McGough's Ministry: Recent Episodes
Ryan
This morning as we looked at the song 10000 Reasons we are reminded of what worship is, and that God is the only one worthy of our worship and praise
This morning we hear about Jesus calling us to come and lay it down and meet Him at the altar
This morning was a shift from our series, I preached in traditional worship. We took a look at a group of parables about the Kingdom of God, and how the Kingdom isn't just an accessory but desires to take over.
As we continue looking that the theology of music, today we look at the parable of the lost sheep to explore the "Reckless Love" of God
This morning we start a series diving into the theology of some of our favorite worship songs. Today we looked not at the question of does God love us, but "How He Loves".
As we end our series on the Ekklessia, we look at the division that could, and has been the downfall of the Ekklessia. This is a call to be united in our love of Christ, over our own stances and opinions.
This morning, as we continued looking at Ekklessia, we asked the question "Have we lost our wonder?"
This morning, as we continued looking at Ekklesia, we looked at the boldness that the early movement proclaimed the good news with. We also looked at how they were outward focused and would not allow the world to silence them
In Psalm 145 we hear the call of the Ekklesia is to share the Good News with all we encounter. To never let the Chain of Communication break
As we continue looking at the movement of Christ that is Ekklesia we see how it all began in the book of Acts
In the beginning the Church was not a building, but was a movement. This morning we hear the encouragement to follow the example of Christ, and to be a people that stick to that calling
As we celebrate Pentecost we are reminded that the gift of the Spirit is it seeks to close the gap between us and the divine, between what we believe and how we live
This morning we continued to journey through 1 Peter, and found that our identity and purpose are rooted in Christ as our cornerstone
As we hear this morning about the gift of Salvation we are challenged by Peter to respond in love, grace and mercy
This Easter Season we will journey through 1 Peter. This morning we look at the intro to this letter where Peter reminds us of our living hope.
As we celebrate Easter today we ask the question why are we still in tombs when Jesus is calling us to resurrection life.
When it comes to Palm Sunday, we are happy when Jesus is healer/teacher/blesser, but are we willing to embrace Him as King/Lord
As we continue our journey through Spiritual Disciplines we look today at prayer, and how we can pray because God has drawn near to us and longs for us to do the same
As we journey through the season of Lent this week we look at the Spiritual Discipline of Studying the Scriptures
This morning as we look at the Transfiguration of Christ we are reminded that Christ is called to be the leading voice in our lives, not just background noise
As we finish up our journey with Simon Peter we see how pride can move us from a place of following to trying to lead Jesus.
In Matthew we hear of Peter walking on water, but even amidst this he has doubt. We unpacked what it means to have doubt, and how we can address our doubt in a way that is formative for our faith.
As we hear about Peter's denial and the ensuing shame, we find that shame needs secrecy, silence and judgement to survive, but can be overcome through authentic and vulnerable relationships
Today we continued our journey of identity. We began to look at those things that keep us from our identity by looking at insecurities and where they are rooted
As we look at the Baptism of Jesus, we see what this can show us about who we are called and created to be
This week we journeyed through the idea of Epiphany and how we can live seeking epiphanies daily
As we celebrate Christmas we are reminded that the gift of Jesus Christ is not for God-sake, but FOR US
In Ephesians 2 we hear how Christ is the foundation on which we build, and we are seeking to build our life in love.
In Luke 2 we hear the Good News of Great Joy for All People. This morning we looked at what it means to be filled with Great Joy.
Today we discovered how the Prince of Peace came, but we chose violence and division and that the "War to end all wars" is the one for the human heart.
As we come to the first Sunday of Advent we look at the Hope that only Jesus can provide. We do this by taking a look at Isaiah 9:1-7
As we near Thanksgiving, today we talked about Gratitude by looking at the 10 lepers in Luke 17
As we celebrated All Saints Sunday this week, we look at the call to be like the friends in Mark 2:1-12, as this is the call to be a saint.
This week we looked at Isaiah 6 and what worship truly is, and that a lifestyle of worship is one where we proclaim "Here I am Lord...Send me"
In James 2 we hear that faith without works is dead. This week we talked about our call to live out our faith in an authentic way and seeking to be an active participant in our own faith and in the Kingdom of God
In Jeremiah 32 we hear about a purchase of land, that was so much more, it was an investment in hope
In Jeremiah 8:18-9:3 we hear the question "Is there a balm in Gilead?" today we hear the answer is yes, if we are willing to go to the doctor.
From the beginning in Genesis 2 we hear that it is not good for man to be alone. This week we unpacked what it means to belong to each other, and to God
As we continue our journey through the St. Mark's Vision statement, we look today at what it means to love and unite in the name of Christ
As we hear in John 8 we hear of Christ, when asked to condemn or condone a woman, chooses a better way, the way of grace.
As we continue our journey through St. Mark's Vision Statement we look at what it means to be Authentically Imperfect
Today we started a sermon series looking that the vision statement of St. Mark's UMC. We looked at what it means to FOLLOW JESUS
As we dive into Colossians 3 we hear the challenge to shift our focus from worldly to Godly, and part of that shift is being honest with self, God and others.
In Colossians 2 we hear how Christ Alone is sufficient, but we are also called to ask the question: Do we believe that?
In Colossians 1 we hear how Jesus is Build Different and how this truth should push us to a place of Awe-some worship of Christ Jesus
When Jesus is asked who is my neighbor, He shifts the whole question and explains how a neighbor is supposed to act. Because we are called to be a neighbor to all.
Over the past couple of weeks we have been looking at the things that distract us from our purpose. Today we took a step back and asked...What is my purpose?
