United Methodist Church of Kent Sermon Podcast

We are all confronted by challenges that are bigger than us. What can we expect from God in those situations?

The question is this, “How are we to know if God is going to stand by us and keep the promises we have come to feel God has made to us?”

Faith in Christ involves not just feeling or sentiment but action – doing things that draw us closer to God, and engaging in ministries of outreach to others. We commit ourselves not simply to believe in God but to actively follow Christ.

In times of loss, we can find much in the Bible with which to identify, as many central Biblical stories are stories of severe loss, including a sense of the loss of God. Such loss comes to its climax on the cross. But in the depths God is at work, to open up a glorious future, as evidenced most of all in the Easter story.

There are many popular concepts of what heaven will be like, but what is the Biblical truth about heaven? Audi commercial referenced: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xrgq2CIag6M&t=4s

The crowd is always wrong, thronging to the leader who promises quick fixes, big earthly rewards, and glory. The crowd turned from Jesus because he proclaimed instead a challenging message. But we are called to hear that message, break from the crowd, and follow as Jesus’ disciples.

Christ gives us a peace, not as the world gives. Outward circumstances cannot kill the inner peace that comes from Christ.

Lamentations says “Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord. Let us lift up our hearts as well as our hands to God in heaven.”  (Lam. 3:40-41) These words were written when the people of Judah were in desperate circumstances, which had resulted from their own sin. Lamentations would guide us out of the depths into genuine repentance, in which we do far more than simply go through the “spiritual motions,” but authentically lift our hearts in faith to God.

St. Paddy’s Day is often a frivolous “holiday” or just an ode to all things Irish. But the real life of St. Patrick is an inspiring example of trusting in Christ and following His call to serve those who are far beyond our own circle.