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Beth A Waldrup

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Camden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchThe Rock of our RefugeIn Chapters 13-23, Isaiah calls out those nations that have conspired against Judah, including Israel and Aram. Israel forgot who is the rock of their salvation.2025-07-2824 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchFearful and FaithlessOne man's lack of faith resulted in disaster for three nations. God sent Isaiah to speak to him and God promised him directly. He did not listen.2025-07-2118 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchCalled to FailThe calling of Isaiah has helped many of us understand the pattern of worship but we usually stop at verse 8. This week, we will go through the reminder of the chapter and discover that God was calling Isaiah to a ministry of failure. But what looked like failure then turned out to be a promise to keep hope alive.2025-07-1422 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchBetraying GodJesus used vineyards as the setting for many of his parables so it should not be a surprise to see Isaiah using the setting of a vineyard for one of his early oracles. Rotten grapes betrays God. How should we respond as Christians if we find ourselves in a surrounding of bad fruit?2025-07-0722 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchBlessed Are the PeacemakersToday we look at Chapter two of Isaiah, a chapter promoting peace. It contains the famous line, "Then they will beat their swords into iron plows and their spears into pruning tools." Peacemaking is not just between nations. Nations are made up of people. Our pride musr be subdued if we wish to make peace with our neighbors.2025-07-0120 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchHouston, We Have a ProblemApollo 13 launched on April 11, 1970 in hopes of making a lunar landing but two days into the mission, an oxygen tanks exploded, disabling the electric system and life support system in the main capsule. Apollo 13 Commander addressed this issue with NASA with the opening line of, "Houston, we have a problem." That has become a key phrase to use whenever a problem crops up. It is the calling of the prophet Isaiah as he tried to help God's people understand that there was definitely a problem. For Israel and for today, the problem is greed.2025-06-2330 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchThe Office of ProphetToday we start a new series on the book of Isaiah. We will begin by understanding the role and responsibility of the prophet.2025-06-1625 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchThe Measure of a ManThis is our last Sunday in the Epistles of John and we are looking at the third letter where John the Elder is writing to Gaius. In the brief letter, he defines three men by one trait - truth.2025-06-0224 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchLove Is Doing What Is RightWhat we do is driven by where our faith lies. In the 5th Chapter of John's first letter, John said our victory is possible through our faith in Christ - not our faith in systems or family or even our country. They are powerful but often flawed. Our faith in Jesus never fails.2025-05-2525 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchTaking the Word to HeartGod is love and we are called to love one another. So why are Christians marketing fear?2025-05-1925 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchAn Active and Truthful LoveWe know that Jesus was the ultimate example of self-giving and self-sacrificial love but what does that means for us?2025-05-1220 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchSpiritual Self-AwarenessI John is to the Gospel of John as Acts is to Luke. Luke and John tells us about Jesus' ministry, his death, and his resurrection. Acts and I John helps us understand why that has made a difference in our world and in our lives. Today we begin our series on 1 John and the call to knowing yourself.2025-05-0531 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchThe Road Less TakenJesus Said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life." Do you understand what this means? The disciples were busy asking lots of questions but they will eventually discover that Jesus was giving the all the answers in that one sentence. You just have to understand Jesus to know what it means.2025-04-2820 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchThe Cross and the TableThis Easter sunday we are exploring the I AM saying from the 11th chapter of John where Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. Jesus tells Mary and Martha, "I am the Resurrection and the life." What does he mean by "the life." Let's explore where Jesus appears to the disciples.2025-04-2112 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchConnection"I am the true Vine." This is the fifth of Jesus' I Am saying in the gospel of John. Jesus' first sign in John is creating wine out of water at a wedding in Cana. Like many of the other saying, it has toos in the Old Testament.2025-04-0824 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchChoose Your Shepherds WiselyThis is the fourth sunday in Lent and the fourth sunday in our Sermon Series, " I Am." Today, we look at the 10th Chapter of John once again for the second I Am saying - I Am the Good Shepherd. What is a good shepherd compared to a bad shepherd? Ezekiel 34 makes it clear.2025-03-3120 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchLife More AbundantlyToday we explore Jesus' saying, "I am the gate." Do you know that gates are mentioned over 400 times in the Bible? The vulnerability and strength of a fortress is found in the gate.2025-03-2417 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchThe Importance of LightJesus declares in Chapter Eight of the Gospel of John, "I am the Light of the World." How important is light? We also look at one of his seven signs