In the book of Nehemiah we hear how many distractions came his way, but that Nehemiah was so focused on his "Great Work", and we should be the same.
In Acts we hear how the coming of the Holy Spirit led to the birth of the Church, this morning we asked how this same thing could lead to the rebirth of the Church
Matthew 6 we hear how our appetites direct our treasures, attention and devotion if we ar not able to curb our appetites to pursue God more fully
As we continue looking at the weight of our words we look at the root of our words and start the hard work of looking within.
Our words have the ability to create universes within ourselves and others. Today we look at how in the book of Ephesians we are called to consider out words, and to use them wisely.
In Psalm 133:1, we hear that God's desire for God's people is to be in a community between God and one another. Are you willing to heed the call
In Proverbs 3 we hear a call to trust in God. This is a call to give up your control and seek God's control in your life
In Joshua 3, we hear how the Israelites are on the riverbank, ready to cross into the promised land. The only question is, are they willing to step in faith into this new reality?
In Exodus 32, we hear the story of the Israelites worshipping the golden calf and how this is a call to remind us to live in faith, even amidst perceived abandonment by God.
In Exodus 16 we hear the story of God providing Manna in the wilderness. This is a constant reminder that God is the provider of all we need.
Stop, look, and Listen before you cross the sea. Today, we continue our journey in Exodus and look at the question: What do you fear? Is your faith greater than your fear?
At the end of Exodus 13 we hear of God's guidance through the Exodus, and how God led the Israelites on a journey "The Long Way Around"
This morning, we look at what it means to, no matter the circumstances, but our faith in the truth that "The Best of All Is... God is With Us".
In the book of Esther, we hear how God calls us to be ready to stand strong and firm for Him when the moment arises. Are you willing to take 20 seconds of bravery and courage, and when it occurs, TAKE A MOMENT?
In 1 Kings 18, we hear about how Elijah, though in the middle of a drought, had faith that God was at work in creating a future. This morning we looked at how this story could help us develop a faith for the future and the future church. .
As we journey through the story of Elijah and Elisha we are asked the question. Are you living a life that will outlive your life?
In Matthew 27:50-51 we hear at Christ's crucifixion that the veil was torn. This was the moment when the sharing of the Church shifted from a person to a people, shifting us from consumers to creators and our focus from beyond just local to global.
In Matthew 9:17, we hear a warning about putting new wine in old wineskins. As we look at the future of the Church, where are we trying to put new wine in the old wineskins? This morning, I challenged how to remain faithful to the mission but be flexible in the methods as we continue to be the Church.
When we hear The Great Commission, let's not miss the call to be Christ-like as we trust that "All authority in Heaven and Earth has been given to Him"
On Baptism of Christ Sunday, we discussed... You guessed it, Baptism, what is it, and what does it mean to and for us
In Matthew 2 we hear of the Magi and their Epiphany, and today we are challenged to have an Epiphany of our own
The Christ child is here, and we may find ourselves like new parents, asking, "Now What?!?". As we look at Colossians 3, we hear the answer.
If they will know we are Christians by our love, is there enough evidence to convict you of being a Christian?
In Philippians 4:4, we hear the call to Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS. On this third Sunday in Advent, we look at what joy is, where we find joy, and how we can live a life of joy even amidst the storms.
In Isaiah 9, we hear Christ will be called the Prince of Peace. As we look at week 2 of Advent and this idea of peace, we ask how we can live in peace even amidst the storms of life.
As we enter into the season of Advent we hear the message from Jeremiah 33:14-16. A message of hope for a future and a Messiah.
As we celebrate Christ the King Sunday, we hear how if Christ is our King, we are called to love God with all we have and are.
As we continue looking at the Greatest Commandment today we look at the two words on the end and how they lead us to needing to change our lens through which we see the world and self "As Yourself"
As we have heard proclaimed to Love Thy Neighbor, this week we looked at how that calling challenges us to change how we think. How would the world be different if we saw everyone as a person of value and realized that EVERYONE is SOMEONE to God and should be to us
Psalm 146 is bookended by the phrase " Praise the Lord." Today, we will explore what it means to praise the Lord, not just with lip service but with our very lives.
Today we looked at Church hurt, and how we may not stop Church hurt, but we are called to be a church that heals and does no harm.
In Hebrews 4, we hear that the Word of God analyzes us and leaves us naked at God's feet. This reminds me of Adam and Eve in Eden, who found out they were naked and hid. But the good news is that we have a high priest in Christ Jesus who knows us and meets us where we are.
At the Last Supper, we see Jesus changing the liturgy of Passover.
At Passover, the 4 cups represent the four promises of Jesus in Exodus 6:6-7. Today, we see that through His suffering and death we see the fulfillment of the 4th cup
In Numbers 13 we hear how perspective matters. We may need to shift our perspective and believe that God is bigger than whatever we may face.
In Luke 6:37-42 we hear the call to take the log out of our eye and use it to build a table for all to come and grow in relationship with Christ and one another
In Luke 15:11-32 we hear the parable of a man and his two sons. We hear of God's unwavering grace, telling all that they belong and are welcomed in the House of the Lord. Welcome Home
In Matthew 18:21-35 we hear the parable of The Unmerciful Servant. This parable asks how we will live in the light of God's grace. Will we extend the same grace and forgiveness that we have received, or will we hold onto our hurt vengeance and grudges
In Matthew 13:1-9, we hear about the Parable of the Sower. This points us to an eternal truth of God's grace and love. That truth is that it is free to all, and that God desires all to encounter it and bear good fruit.
In Luke 12:13-21 we hear the parable of The Rich Fool. This raises the question, do we love people and use things or love things and use people. It also looks at how we value money and stuff over time
In Matthew 25:14-30 we hear the parable of the talents. This parable is much more than a stewardship sermon but is a parable that ask the question will you live in fear or faith?
