First United Methodist Church of Kearney Sermons

What is on your list of things too complex to comprehend? Medical insurance, the mystery of where the second sock disappears to, the federal tax code, the list could go on. In many ways God is beyond our comprehension. And yet. That is one of the reasons or the season: Jesus came to show us what God is like. This Sunday we'll Unpack the mystery of a God who becomes known to us in humility and love, breaking barriers to offer salvation to all. Join us as we delve into the Gospel of John to understand how Christ’s birth brings us closer to understanding what God is truly like.

In this sermon, we explore the deeper meaning behind the familiar slogan "Jesus is the reason for the season," challenging us to see ourselves as part of that reason, as Jesus came to bless the whole world. By reflecting on God's promise to Abram and the lineage leading to Jesus, we are reminded of the transformative power of living out that story today. The sermon invites us to not only know the story of Christ but to believe it and become a blessing to others, embodying the light of Jesus in a weary, post-Christendom world. As we enter the Christmas season, this message calls upon us to actively participate in blessing our communities, both locally and globally.

Do you ever feel like life is ordinary, predictable, or even stuck? What if the Kingdom of God is hiding in those very places? God's Kingdom is like the Chiefs Kingdom: unstoppable, unexpected, and welcoming to all. It grows in surprising places, offers abundance beyond measure, and calls us to go all-in. In this Kingdom, expect the unexpected – it's where the ordinary becomes extraordinary. This Sunday, join us as we uncover “The Kingdom Parables” in Matthew 13:31-34, 44-46.

You ever heard the expression, "Forgive and forget?" What if that is neither helpful nor true? On Sunday we'll explore the profound power of forgiveness as demonstrated in Luke 7:44-48. We will discuss how our ability to forgive others expands as we recognize the depth of God's forgiveness toward us. The message challenges the cliché of "forgive and forget," emphasizing that forgiveness is about releasing the right to retribution rather than dismissing past wrongs. Join us as we learn to embrace forgiveness not as an emotion, but as a conscious decision inspired by God's love and grace, just in time for the holidays.

Have you struggled with forgiving yourself for something in the past? How has God’s grace helped you move forward? Life isn’t about being perfect; it’s about progress, redemption, and finding the courage to say, “It’s okay.” This Sunday, as we kick off a new sermon series on 'Forgive and forget', we’ll dive deep into 1 John 1:9 and Philippians 3:13-14, exploring what it truly means to let go of past mistakes and live in the freedom of God’s grace.

In today's fast-paced society, we are bombarded with limitless options and endless information, yet loneliness and division prevail. Join us this Sunday as we delve into 1 Corinthians 1:20, 25, exploring how the "foolishness" of God surpasses the wisdom of the world, offering us a path to genuine community and profound peace. Discover inspiring testimonies from our own congregation and see how the church—a seemingly miraculous institution—continues to pave the way for true community and transformed lives. Don’t miss this opportunity to see how God’s wisdom can redefine your life!

How did you do with group projects in school? A lot of times we struggle if we don't get enough credit or if others get too much. On Sunday we'll look at how the early church tackled this timeless dilemma as we shift from merely consuming to actively contributing to our community's spiritual and physical needs. We'll celebrate ministries that have happened throughout 2024 as we start the first of a two-week series Time Machine.

Join us this week as we delve into "Not In It To Win It," examining how fear can distort our intentions and principles, especially during election season. Drawing from 2 Timothy 1:7 we'll explore how Christ calls us to transcend the fear-based narratives that often dominate politics. In its place we'll discover how Christians can embrace the gift of the spirit of power, love, and sound mind. Discover how we, as followers of Christ, can rise above division and fear, fueled by love and guided by faith, to be true ambassadors of God's Kingdom. Don't miss this opportunity to spiritually prepare and engage thoughtfully in civic participation.

In this sermon, "Not In It to Win It: Don’t Substitute Politics for Religion," we explore how partisanship can misplace our devotion away from faith. Drawing inspiration from 1 Corinthians and the example of Paul, we learn to prioritize spiritual mission over political allegiances. With upcoming elections, we're reminded that our true allegiance is to Jesus, who transcends political divides. Emphasizing love and understanding over division, this message challenges us to evaluate what influences our actions and encourages maintaining our witness as Christians above all. Join us as we are reminded of our first love: faith in Christ.

Discover what it truly means to "follow your passion" as we dive into the depths of commitment and suffering for love, drawing wisdom from Philippians 3:10-11. Explore the real-life struggles of extraordinary individuals and uncover how true fulfillment in Christ involves both resurrection and suffering. Join us this Sunday to redefine passion and rekindle a deeper, unwavering love for Jesus.