themselves way too seriously in the process? In all their religiosity, there’s no laughter, no whimsy, no joy—just a rigid seriousness they assume God must clearly require for approval.
Churches do this, too. Sometimes, in the name of reverence, we create environments with no room for passion and emotion. Just keep your head down and be quiet. God can't possibly want you to celebrate. Given how many times we see the word "rejoice" in our Scriptures, I've often wondered why we repress—or never even realize—the power of joy in our lives. Thankfully, joy is one of the four themes of Advent.
This week, we'll take a look at what it means to embrace one of God's greatest gifts to humanity.
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Got any storms in your life? Of course you do. This world is full of chaos and turbulence—unexpected waves that crash into our plans, sudden winds that shake our confidence, and silent pressures that weigh on our hearts. Sometimes that chaos rises from within us. And sometimes that chaos originates in the world around us. If only we could find some peace.
Christmas reminds us that God sees our storms. God knows our chaos and cares deeply about guiding us into peace. The miracle of Christmas is not just that Christ came into the world—it’s that he came into our world with all its mess, noise, and struggle. Peace didn’t wait for the world to quiet down; peace stepped into the noise. And the good news is, peace is closer than we think. On this second Sunday of Advent, we will dive deeper into how to find that peace that is closer than we think.
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As we begin this Advent season, many of us carry places in our lives that feel hidden, heavy, or dim. We don’t always name them out loud—pride, resentment, fear, exhaustion, comparison, old wounds that still ache—but they quietly shape how we see the world and how we experience God.
In this sermon, we’ll explore a hope far deeper than optimism or holiday cheer. In John 1:1-9, we’re reminded that Christ is the Light that shines in every dark place, and no darkness can overcome it.
If there are places in your life that feel discouraged, uncertain, or dimly lit, the hope is that this message is impactful. We’ll discover together how the light of Christ can reach even the hidden places of our hearts and bring a hope that is steady, faithful, and life-giving.
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Thanksgiving is a time for abundant activity. And for many, one of the more common activities is getting together with THOSE PEOPLE. You know what I mean—THOSE PEOPLE—the ones you don't get along with, agree with, or even enjoy being around.
The good news is, being around those people doesn't have to be a bad experience. In fact, Jesus gives us a pretty good model for being around people who were nothing like him. So whether it's during Thanksgiving—or any other day—if you struggle with those people, you'll want to hear this message.
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I am my own worst enemy! Have you ever felt that way about yourself? Maybe in one of those moments when you end up somewhere you really don't want to be because you've done something you really didn't want to do, but you did it anyway.
We all have moments when we realize that we are solely responsible for a decision that we've made. But we're not alone. As we conclude our look at David in 1 & 2 Samuel, we'll talk about one more lesson from the Great King that might just be helpful.
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This week, we are finishing the story of the Good Samaritan—a story that begins with a question: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” That’s a big question. It is a question that many of us have wrestled with at some point on our journey of faith. And the lawyer who asked it was about to find out what happens when what he thinks is obvious is placed in the Son's light.
The question seemed straightforward. The lawyer wanted a clear answer and to test Jesus’ understanding of the law. Jesus doesn’t respond with a formula or checklist—he turns the question back on the man, asking, “What is written in the law?” and “How do you read it?” That simple shift invites the lawyer, and us, to look inward. It’s not just about knowing the right words but living them. That is how we inherit eternal life, living our lives like Jesus and living out the words he teaches.
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Everyone knows the story of the Good Samaritan. They could practically tell it in their sleep. It’s the classic tale of helping your neighbor. There’s nothing to add to it. But what if we looked at the story from the viewpoint of a new journey? A journey that ends in Jericho.
If there is another way of looking at it, maybe this story is like one of those pictures where you see one thing, then either turn it around or focus on a different part of it and see something else—like the duck that could also be a rabbit, or the chalice that is also two faces looking at each other.
We’ve all seen Jesus’ story one way, but maybe there’s another way to look at it. In this sermon, we’ll unpack how the story is about more than defining our neighbor. Much more.
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Have you ever done something and then felt guilty about it? Whether we deny it or face it head-on, we’ve come up with a million ways to deal with the guilt. Guilt can be something that comes so easily but is so hard to move on from. Learning to move on from guilt doesn’t mean forgetting what we did; it means understanding, taking responsibility, and using the experience for growth.
