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West End UMC Podcast Audio PodcastThe Alpha and OmegaThe Alpha and Omega – In January we began a year-long journey through the Bible with Genesis, and today and next Sunday we end with readings from Revelation. Today’s reading comes from the first chapter where the visionary, John, reports on his encounter with the risen Jesus. The book of Revelation is and has been controversial through the millenia with some people citing it to predict the coming of the apocalypse as a punishment. It helps to know some of the historical setting, and it was a time when the Roman empire had Judah, both Jews and Christians, under its cont...2023-11-1924 min
Alpha UMC Sermons"It's a Refreshing Thing"
Acts 3:17-2 (NRSVUE)17 “And now, brothers and sisters, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 18 In this way God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, that his Messiah[a] would suffer. 19 Repent, therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out, 20 so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord and that he may send the Messiah[b] appointed for you, that is, Jesus, 21 who must remain in heaven until the time of universal restoration that God announced long ago through his hol...2023-06-1100 minAlpha UMC Sermons"Living Out Our Faith in the Presence of Others"
Galatians 2:11-14 (NRSVUE)Paul Rebukes Peter at Antioch11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face because he stood self-condemned, 12 for until certain people came from James, he used to eat with the gentiles. But after they came, he drew back and kept himself separate for fear of the circumcision faction. 13 And the other Jews joined him in this hypocrisy, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that they were not acting consistently with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them...2023-06-0700 minAlpha UMC SermonsMay 28, 2023
Acts 2: 1-412 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[a] as the Spirit enabled them.5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound...2023-05-2800 minAlpha UMC SermonsBeing Intentionally Observant
Psalm 46: 7-11 (NRSV)1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present[a] help in trouble.2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea,3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. Selah4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High.5 God is in the midst of the city;[b] it shall not be moved; God will help it when the morning...2023-05-2100 minAlpha UMC Sermons"Come, Let's Take a Break"
Mark 6:30-32 (NRSVUE)Feeding the Five Thousand30 The apostles gathered around Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. 31 He said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. 32 And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves.2023-05-1400 minAlpha UMC Sermons"But I Did Nothing Wrong!"
1 Peter 2:19-25 (NRSVUE)19 For it is a commendable thing if, being aware of God, a person endures pain while suffering unjustly. 20 If you endure when you are beaten for doing wrong, what credit is that? But if you endure when you do good and suffer for it, this is a commendable thing before God. 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps.22 “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”23 When he was abused...2023-04-3000 minAlpha UMC Sermons5 P's of What?
Philippians 4:4-5 (NLT)4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.[a]2023-04-2300 minAlpha UMC Sermons"Peace, Two Times"
John 20:19-23 (NRSVUE)Jesus Appears to the Disciples19 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors were locked where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” 22 When he had said this, he breathed on them and sai...2023-04-1600 minAlpha UMC Sermons"I Love to Tell the Story"
Acts 10:34-43 (NRSVUE)Gentiles Hear the Good News34 Then Peter began to speak to them: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every people anyone who fears him and practices righteousness[a] is acceptable to him. 36 You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. 37 That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who w...2023-04-0900 minAlpha UMC Sermons"A Little Humility Never Hurts"
Philippians 2:5-11 (NRSVUE)5 Let the same mind be in you that was[a] in Christ Jesus,6 who, though he existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped,7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, assuming human likeness.And being found in appearance as a human,8 he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death— even death on a cross.9 Therefore God exalted him even more highly and gave him the name that is above every other n...2023-04-0200 minAlpha UMC SermonsThoughts of Life and Peace
Romans 8:5-6 (NRSVUE)5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit[a] set their minds on the things of the Spirit.[b] 6 To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit[c] is life and peace.2023-03-2600 minAlpha UMC Sermons"Wake Up, Sleepyhead"
Ephesians 5:6-14 (NRSVUE)6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes on those who are disobedient.[a] 7 Therefore do not be associated with them, 8 for once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Walk as children of light, 9 for the fruit of the light[b] is found in all that is good and right and true. 10 Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness; rather, expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to ment...2023-03-1900 minAlpha UMC Sermons"Relax, Growth Takes Time"
Romans 7:14-16 (NRSVUE)The Inner Conflict14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold into slavery under sin.[a] 15 I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree that the law is good.2023-03-1200 minAlpha UMC Sermons"No Work Required!"
