Southern Hills United Methodist Church Sermons: Recent Episodes
Southern Hills UMC
Weekly sermon audio from Southern Hills United Methodist Church in Lexington, Kentucky. Southern Hills Senior Pastor Rev. Jim Nichols, along with other pastors and leaders across the Bluegrass state
Listen as John and Isaac discuss Luke 10 and the meaning and importance of spiritual formation and leadership
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Listen as John, Parker and Isaac discuss the inclusion of the Gentiles in Jesus's saving grace in the book of Acts, and what that means for modern-day Christians.
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Join John, Parker and Isaac as they discuss the different members of the body of Christ, and what it means to be in ministry.
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John John, Parker and Isaac as they discuss the things that we do and love that form us as people.
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Join John and Parker as they discuss mental health with a special guest!
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Listen as John and Parker unpack the difficult story found in Genesis 22:1-14, where Abraham is asked to sacrifice his son Isaac on Mount Moriah.
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Join pastors John and Parker as they further discuss the complicated family dynamics and Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar and how God used them for His Glory.
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Join John and Parker as they discuss Genesis 18 and the family dynamics of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar.
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Join John and Parker as they look at Jesus's different displays of authority in Matthew 9.
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Join John and Parker as they discuss the events of Pentecost told in Acts 2.
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Join John and Parker as they discuss the ascension of Jesus in Acts 1:6-11
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Join John and Parker as they discuss Paul's sermon given atop the Areopagus.
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Join John and Parker as they discuss Steven's martyrdom in Acts 7 and the insight it gives us into the courtroom of Heaven.
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Join John and Parker as they discuss Acts chapter 2 and the wonderful things Jesus shares about our home in Heaven.
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Join pastors John and Parker as they discuss the appearance of Jesus to two of His disciples as they were traveling to Emmaus.
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In this episode of the podcast, John and Parker discuss the disciple Thomas and his zeal for truth, and how we can imitate him in a modern world full of fake things.
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Join John and Parker as they discuss the resurrection of Jesus and answer some of your questions!
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Join John and Parker as they discuss Jesus's triumphant entry into Jerusalem and the symbolism behind it.
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Join Pastors John and Parker as they discuss the raising of Lazarus from the dead and the implications surrounding this miracle.
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In today's episode, John and Parker are joined by Reverend Randy Jones to discuss the age-old question: Why do bad things happen to good people, and why does God allow it?
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Join Pastors John and Parker as they discuss Jesus' encounter with the woman at the well.
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In this episode of the podcast, John and Parker reflect on Nicodemus's discussion with Jesus and his later role in helping to bury Him.
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Join Pastors John and Parker as they unpack the complexities of Romans 5:12-19
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Today, John and Parker discuss being salt and light in the modern world, and what that means for us.
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Join John and Parker as they discuss what true repentance looks like, and how functions of the universe can illustrate this.
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Join Pastors John and Parker as they answer listener-submitted questions
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It's snowing in Lexington, KY! Services at Southern Hills are cancelled for this Sunday. Since we will not be gathering together, pastor John wanted to share a devotional about the mercy of God.
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Join John and Parker as they discuss the "illness" that is Sin and death and how it affects our lives today.
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Join Pastors John and Parker as they discuss Matthew 3:13 and how it applies to recent events.
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Join Pastors John and Parker as they discuss how to apply the Bible to our lives and some of the tougher topics surrounding the practice.
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Join Pastor John as he talks about Hebrews chapter 2 and the tension around the virgin birth of Jesus.
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The most wonderful time of the year is upon us! We wish you a very merry Christmas from the Cutting Room Floor Podcast and Southern Hills UMC, and pray God's blessings upon you as we celebrate the birth of Savior.
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Join John and Parker as they dive into Mary's song of praise, the Magnificat.
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Listen as John an Parker unpack the inclusion of the Gentiles into the Salvation offered to the Jews, and the jealousy and doubt that instilled into the Jewish people.
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Join John and Parker as they dive into the historical theology of the pre-tribulation rapture and how it measures up to biblical scripture.
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Join John for this quick update episode highlighting some changes to the podcast in the new year!
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In this Episode of the podcast, John and Parker discuss the meaning of Luke 5.
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Join John and Parker as they unpack the mystery of 2nd Thessalonians 2 and how it impacts us today.
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In today's episode of the podcast, John and Parker dive deep into the story of the prodigal son and the study of dying galaxies, connecting the two in a surprising way.
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In today's episode, John and Parker discuss the call to sacrificial living in 2 Corinthians chapter 4, and the challenges it poses in our modern lives.