where he brings light to a blind man's eyes.2025-03-1720 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchMore Than Enough (I Am)On this first Sunday of Lent, we begin a new series on the seven I Am sayings of Jesus and the seven signs of Jesus. Today, we look at John 6 which contains the "I am bread of life," and the feeding of the five thousand.2025-03-1024 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchJesus & the New CovenantAlll the previous covenant led us to this new Covenant. It was not made with words, it was made with flesh and blood. His name is Jesus and he is fully human and fully divine, God's word incarnate. He is the ultimate self-revelation of God. Redemption is not possible for us all.2025-02-2423 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchTiming in God's HandsThis week we will look at the timing of God's Covenants with humanity. We operate in chronological time but God operates in "kairos" time. What does that mean?2025-02-1725 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchRedemption Moved to One Earthly KingdomThe fourth covenant God made was with the unlikely king of Israel, King David. Today, we explore what God created kings to do versus what God expected kings to end up doing and God was right. Power corrupts even those near to the heart of God. 2025-02-1022 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchRedemption Moved to One PeoplesToday our Redemption Story moves to Moses and the covenant God made with the Hebrew people at Sinai.2025-02-0226 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchRedemption Moved to One FamilyGod began God's plan of redemption with one man, Noah, but now God moves to one family - headed by a man named Abram.2025-01-2719 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchRedemption Started with One ManToday we look at the Noah story through the lens of redemption and covenant.2025-01-1918 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchRemember Who You AreToday we celebrate Baptism of the Lord's Sunday and Holy Communion. Isaiah 43:1-7 reminds of to remember who we are.2025-01-1321 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchContentmentToday as we celebrate Epiphany, we come to the end of Paul's letter to the church at Philippi and discover that Paul has had his own epiphany!2025-01-0621 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchStill LearningToday we learn why Paul was writing this letter to the church but it is a minor point compared to his encouragement to lead a life worthy of the gospel and to be joyful!2024-12-2921 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchPerseverance of the SoulIn the third chapter of Philippians, Paul provides his credentials. If our salvation depended upon our credentials, Paul would be at the head of the line. Credentials provide certainty, not faith. Paul had to let go of certainty to create space to grow spiritually. We do, too.2024-12-2316 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchIn Fear and TremblingIn the second chapter of Philippians, Paul reminds us who we follow. We follow a God who humbled himself, took on human flesh, and lived among us. As he came to live humbly among us, so we should live humbly with each other. After all, we are all being refined.2024-12-0915 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchThe Power of Overflowing LoveThis morning we begin a new series with Paul's letter to the church at Philippi. This is a love letter to this church and today offers hope for us all.2024-12-0322 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchThe Year of the Lord's FavorEvery sermon series on Leviticus should conclude with a sermon on Jubilee, found in the 25th Chapter of Leviticus. We do not have evidence that this command was practiced but if it had been, it would have been revolutionary. This idea of God making everything right every fifty years was not abandoned. It evolved into a eschatological promise that we call the Day of the Lord or the Second Coming of Christ. Jesus, in Luke 4:14-21, refers to it in his sermon in Nazareth as the Year of the Lord's Favor.2024-11-2524 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchCreating a Faithful CommunityI broke a 25 year streak and spoke about election politics from the pulpit this week. Why? Because not talking is not leading us to a better understanding. In humility, I admit there were legitimate concerns shaping the election that did not have my attention. There are legitimate concerns others have that are also being ignored.  We have legitimately elected a president by popular vote and electoral college vote and we need to respect this process but we all have to get out of our echo chambers and talk to one another. 2024-11-1121 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchBuilding a Lasting CommunityChapter 17-26 in the Book of Leviticus is known as the Holiness Code. Chapter 17 spells out the sacredness of blood as life and Chapter 18 outlines the sexual ethics of the time. We will spend most of our time in Chapter 19 which reads like an extended version of the Ten Commandments but it is really about healthy communities. Christianity, Judaism, and Islam are all community based faiths. We walk this road together and to do so, there are definitely some guidelines.2024-11-0418 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchThe Tale of Two GoatsHave you ever used the term "scapegoat"? Did you know it comes from the 16th chapter of Leviticus? Let's explore the depth of God's mercy and all that God has done for us through Jesus Christ!2024-10-2822 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchCleam & Unclean: The Great DivideToday we pick up Leviticus 11 that tells us what we can eat and what we must avoid. But then we go to the four chapters we would rather skip - the chapters on body fluids and skin irritations. But can we learn something from the discussion of clean and unclean? Yes, we can.2024-10-2119 