Sermons @ Shepherd

Rev. Jerry Carter is an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church and member at Shepherd of the Hills MV Campus. In his sermon, he gives his testimony and delivers an uplifting message about God's faithfulness throughout his health journey and recovery.

Did you ever attend a class and wonder "Am I ever going to use this? Is this on the test?" As people of God, we are instructed to teach our children so that they may set their hope in God. Psalm 78:1-7.

Philip Bardowell is our extraordinary musician who leads the modern worship at the MV Campus. In this sermon, Philip shares his story from touring musician through struggles in addiction and currently in music ministry. Home depends not on where you are going, but where you are with God. Romans 8:28, Acts 2:28.

Walls of division and exclusion have been around since Biblical times. Who was "in" and who was "out" was largely defined by how one followed the Law. Paul's message to the Ephesians is that Jesus already tore down the walls. We are one in Christ, not by uniformity, but by unity in the mission to love one another, just as Christ loves us. Ephesians 2:11-16.

Former Pastor at Shepherd in MV, Rev Craig Brown brings us a message based on Paul's journey to Macedonia (Acts 16:6-15). After being called by God to go to Macedonia, Paul risks everything in the journey, putting his trust in God to provide. Paul's story and his encounter with Lydia remind us that when God asks us to move from "A" to "B", everything we need is already provided for.

We like winners, especially when it's us! Our heroes are brave, our leaders strong and (hopefully) wise. God turns that all upside down! When you are the least, when you lack courage or knowledge and are unsure about yourself, God becomes your strength, wisdom, and comfort. God's strength is perfected in our weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:1-10.

Being relevant is a core need in our lives. We want to know that our lives mean something. Jesus wants us to give our lives to be relevant. How? Help meet the needs of others. Matthew 7:1-11.

"What we do in life echoes in eternity." When the rich young ruler asks Jesus "What must I do to inherit eternal life?", he is asking the question we often ask ourselves: "Why is everything I have still not enough?" Eternity is grounded in Jesus. Jesus is not just concerned about getting us into heaven, but getting heaven into us. Matthew 19:16-22.

Having your savior crucified was indecent to the people of Israel, foolish to the gentiles, and a fairy tale to the modern world. It is important to remember that Jesus did not choose the cross; humanity did. Trying to understand the meaning of the cross is much more than an intellectual pursuit; entering into the story in all of its mess is the beginning of our faith. 1 Corinthians 1:18-27

On Memorial Day, we remember and give thanks to all those who died in service to our country. When Jesus asks us to "do this in remembrance of me,", he is asking much more than recalling an event or debating the theology of the Last Supper. Instead, we join the story in a form of anamnesis, of seeing Jesus with us at the table.