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In this episode of the podcast, John and Parker discuss the strange event of John 13 where Jesus stoops and washes his disciples feet, a task usually reserved for slaves.
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In this week's episode, John goes solo to talk about what the Bible has to say about loving our neighbor, even when we disagree.
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Today on the podcast, John and Parker discuss the tradition of the Lord's supper, and how we can show hospitality to others through it.
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Join Pastors John and Parker as they discuss the often looked-over topic of fasting and how it affects (positively!) our spiritual lives and relationship with Christ.
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In this episode of the podcast, John and Parker discuss the importance of taking Sabbath.
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Join pastors John and Parker as they explore the rich text of second Corinthians.
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Welcome to the first episode of season two! We are so excited to begin this next chapter of the Cutting Room Floor. Thank you for all of your support, and enjoy as John and Parker discuss the history and theology of the book of Ephesians.
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Thank you so much for all of your support! After 50 episodes, season two of the Cutting Room Floor is officially beginning. We'll see you Friday!
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This week, John and Parker discuss the history of John 10, looking at the tradition of Hanukkah during Jesus' time, as well as the intertestamental period.
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In this episode of the podcast, John and Parker discuss how Jesus healed a women on the Sabbath, and the priest's less-than-stellar reaction.
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This week, John and Parker talk about the political strategy behind Solomon's marriage to 700 women, and how it ultimately led to his downfall.
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In this episode, John and Parker talk about the incredible faith and Abram and Sarai after God tells them that they will bear a child, and how this story applies to our lives today.
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Join John and Parker in this episode of the Cutting Room Floor as talk about the restoration of Naomi's fortunes, ancient marriage customs, and some of the foreshadowing of the Redemption of the world through Jesus Christ.
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In this installment of the the Cutting Room Floor podcast, Parker and John jump into the mystery of God's method of salvation, and how it reveals His power and love for us.
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In this special Q&A episode of the podcast, Parker talk about how the Bible was formed to be what we know today.
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In this Q&A episode of the Cutting Room Floor, pastor John talks about the biggest challenges he faces as a pastor, and more!
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In this episode of the Cutting Room Floor, John and Parker dive into the story of the bitter waters of Mara, and the solution provided by God through Moses and a piece of wood.
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In this episode of the Cutting Room Floor podcast, Parker and John discuss the appointment of the 70 elders in Numbers 11, and how the sharing of God's gifts can often lead to jealousy.
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In this week's episode, John and Parker discuss how we DON'T serve a legalistic God.
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In this week's installment of the Cutting Room Floor, John and Parker tackle some common questions surrounding Trinity Sunday.
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In this weeks Q&A episode, John and Parker tackle some important questions, including pre-destination, whether or not God hardens hearts, and once we are saved, are we always saved?
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Parker and John discuss Matthew 4:5-7 in episode 2 of their study of the temptation of Jesus.
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In this week's episode, Parker and John discuss how Jesus was tempted in Matthew 4.
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Parker and John discuss the famous "love chapter" of 1 Corinthians.
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Parker and John discuss Philemon and sanctification in the Wesleyan tradition.
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What was it exactly that Saul believed in as a Pharisee? What was his great hope and why did he dislike Jesus and his followers so much? Parker and John discuss all this and more on this episode.
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Parker and John discuss their translation and interpretation of the resurrection account in the Gospel of John. Happy Easter!
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Parker and John discuss the importance of having a full understanding of all that is going on in Jesus' triumph from Bethany to Jerusalem. They discuss Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem and compare it to a far darker thing: The Roman Triumph.
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John & Parker discuss Parker's sermon on Revelation. They do a deep dive on Roman culture, the idea of empire, and the unexpected nature of the Lion of Judah.
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Parker and John discuss 1 Corinthians 15 and Paul's argument for the general resurrection of the dead.
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In this episode, John and Parker discuss some of the philosophical movements in the world today and compare them to Jesus' Beatitudes, Jesus' teachings, and Jesus' establishment of the Kingdom and its values.
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Parker and John reflect on science and faith and share their thoughts about their compatibility within an orthodox, theological framework.
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This week, Parker and John discuss Hosea Chapters 1 & 3. They discuss the broader Israelite history, worship of Ba'al and fertility cults, and what redemption looks like.
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Parker and John answer the following listener questions: 1) Is it okay to include cremation in my funeral plans? 2) Why do United Methodists have female clergy?
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Parker and John talk about Rahab, as well as the meaning of her house and the house of God.
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John & Parker discuss Philippians 2, reflecting on having the mind of Christ, being at peace, and the nature of Jesus.
