First United Methodist Church of Kearney Sermons

Most of us have gotten lost at one time or another. Maybe we're too stubborn to use a GPS or ask someone for help. Sometimes being labeled lost is perceived as negative but what if it is less of a label and more a statement of fact? In Jesus' time he clashed with a group of religious leaders often around one issue: how to respond to "the lost." In Luke 15 he responds with three different stories that all end in a party. Why would anyone try to stop the party?

We all face temptations daily – from anxiety to procrastination, from overeating to social media addiction. We're not alone in this struggle. Even Jesus was tempted in the desert. The Lord's Prayer, "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil" reminds us that God is our greatest protector and rescuer. When evil lurks, inside or out, call on Him. He's always there, ready to guide us towards the light. 

"Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." Forgiveness is a daily necessity, like bread for our souls. It's not about forgetting but releasing resentment. Holding grudges hurts us more than those who wronged us. God's grace empowers us to forgive beyond human limits. Forgiveness brings healing, restoration, and spiritual growth.

"Give us this day our daily bread." This simple prayer holds a profound truth: We're all in this together. When we pray this, we don't just pray for "my" bread, but for "our" bread. When we have more than enough, we're called to be the answer to someone else's prayer. In a world of plenty, we're asked to create a community where everyone has enough. That's how we build God's kingdom on earth.

We pray “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven," in the Lord's Prayer. God’s Kingdom isn’t a distant place but His reign, values, and presence in our lives right now. Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is in your midst.” (Luke 17:21). It’s about living out God’s love, justice, and peace here and now. We’re called to reflect these values in our lives, making God’s Kingdom a present reality.

This message talks about the opening lines of the Lord's Prayer, 'Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.' We learn that addressing God as 'Our Father' emphasizes our interconnectedness as God's children, transcending differences and reminding us to pray with a sense of community. The parable of the prodigal son illustrates the depth of God's fatherly love, which surpasses the limitations of earthly fathers. We discover that God is omnipresent, not confined to a specific place and that we can see Him in our daily lives and interactions. The sermon explores the significance of hallowing God's name and recognizing His unparalleled holiness and greatness. By living in alignment with the gospel, we magnify God's glory to the world, just as a microscope or telescope reveals the true vastness and beauty of creation. Ultimately, we are inspired to let our lives be a living testament to God's presence, allowing others to glorify our Heavenly Father through our actions.

Today's message reminds us that change is an inevitable part of life's journey, filled with joys, sorrows, and uncertainties. However, we can find comfort and strength in the unwavering love and presence of God. The scriptures from Deuteronomy 31:6 and Romans 8:38-39 assure us that God will never leave or forsake us, and that nothing can separate us from His love in Christ Jesus. We are excited for Teresa Brent to be bringing the message!

The sermon explored the story of Gideon from the Book of Judges, illustrating how God can use even the weakest and most powerless among us to accomplish His great purposes. Despite Gideon's doubts and feelings of inadequacy, God called him a "mighty warrior" and promised to be with him always. It's a reminder that our strength doesn't come from ourselves, but from trusting in a God who has our back and believes in us.

Today's message explores the greatness and goodness of God in the face of life's challenges and the existence of evil. We are reminded that God's power and love are often revealed through nature, like the rare northern lights, but also in the everyday joys and growth of our loved ones. However, when faced with suffering and injustice, we may question how a great and good God could allow such things. In times when God's greatness and goodness seem incongruent with our experiences, we are called to trust in His promises and faithfulness. Just as a parent comforts a child through temporary pain, knowing they will be okay, we can trust that God's perspective is greater than ours and that He is working all things for our ultimate good. Our faith in Jesus Christ, who embodied God's love and overcame the world, allows us to find peace and hope even in the midst of trouble.

On Sunday we'll turn to Jesus for shedding the weight of worry and stepping into a life defined by faith and freedom from anxiety.The relentless pursuit of perfection often steers us away from authentic security and self-worth, pushing us to seek validation in all the wrong places. Almost everyone has experienced the universal battle with anxiety, a theme that echoes through the experiences shared by today's youth in Jonathan Haidt's work, and the cultural sentiments captured in John Mayer's music. Together, we'll examine how these contemporary reflections align with Jesus' enduring wisdom on worry and anxiety as depicted in the book of Matthew, offering a guide to refocusing our attention on what truly nourishes our souls.