Romans 4:1-5 (NRSVUE)The Example of Abraham4 What then are we to say was gained by[a] Abraham, our ancestor according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the scripture say? “Abraham believed[b] God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” 4 Now to one who works, wages are not reckoned as a gift but as something due. 5 But to one who does not work but trusts him who justifies the ungodly, such faith is reckoned as righteousness.2023-03-0500 minAlpha UMC Sermons"One Must Choose"
Matthew 4:1-4 (NRSV)The Testing of Jesus4 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tested by the devil. 2 He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterward he was famished. 3 The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But he answered, “It is written,‘One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ”2023-02-2600 minAlpha UMC Sermons"A Humble Turning"
Matthew 6:16-21 (NRSV)Concerning Fasting16 “And whenever you fast, do not look somber, like the hypocrites, for they mark their faces to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.[a]Concerning Treasures19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, w...2023-02-2400 minAlpha UMC Sermons"Taking the Next Steps"
Hebrews 12:1-312 So then, with endurance, let’s also run the race that is laid out in front of us, since we have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us. Let’s throw off any extra baggage, get rid of the sin that trips us up, 2 and fix our eyes on Jesus, faith’s pioneer and perfecter. He endured the cross, ignoring the shame, for the sake of the joy that was laid out in front of him, and sat down at the right side of God’s throne.3 Think about the one who endured suc...2023-02-1900 minAlpha UMC Sermons"Did I Say That?"
Matthew 5:33-37 (NRSVUE)Concerning Oaths33 “Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.’ 34 But I say to you: Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36 And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. 37 Let your word be ‘Yes, Yes’ or...2023-02-1200 minAlpha UMC Sermons"What God Wants"
Matthew 5:17-20 (NRSV)The Law and the Prophets17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter,[a] not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. 19 Therefore, whoever breaks[b] one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teach...2023-02-0500 minAlpha UMC Sermons"It is Possible!"
1 Corinthians 1:18-20 (NRSV)Christ the Power and Wisdom of God18 For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written,“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scholar? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?2023-01-2900 minAlpha UMC SermonsThe Light Came into Darkness
Matthew 4:12-17 (NRSVUE)Jesus Begins His Ministry in Galilee12 Now when Jesus[a] heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. 13 He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:15 “Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the gentiles—16 the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light,and for those who sat in...2023-01-2200 minAlpha UMC SermonsHe Made Me an Arrow
Isaiah 49:1-3 (NRSV)49 Listen to me, O coastlands; pay attention, you peoples from far away!The Lord called me before I was born; while I was in my mother’s womb he named me.2 He made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand he hid me;he made me a polished arrow; in his quiver he hid me away.3 And he said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified.”2023-01-1500 minAlpha UMC SermonsCarrying Out the Plan
Matthew 2:1-12 (NRSV)The Visit of the Magi2 In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, magi[a] from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star in the east[b] and have come to pay him homage.” 3 When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him, 4 and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah[c] was to be born. 5 ...2023-01-0800 minAlpha UMC Sermons"It's a New Thing"
Isaiah 43:16-19 (NRSV)16 Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters,17 who brings out chariot and horse, army and warrior;they lie down; they cannot rise; they are extinguished, quenched like a wick:18 Do not remember the former things or consider the things of old.19 I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth; do you not perceive it?I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.2023-01-0100 minAlpha UMC SermonsHow Beautiful!
Isaiah 52:7-10 (NRSV)7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace,who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”8 Listen! Your sentinels lift up their voices; together they shout for joy,for in plain sight they see the return of the Lord to Zion.9 Break forth; shout together for joy, you ruins of Jerusalem,for the Lord has comforted his people; he has redeemed Jerusalem.10 The Lord has bared his holy arm before the eyes of a...2022-12-2500 minAlpha UMC SermonsGrace has Arrived!
Titus 2:11-14 (NRSV)11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all,[a] 12 training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior,[b] Jesus Christ. 14 He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.2022-12-2400 minAlpha UMC SermonsAnd This Will be a Sign to You (Christmas Cantata)
2022-12-1800 minAlpha UMC SermonsDid You Find What You're Looking For?
Matthew 11:1-10 (NRSV)11 Now when Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and proclaim his message in their cities.2 When John heard in prison what the Messiah[a] was doing, he sent word by his[b] disciples 3 and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” 4 Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, those with a skin disease are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead ar...2022-12-1100 minAlpha UMC SermonsKeeping It Pure
Matthew 3:1-12 (NRSV)In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’ ” Now John wore clothing of camel's hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan...2022-12-0400 minAlpha UMC SermonsObservant Living
MATTHEW 24: 36-44 (NRSV)The Necessity for Watchfulness36“But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 37For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 38For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, 39and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Ma...2022-11-2800 minAlpha UMC SermonsRescued!