Guilt can be heavy and dark, but the good news is we don't need to be so inventive when it comes to dealing with our guilt. The life of David gives us a pretty simple playbook to use when we’ve fallen short.
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God is good, all the time! And, all the time, God is good! We believe that. We proclaim that. But c'mon... Aren't there days when you feel like you've lost all momentum when it comes to experiencing the goodness of God? You've been following God, worshiping God, and praying to God just like you were told, and your life seems to be anything but good. What then?
If you have ever wondered where the goodness of God has gone, you'll want to hear this message. We'll be in the third week of our exploration of 1 & 2 Samuel as we look at the life of David.
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You have nothing to fear! Has anyone ever said that to you when you were fearful of something? And they probably meant well. They were just trying to calm you down by minimizing the object of your fear. But what if the object of your fear really exists? How do you avoid being fearful when there really is something to be afraid of?
Fear is a natural part of life and something that we can often hide behind. But just because we can hide behind it doesn’t mean we don’t have to. Frequently in the Bible, we see “Do not be afraid” or “Fear not,” and those can be reminders that fear does not need to be in control. In this sermon, we learn about a young David standing firm in the face of fear and leaning into the strength of God.
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It's time to celebrate! When Project Mockingbird began, we invited you to be part of the "echo" in order to continue the great work of HPUMC over the past 109 years, both ON and FROM the corner of Hillcrest and Mockingbird. We believe the brighter HPUMC shines, the more light we bring to our community and the city of Dallas. You have answered that call.
Your support is a testament to the strength of a church that has made an impact and will continue to do so for years to come. Thanks to your generosity, we are moving forward with initiatives focused on a thriving church, thriving leadership, and thriving community partners. Our work remains ahead of us, but through this celebration, we are encouraged to keep moving forward.
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There is extraordinary power in partnership. Two partners, with synergy and collaboration, can yield extraordinary results. That’s why our church loves joining together with other churches and nonprofits to do miraculous things for the city of Dallas in the name of Christ. Connectionalism is a vital aspect of United Methodism, and we see its fruit through our partnership with St. Luke UMC.
In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus says that everyone is our neighbor. Our neighbor is not limited to our physical neighbor, our city, or our job, but everyone we interact with. We are challenged in this story to expand our vision of who we typically consider our neighbors.
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Decisions! Decisions! We make them all day long, and they never stop coming. Some big, some small. Some are worrisome, some are no big deal. But our identity is ultimately derived from the decisions we make—and so is our impact. Every choice—whether personal, professional, or societal—carries consequences that ripple outward. Good decision-making can build trust, reduce risk, and create long-term success, while poor decisions can waste resources, damage credibility, or close off future options. As we consider what great leadership looks like in our community, we'll talk about one of the most important decisions we all face sooner or later.
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Processing so much hatred and violence can feel overwhelming—and everyone has an opinion. From peers to pundits, you don't have to look far to find out how people feel about it. One thing to think about is, has anyone asked God? We often turn to our friends, family, social media, and other sources to process emotions or significant events, forgetting to turn to God. God’s heart breaks with ours, and we see moments of that reflected throughout Scripture.
It’s easy to get mixed up in all of the chaos and forget our call as disciples to be peacemakers. But when violence happens, we can look to Jesus, our perfect example of peace, and seek out ways to be stewards of that peace for ourselves and those around us.
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It's common to think that your relationship with God should just be between you and God. While faith might be personal, it can never be individualistic. You see, we're not just responsible for our own faith. We're called to lay the groundwork for the faith of the generation to come. Sharing our faith can be as simple as an invitation or as large as truly living life by your beliefs. However you choose to do it, sharing your faith is part of your calling as a Christian.
In this sermon, we continue our series on The Great Commission by considering the challenging question, “Am I willing to share my faith or not?” Through sharing our faith, we lay the groundwork for the next generation and show the light of Jesus to those around us. This week, we dig deeper into what it looks like to practically share our faith in our daily lives.