In Luke 14 we hear Jesus share the parable of The Great Banquet, this is a depiction of how ALL are invited to the Table, but few accept the invitation
In Luke 15 we hear the parables of the lost sheep and coin. Through these parables we hear of God's heart for the least and the lost
In the parable of The Good Samaritan, we hear to not view the invitation of God as an interruption (Sermon Starts at Scripture, due to technical difficulties)
In Mark 6, we hear a story of John the Baptist's beheading, which reads more like a soap opera plot. Through this story, we are challenged to ask who/what we seek to serve through our lives.
In Galatians 1, Paul says he is not a people pleaser. This is a warning to us to not be a people pleaser either.
In a world that says more, more, more, Christ calls us to trust in Him and know that He is enough
Looking at Ephesians 4 as well as James 4, we see the warning not to let anger become a way of life and take root in your heart. This sermon looks at how allowing that to happen can effect your life, as well as how to keep anger in check
In Philippians 4:6-7 we hear wisdom on how to deal with our anxiety and these anxious times. The wisdom we hear is to keep CALM and trust in God
In the end of Mark 2 and beginning of Mark 3 we hear a discussion of the letter vs the Spirit of the Law. Today we address the challenge to pursue the Spirit of the Law and of God as we go and share The Gospel
In Isaiah 6, we hear a story about Isaiah encountering God, which calls him to analyze himself and proclaim, "Here I am... send me."
The story of Pentecost is one that says that though we may not speak the same language, think the same, or see eye to eye we may still work hand in hand as we build the Kingdom of God
In John 4, we hear of an interaction when Jesus "had to go to Samaria." While there, he encounters a "nobody" in society, a woman at the well. Through this interaction, we learn how to interact with the Samaritans in our lives.
In 1 Corinthians 2 we hear how we are called to share with this world, and with those people we interact with (in Judea) and it is with humility and truth, rooted in love, relationship and conversation
In Acts 1:8, we hear, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Today we begin walking through how we are called to witness in these places, starting with in Jerusalem.
The call to follow Jesus is a call to Burn the Ships and cast our net as we seek to grow God's Kingdom
In Luke 24 we hear of the Emmaus Road, and then we hear the proclamation that our life is a Witness Statement, which causes us to ask, what are we witnessing to?
Today we hear the story often referred to as "Doubting Thomas" today we reframe it at "Wrestling Thomas" and ask the question what do we do with the Thomas in each of us, and with the Thomas who we encounter.
On Easter, we hear the story of Jesus' resurrection. We also hear that the women were alarmed. How will we respond to the resurrection? Will we view the resurrection as the conclusion or as an invitation?
In Zechariah 9 we hear of the hope realized in the Triumphal Entry. This raises the question is our hope to live into God's will or for God to fulfill our will? Will we continue the movement of Christ Jesus in our living out our lives?
Throughout the Gospel of John, we hear Jesus say, "My hour has not yet come," but in John 12:20-33, we hear Jesus proclaim, "The Hour Has Come." This is the hour where Jesus will expose the ways of the world. By exposing it, Jesus plans to put to death the ways of this world that Kingdom living may be the fruit we bear.
John 3:16 is one of the most familiar texts in all of Scripture. Today we take a look at this Scripture and the call to walk in the light
In Mark 8, we hear how Peter believes he understands the whole truth about Jesus, but Jesus proclaims, "You Can't Handle the Truth". What is the Truth about Christ that is being revealed to you this Lent?
In Mark 1, we hear the proclamation that Jesus is the beloved child of God. With this identity, He goes out into the wilderness and overcomes temptation. We also are beloved of children of God. How would our lives look different if we believed that? HOw would we treat others, if we believed that about them as well?
As a reminder of Ash Wednesday, we are called to "repent and believe the gospel." This is last night's sermon on what that looks like this Lenten Season.
In Mark 9:2-9 we hear about the Transfiguration of Christ. Will the Transfiguration transform us? In the midst of uncertainty and the unknown, what will we do? Will we revert to what we know? Or will we adapt and overcome?
In John 16:33, we hear that storms and persecution may come, but we are not to allow our circumstances to define God or us. We are called to be anchored to our faith in who God is and what God is doing
In Luke 10:38-40 we hear the story of Martha and Mary, in which we hear how Martha was distracted. What are you distracted from that you should be devoted to? Let's audit our attention and keep the main thing the main thing
In Matthew 11:28-30 we hear an invitation to all of you who are OVERwhelmed, OVERcommitted, OVERexposed, and just OVER it. The invitation, from Christ, is come to me. In a world of do-it-yourself, will we accept this invitation?
Our current time and world seem to be so worried about getting there or being anywhere but here. We seem so focused on what ifs or how this is not what I planned. Today we take a look at how we are called to seek God, EVEN NOW. To pause and seek God and trust in Him that even HERE is holy
As we celebrate Epiphany, we learn that encountering Christ calls us to go forth in A New Way.
In Luke 9 we hear of Jesus turning His face to Jerusalem. This is a challenge for us, that no matter what the future may hold we trust in God's will and seek to Face Forward as we pursue God's will
Today, we look at how if Christ entered this mess of a world, we, as Christians, have no excuses. There are no excuses not to extend love, grace, and mercy. No excuses not to enter into the lives of those we have pushed away and separated from
In Genesis 12, we hear God promise Abraham that the world will be blessed through him. Doubt, fear, anxiety, and worry arise throughout the Old Testament. However, the challenge for them and us is to place our hope not in our circumstances or this world but in God's faithfulness to God's people.