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Parker and John do a deep dive into Luke 6: 17ff. The Beatitudes are one of Jesus' most famous teachings and many folks are aware of them, even if they are not part of our faith. In this episode, they discuss Roman society and the Patron/Client relationship that was very common during the age of the Roman Empire.
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This week, Parker and John reflect on Luke 5, when Simon is instructed to put his nets out in the deep water. They discuss the deeper meaning of Jesus' authority to bring people back into Shalom and society. They also tackle the Wesleyan perspective of our identity as followers of Jesus.
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John & Parker discuss the authority of Jesus over sin and all creation. They also discuss the narrative of when Jesus said, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and give to God what is God's."
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Parker & John dive deep into the concepts of absolute truth, post-modernism, and understanding Jesus' missional call that did not match the expectations of his hometown.
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This week, we discuss John 2:1-11. In our discussion, we reflect on the Miracle at Cana, the concept and purposes of miracles, and how miracles give us a vision of the inbreaking Kingdom of God.
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In this episode, John and Parker talk about apocalyptic literature in the Bible and discuss how it gives the Church hope for the present and future.
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Parker and John discuss the meaning of the Koine Greek word μάγοι (magoi) which means magi/wise men/magicians. They then explore the biblical history of those who give rulers information about dreams and visions. Finally, they explore all of the implications of the text for modern Christians.
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We welcome Parker back to the pod this week as they talk about Jesus staying in the temple while mom and dad journeyed back home to Nazareth. Highlights in this episode include Bêt Av, Pater Familias, as well as discerning the speech of Christ as the Church. Lots to talk about here, but it all comes down to understanding that Jesus is Lord, is the head of the Church, and our need to listen and follow Jesus with humility.
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In this episode, John talks about the doctrine of the incarnation and examines in particular the nature of the everlasting enfleshment of Jesus the Eternal Word and Son of God. John also talks about the theological concept of Theotokos (θεοτόκος), an honorary title given to Mary (Greek - Miriam, from its Aramaic roots of the name).
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In this episode, John discusses the concept of Bêt Ab (בית אב), the foundational structure of ancient Israeli society. Translated as "House of the Father," the Bêt Ab is a part of the patrilineal and patrilocal society in ancient Israel. John talks about how this is an important concept when talking about redemption, because many cultures around the world (including ancient Israel/Palestine) think more in a communal way than an individualistic way.
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In this episode, John discussed the Greek word logos (λογος) and its depth of meaning. He also gives a brief history overview of the intertestamental period - the roughly 400 years between Malachi and the arrival of John the Baptist and Jesus of Nazareth.
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John talks about sacramental theology, the restoration of Eden and the human body, chronos and kairos.
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John talks about Jesus Christ as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, as SHUMC celebrates Christ the King Sunday. John goes back into the Hebrew Bible (OT) to show that the Kingdom of God is a theocracy. He also discusses the implications for the Christian life and how we can become more aware of our need to examine our lives on a daily basis to see how we serve the Kingdom of Heaven.
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John is soloing it this week! John discusses Esther Ch. 7, a broader timeline of the Jewish people from 1,000 BC to Esther's time in 497 BC. John also discusses the Jewish celebration of Purim and how this festival can point us to a new way of looking at how the church can celebrate despite being in exile.
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John & Parker discuss the concepts of empire, cynicism, the Church as a people in exile and living a beautiful life. Jeremiah 29
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Parker and John reflect on All Saints Sunday, the signposts of our lives that point to the Day of the Lord, and how the Holy Spirit prays for us.
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Parker & John discuss Romans 7: 21 - 8:1, a beautiful and powerful portion of Scripture that also can be difficult to interpret and preach on. They talk about the larger theological argument Paul is making, the importance of covenant, and Paul's theological answer to the law of the flesh and the law of the Spirit.
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Parker and John reflect on Romans 5:5-11. In the conversation, they discuss the theological concepts of "The Already and Not Yet," Paul's use of "The Old Adam" and "The New Adam," and discuss prolepsis with regard to the Kingdom of God. They finally reflect on the Wesleyan way of viewing the Kingdom and how Wesleyan/Methodists work with Jesus as the head of the Church.
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Parker and John discuss the implications of Romans 5:1-5. They talk about Pax Romana vs Pax Christi, the apostle Paul's struggles as a pharisee, and a discussion about the unique approach to spiritual practices that Wesleyans have compared to other Christian traditions.
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Parker and John talk about 2 Corinthians 5:16—17. They reflect on the “The Overview Effect” and the realities of the Christian life.
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