Colossians 1:11-20 NRSVMay you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in...2022-11-2100 minAlpha UMC SermonsNot Yet, But One Day
2 Thessalonians 2:1-5 (NIV)The Man of Lawlessness2 Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers and sisters, 2 not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by the teaching allegedly from us—whether by a prophecy or by word of mouth or by letter—asserting that the day of the Lord has already come. 3 Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness[a] is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. 4 He will oppos...2022-11-0600 minAlpha UMC SermonsEdifying Gossip... and Godly Service
Ephesians 4:29 (KJV)29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.Matthew 4:10 (KJV)10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.Luke 4:8 (KJV)8 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only sha...2022-10-3000 minAlpha UMC SermonsAre They Really That Different?
Luke 18:9-14 (NIV)The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector9 To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’13 “But the tax collector stood at a distan...2022-10-2300 minAlpha UMC SermonsKeeping Faith in Motion
Luke 18:1-8 (NIV)The Parable of the Persistent Widow18 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 2 He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. 3 And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’4 “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, 5 yet because this wido...2022-10-1600 minAlpha UMC SermonsLiving as I am Receiving
Luke 17:11-19 (NIV)Jesus Heals Ten Men With Leprosy11 Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy[a] met him. They stood at a distance 13 and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”14 When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.15 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 1...2022-10-0900 minAlpha UMC SermonsActive Duty Christians
Luke 17:5-10 (NIV)5 The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”6 He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.7 “Suppose one of you has a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Will he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, ‘Come along now and sit down to eat’? 8 Won’t he rather say, ‘Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after t...2022-10-0200 minAlpha UMC SermonsDon't Lose Focus
1 Timothy 6:6-12 (NIV) 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.Final Charge to Ti...2022-09-2500 minAlpha UMC SermonsDistractions Then; Distractions Now
1 Timothy 1:12-17 (NIV)The Lord’s Grace to Paul12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. 13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save s...2022-09-1900 minAlpha UMC SermonsThe Potter's Hands
The Potter and the Clay (NKJV)18 The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying: 2 “Arise and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause you to hear My words.” 3 Then I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was, making something at the [a]wheel. 4 And the vessel that he [b]made of clay was [c]marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make.5 Then the word of the Lord came to me, s...2022-09-0400 minAlpha UMC SermonsSermon August 28, 2022
Hebrews 13:1-6 (NIV)13 Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. 2 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. 3 Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering. 5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”[a]6...2022-08-2800 minAlpha UMC SermonsLift Them Up!
Jeremiah 1:4-10 (NIV)The Call of Jeremiah4 The word of the Lord came to me, saying,5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew[a] you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”6 “Alas, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.”7 But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of the...2022-08-2100 minAlpha UMC SermonsSearching For a Land Far Away
Hebrews 11:1-3 (NIV)11 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for.3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.Hebrews 11:8-12 (NIV)8 By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. 9 By faith he made...2022-08-1400 minAlpha UMC SermonsJesus Saves
2022-08-0700 minAlpha UMC SermonsSettled in the Land
Hosea 11:8-11 (NIV)8 “How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel?How can I treat you like Admah? How can I make you like Zeboyim?My heart is changed within me; all my compassion is aroused.9 I will not carry out my fierce anger, nor will I devastate Ephraim again.For I am God, and not a man— the Holy One among you. I will not come against their cities.10 They will follow the Lord; he will roar like a lion.When he roars, hi...2022-07-3100 minAlpha UMC SermonsGod is Able and Willing to Give
Luke 11:5-10 (NIV)5 Then Jesus said to them, “Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; 6 a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.’ 7 And suppose the one inside answers, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.’ 8 I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet be...2022-07-2400 minAlpha UMC SermonsOnly to Hear the Word of God
Amos 8:1-12 (NIV)A Basket of Ripe Fruit8 This is what the Sovereign Lord showed me: a basket of ripe fruit. 2 “What do you see, Amos?” he asked.“A basket of ripe fruit,” I answered.Then the Lord said to me, “The time is ripe for my people Israel; I will spare them no longer.3 “In that day,” declares the Sovereign Lord, “the songs in the temple will turn to wailing.[a] Many, many bodies—flung everywhere! Silence!”4 Hear this, you who trample the needy and do away with the poor of the...2022-07-1700 minAlpha UMC SermonsOne Mission
Philippians 1:27 (NIV)Life Worthy of the Gospel27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit,[a] striving together as one for the faith of the gospel2022-07-1000 minAlpha UMC SermonsKeeping Up the Encouragement
Philippians 1:1-6 (NIV)1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons[a]:2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.Thanksgiving and Prayer3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good wor...2022-07-0300 minAlpha UMC SermonsLove Like Jesus
1 John 2:1-6, 9-11 (NLT)2 My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. 2 He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world.3 And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments. 4 If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a li...2022-06-2600 minAlpha UMC SermonsMy Father's House
John 14:1-4 (MEV)Jesus the Way to the Father14 “Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God. Believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many dwelling places. If it were not so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, you may be also. 4 You know where I am going, and you know the way.”2022-06-1900 minAlpha UMC SermonsHave You Been Called?