In Matthew 25, we hear how surprised the sheep and the goats are to find Christ in "the least of these." Over and over again, Christ surprises us, if we are open to His movement. So, let's open ourselves to surprises the Holy Spirit may have in store.
In Romans 12: 17-21 we hear a challenge to break the cycle of evil for evil. Today we look at how to break the power of a grudge, and tear down the fences we place between us and others, and begin to build bridges to the other
Words have power, power to live, build up and tear down, to give and take life, as we hear in Proverbs 18. As we approach the holiday season, we have to interact with people. The question arises: what is the ratio of life-giving and life-taking words?
In 1 John 3:1-7, we hear the call to be born again into the Kingdom of God. In doing so we are called to not build walls, but to Thin the Veil between Heaven and Earth
In Matthew 22 we hear Jesus call the Pharisees to open their mind as it pertains. to love of God and neighbor
In Luke 9: 57-62, we hear the the cost of discipleship. This raises a question that we all must be able to answer. Are we willing to FOLLOW JESUS.... NO TURNING BACK
In Philippians 3 we hear that a relationship with Christ changes everything. This leads us to the question, what has our relationship with Christ changed about us?
As we gather for World Communion Sunday, we come thirsty for the redemptive grace of Christ
In Matthew 16, we hear Peter proclaim Jesus as the Christ. We then hear Christ claim Peter as the "rock" on which He will build His church. In the following verses, Christ proclaims, "Get Behind Me, Satan". This is all under the call to SAY NO to self.
In Matthew 7 we hear of a narrow and wide path, but as we look at THE WAY of adisciple we are reminded that the call is to Follow THE Leader
In Matthew 11: 28-30, we hear the call to Come to Christ and receive rest. Today's Challenge is to confess our burdens and lay them at the feet of Christ
As we close our journey through Galatians, we hear Paul's call that if we are to indeed be "Fisher's of Men" we must first MEND OUR NETS
Galatians 5:16-26 shows us the FRUITFUL SPIRT and how we are called to rooted in the Spirit to bear Good Fruit in our lives.
As we look at Galatians 5:1-15 we hear a call to Do the work of going deeper in our faith. As we hear that the journey is one BEYOND I DO, but instead is one where we do the work to become the people God calls and creates us to be.
As we continue our journey through Galatians, we hear a warning from Paul to stop trying to be God and allow God to do so. We are called to be faithful to the one true God because we make Bad gods.
As we continue our journey through Galatians, we hear a warning. Paul has told us we are free through the grace and mercy of Christ ALONE, but warns us not to return to our slavery to the world.
Where is it that God is calling you? What is it that God is calling you to? How will you, empowered by the Holy Spirit help create A WHOLE NEW WORLD
At the end of Galatians 3, Paul reminds us that we are called to be united in Christ and one in The Spirit. STOP FOCUSING ON WHAT DIVIDES AND FOCUS ON THE GRACE OF CHRIST. That which unites us all is our need for a Savior
As we continue our journey through Galatians and look at Galatians 2:19-3:15, we hear Paul proclaiming, DON'T FOOL YOURSELF into thinking you are better than you are. DON'T FOOL YOURSELF into believing the Gospel is a call to behavior modification, when in fact God is calling us to a heart restoration
In Galatians 2, Paul proclaims The Good News for All People at All Times. Today Paul points us to be a Grace-full people. To share the Grace of Christ, which is sufficient for all people, in all places, at all times
In Galatians 1, we hear how people pursuing The Way began to create their own way by building walls and barriers. Paul says to tear down the walls as the Kingdom of God is A Kingdom Without Walls
In Romans 8 we hear how we are adopted into the Family of God. If we believe this call we must ask what does it change in how we live and love, as well as what are our Family Values?
IS THERE A DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE?!?! In Matthew 9 we are reminded that we are ALL sick with the disease of sin. However, there is a Doctor who seeks to heal and make us whole
In 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 we hear Paul's parting words to the church in Corinth.
Be reconciled in love, as you seek to be the Body of Christ
In John 7, we hear Jesus arise at the Festival of the Booths and proclaim I am the LIVING WATER and SPIRIT. Oh Lord we confess this PENTECOST we need your LIVING PENTECOST
In John 7, we hear Jesus arise at the Festival of the Booths and proclaim I am the LIVING WATER and SPIRIT. Oh Lord we confess this PENTECOST we need your LIVING PENTECOST
In Philippians 1:3-11 we hear Paul encourage us to grow in love and wisdom of God as we seek to love neighbor
In Psalm 91 and Matthew 23, we hear of God as a Mother Hen. This shows us how God, with arms open wide, longs to embrace us in love, grace, peace, and mercy.
In John 14, we hear of the House of God and its dwelling places. This is an invitation to not only come home but to welcome others into the house and family of God
We often times hear Psalm 23 through the lense of death and dying, but what if we approached it as a how-to on life and living?
In 1 Peter 1, we hear about how we are redeemed through the Blood of Christ and that Blood alone. Our job is to lead people to that truth and allow Christ alone to redeem and resurrect.
In the story of "Doubting Thomas," we hear how doubt can strengthen our faith if we allow it to be the jumping-off point to wrestle and understand
Romans 6 speaks to us of how the Ressurection and Easter are not a one-time event, but that we are called to be Easter People
As we hear the story of the Triumphal Entry, it is a reminder to mute our egos and proclaim our need for a Savior
In Genesis 3 we hear about the shame of Adam and Eve, but we also hear that God was at work seeking to restore. Let's seek grace, restoration, and salvation over shame
In Isaiah 43, we hear the proclamation to Fear Not. This calls us to shift from What if to Even if. Even if we find ourselves in the storm, God says I am with you. Let's live by faith in this promise and not fear.
