This is the sermon only from Sunday 02/08/2026

Passage 

Key Theme

Description

James 1:19-25

Active Doing

Urges believers to be "doers of the word, and not hearers only." It uses the metaphor of a mirror to describe someone who hears the truth but immediately forgets to apply it.

Matthew 13:8

Productive Growth

Describes seed falling on "good soil," which represents those who hear the word, understand it, and produce a crop—yielding a hundred, sixty, or thirty times what was sown.

Key Takeaways

• James 1:19-25 provides the "how-to" for becoming the good soil mentioned in Matthew. It instructs you to be quick to listen and slow to speak, ridding yourself of "moral filth" to humbly receive the "implanted word".

• Matthew 13:8 shows the result of that reception. While other seeds fail due to shallow roots or worldly distractions, the seed in good soil thrives because it is nurtured by an obedient heart.

• The Mirror vs. The Soil: James warns that a "forgetful hearer" is like someone looking in a mirror and walking away unchanged. Matthew confirms that the "good soil" is the one who holds onto the word to produce a tangible, lasting harvest. 

Joshua 4:1-9 details God’s command for the Israelites to create a memorial after crossing the Jordan River on dry ground. Joshua instructs twelve men (one from each tribe) to take twelve stones from the riverbed where the priests stood, carrying them to their camp to serve as a perpetual sign of God's power. Key Details of Joshua 4:1-9:

• The Command: After the nation finished crossing, God directed Joshua to have 12 men take 12 stones from the middle of the Jordan.
• The Purpose: The stones serve as a sign for future generations to ask about the miracle of the Jordan’s flow stopping, acting as a memorial of God’s faithfulness.
• The Action: The men, representing each tribe, carried the stones from the river to their lodging place.
• The Two Memorials: In addition to the stones carried to the camp, Joshua set up a separate set of twelve stones in the middle of the Jordan, specifically where the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant had stood.
• The Result: The stones were placed as a lasting reminder of God's power and the fulfillment of His promises. 

ENTER TO WORSHIP 

UTICA CHRISTIAN CHURCH (DISCIPLES OF CHRIST) 

Reverend Brad Hartzog, Minister 

Rod Nealey, Music Director 

Peggy Bickel, Organist 

Terri Coalter, Pianist 

February 1, 2026 

10:30 A.M 

THE COMMUNITY GATHERS TO WORSHIP 

Announcements 

The Prelude 

Acolyte 

* Introit 

Worship Hymnal 

"Great Is Thy Faithfulness" 

96 

*Call To Worship 

Invocation 

The Lord's Prayer 

(Debts & Debtors) 

Unison 

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be 

thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever. Amen 

Children's Moment 

*The Opening Hymn 

Worship Hymnal 

447 

"It Is Well with My Soul" 

Morning Prayer 

Minister 

THE COMMUNITY OFFERS ITS GIFTS 

*Doxology 

668 

"Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow" 

Diaconate 

The Prayer for the Offering 

THE COMMUNITY PARTAKES OF COMMUNION 

(The Communion Table is open to all who have accepted Christ) 

Communion Hymn 

Communion Meditation 

Worship Hymnal 

"In Remembrance" 

405 

The Prayer for the Loaf and Cup 

The Serving of the Elements 

Message 

The closing of the Communion Table 

Invitation to Discipleship 

*Hymn 

Worship Hymnal 

"I Surrender All" 

THE COMMUNITY DEPARTS TO SERVE 

Benediction 

*Please Stand 

Minister 

Elders 

Diaconate 

Minister 

443 

Minister

"Remember first what God has done" is a recurring biblical theme urging believers to recall divine faithfulness and miracles to strengthen present faith, find hope in hardship, and avoid repeating past mistakes, with key scriptures like Psalm 105:5 and Deuteronomy 8:2 instructing remembrance of God's mighty works, deliverance from Egypt, and guidance in the wilderness to build trust and gratitude for His ongoing presence and future promises. Core Meanings in Scripture

• Strengthens Faith: Recalling God's past miracles builds belief in His ability to help today, as seen in Psalm 77:11 and YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRgEmN0OBL8.
• Promotes Gratitude: It fosters thankfulness for answered prayers, forgiveness, and protection, as taught in Psalm 103:2.
• Teaches Humility: Remembering past rebellion, like Israel's in the wilderness (Deuteronomy 9:7), reminds people of their need for God's grace.
• Provides Hope: God's consistent action in the past assures believers He is committed to their future, as explained in this Facebook post and this De Pree Center article. 