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Have you ever longed for a relationship to grow closer? Maybe it’s a friend who stays polite but guarded, an adult child who keeps you at a distance, or a family member who resists reconciliation. Most of us can relate, and Scripture tells us that God can, too. His desire is an intimate, loving relationship with us, yet many of us settle for something polite but shallow. Just as we can’t force closeness with others, God doesn’t force it with us. He stands at the door and knocks, waiting for us to let Him in.
Last week, we began a new series on the Great Commission, where Jesus calls us to make disciples of all nations—people who draw close to him and become like him. But that raises a challenge: how can we make disciples if we’re not confident in our own discipleship? This week, we’ll explore what it means to walk with Jesus in the small, ordinary moments of everyday life and move from a surface-level faith to one shaped by His presence.
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Did you know that the word “Christian” only appears three times in the entire Bible? It emerged in the early days of the church as a derogatory label for those who followed Jesus. But when Jesus and the New Testament authors spoke about those who chose to follow him, they used the same word over 250 times: disciple. And as it turns out, being a disciple is a far more demanding calling.
In this sermon, we explore what it really means to be a disciple of Jesus and why it challenges so many of the ways we naturally live. We wrestle with the question: if following Jesus is more than a label, what does your life look like when you actually do it?
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Guardrails aren’t placed in the middle of danger. They are strategically positioned to stop you before you get there—along sharp curves, at the edge of steep drop-offs, and in the places where one wrong move could change everything. We put guardrails where the risk is high and the cost of ignoring them is even higher.
In this series, we’ve been exploring the boundaries God gives to protect us from harm and guide us toward the life He designed. In this final message, we ask, “Where do you need guardrails in your life before it’s too late?” Most of us only start looking for boundaries after we’ve already hit something, but what if you could see the danger ahead and avoid it altogether? This conversation could spare you years of regret and help you preserve what matters most.
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What if the way you spend your time is quietly steering your life in a direction you never intended? In a world that glorifies busyness, it’s easy to believe the false gospel that hurry equals a full life, productivity equals worth, and rest equals laziness. But this relentless pace leaves us anxious, exhausted, and distracted. So how do we trade a life of hurrying for the life God designed?
In this sermon, we’ll explore the guardrails we need to avoid danger when it comes to one of our most precious resources: our time. For anyone who has felt the weight of nonstop deadlines, the buzz of your phone, or the pressure to prove your worth through productivity, this message invites us to consider how we steward our time and what might be lost if we don’t.
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No one gets behind the wheel planning to crash. Yet, it happens every day. People crash, not because they meant to, but because they drifted, got distracted, or ignored the warnings. This isn’t just true for driving. It’s true in life. People don’t plan to wreck their marriage, lose their integrity at work, or compromise their financial future. But all too often it happens when we live without guardrails.
In this new series, “Guardrails,” we are exploring the spiritual boundaries God gives, not to restrict us, but to protect what matters most. In this sermon, we begin in Genesis 3 with a subtle question that changed everything: Can God really be trusted?
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What would it look like if the door to God’s love and grace was wide open in your life? What if God’s peace, mercy, and goodness were breaking through in your everyday moments?
Prayer is the way Jesus teaches us to connect with God and invite Him to shape our daily lives. In this sermon, we explore Luke 11, where Jesus teaches us how to pray and shows us that when we ask, seek, and knock, God responds. We’ll uncover practical ways to “open doors” so heaven becomes real in our homes, workplaces, and communities through the way we live and love.
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Have you ever found yourself at a loss for words when someone you care about is hurting? It’s easy to feel powerless. You want to comfort, but you don’t want to say the wrong thing. You want to show up, but you’re not sure how.
This desire within us—to help, to be useful, to make a difference—is Christlike. After all, we follow Jesus, who taught us to move towards the hurting and be the hands and feet of God. But what if offering our presence could be just as powerful as taking action? In this sermon, we explore the comfort God offers us and calls us to extend to others. Together, we consider how God can shape us into people of deeper strength and compassion in a hurting world.
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What do we do when tragedy strikes and suffering seems random? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed or distant from God in the face of broken circumstances and unanswered questions. Yet, we believe that these hard realities don’t mean God is absent or uncaring. So, how can we recognize and hold onto God’s love in the midst of life’s messiness?
In this sermon, we explore how God responds to our pain and shares our struggles with us. Through the Parable of the Good Samaritan, we discover a beautiful image of compassion that doesn’t just observe suffering from a distance but moves toward it, even when it is costly.