In James 1, beginning in verse 19, we hear the call to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. This morning we explored what it would look like to begin with seeking to hear, and understand, begin with care and compassion not seeking to be heard, speak over, and begin with anger and hate
In Romans 12 we hear a call to lean not on our worldly understanding and expectations but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds
I love that as we hear of the Transfiguration of Christ we see the disciples learn that what they thought they knew was not necessarily the truth. This challenges us to STOP, LISTEN, and FOLLOW
In Acts 2:42-47 we see the birth of the Church. Many of us want to achieve verse 47 for ourselves. However, the call to be the Church is not to seek growth of numbers but to do the work of being disciples who make disciples
In John 4, we hear of the creation of a disciple with the Samaritan Woman at the well. However, today let us hear The Rest of the Story, as we hear how disciples make disciples
In Luke 9, we hear the call to follow Christ. This is a call to discipleship. A call to follow Christ so closely that the dust from His sandals becomes caked on our face
In 1 Kings 18, we hear of a three-year drought and famine. We also hear of how Elijah trusts in God over his current circumstances. This trust gives him the faith to put on his Rain Boots in the Drought
As we hear in the Scriptures, it is foolish to put new wine in old wineskins. What does this tell us about how we are to be the Church?
How does this shape the future Church?
Today we look at those places we have become unflexible in our ways and how the call to faithfulness is a call to flexibility
At the Baptism of Christ, we hear God proclaim... That is MY Son, MY Beloved in whom I am well pleased. As we look at our Baptism and understanding of Baptism, what would it mean to hear and live into that proclamation on us as the family of God
In Matthew 2, we hear the story of the Magi and Herrod. This story raises two approaches we can have when we encounter the truth of Christ. As Herod did, we can live in fear of giving up control and losing our kingdom. However, the Magi went home a DIFFERENT WAY, as they were changed by their encounter and went forth heralding Jesus and LORD
In John 1, we hear that the Word became flesh. Today the question should be, what if we put a little more skin in the game?
In Matthew 1, we hear the greatest reminder for this season... God is With Us. This is echoed in John Wesley's last words, The Best of All is...God is With Us
In Isaiah 35, we hear that amidst our brokenness, burnout, hurt, and guilt God provides a way for Revival, and as we are revived, we may REJOICE IN OUR REVIVAL
In Romans 15 we hear the call to be united in Christ above anything else. In a day and a time where our world, and we as the body, are more divided than ever let us head this call. Let us seek to live at peace within our lives knowing God is in control and seek UNITY IN PEACE
In Isaiah 2:1-5 We hear of the promise that what has been and is do not have to be. As we enter into this season of Advent, we put our hope in God's call, desire, and will for us as a world, country, state, city, church and individuals
As we hear, "Give to Ceasar what is Ceasar's and give to God what is God's" it is a reminder that we are to be image bearers of God
In Matthew 5, we hear the beginning of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount as Jesus calls us to live in this world but not to live the ways of this world. In Matthew 5:23-24 we hear the call to release the tether of the past, forgive, and move forward. Let us not allow our past to define us but look to the future that God has in store for us
"People don't care how much you know till they know how much you care." This phrase still rings true. In 1 Corinthians, we encounter what has become known as "The Love Chapter." We hear throughout this text that love is an action verb, one lived out and shown. That all the things we, as the church, do mean nothing if they are not rooted in love. So maybe we need to start living love and showing people how much we care. Let us, as a Church, leave a LEGACY OF LOVE
In John 3:14-21 we hear the very familiar text of John 3:16, but surrounding this text, we hear a call to walk and live in the light. To allow the light of Christ to shine on, in and through us
In Genesis 33, we hear about an epic wrestling match. Jacob is wrestling with who he has been and what he has done, and he is also wrestling with the man he wants the world to believe he is.
In this text, we hear how God meets Jacob at the end of his rope, all alone in a dark night, and redeems him through his brokenness. God says you are called and created to be a victor through God's love and grace and to help others know that call as well
In a world where we are all seeking to be right. Where we view the other as our enemy or someone to be defeated, God says I won't play your game. Why?!? Because you are playing the wrong game. God calls us to lose self, to gain life
In 1 John 4, we hear our call to love because God is love. If we desire to share God with this world that is desiring connection and love, let us show them, God, by sharing LOVE
In Matthew 16, we hear Jesus say that if you desire to be my disciple, you must deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me. While many of us are trying to make a life and name for ourselves, Jesus is saying to "Get A Life" you must give it up
In Acts 28 we hear the end of the epic story that is Acts in a fade-to-black moment. But the truth is the story is just be beginning and challenging us to pick up the pen and write the next chapter
In Acts 27, we hear of a storm that comes up and how, amidst the storm, we are called to cling to the hope and faith that we belong to God and the best of all is God is with us
In Acts 17, we hear Paul embracing the Common Ground with the people of Athens as he desires to introduce them to the "unknown" God. What would it look like if we sought community over conflict? I would dare say God could change our Common Ground to Holy Ground
In Acts 16 we hear how Paul and Silas find themselves in a dark night but do not allow their circumstances to dictate their faith. Instead, Paul and Silas allow their memories of who God is and what God has done to shape their belief and trust that even amidst the dark night they know a bright morning is coming