• Psalm 105:5: "Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered".
• Deuteronomy 8:2: "Remember the whole way that the LORD your God has led you in the wilderness these forty years, to humble you, to test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not".
• Isaiah 46:9: "Remember the former things, from ancient days; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me". 

Key Biblical References

ENTER TO WORSHIP 

UTICA CHRISTIAN CHURCH (DISCIPLES OF CHRIST) 

Reverend Brad Hartzog, Minister 

Rod Nealey, Music Director 

Peggy Bickel, Organist 

Terri Coalter, Pianist 

January 18 2026 

10:30 A.M 

THE COMMUNITY GATHERS TO WORSHIP 

Announcements 

The Prelude 

Acolyte 

* Introit 

*Call To Worship 

Invocation 

Worship Hymnal "Worthy of Worship" 

3 

The Lord's Prayer 

(Debts & Debtors) 

Unison 

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be 

thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever. Amen 

Children's Moment 

*The Opening Hymn 

Worship Hymnal 

127 

"The Heart of Worship" 

Morning Prayer 

Minister 

THE COMMUNITY OFFERS ITS GIFTS 

*Doxology 

668 

"Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow" 

The Prayer for the Offering 

Diaconate 

THE COMMUNITY PARTAKES OF COMMUNION 

(The Communion Table is open to all who have accepted Christ) 

Communion Hymn 

Worship Hymnal 

"Here, at Your Table, Lord" 

403 

Communion Meditation 

Minister 

The Prayer for the Loaf and Cup 

Elders 

The Serving of the Elements 

Diaconate 

The closing of the Communion Table 

Message 

Minister 

Invitation to Discipleship 

*Hymn 

Worship Hymnal 

"Without Him" 

THE COMMUNITY DEPARTS TO SERVE 

Benediction 

*Please Stand 

470 

Minister

The main message of Philemon is a powerful appeal for forgiveness, reconciliation, and transformative love in Christ, urging slave owner Philemon to welcome back his runaway slave, Onesimus, not as property, but as a beloved brother in faith, effectively breaking down social barriers through the gospel. Paul uses this personal letter to illustrate how Christian fellowship (koinonia) redefines relationships, treating everyone as equals in God's eyes, demonstrating grace, and challenging worldly status. Key Themes & Messages:

• Radical Forgiveness: Paul asks Philemon to forgive Onesimus as God has forgiven them, a central Christian teaching. 
• Unity in Christ: The letter shows how faith in Jesus makes slaves and masters brothers, transforming former hierarchies into spiritual partnerships (Philemon 1:16). 
• Transformation of Relationships: It's a model for how the gospel changes everyday interactions, moving beyond societal norms to genuine Christian love and acceptance. 
• Grace & Reconciliation: The core concept is God's grace reconciling people, a principle Paul applies directly by asking Philemon to receive Onesimus "as you would me". 
• Practical Application of Faith: Philemon isn't just theological; it's a real-life example of living out Christian principles in difficult personal and social situations, as GotQuestions.org notes. 

In essence, Philemon teaches that Christian love demands reconciliation and equality, asking believers to extend the same transformative grace they've received to others, regardless of social standing. 

ENTER TO WORSHIP 

UTICA CHRISTIAN CHURCH (DISCIPLES OF CHRIST) 

Reverend Brad Hartzog, Minister 

Rod Nealey, Music Director 

Peggy Bickel, Organist 

Terri Coalter, Pianist 

January 11 2026 

10:30 A.M 

THE COMMUNITY GATHERS TO WORSHIP 

Announcements 

The Prelude Acolyte 

* Introit 

Worship Hymnal 

"Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing" 

*Call To Worship 

Invocation 

The Lord's Prayer 

(Debts & Debtors) 

98 

Unison 

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done. on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever. Amen 

Children's Moment 

*The Opening Hymn 

Worship Hymnal 

143 

"You Are My All in All" 