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Do you ever wonder if you have to “clean up” your life before God will really show up? Life isn’t neat or tidy. There are joys and sorrows, questions and celebrations. And sometimes, we feel pressure to have it all together or hide the parts of our lives we are ashamed of, even with God and other believers. But what if God invites us to bring our whole, honest selves before Him? What if our messiness is exactly where He wants to meet us?
In this sermon, we explore the hope and freedom found in the presence of a God who walks with us through every part of our lives—from the hardest days to the best, and all the ones in between.
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Do you have the mindset of Jesus? So often we spend time, money, and energy learning to think like others so that we can be more like them—more successful in business or influential in relationships. But what if we could learn to think more like Jesus so that we can be more like him?
The Apostle Paul thought we could, and he gives us a blueprint in Philippians 2 to embrace humility like Jesus did. But that’s easier said than done, isn’t it? In this sermon, we explore how we as Christians can be of one mind and with each other in Jesus by exploring what it truly means to have a humble heart.
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Have you ever found yourself presented with an opportunity you felt totally unqualified for? Two thousand years ago, an ordinary disciple named Ananias found himself in the same position. God had called him to do something that seemed risky, unexpected, and far beyond his comfort zone. But what if being the “right person” for God to work through has less to do with qualifications and more to do with availability? And what if the places and spaces you occupy are exactly where He wants to work? In this sermon, we turn to this story from Acts 9 to explore how God works through unlikely people in unlikely ways, including us.
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What attribute do you love most about your father or a father figure in your life? Maybe it’s his steady strength, his listening ear, or his generosity. Maybe it’s his dependability to show up when it matters most.
In one of Jesus’ most famous parables, we meet a father who does something entirely unexpected: he gives away his inheritance early and then runs to embrace the son who wasted it all. Why would he do that? And what is Jesus trying to teach us through his example? In this sermon, we reflect on the Father that Jesus truly wants us to know, whose love changes everything.
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Sometimes, all the wisdom and experience in the world tell us to “stay put.” Don’t try. Don’t hope. Don’t believe anything will change. Whether it's a personal struggle or a societal issue that feels too broken to fix, it can be easy to settle into a mindset that our problems are too big, and we should stop expecting more. But what if there is a power greater than the greatest problems we face?
In this sermon, we study the story of a desperate father who took a risk because he dared to believe that Jesus might actually be bigger than his son’s lifelong, life-altering condition. What if we, like him, are being invited to step out in faith in the face of our own challenges? And what if God wants to do something that seems impossible if we will only dare to act on what we know to be true about Him?
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Ever felt trapped in the endless cycle of decision-making anxiety? You aren’t alone. Each of us knows the overwhelming worry that comes with facing a big decision, and in the face of that worry, it’s easy to stall out, waiting to feel like we have enough information before moving forward.
The only problem is, “enough” information is a mirage. We never have enough to make a perfect choice.
But what if this wasn't a design flaw in the decision-making process? What if this is exactly what God intended? In this sermon, we explore the tension between patience and action and consider what it looks like to navigate uncertainty with God. If you are feeling stuck, wondering when to wait and when to move, this message is for you.
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In a world where “might makes right,” gentleness can feel like weakness. But what if it is actually a surprising kind of strength?
God places a high value on gentleness. Jesus describes himself as gentle, and it is listed among the nine fruits of the Spirit that God wants to grow in each of us. So, what is it about gentleness that God prizes? And what does it look like to choose gentleness when the world around us prefers control and power? In this sermon, we close out our Cultivate series by reshaping our view of gentleness and considering whether it might just be one of the most powerful ways we reflect Jesus to the world.
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“I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” These words from the Apostle Paul might be some of the most relatable in the Bible. Have you ever felt that way—caught in a struggle with yourself, wanting to do better but falling into the same patterns? We all do at times. We overextend or overindulge in areas like spending, drinking, working, losing our temper, or overcommitting on our schedules. It can feel like we’re powerless to get things under control.
Why is it so hard to live the life we truly desire, even when we have the best intentions?
This sermon explores the challenge of mastering our desires so that we can live for what we want most, rather than what we want right now. What if real change isn’t just about trying harder? What if it isn’t something that’s missing in our lives, but someone? Understanding this difference could be the key to lasting change and a new kind of freedom.