As we look at Acts 15, we see what happens when we begin to value rules over the ruler, uniformity over unity, and standardization over transformation. As we hear the call to not over complicate the Gospel but love God and neighbor as we seek to belong, not simply fit-in
In Acts 14:8-20, we hear of a people that have fallen into the trap of trying to do enough to receive the god's favor. However, when Paul and Barnabas enter Lystra and perform miracles, they also provide the Good News that says you don't have to do enough. You are enough. This is a call to jump off the hamster wheel of trying to do enough but believing in God when he says you are enough. Actions matter, but what truly matters is believing God and allowing your life to be lived in His truth
In Acts 11:1-18, we hear how Peter, after his vision and interaction with Cornelius encounters persons who have listened to 2nd hand stories and half-truths. Challenged by these persons, Peter tells them the rest of the story, introducing more than their opinions and ideas and interjecting BUT GOD. Let's say to the rest of the story, as we live in a world of division and hate, let's add the BUT GOD
As we look at Acts 10, we hear that 2 visions point to the 1 VISION OF GOD for God's people. A vision that may challenge and stretch us beyond our comfort zone, but one that says ALL are loved and welcomed. Let the Holy Spirit call us to be greater than we are and to love bigger than we can fathom
In today's sermon, we hear the continuation of the conversion of Saul, and we hear of THE OTHER ANANIAS and how he moves beyond every reason. He may not have done God's will. Ananias is obedient and faithful to God's call, and because of that, we see a ripple effect that is still impacting people today
As we look at Saul on the road to Damascus, we hear how we can believe we are serving God, but what happens when God knocks you off your high horse
As we hear the story of Stephen, the first martyr of the Church of Acts, we hear a call to not seek a longer life but a deeper one. One rooted in love, mercy, grace, hope, joy, and God
In Acts 5 we hear the story of Ananias and Sapphira, and how the danger of developing a MEology over a Theology can lead to a terrible place. Let us cast off our wants and desires, and our MEology and develop a deeper and more robust Theology
God desires to fulfill the need of our hearts to be made whole. However; too often we settle for the bare minimum that the world offers, instead of the totality of what God desires for us. As we look at Acts 3:1-10 let's expand our expectations, and desire more
In Acts 2:42-47 we hear of an irresistible Curch that is Awe-full in unity. My hope is that we can reclaim this same sense of Awe-full unity in our Church this day
As we look at Peter's Sermon in Acts 2 we hear him proclaiming that Jesus is the NEW King doing a New Thing, and the invitation to participate is to repent and redeem.
In Acts 2 we hear a WEIRD story of Pentecost. We hear a call to go and share the love and grace that God shares with us with this world. It is a call that says LET'S GET WEIRD
As we close out our journey in Exodus and prepare for the season of Pentecost we may find ourselves asking WHAT NOW? As we look at Exodus 17 and Acts 1 we see that the answer is the same, the next right thing
As we hear in Exodus 5 and 6 of Moses, and the Israelite's frustration and fear. We hear in Exodus 6:1-9 God proclaiming I AM and I WILL. Believe in me and that I am greater than the gods you focus on
In Exodus 4 God asks Moses "Whatcha Got There?" I think many of our callings can begin with God asking the same question
In order to move into the future with the freedom to be who we are called and created to be, many of us must first confront our past. Exodus 3 shows how God calls us to SEE, GO, and CONFRONT so that we can be FREE
As we continue the journey through Exodus we hear of Moses in a place he never thought he would be, and what God was hoping to show him there. What does it look like when we embrace our wilderness as Holy Ground
When we allow fear to drive our lives we can feel a tension between the life we live, and the life we are created to live. It's time to push back against the fear and embrace the call of God. As we look at Exodus 1 we hear how 2 Hebrew midwives did just that, and it changed the world
As we look at the Easter story we look at it through a line in the Semisonic song "Closing Time". The line states "Every new beginning comes from some other beginnings end". So what is it that you are being called to end that something new may come in your life? What are those things that need to die for you to truly experience resurrection?
As we hear about the "Triumphal Entry" of Palm Sunday. We are proclaiming something with the way we live, talk, and encounter the world. However, what we must ask is...What are we proclaiming?
As we continue on our journey to draw near to Christ, we find out, through Philippians 3 how the closer we get the more we understand our need to be made new
As we continue to look at the call to DRAW NEAR, for many of us the question arises of HOW? In Matthew 19 we hear how, and the answer is BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY
As we continue throughout the Lenten season to DRAW NEAR to God we hear in Hebrews 10 that through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we have been granted access to God
As we hear in James 4:7-10 we are called to DRAW NEAR to God. Throughout this season of Lent are we willing to draw near?
As we wrap up looking at how we are called to live into the incarnation, we find that this is not an easy request. In Jeremiah 17 we hear the reasoning behind this, as we look at "The Root of the Matter"
As we look at the Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13 we hear that we are called to invest in others, not seeking reward, but seeking to love
As we hear in Matthew 6 Jesus guides us in how to pray, we also acknowledge that prayer is a tool to strengthen and equip us to live into the incarnation. Lord humble us that we may follow and serve you and equip us as we embrace THE POWER OF PRAYER
In John 1 we hear the most beautiful invitation of Come and See. This is the call to invite others to come and see, experience for yourselves the Lamb of God
In a world that is calling us to focus on so many things, our worldview is shrinking. Our shrinking worldview is because we can curate what we take into what we want to hear. However, in Mark 12 we hear a call to refocus, to full submission, and not to miss it. Let us refocus our worldview from our own wants and desires to who God is calling us to be.