Morning Prayer 

Minister 

THE COMMUNITY OFFERS ITS GIFTS 

*Doxology 

668 

"Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow" 

Diaconate 

The Prayer for the Offering 

THE COMMUNITY PARTAKES OF COMMUNION 

(The Communion Table is open to all who have accepted Christ) 

Communion Hymn 

Worship Hymnal 

"Your Supper, Lord, Before Us Spread" 

409 

Communion Meditation 

Minister 

The Prayer for the Loaf and Cup 

Elders 

The Serving of the Elements 

Diaconate 

The closing of the Communion Table 

Message 

Minister 

Invitation to Discipleship 

*Hymn 

Worship Hymnal 

434 

"I Have Decided to Follow Jesus" 

THE COMMUNITY DEPARTS TO SERVE 

Benediction 

Minister 

*Please Stand 

“Turning The Page”.

Matthew 21:28-32 (the Parable of the Two Sons) contrasts outward obedience with inward action, showing the first son (who said "no" but later obeyed) as doing God's will over the second (who said "yes" but didn't). James 4:13-17 warns against boasting about future plans, emphasizing reliance on God's will ("if the Lord wills"), highlighting that presumption about worldly success without acknowledging God is sin, a theme of true obedience and humility that echoes Matthew's call for genuine action over mere words. Matthew 21:28-32 (Parable of the Two Sons)

• The Story: A father asks his two sons to work in the vineyard. The first says he won't but later changes his mind and goes; the second says he will but doesn't.
• The Meaning: Jesus asks which son did the father's will. The religious leaders answer "the first". Jesus declares that tax collectors and prostitutes, who initially rejected John the Baptist but later repented, are entering God's kingdom before the leaders, who heard but didn't act.
• The Lesson: True righteousness is demonstrated through obedient action, not just verbal agreement or outward piety. 

• The Warning: The passage addresses those who plan worldly ventures without acknowledging God's sovereignty, saying, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that".
• The Rebuke: Such boasting, focusing on personal plans for wealth, is seen as evil.
• The Command: Christians are told to know what is good (planning for the future responsibly) but fail to do it, and this failure to live out faith in God's will is sin.
• The Lesson: Humility and dependence on God are essential; our plans must align with His will, recognizing He is the ultimate source of life and success, not our own ambition. 

• Matthew shows that even those who initially refuse (like the first son) but repent and act are favored over those who give lip service (like the second son).
• James warns against presuming God's favor for worldly plans, urging a heart that aligns with God's will in all endeavors, showing true faith through practical submission rather than boasting. 

James 4:13-17 (Warning Against Presumption)Connection Between the Passages Both passages challenge hypocrisy and emphasize genuine, obedient action over empty words or presumptuous plans.

ENTER TO WORSHIP 

UTICA CHRISTIAN CHURCH (DISCIPLES OF CHRIST) 

Reverend Brad Hartzog, Minister 

Rod Nealey, Music Director 

Peggy Bickel, Organist 

Terri Coalter, Pianist 

January 4 2025 

10:30 A.M 

THE COMMUNITY GATHERS TO WORSHIP 

Announcements 

The Prelude 

Acolyte 

* Introit 

Worship Hymnal 

289 

"Days of Elijah" 

*Call To Worship 

Invocation 

Unison 

The Lord's Prayer 

(Debts & Debtors) 

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be 

thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever. Amen 

Children's Moment 

*The Opening Hymn 

Worship Hymnal 

252 

"Down at the Cross" 

Morning Prayer 

Minister 

THE COMMUNITY OFFERS ITS GIFTS 

*Doxology 

668 

"Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow" 

The Prayer for the Offering 

Diaconate 

THE COMMUNITY PARTAKES OF COMMUNION 

(The Communion Table is open to all who have accepted Christ) 

Communion Hymn 

Worship Hymnal "Come to the Table" 

406 

Communion Meditation 

Minister 

The Prayer for the Loaf and Cup 

Elders 

The Serving of the Elements 

Diaconate 

The closing of the Communion Table 

Message 

Minister 

Installation of Officers 

Invitation to Discipleship 

*Hymn 

Worship Hymnal 

256 

"Have You Been to Calvary" 

THE COMMUNITY DEPARTS TO SERVE 

Benediction 

*Please Stand 

Minister