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What does it truly mean to honor those who have shaped us?
In John 19, as Jesus hangs on the cross, he looks down at his mother and ensures she is cared for. Even in his final moments, he remains focused on honoring her.
Mother’s Day reminds us of the call to honor our mothers and motherly figures, but what does that look like in our everyday lives? And how might our relationships change if we lived with that same intentional care and respect Jesus showed, even when it is difficult or undeserved? In this sermon, we explore how Jesus’ example and the Ten Commandments shape our understanding of honor and challenge us to show it to one another.
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When Jesus promises in John 14 that he will do whatever we ask in his name, it’s tempting to hear that as a blank check—an offer to make our agendas succeed with divine power. But does Jesus really mean God will always give us whatever we ask for? Or is he inviting us into something deeper?
Prayer was a constant habit for Jesus. In the Gospels, he models a life of honest conversation with the Father, naming his desires and willingly surrendering to the Father’s will. In this sermon, we explore the power of that kind of prayer. As we learn to empty ourselves of our own agendas, we make space for God to recreate us and work through us. This is the kind of surrender that teaches us to trust and transforms us into image bearers ready to join in on what God wants to do in the world.
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What if the way we think about "ruling" isn’t quite what God had in mind? From the dawn of creation, God commissioned humanity to rule over all that God created. But what if His call is less about control and more about reflecting God’s image through loving stewardship? In a world where power is often equated with dominance, God invites us into a radically different kind of rule: one rooted in love, humility, and service. How might that change the way we live out our calling every day? In this sermon, we’ll explore how being made in God’s image isn’t just about who we are—it’s about how we reflect His love by creating flourishing in the world around us.
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On Palm Sunday, we celebrate the moment Jesus rode triumphantly into Jerusalem as the people cheered wildly with the expectation that he was their Messiah. What had he done to receive such adulation? Why would they believe that he was the one?
Just days before, Jesus had done an extraordinary miracle: raising a man from the dead. It was a sign that gave people something to believe in. But before the miracle, Jesus did something just as important. He stepped into the heartbreak of grief and death with his dear friends and faced the painful question many of us still ask: If God can fix my problem, where is He? In this sermon, we reflect on the encounters that Mary and Martha have with Jesus just after their brother Lazarus has died, and we wrestle with what our own faith looks like when everything else falls apart.
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Do you want to get well? This is the question Jesus asks in John 5 when he encounters a man who has been paralyzed for 38 years, waiting by the pool of Bethesda. When Jesus tells him to "get up and walk," he is inviting the man—and all of us—to move from fear to freedom and trust.
In this sermon, we continue our series on the miracles of Jesus in the Gospel of John, which were signs pointing to Jesus’ identity and mission. This story challenges us to ask: Are we holding onto small, limited views of what’s possible, or are we ready to step into the abundant life God has already prepared for us? Join us this week as we explore how Jesus invites us to trust his vision for our lives and our world.
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Have you ever been asked to trust someone based only on their word? Maybe you wanted proof before believing, or you felt doubt creeping in. Taking someone at their word can feel risky, especially when the stakes are high.
In this sermon, we continue our series on the miracles of Jesus in the Gospel of John by exploring the story of a man in desperate need who has every reason to doubt a promise from Jesus—a royal official whose son is dying. When he asks Jesus to come with him to heal the boy, Jesus tells him to go back on his own and that his son will live. Should he trust Jesus or not? His response might be just what we need when we're looking for a miracle of our own.
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Do you believe in miracles? Maybe you do, maybe you don’t. But most of us have found ourselves praying for one in those moments when we desperately need something extraordinary to happen. The Gospel of John records seven miracles Jesus performed to reveal his divine purpose and authority on the way to Jerusalem. Over the next few weeks leading up to Easter, we’ll take a look at several of these to learn more about the nature of miracles and what they reveal about Jesus’ character.
In this sermon, we begin with Jesus turning water into wine at a wedding. What does this miracle reveal about Jesus’ heart and power? And how does it shape our understanding of what he wants to do in our lives? Join us as we explore the first of many powerful miracles and discover how they speak to us today.
