Join us in celebrating the Feast of St. Francis, a day dedicated to honoring God's gift of animals and our role as stewards of creation. St. Francis of Assisi, known for his radical commitment to the gospel, treated all creatures with love and respect. Colossians 1:15-20 emphasizes the role of Jesus in creation, affirming the intrinsic value and purpose of every part of creation. Our relationships with pets reflect God's unconditional love, and we are called to live out the gospel by caring for animals, the environment, and our communities. Discover practical steps to embody this message in your daily life, from treating animals with kindness to supporting environmental stewardship and community involvement. Embrace the challenge to love like St. Francis and reflect God's love to the world. Keywords: St. Francis, Feast of St. Francis, God's creation, animals, stewardship, Colossians 1:15-20, gospel, unconditional love, environmental stewardship, community involvement.

Wesley United Methodist Church - Springfield, MO

Join us as we delve into the profound lessons of World Communion Sunday, exploring our unity with all of creation. Genesis reveals God's perfect creation, disrupted by sin but redeemed through Jesus Christ. Paul's letter to the Colossians highlights Jesus as the visible image of God, the source, sustainer, and redeemer of all creation. Inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, we learn to live in harmony with nature, recognizing Jesus in all things, cultivating humility, and deepening our communion with the world. Discover practical steps to appreciate nature, be grateful for the earth's abundance, and commit to protecting it. Keywords: World Communion Sunday, unity, creation, Genesis, sin, Jesus Christ, Colossians, St. Francis of Assisi, harmony, nature, humility, gratitude, communion.

Wesley United Methodist Church - Springfield, MO

Hello and welcome to Wesley Church's podcast of *That's a Good Question* where we invite and encourage questions that you have wanted to ask the church.

Questions? Email us at [email protected]

Eden represents the perfect home God created for humanity, free from fear, shame, sickness, and death. Human sin led to the fall, resulting in a world filled with struggle and pain. However, through Jesus Christ, we see glimpses of our true home and the hope of restoration. The Holy Spirit empowers us to bring a piece of Eden into the present world, and all creation eagerly awaits its full restoration. Our calling as Christians is to be stewards of God's creation and work towards its renewal.

Wesley United Methodist Church - Springfield, MO

In the beginning, God created a perfect world where humanity lived in unity with Him. However, Adam and Eve's disobedience introduced sin, causing separation from God and bringing pain and suffering into the world. Despite this, God's grace through Jesus Christ offers a way to overcome this separation. Reflect on how you can embrace God's grace and respond to His pursuit in your daily life.

Wesley United Methodist Church - Springfield, MO

Wesley United Methodist Church - Springfield, MO

Wesley United Methodist Church - Springfield, MO

In this insightful message, Pastor Michael McIntyre explores the profound significance of communion, focusing on the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus from Luke 24:13-35. Discover how breaking bread reveals Jesus' presence in our lives and connects us to His sacrifice and resurrection. Communion is more than a ritual; it's a sacred act that brings us closer to Jesus, offering both physical and spiritual sustenance. Learn about the inclusive nature of Jesus' table, where everyone is welcome, and the importance of family meals as a space for spiritual connection. Keywords: communion, breaking bread, Jesus, road to Emmaus, spiritual nourishment, family meals, inclusivity, Luke 24:13-35, Pastor Michael McIntyre, Wesley United Methodist Church.

Discover the profound meaning of Holy Communion, a sacred act that invites us into a deeper relationship with God and each other. Holy Communion is more than a ritual; it is a divine invitation to experience God's grace and remember Jesus Christ's sacrifice. In the United Methodist tradition, the communion table is open to all, reflecting God's inclusive love. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 11, the Apostle Paul emphasizes that communion is about the posture of our hearts, urging the church to find unity despite differences. Communion is a powerful reminder of Jesus' redemptive work and a call to reflect on our approach to this sacred act. Are we coming to the table with humility and gratitude? Are we seeking unity with our fellow believers? This sacrament challenges us to live out the unity and love it represents, fostering a deeper relationship with God and each other. Keywords: Holy Communion, God's grace, Jesus Christ's sacrifice, 1 Corinthians 11, unity in church, United Methodist tradition, open table, divine invitation, redemptive work, church community.

Explore the profound significance of baptism in the Christian faith. Baptism is more than a ritual; it is a means of grace, encompassing prevenient, justifying, and sanctifying grace. This sacrament is inclusive, welcoming people of all ages, and serves as a covenant between God and us. Rooted in ancient Jewish traditions and Jesus' own baptism, it unifies us as the body of Christ and is led by the Holy Spirit. Discover how remembering, renewing, and rejoicing in our baptism helps us live out our faith and share God's love with others. Keywords: baptism, Christian faith, means of grace, prevenient grace, justifying grace, sanctifying grace, inclusive, covenant, Holy Spirit, Jesus, ancient traditions, Great Commission, living out faith.