Kern Talks

In this sermon, the focus is on prayer—a spiritual practice that transcends religious boundaries and is prevalent in American culture. Despite its ubiquity, many people struggle with prayer, whether due to lack of focus, confidence, or faith. Drawing inspiration from Jesus' life, Pastor Will explores prayer as not just an action but a way of life. Through various examples from Jesus' own prayer life, listeners are encouraged to view prayer as an ongoing conversation with God, integral to navigating life's uncertainties and challenges. Will offers three simple steps—keep it simple, keep it real, keep it up—as practical tools for integrating prayer into daily living. By embracing prayer as a way of life, individuals can experience a deeper connection with God and a greater sense of grace amidst life's precariousness.

In this sermon, Pastor Will reflects on the recent snowstorm and invites listeners to participate in a present-moment census by saying "I'm here." They delve into the pervasive issue of mind-wandering, exploring how thoughts often stray to the past or future, robbing individuals of true presence and happiness. Through anecdotes and biblical teachings, he emphasizes the importance of living in the moment, drawing inspiration from Jesus' example of being fully present with those around him. Pastor Will challenges listeners to break free from the "when-then" and "what-if" mindset, urging them to embrace each day as a gift from God. Offering a simple prayer—"God, give me today"—as a tool to anchor the mind in the present, his sermon concludes with a call to live one's best days now by experiencing the richness of the present moment.

In this sermon, Pastor Will explores the pervasive issue of busyness in modern life, questioning its societal glorification and impact on personal well-being. Drawing on personal experiences and societal observations, he reflects on the paradox that technological advancements, intended to save time, have contributed to increased feelings of overwhelm. The core message centers around the idea that relentless busyness may hinder individuals from living life to the fullest, echoing the teachings of Jesus in John 10:10. The speaker advocates for embracing the unforced rhythms of grace demonstrated by Jesus, encouraging practical steps like being present in the moment, prioritizing what truly matters, and attuning to God's guidance. The episode concludes with an invitation for listeners to join in a prayer focused on learning these rhythms, offering a thoughtful exploration of breaking free from the constant busyness cycle for a more fulfilling life.

kernchurch.org

kernchurch.org/next

In this sermon, Pastor Will reflects on the common desire for vacations and breaks, exploring the misconception that time off alone can alleviate life's stresses. Drawing from personal experiences and observations, he delves into the realization that the root cause of stress lies in the way one spends the rest of their life. As the new year unfolds, listeners are encouraged to examine their lives and question if their current way of living is truly working for them. Referencing a biblical perspective from John 14:1-6, the speaker emphasizes Jesus' invitation to a transformative way of life, moving beyond mere beliefs or actions. This sermon sets the stage for a series on exploring this "better way" and invites everyone to consider baptism as a symbolic commitment to embracing Jesus' way of living life to the fullest. Join us as we embark on a journey to discover a life that transcends stress, anxiety, and unfulfillment.

In this thought-provoking sermon, Pastor Will reflects on the global context of Christmas, acknowledging the pain and turmoil faced by people worldwide. Drawing parallels between the joy of personal celebrations and the harsh realities of conflicts happening around the world, the sermon explores the biblical story of the Magi to emphasize God's unexpected presence in diverse places. Listeners are encouraged to actively seek God in the midst of global and personal challenges, and the sermon concludes with a heartfelt prayer for hope and peace in the upcoming year. Join us as we delve into a perspective on Christmas that goes beyond personal festivities to find God's presence in unexpected corners of the world.

Come with us a we hear the Christmas story read from Luke 2:1-20 and as Pastor Will brings us words of peace in this hectic season.

This sermon explores the impact of labels that individuals carry, both self-imposed and imposed by society. Pastor Will reflects on the potential harm caused by hurtful labels, especially in childhood, and emphasizes that these labels can have lasting effects on mental health. Drawing from the biblical narrative of Mary and Elizabeth, the sermon highlights how God reverses societal labels, granting new identities to those considered lowly, hungry, or powerless. The speaker encourages listeners to reflect on the labels they carry, offering a moment for personal contemplation. The sermon concludes with an invitation to symbolically surrender these labels to God and embrace the new labels God provides, emphasizing the transformative power of recognizing one's true identity in Christ.

This sermon delves into the stress and pressure associated with finding the perfect gift during the holiday season. Pastor Will shares a childhood story of longing for a specific crayon case and how, as an adult, the focus shifted to wanting meaningful moments with family. He discusses the societal expectations of gift-giving, the financial strains it can cause, and the cultural pressures to meet certain standards. Will then introduces a biblical perspective through the Gospel of Mark, highlighting the role of John the Baptist as an ancient "advertiser" preparing people for the arrival of Jesus, described as the perfect gift from God. The message encourages listeners to shift their focus from the materialistic pursuit of perfection to embracing the true gift of the season—Jesus. Practical steps for reflection, simplification of holiday celebrations, and sharing the message of Jesus are proposed to alleviate stress and debt during this time. We conclude with an invitation for listeners to consider the transformative power of collectively embracing the true meaning of Christmas, fostering a sense of peace and joy.

In our Advent series, "The Perfect Gift", Pastor Will explores the anxiety associated with the countdown to Christmas, drawing parallels between the anticipation of Santa's arrival and the stressors of holiday preparations with the expectation of the arrival of Jesus. He reflects on childhood experiences and the pressure to be "nice" to avoid receiving coal, expanding to encompass broader holiday-related stresses, such as gift-giving, financial concerns, and hosting gatherings. The concept of Advent in Christian traditions is introduced, emphasizing the preparation for the coming of Jesus and the second coming. The anxiety surrounding predictions of the end times is discussed, and Pastor Will reassures listeners that living in constant countdown anxiety is not the intended approach. Instead, the message encourages staying alert and being ready for the present moment, finding peace in today rather than succumbing to countdown stress. We conclude with an invitation for listeners to reflect, confess anxieties, and participate in a communal act of preparing for Christ's coming through the symbolic laying of strips of cloth in a crib, followed by communion.

Breakthrough Prayer:

"God, unleash Your resurrection power to bring miracles of new hopes, dreams, and possibilities for our church and our lives. Grant us the boldness to follow Jesus into Your uncharted future. May Your Spirit come and Your will be done. Amen"