A real difference isn’t made by quick help—it’s made through connection.

In this fourth Living the Vision message, we turn to Matthew 25:31–46 and explore what it means to follow Jesus by walking with others—not just serving them. Discipleship isn’t about charity. It’s about presence, courage, and long-term transformation. The question is: Are you serving in ways that create connection, or just meeting a need?

I'm Michael Bynum, pastor, coach, writer, entrepreneur, and fellow traveler. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube @MWBynum.

You can explore more reflections, devotionals, and resources on my Substack page at ⁠hearingbeyondthenoise.com, or join me—or one of our awesome worship leaders—in person on Sunday morning. Worship times are listed on our church website at ⁠LHUMC.org.

Keywords:
Living the Vision, Matthew 25:40, Make a difference, Through connection, Christian service, Discipleship not charity, Relational ministry, Transforming faith, Courageous love, Presence over performance, Following Jesus, Christian living, Church that connects, United Methodist.

A healthy faith doesn’t grow in isolation. 

In this third Living the Vision message, we turn to Acts 2:41–47 and see that discipleship is not a private experience—it’s a shared one. From the earliest church to today, growth happens when we pray, learn, break bread, and live life together. The question is: Who helps you grow in faith, and with whom are you growing?

I'm Michael Bynum, pastor, coach, writer, entrepreneur, and fellow traveler. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube @MWBynum.

You can explore more reflections, devotionals, and resources on my Substack page at hearingbeyondthenoise.com, or join me—or one of our awesome worship leaders—in person on Sunday morning. Worship times are listed on our church website at LHUMC.org.

Keywords:
Living the Vision, Acts 2:42, Grow together, Christian community, Spiritual growth, Discipleship in community, Fellowship, Prayer and teaching, Breaking bread, Early church model, Faith and relationships, Shared faith, Following Jesus together, Church life, United Methodist.

A smile isn't the same as a welcome. In this second Living the Vision message, we are challenged to move past comfort, control, and fear to offer the kind of welcome Christ gave us—one that makes space for real belonging.

I'm Michael Bynum, pastor, coach, writer, entrepreneur, and fellow traveler. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube @MWBynum.

You can explore more reflections, devotionals, and resources on my Substack page at hearingbeyondthenoise.com, or join me—or one of our awesome worship leaders—in person on Sunday morning. Worship times are listed on our church website at LHUMC.org.

Keywords:

Living the Vision, Romans 15:7, Welcome all, Christian community, Belonging, Church hospitality, Radical welcome, Grace and unity, Discipleship, Following Jesus, Church growth, Inclusion in the church, Faith in action, Christian living, United Methodist

Grace comes first.
In this opening Living the Vision message, discover how God’s unearned love meets us where we are—and calls us to live and love differently.

I'm Michael Bynum, pastor, coach, writer, entrepreneur, and fellow traveler. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube @MWBynum.

You can explore more reflections, devotionals, and resources on my Substack page at hearingbeyondthenoise.com, or join me—or one of our awesome worship leaders—in person on Sunday morning. Worship times are listed on our church website at LHUMC.org.

Keywords:
Grace, Ephesians 2:1–10, Living the Vision, Christian sermon, God’s love, saved by grace, faith and works, spiritual growth, Christian podcast, discipleship, church vision, grace changes everything, Methodist sermon, Michael Bynum.