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We all wrestle with questions of identity and worth—who we are, what defines us, and whether we measure up. But from the very beginning, God declared our worth. Made in God’s image, we were created to reflect His love and goodness to the world. Yet, we often try to earn our place with God or define ourselves by other metrics: our achievements, the approval of others, or what we accumulate.
What if God’s love isn’t transactional but freely given? What if our worth isn’t based on what we do but on who we are to God? In this sermon, we will look to Scripture and the Easter story to uncover the powerful truth about how God really sees us and what that means for our lives.
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We’ve all felt that sinking feeling of regret after making a mistake. But how often do we fail to turn that regret into real change through repentance? Repentance can feel like a daunting religious word, particularly if you’ve heard it in a “fire and brimstone” context. But what if repentance isn’t as intimidating as we think? What if it’s not just about owning our guilt, but experiencing life on the other side?
In Hebrew, the word for repent, shuv, simply means “to turn back.” It is an invitation to leave behind the things that keep us stuck and move toward renewal. This sermon explores the life-changing power of repentance, and if you’ve ever been stuck on a path you know isn’t right, this message is for you.
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What if God is calling you to something bigger than your resources? Oftentimes, we let limitations—money, time, ability—dictate what we think is possible. But what if God is ready to provide in a way we never could have expected, if we will only step out in faith?
Twenty-five years ago, asking this question changed the course of our church. It led us to launch Belong Disability Ministry, which has changed our community for the better. It has changed the way we think, the way we act, and our understanding of hospitality. In this sermon, we celebrate what God has done through Belong and challenge ourselves to consider: Where might God be calling us to trust Him beyond our limitations? And who else might God be calling us to show hospitality to, breaking down any barriers so they can find a place to belong as valuable members of God’s family?
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Why do bad things happen to good people?
This is a question humans have been asking for millennia. Whether it’s illness, injustice, or a natural disaster, personal and global suffering often leaves us wondering, “How could a good and powerful God allow this?” In this sermon, we will explore some of the causes of suffering and wrestle with the tension of holding onto God’s goodness while facing these harsh realities. With Psalm 69 as our guide, we’ll discover that God invites us to bring our rawest emotions and questions to Him and gives us hope, even when the world doesn’t make sense.
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There is nothing like fulfilling a dream! It feels magical when all your plans and hard work bring you to the finish line of something you’ve always wanted. But what do you do when you hit a dead end and your hard work adds up to nothing? Or worse, what do you do when your dream shatters before your eyes?
Last week, we talked about meeting God amid the pain of broken dreams. This week, we explore some practical ways we can face those broken dreams and invite God into the process of restoration. When life doesn’t go as we planned, it’s easy to hold onto bitterness or scramble to fix things on our own. But God invites us to a different response: surrender. When we release our struggles and disappointments into His hands, we make room for His greater plan to unfold.
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There is nothing like fulfilling a dream! It feels magical when all of your plans and hard work bring you to the finish line of something you’ve always wanted. But what do you do when you hit a dead end and your hard work adds up to nothing? Or worse, what do you do when your dream shatters before your eyes?
In this sermon, we get honest about the pain of broken dreams, which can leave us devastated and disillusioned. We explore the story of two disciples on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24 who were heartbroken after their dreams of a conquering Messiah fell apart. Just as Jesus walked alongside them in their grief, God meets us in our own disappointment. Even when all hope seems lost, He can do something far greater than we ever imagined, and make us stronger at the broken places.
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Dreams unlock our potential. When God plants them in our hearts, He equips each of us with a unique set of skills and gifts to pursue them. But turning those God-given dreams into reality is difficult. It’s one thing to believe that dreams are from God and carry power; it’s another to stay committed to them through setbacks.
If God gives us dreams, why are they so hard to achieve? What steps can we take to see them through? This week, we will explore what it really takes to bring a dream to life and how we can embrace the challenges along the way.
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Do you ever dream? Not just in sleep, but during the day—thinking about the big, perhaps impossible things you would love to see happen in your life. Some of us have stopped dreaming altogether, deciding that dreams are nothing more than sentimental distractions. Or maybe we've tucked our dreams away on a high shelf, letting them gather dust.