Jeremiah 20:9 (NLT)9 But if I say I’ll never mention the Lord or speak in his name,his word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones!I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it!2022-06-1200 minAlpha UMC SermonsLiving Life Undefeated
John 14:8-11 (NIV)8 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.”9 Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. 11 Beli...2022-06-0500 minAlpha UMC SermonsPresenting the Evidence
Acts 1:1-5 (HCSB)1 I wrote the first narrative, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach 2 until the day He was taken up, after He had given orders through the Holy Spirit to the apostles He had chosen. 3 After He had suffered, He also presented Himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during 40 days and speaking about the kingdom of God.The Holy Spirit Promised4 While He was together[a] with them, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the Father’s prom...2022-05-2900 minAlpha UMC SermonsAre You Sure That's What God Wants?
Acts 16:6-10 (NIV)Paul’s Vision of the Man of Macedonia6 Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. 7 When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. 8 So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. 9 During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedoni...2022-05-2200 minAlpha UMC SermonsBreaking Down the Walls!
Acts 11:1-9 (NIV)Peter Explains His Actions11 The apostles and the believers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. 2 So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him 3 and said, “You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them.”4 Starting from the beginning, Peter told them the whole story: 5 “I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. I saw something like a large sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came...2022-05-1500 minAlpha UMC SermonsThe Power of Being Present
Acts 9:36-43 (NIV)36 In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. 37 About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. 38 Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!”39 Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing...2022-05-0800 minAlpha UMC SermonsIt's Hard to See
Acts 9:1-6 (NIV)Saul’s Conversion9 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”5 “Who are you, Lord?” Sau...2022-05-0100 minAlpha UMC SermonsGod Before Man
Acts 5:27-32 (NIV)27 The apostles were brought in and made to appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. 28 “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.”29 Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! 30 The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. 31 God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior...2022-04-2400 minAlpha UMC SermonsChrist Has Overcome
Acts 10:34-43 (NIV)34 Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism 35 but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. 36 You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. 37 You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached— 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and he...2022-04-1700 minAlpha UMC SermonsMoments of the Cross
2022-04-1600 minAlpha UMC SermonsWalk Strongly; Walk Humbly
Philippians 2:5-11 (HCSB)Christ’s Humility and Exaltation5 Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus,6 who, existing in the form of God,did not consider equality with Godas something to be used for His own advantage.[a]7 Instead He emptied Himselfby assuming the form of a slave,taking on the likeness of men.And when He had come as a manin His external form,8 He humbled Himself by becoming obedientto the point of death—even to death on a cross...2022-04-1000 minAlpha UMC SermonsTime on My Hands
John 12:1-8 (HCSB)The Anointing at Bethany12 Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany where Lazarus[a] was, the one Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 So they gave a dinner for Him there; Martha was serving them, and Lazarus was one of those reclining at the table with Him. 3 Then Mary took a pound of fragrant oil—pure and expensive nard—anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped His feet with her hair. So the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.4 Then one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot (who was about to betra...2022-04-0300 minAlpha UMC SermonsThe Joy of Forgiveness
Psalm 32:1-5 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)1 How joyful is the onewhose transgression is forgiven,whose sin is covered!2 How joyful is the manthe Lord does not charge with sinand in whose spirit is no deceit!3 When I kept silent, my bones became brittlefrom my groaning all day long.4 For day and night Your hand was heavy on me;my strength was drained[a]as in the summer’s heat.Selah5 Then I acknowledged my sin to Youand did not c...2022-03-2700 minAlpha UMC SermonsRunning the Risk of Investments
Luke 13:1-9 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)1 At that time, some people came and reported to Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2 And He[a] responded to them, “Do you think that these Galileans were more sinful than all Galileans because they suffered these things? 3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as well! 4 Or those 18 that the tower in Siloam fell on and killed—do you think they were more sinful than all the people who live in Jerusalem? 5 No, I tell you; but unless you repent...2022-03-2000 minAlpha UMC SermonsCasting Doubt Aside
