First United Methodist Church of Kearney Sermons

Feeling stuck between fear and uncertainty? This Sunday we’ll explore how Jesus meets the disciples behind locked doors with a gift we all need—peace that isn’t dependent on circumstances. From liminal seasons to big decisions, discover how God invites us to trade anxiety for discernment and learn what it means to walk by the Spirit when the way forward isn’t clear. When you’re going in blind, you’re not going alone.

This week we’re talking about the kind of peace that only shows up after we’re willing to own our mistakes. Romans 12:18 challenges us to do everything within our power to make things right—and sometimes the missing peace is the peace we’re called to make. We’ll explore how obliviousness, pride, and fear hold us back, and how simple, intentional steps toward reconciliation can open the door to healing. If you’ve ever felt the sting of a strained relationship, this message might be exactly what your heart needs. 

Have you ever felt like you’re waiting on God? His timing might always be perfect, but from where we sit, it can also be frustrating. It can even feel like sometimes, He’s forgotten us. This Sunday, let’s look at what happens when God’s timing makes us pause, reflect, and depend on Him. 

Peace isn't found in perfect circumstances but in Christ's presence. This Advent, remember: the world will always lack peace, but Jesus, the Prince of Peace, offers shalom—deep harmony and complete wellness. Peace becomes possible when Christ becomes central. 

We often keep a mental ledger of what others owe us. That insult. That betrayal. That hurt. We calculate the debt and wait for payback. But Jesus offers a radically different approach in Matthew 6:12: "Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." Forgiveness is not pretending nothing happened. It is releasing your right to retribution. It is choosing to let go of the demand that someone suffer as much as they made you suffer. This journey moves through three stages: from vengeance (wanting them to hurt like you hurt), to obedience (releasing the debt because Jesus says to), to transcendence (genuinely desiring the best for them). It takes time. It takes grace. But it sets you free.

Time is a finite resource- we can't slow it down or make more. When we have so many things competing for our time it can be overhwhelming to prioritize the most important. How do we avoid spending our time before we even get it? We often hear "time is money" or "time is precious" so how are you spending yours?

This Sunday we'll kick off our new series "In the Red" by tackling one of the most common struggles we face: worry. In a world where we're constantly bombarded with information, news alerts, and social media content, it's no wonder anxiety levels are rising across all age groups. We spend an average of 46 hours a week on screens—essentially a full-time job of consuming content that often fuels our fears rather than our faith. We'll talk about distinguishing between acute anxiety (real, immediate problems) and chronic anxiety (future-based, hypothetical worries) and to recognize that God cares for us even more than He cares for the birds of the air.

On All Saints Day, we emphasizing the role of those who have gone before us in our faith journeys. Through the metaphor of a "great cloud of witnesses" from Hebrews 12, the message encourages us to honor and be inspired by the saints' lives while acknowledging the complex nature of grief. We'll walk through some ways to externalize grief and celebrate memories through meaningful actions. Worship will conclude with a candle-lighting ceremony as a tribute to the saints who have impacted our lives.

This week in worship we'll focus on gratitude and acknowledging God's continuous blessings, even when they become familiar over time. Drawing insights from Lamentations 3:22-23 and 2 Corinthians 9:7, we'll celebrate a year of service and generosity. Come worship in joyful response to God's unwavering faithfulness and to continue the mission of helping others know Christ, grow in faith, and serve the world.

Knowing your "why" can make all the difference. Join in this week as we look at Jesus' parting words to his disciples in Acts 1:8-9 and how it matters to our church 2,000 years later.