As we begin to look at the incarnation of Jesus that we celebrated at Christmas, the question that arises is SO WHAT? What does this INCARNATION mean in how we act and interact with the world? As we look at Romans 12:1-2 we are called to search ourselves and wrestle with the question, where have I conformed to the ways of this world, and where/how can I accept AN INVITATION TO TRANSFORM
As we look at Luke 3 we are reminded of the Chaff in our own lives and ask the Spirit to equip and empower us to be who God calls and created us to be as we seek our true self
As we look at the story of the Magi we ask are we willing to change and go A NEW WAY as we approach the WAY provided in the A MANGER
Today we rejoice, as we hear the words of Isaiah 9 that unto us a child is born and light is breaking in
As we hear the story of the birth of Christ, we rejoice as we know that he meets us in our mess, but seeks to lead us to redemption
As we look at the prophet Micah we see how God shifts our expectations and calls us to focus more on the doors that are being opened instead of closed, and to focus more on God than self
As we look at Isaiah 12 we hear that our true joy lies in the well of salvation and that alone
As we hear the call from the prophet Malachi (Malachi 3:1-4) we are called to enter into the Refiner's Fire. As we prepare our hearts, minds and very lives for the coming Lord we are seek peace as we know our hope will be fulfilled
As we look at Jeremiah 33:14-16 we look how God, even in the darkness gives us hope for the light
As we wrap up our series on giving thanks, let's not forget to give thanks for those around us
Today we look at living with an Attitude of Gratitude and being the one that puts that gratitude into aciton
What do we do when it appears God has forgotten us, when times seem hopeless and helpless, we listen for the voice that says to come out of the darkness of despair and be set free
As we look at the fulfillment of the Greatest Commandment, we must ask
"How is your love life?"
As we look at how the call to be fishers of men and the Great Commission are not mutually excessive but are harmonious with one another
We live in a world that has settled for membership, and lost sight that we are called to be disciples and follow Him
A sermon to seek the light of God with the same joy and vigor that we pursue fireflies as a child
As we look at Mark 9: 38-50 we look at the call to stop being "Bouncers" of the Kingdom and to "Door Keeper" flinging open the door WIDE
As we conclude our series on releasing the tether, we look at the tether that we must choose to release, as this is the one that we hold. RESENTMENT
What are those habits in your life that are keeping you from being who God created you to be? Let's take look at how to change our habits as we change our minds
As we continue looking at those things that tether us to the ways of the world and not to God, we dive into the tether of our past and REGRET
As we start our series, seeking to release the tether of those things that keep drawing us back to the ways of this world, and do not allow us to soar and be the persons we are called and created to be, we begin by looking at anxiety and control
As we wrap up our journey through Ephesians we look at Ephesians 6:10-20. The armor of God, which is a call to stand firm in God.
As we continue our dive into Ephesians we look at Ephesians 4:25-5:2 and how as we enter into our new reality we are called to be a temple for God
As we continue going through Ephesians, we stop on Ephesians 4:1-16 and look at who it is that we are called to be and what we are called to do
As we continue our journey through Ephesians, we encounter a prayer that calls us to let God live and reign in our hearts and lives.
As we continue our walkthrough Ephesians we look at the walls in our lives and dive into Ephesians 2:11-22
Today we begin a journey through he book of Ephesians and begin by looking at what it means to be adopted into the family of Christ through the grace of God
Too often we live our lives looking and the past, and focusing on THEN, or in anticipation of when we get THERE.... But let us take a moment and remember that we are HERE and HERE IS HOLY
A look at the Great Commission, it's connection to the Great Commandment and what it means to be, and to make disciples
A look at Matthew 9:9-13 and how our faith so often resembles those games we payed as children
I decided to see how different a pre-recorded and a recorded in person sermon sounded. Here is a a recording of my sermon "We don't know what we don't know"as preached at Henery's Chapel UMC on May 30, 2021
As we look at Shadrach Meshach and Abednego. We ask the questions of what do you bow to, and what are you willing to stand for?
As we wrap up our walkthrough 1 John by looking at 5:9-13 we look at God's testimony to us as how we are called to testify to that truth
As we continue our journey through 1 John looking at 1 John 5:1-5 and the call that to live in love and faith is a call to trust and obey Jesus as Lord of our lives
A deep look into Genesis 4 and how an unchecked posture of privilege, pride, and entitlement can lead us to ignorance and apathy, which leads to oppression. This is the progression of oppression and how we are called and created to be different
Today we continue our journey through 1 John as we look at 1 John 4:7-21 and the legacy sent before us and the legacy we are called to share. A legacy of Love
As we continue our walk through 1 John we look into the command that we are called to live and show sacrificial love. We look into our world and profess that WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS NOW IS LOVE... SWEET LOVE
This week we look at how we are called to lay our entire and authentic self before God, as we walk through the story of Jacob
As we dive into a look at 1 John. We realize that the call to accept God's invitation to relationship is also a call to vulnerability, transparency and honesty, as we acknowledge that we are unworthy.
a dive into the resurrection and what it means not only to our "after-life" but in the here and now
As we approach the Passion of the Christ, and Easter Sunday, we unpack what it means to say that Jesus is Passion
As we look at the call of Hosanna, we look at where we put our worth. We look at what we value most, self or God?
A call to rest in Christ. To not find our worth in our busyness, or in what we can produce, but to find our value in who God tells us we are
We take a deeper dive into "The Lord's Prayer" and truly analyze the gift and discipline of prayer
A deeper look in to John 10 when Jesus calls Himself "The Good Shepherd". This is a look at the soft and weak Jesus that we too often associate with our faith. This is also a call to realize the strong Jesus that stands and fights for us, fighting off the enemies that seek to "steal, kill and destroy"
This week we look at the spiritual discipline of fasting, and address the belief that is giving something up, but we look at it through the framework of what we gain
This week we look at John 11 and how "Jesus Wept" we unpack how Jesus does not abandon us in our pain but cares for us
Today we look at the how we are called to not only search the Scriptures, but allow the Scripture to search us. We ask the question what is the foundation on which you are building your life?