Dreams matter to God. Too often, we let the limitations of our circumstances or the expectations of our world shrink our dreams. But when we open ourselves up to God’s vision, we see that His plans for us are far greater than anything we could imagine on our own. In this sermon, we will discover God’s invitation to dream boldly, even when the path ahead seems uncertain. If you have suppressed your dreams or given up on them, you won’t want to miss this.
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Do you have eyes to see and ears to hear? Jesus frequently asked this question of the crowds that gathered to listen to him—not because he doubted whether they were paying attention but because he wanted to know if their hearts were open to receive his message.
Many who had the chance to meet Jesus in person and ask him questions either dismissed him or saw him as a threat. They wrote off the Son of God, even though he was right in their midst. In his parable about a Pharisee whose confidence blinded him and a tax collector whose humble heart allowed him to truly see, Jesus shows us that those who are most at risk of missing God are the ones who think they have Him all figured out.
We all have assumptions about who God is and how He works, but what happens when these assumptions limit how we encounter God? In this sermon, we’ll reflect on spiritual blind spots and consider how embracing childlike humility can open us to the surprising ways God works in our lives.
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One of the most common questions people ask a pastor is, “What is God’s will for my life?” This is a nearly universal question because we all hunger to do something meaningful with our lives. But what if our calling is less about what we do and more about who we are becoming? Through the example of Joseph, we will explore what it means to discover our calling and trust God—even when it feels inconvenient or confusing. If you have ever felt anxious about doing what you know God wants you to do or resisted His will for your life, you will want to hear this part of the Christmas story!
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We all want to experience Christmas. That’s why we fill our calendars with office parties, carriage rides, and trips to the mall to see Santa. But Christmas isn’t just about the festive parties! If we’re not careful, Christmas will come and go, and we will be so busy and distracted that we’ll miss it altogether.
The Gospel accounts of Jesus’ birth tell a revolutionary, gritty story of a God who put on flesh to walk among us, show us what it means to truly be human, and heal our wounds. So, how do we avoid missing him? In this sermon, we follow in the footsteps of the Magi who visited Jesus and ask ourselves: Where can we watch for Jesus this Advent—in the likely and unlikely places—and how can we worship him?
Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. Fifty yards. This is the distance that lepers had to maintain between themselves and everyone else—including spouses, family, and friends. This week, we’ll explore the powerful story of Jesus healing 10 lepers. He changes their whole lives, freeing them from both their physical pain and the emotional pain of their forced isolation. Yet, only one returns to thank him.
It’s a familiar story, but have you ever considered Jesus' perspective? What does it feel like for him when their gratitude goes unspoken? How do we handle the sting of feeling unappreciated, especially when we are tempted to tie our sense of worth to others' recognition? In this sermon, we reflect on the significance of gratitude and the God who sees us even when no one else does.
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In a world full of tension and conflict, is there really anything we can do to make things better? Creating change within one strained relationship is hard enough—much less the whole world! As it turns out, God has given us an invaluable tool that can transform the way we deal with one another: kindness.
In a culture that often tends toward indifference or exploiting weaknesses, kindness stands out as a radical act of strength. Biblical kindness isn’t about being a doormat or seeking praise; it’s about reflecting God’s goodness by meeting the needs of others, even when it costs us. In this sermon, we explore what this Fruit of the Spirit truly means and how we can choose to show kindness, starting today.
Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. The average adult makes about 35,000 decisions per day, large and small. That’s an unbelievable number! Every day, we find ourselves at forks in the road and have to choose which path to proceed down. Many are referring to this election and the outcomes afterward as a big fork in the road for our country, but how can we let our faith shape our perspective? As Jesus followers, what do we do in the days and weeks afterward? What do we put our hope in during times of uncertainty?
We believe that God brings goodness out of uncertain, difficult, and troubling moments, and in this sermon, we explore what we can do to faithfully follow His lead and put our trust in Him.
Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. Do you ever have to deal with mean people? Of course you do, and it's really hard! As people of faith, how are we supposed to respond to the mean people we encounter? Do we return mean with mean? After all, "getting even" sounds really nice. And surely we shouldn't just tolerate meanness. That doesn't seem helpful at all either. So what do we do?
In 1 Samuel 25, David finds himself in this exact situation, and he is tempted to get even until a wise woman intervenes to advocate for peace. This week, we'll look at David’s story and gain perspective about making peace with the difficult people in our lives.
Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. We all have regrets about things we've done, decisions we've made, or people we've hurt. Sometimes by accident. Sometimes with intention. The impact of yesterday's choices often leads to a heart full of pain and chaos today. What do you do when the past just won't stay away from the present? What do you do when you believe you’re forgiven by God and others, but you still can’t forgive yourself?
Scripture tells us that God’s mercies for us are new every morning, but we have to decide whether we are ready to receive them.Am I going to live bound by the regrets of my past or freed by the grace and peace of Jesus Christ to embrace the possibilities of a different, brighter future? In this sermon, we'll continue looking at the Fruit of the Holy Spirit called peace and what Jesus says about making peace with our past.
Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. “I'd give anything for a moment of peace!” How many of us have said that? We just want a little peace from the stress, from the chaos, from the pressure, from the kids, from work. We all get to that place where even the strongest among us want a break. We turn to things we can do, take, drink, use, etc. to help us cope with our problems, but the peace we seek is elusive, always just beyond our grasp.
Jesus says it doesn’t have to be this way because his peace is always available. In this sermon, we consider all the wrong places we go looking for peace, and we dive into what it looks like to seek peace in the only place we will ever truly find it: God Himself.
Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. As people of faith, we regularly celebrate the sacrament of Holy Communion. In its simplest form, Holy Communion is a worship moment when we memorialize Jesus' last meal with his disciples. During the meal, Jesus announces to them that He will be arrested and crucified. Pretty heavy stuff. Yet, Jesus gave thanks and rejoiced, even in His darkest hour, because He was confident that God would turn His suffering into victory.
In this sermon, we take a look at our next Fruit of the Holy Spirit: joy. The Greek word for joy is chara, and it refers to an inner gladness or delight in response to the work of God in the world. Our culture often misunderstands that joy isn’t like happiness, which is dependent on our circumstances. It is a choice to believe, like Jesus did, that God has the desire and capacity to turn all of our darkness into light.
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Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love.” Put simply, as we seek to cultivate a life with God where love will grow, forgiveness has the potential to be either a springboard or a hindrance for us. Yet, it is more often talked about than understood. We all know it is a good idea to forgive others, but what does that really mean? And how do we do it? In this sermon, we learn about Jesus’ view on forgiveness and some very practical steps we can take to live it out.
Click here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. Love is a very important word in our vocabulary. Jesus seems to proclaim it’s the most important word of all, and the Apostle Paul lists it first among the nine Fruits of the Spirit. But what does it really mean? Is it a feeling? Is it an action? Is it both? If love is so important, we better understand what it’s all about! This sermon continues our "Cultivate" series by examining how Jesus defines the types of love and emphasizes agape—unconditional and sacrificial love. We are reminded that bearing the fruit of agape love is only possible when we truly abide in a close relationship with Jesus.
Click here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. In our new series, Cultivate, we've been reminded by Scripture that we can’t make the fruits of the Holy Spirit grow in our lives; only God can do that! But we can cultivate environments where fruit is more likely to grow. Before we engage with each fruit in particular, we need to first consider a crucial step in the cultivation process: pruning. Pruning precedes the growth of the things we seek the most, and it's also the one step we usually avoid. This sermon dives into what it means to prune our lives, how we do it, and the blessings it affords us.
Click here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Last week, we started a new sermon series: Cultivate. We were reminded by the apostle Paul that when we “walk by the Spirit,” God will grow these fruits within us. Sounds easy, but who exactly is the Spirit? Where do we find the Spirit? And how do we know when the Spirit is present in our lives? This sermon tackles the practical reality of what it means to walk by the Holy Spirit.
We all want to improve this time of year. And the decisions we make now can help us make those improvements. One decision that may help us more than any other is the decision to be consistent. To be who we want to be, we need consistency”
Extra Mile: Being consistent is always hard at first. This is why we rarely stick with our New Year’s resolutions. We try to be better about exercising or reading but then we mess up and we feel like it’s just another year of failing to reach our goals. But consistency doesn’t require perfection. This week, decide one area of your life you want to be more consistent in and try to follow through. But if you fall short, give yourself the grace to try again the next day. Because God has already extended that grace to you!
Scripture: Daniel 6:10-17 CEB Pastor: Rev. Sean McDonald