Genesis 15:1-7 (HCSB)The Abrahamic Covenant15 After these events, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision:Do not be afraid, Abram.I am your shield;your reward will be very great.2 But Abram said, “Lord God, what can You give me, since I am childless and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?”[a] 3 Abram continued, “Look, You have given me no offspring, so a slave born in[b] my house will be my heir.”4 Now the word of the Lord came to him: “This on...2022-03-1300 minAlpha UMC SermonsMy Heart's Declaration
Romans 10:5-11:10 (NIV)5 Moses writes this about the righteousness that is by the law: “The person who does these things will live by them.”[a] 6 But the righteousness that is by faith says: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’”[b] (that is, to bring Christ down) 7 “or ‘Who will descend into the deep?’”[c] (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,”[d] that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: 9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesu...2022-03-0600 minAlpha UMC SermonsI Just Don't Know
Luke 9:27-36 (NIV)27 “Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God.”The Transfiguration28 About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. 29 As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. 30 Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. 31 They spoke about his departure,[a] which he was about to bring to fulfillment...2022-02-2700 minAlpha UMC SermonsTrust God and Forgive Them
Genesis 45:3-11 (NIV)3 Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still living?” But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence.4 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! 5 And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. 6 For two years now there has been famine in th...2022-02-2000 minAlpha UMC SermonsChrist Our Everything
Luke 6:12-19 (NKJV)The Twelve Apostles12 Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. 13 And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles: 14 Simon, whom He also named Peter, and Andrew his brother; James and John; Philip and Bartholomew; 15 Matthew and Thomas; James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called the Zealot; 16 Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot who also became a traitor.Jesus Heals...2022-02-1300 minAlpha UMC SermonsUncluttered! Hallelujah!
Ephesians 4:17-24 (NIV)Instructions for Christian Living17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.20 That, however, is not the way of l...2022-02-0600 minAlpha UMC SermonsTrusting God, Trusting You
Jeremiah 1:4-10 (NIV)The Call of Jeremiah4 The word of the Lord came to me, saying,5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew[a] you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”6 “Alas, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.”7 But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I...2022-01-3000 minAlpha UMC SermonsWorking as One
1 Corinthians 12:12-20 (NKJV)Unity and Diversity in One Body12 For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink [a]into one Spirit. 14 For in fact the body is not one member but many.15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it theref...2022-01-2300 minAlpha UMC SermonsGiven A Gift
1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (NIV)4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by th...2022-01-1600 minAlpha UMC SermonsA Gift of Power
Acts 8:14-17 (NIV)14 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. 15 When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.2022-01-0900 minAlpha UMC SermonsLet it Be Revealed
Ephesians 3:1-12 (NKJV)The Mystery Revealed3 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles— 2 if indeed you have heard of the [a]dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, 3 how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, 4 by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), 5 which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apost...2022-01-0200 minAlpha UMC SermonsGive What has Been GivenPlease note: the sermon is incomplete, The camera and computer link was lost when the internet failed. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Ephesians 3:1-12 (NKJV)The Mystery Revealed3 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles— 2 if indeed you have heard of the [a]dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, 3 how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, 4 by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), 5 w...2021-12-2600 minAlpha UMC SermonsExpect Jesus (Christmas Eve Candlelight Service)
Luke 2:1-14 (NKJV)Christ Born of Mary2 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed [a]wife, who was with c...2021-12-2400 minAlpha UMC SermonsSilent Night, Holy Night
2021-12-1900 minAlpha UMC SermonsWith Great Joy!
Isaiah 12:2-6 (NIV)2 Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid.The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense[a]; he has become my salvation.”3 With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.4 In that day you will say:“Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.5 Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world.6 Shout a...2021-12-1200 minAlpha UMC SermonsPeace I Leave with You
John 16:25-33 (NKJV)Jesus Christ Has Overcome the World25 “These things I have spoken to you in figurative language; but the time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figurative language, but I will tell you plainly about the Father. 26 In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I shall pray the Father for you; 27 for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from God. 28 I came forth from the Father and have come i...2021-12-0500 min
White Rock UMCAdvent Day 3: Revelation 22:12-16Today is Tuesday, November 30, 2021.
