United Methodist Church of Kent Sermon Podcast

When storms hit in life, we often wonder where God is. The Scriptures affirm that while God may allow the storm, God yet reigns over the storm. When we put our trust in God, we can see beyond the clouds, and we can find the strength to journey through the storm, upheld by the grace of God.

We live in stormy times. How can we journey through a world full of such evil and trouble? The story of Noah is an archetypal image of how we can make it through the storm when we put our trust in God.

Who are the “meek”? The Biblical answer may surprise you. When Jesus says, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth,” he is talking about what sort of people find fulfillment in their true destiny.

Jesus says, “Blessed are the persecuted.” Through all the beatitudes, Jesus teaches that people who are hitting hard times may become especially blessed. What is Jesus saying to us when we confront rough times?

“Blessed are the pure in heart,” says Jesus, “for they shall see God.” What does it mean to be pure in heart? Jesus points here to the center of the blessed life.

Jesus tells his hearers that if they ask anything “in his name” he will do it! We need to understand that Jesus is not writing a blank check here. We reflect upon what it means to pray “in his name.” Visit kentmethodist.org/sermons for the video and an archive of past sermons.

This week’ sermon was delivered by guest preacher Bil Lepp. Bil is a former Methodist pastor and an award-winning professional storyteller. He has received accolades not only at storytelling competitions, but also for his writing for adults and children (most recently the children’s book The King of Little Things) and for his audio recordings. You can find out more about his life and work at his website, www.leppstorytelling.com.

Forgiveness is hard. It can be hard to forgive ourselves. It can be hard to forgive others. Yet Jesus says “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” How do we experience God’s mercy in life?

Are you trying to be a peacemaker in your family, or among friends or colleagues? It can be difficult! Do you long for peace in the world? That seems impossible! Yet Jesus says, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” How does Jesus lead us to create peace?

What does it mean as a nation to be blessed by God? Does our country have a calling to be “a nation whose God is the Lord”?