This week we start a new study entitled "Jesus is...." and tonight we look at John 4 and the story of the woman at the well, as we look at what it means that Jesus is the living water
We take a look at IDENTITY, and how so often we view the idea of being a Christian as an obligation and not as a calling, not as our identity. Let us take a moment and truly look at the question WHO ARE YOU?
As we enter into the season of Lent, I challenge you to add or remove something from your life to strengthen paschal spirituality in your life.
Today we look at the divisions in our world. How we put up walls in our life. How in a world more connected than ever we are possibly more divided ever, and how we too often find ourselves mistaking uniformity for unity
This week we look at Hope, what is, where do we find it, what we put it in, and what it can do for us
RECORDING FROM PHILADELPHIA FUMC'S LIVESTREAM
Today we look at Psalm 119:129-136. We look at how our desire to serve the Lord should not be based in how it would benefit us, but in our love of God. In a call of not my will but yours be done of Lord we cry out ORDER MY STEPS IN YOUR WAY DEAR LORD
Link to the song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9h0bcaLElk
We continue our study of how we, as the Body of Christ, are called to be ONE in faith, hope and love. We look at faith, what is it, what do we put our faith in, and how can we be united in faith?
A look at Jonah Chapter 3. This week we look at how we, as individuals and a society, need to acknowledge and accept the ways we have oppressed our neighbor, and have sought our own kingdom over the Kingdom of God. We look at how we are called to repent of these things and go forth seeking to unify and love, as we seek the Kingdom of God
As we look at 1 Samuel 3. We must ask the question, in a world filled with noise and opinion how can we hear the TRUTH that God is speaking?
In our final study of the series we look at Nicodemus and how we can break out of the darkness and into the light
This is a deeper look into Ben Fold's song "Phone in a Pool" and looks at the question of what we do when the ways/callings/desires of this world get to be too much. It raises the question of what do we truly desire in this world?
Take a listen to the song here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNIFzM00pNc
Today we look at Genesis 1 and how God brought light into the darkness and created amidst a formless void, and is still creating His Kingdom in our world void of hope, love, joy, and peace
This week we continue looking at what it means to walk in the light. As we look at why the dark can be enticing
A look at guilt and shame, and the danger of self-imposed guilt and shame
I encourage you all to go listen to this song
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlKz4Y5mVVA
A Look at Matthew 2:1-12 and how God still speaks through epiphanies is we keep the faith and the hope and open our hearts, minds, ears, and eyes to receive them
This week we begin a journey into the idea of light and darkness. Looking at what it means to not only walk into the light but to walk IN the light
A look at Isaiah 61:10-62:3. Looking at how, as we come to REBUILD ZION and to live into the HOPE OF CHRISTMAS, it is a call to reconciliation of the "different" and the "other" to come to the table and BE THE CHURCH in this world that needs to see, hear, and feel the presence of Christ.
This is a tag on to our study on Luke 2:10, where we look at the message we are called to proclaim in Luke 2:11 and how in this proclamation we have 2 choices.... HYPOCRITE OR HERALD
A look at the intimacy and vulnerability that comes with love, and how we so often allow fear of being known keep us from receiving love
This is the wrap-up on our look at Luke 2:10, and it is looking at, even when the world promotes division that we are called to be FOR ALL PEOPLE
This is a song by the band 21 Pilots, and is a study I did about a year ago with the youth, but after looking at "Up Up and Away" I wanted to share this song with you as well. I challenge you to listen to the song, then the podcast, then the song again.
Here is a link to "Car Radio"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_xNLN0QV5A
I often times find myself listening to random music, and hearing Biblical truth in the lyrics. This is one of those cases. As mentioned in the episode, I have not listened to their full catalog, so I do not promote any of their other songs. Here is a link to the song discussed in this episode
Juice WRLD's UP UP and Awayhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNSmPyKMQe4
I hope you enjoy, and please comment other songs if you would like for me to check them out
Looking at how when we shift our view and focus from self to God it gives us the vision and wisdom to give thanks
Looking at Exodus 32 and the many reasons we find to not give, or forget to give thanks
A look at Matthew 25:1-13 and the calling to stand, firm in our faith, even in the dark moments
Looking at Luke 17:11-19 and the 10 Lepers, and what that can teach us about living with "An Attitude of Gratitude"
Today we laid the ground work of what a spider and a cobweb, and how we can go about the work of exterminating the spiders
From THE CONNECTION (Formerly Family Worship, in the Gym at Philly FUMC 10AM)Sept 27 2020 James 4:7-10
This week we started looking at the foundation of our faith and what it means when we have storms in our lives
Here is the sermon for August 23, 2020 from Henry's Chapel looking at the story of Moses birth in Exodus 1 and 2
This week we look at what it means to say "Our Father...Hallowed be Your Name, Your Kingdom come, Your will be done
This is the sermon for Sunday, August 16, 2020 looking at the healing of the paralytic in Mark 2
Today we dive into Jesus' teaching of "The Lord's Prayer" and the beauty of the phrase "Our Father"
This week we looked at how living the "Savage Life" is not always easy, but is a response to God's love for us
This week we continued with our study on The Savage Life and looked at the calling to know your role and to serve you purpose in The Body of Christ
This is a sermon from July 26, 2020 looking at Jesus' Parable of "The Mustard Seed, Yeast, Hidden Treasure, and The Pearl"
This week we look at the limits our fears and doubts put on us when it comes to living the Savage Life, but God desires for us to be LIMITLESS, and to do "Immeasurably More"
This is week 2 of Living the Savage Life. This week we look at what it means to accept God's grace.
This begins our study in youth looking at the Savage Life, and how that is a call to live a life that others aren't willing/aren't brave enough to live. Tonights theme was "Living by a Greater Power"