Our text for this morning is Revelation 22:12-16:
12 “See, I am coming soon; my reward is with me, to repay according to everyone’s work. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”
14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they will have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates. 15 Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and fornicators and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
16 “It is...2021-11-3002 minAlpha UMC SermonsHope Has Come!
Isaiah 61:1-2 (NKJV)The Good News of Salvation61 “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me,Because the Lord has anointed MeTo preach good tidings to the poor;He has sent Me to [a]heal the brokenhearted,To proclaim liberty to the captives,And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord,And the day of vengeance of our God;To comfort all who mourn,2021-11-2800 minAlpha UMC SermonsPeace, That For Which I am Thankful
Philippians 4:4-7 (NKJV)4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!5 Let your [a]gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.2021-11-2100 minAlpha UMC SermonsHe Holds Our Hand
Isaiah 43:1-4 (NIV)Israel’s Only Savior43 But now, this is what the Lord says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel:“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.3 For I am the Lord your God, th...2021-11-1400 minAlpha UMC SermonsAnd All the Saints Said Amen!
Revelation 21:1-6 (NIV)A New Heaven and a New Earth21 Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,”[a] for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be...2021-11-0700 minAlpha UMC SermonsJust Leave It Alone
Jeremiah 29:10-13 (NIV)10 This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart2021-10-3100 minAlpha UMC SermonsMy Help, My Duty
Proverbs 4:20-27 (NIV)20 My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words.21 Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart;22 for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.24 Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.25 Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.26 Give careful thought to the[a] paths for...2021-10-2400 minAlpha UMC SermonsBack Into the Woods week 4 We Have Arrived!
Joshua 4:19-24 (NIV)19 On the tenth day of the first month the people went up from the Jordan and camped at Gilgal on the eastern border of Jericho. 20 And Joshua set up at Gilgal the twelve stones they had taken out of the Jordan. 21 He said to the Israelites, “In the future when your descendants ask their parents, ‘What do these stones mean?’ 22 tell them, ‘Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’ 23 For the Lord your God dried up the Jordan before you until you had crossed over. The Lord your God did to the Jordan what he had done to the Red Se...2021-10-1700 minAlpha UMC SermonsBack into the Woods week 1 Desperate Deeds
Exodus 32:1-8 (NIV)The Golden Calf32 When the people saw that Moses was so long in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, “Come, make us gods[a] who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don’t know what has happened to him.”2 Aaron answered them, “Take off the gold earrings that your wives, your sons and your daughters are wearing, and bring them to me.” 3 So all the people took off their earrings and brought them to Aaron. 4 He took w...2021-09-2900 minAlpha UMC SermonsThe Road Home (Homecoming 2021) Benton Stegall
Genesis 32:9-12 (ESV)9 And Jacob said, “O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, O Lord who said to me, ‘Return to your country and to your kindred, that I may do you good,’ 10 I am not worthy of the least of all the deeds of steadfast love and all the faithfulness that you have shown to your servant, for with only my staff I crossed this Jordan, and now I have become two camps. 11 Please deliver me from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau, for I fear him, that he may come...2021-09-1900 minAlpha UMC SermonsCalled to Go and Gone Before
Genesis 12:1-9The Call of Abram12 The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.2 “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you;I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.[a]3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse;and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”[b]4 So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lo...2021-09-1200 minAlpha UMC SermonsHeaven in the Real World
John 14:1-7 (NIV)Jesus Comforts His Disciples14 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God[a]; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”Jesus the Way to the Father2021-09-0500 minAlpha UMC SermonsThey Can't Help but See
Matthew 5:14-16 (NKJV)14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven2021-08-2900 minAlpha UMC SermonsThe Road So Far
Psalm 16:11 (NIV)11 You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.2021-08-2200 minAlpha UMC SermonsIt's a New Life
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.2021-08-1500 minAlpha UMC SermonsExperiencing God's Grace Through Christ week 4 Looking at the Bride
Revelation 19:6-96 Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:“Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.7 Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory!For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.8 Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.”(Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.)9 Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who ar...2021-08-0800 minAlpha UMC SermonsExperiencing God's Grace week 3: Turn Your Heart Toward Jesus
Luke 23:39-43 Save yourself and us!”40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.[a]”43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”2021-08-0100 min
The Message: St Paul UMCJesus the Alpha and OmegaJesus is the alpha and omega, the beginning and the end, but he is also with us during the "messy middle."2017-04-2300 min