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchGetting to HopeThis has been such a difficult week that I choose to interupt our series on Leviticus to talk about suffering. We used the Lectionary texts for today of Psalm 22 & Job 23.2024-10-1430 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchBlessed to BlessIn today's scripture, Moses ordains Aaron and Aaron's sons as the priests who will keep the Tabernacle holy for the presence of God. By the first century, the priests and religious leaders had stopped being the people's representatives to God. Jesus is our prophet, priest, and king, and everything we understand about God should be witnessed through him.2024-10-0819 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchSin & Guilt OfferingsWe previously looked at the standard sacrificies of burnt offering, grain offering and peace offering. Today, we look at offering regarding sin and guilt. Sin is attitudes, behaviors, and speech that are out of line with God's values. Leviticus differieniates between unintentional sins, intentional sins, and what we might call high-handed or plotted sins. The sacrifice depends on who committed the sin as well because there was a catagory for priests, for community, for leaders, and for a common person.2024-09-3023 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchRoots of SacrificeThis is the second sermon in our series on Leviticus. There are twenty-seven chapters in Leviticus and ten of them are on worship. God is declaring that God cannot be worshiped as other gods are worship. Offering sacrifices are one of the main components of ancient worship and the first six chapters of Leviticus cover the instructions for sacrifice. Today we will look at the voluntary sacrifices - whole burnt offering, grain offering, and peace offering.2024-09-1627 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchIt Begins with HolinessThis is the first week in our series on the Book of Leviticus. Why is there a book of Leviticus? It is the resolution to an issue in the Sinai wilderness. How does God live among God's people when God's holiness is so powerful. Leviticus is the temporary answer. Times will change but God's holiness is unchanging.2024-09-0925 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchThe Church Is the Witness of ChristHow will the world find out about Jesus. The Church. We are called to be the Light and the Salt. If we are doing it right, everyone should want to know Jesus.2024-08-2628 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchThe Church Is our Practice FieldEvery great Olympic athlete has a place of training. It is there that they receive the best coaching, the best nutrition, the best nutrition, and the best encouragement. They will compete in a different arena, but at their place of training, they are learning and preparing. For those who follow Jesus, the church is our training facility.2024-08-1931 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchThe Church Is the Body of ChristPaul uses the metaphor of the body in speaking about the church. We find this in Romans, I Corinthians, and in Ephesians. He could have used family or team or other metaphors but he uses the body. So let's explore what that means.2024-08-1222 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchThe Church Is a sign of God's KingdomLast week, we talked about the joy, the hope, and the promise of God's Kingdom. It is important to remember that because the church is a sign of that kingdom.2024-08-0524 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchLet's GoThis summer was held Round Robin services at seven of the United Methodist Churches in Columbia, Union, Calhoun and Ouachita Counties. This is my sermon at Norphlet UMC.2024-07-3024 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchDo Not Be AfraidI grew up hearing Hellfire and Brimstone sermons about the coming apocalypse. They warned of fiery pits and terrifying beast. Those sermons were pretty scary then I read the scriptures they left out, like the 365 times the Bible tells us "do not be afraid." Today we talk about end times with a different vision intended to give us hope.2024-07-2926 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchEmbodied WholenessFor God so loved the world that God gave God's only begotten Son so that whoever believes in him may not perish but have eternal life.  We have all been asked, " Have you been saved?" like it is a one time transaction. That is not how Paul describes it and it isn't really the overall picture in the Gospels so what is salvation?2024-07-2222 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchThe Harmony of WisdomToday, we are talking about the third person of the Trinity: the Holy Spirit. Who is the Holy Spirit and what do it do for us?2024-07-1520 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchFollow the MelodyToday we talk about Jesus. Who was he and what did God accomplish through him? How are we called to follow him? We look at the seventh chapter of Daniel for the earliest concept of the Son of Man then look to the Christ Hymn in Philippians to understand how to follow him.2024-07-0824 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchThe Noise of DiscordSin was not created by God. It is dischord and it is noise and humans participate in it every day.2024-07-0131 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchInstruments of GraceWho are we as humans that God is even mindful of us. We were created by intention as instruments of God's grace to care for the earth and to care for each other.2024-06-2425 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchReckoning with DissonanceToday, we are talking about Providence or how God interacts in our world. There are sopme who believe God directs everything and on the oppostie end, there are those who see God as creator but totally inactive in our world. Most of us are somewhere inbetween. 2024-06-1724 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchIt Is GoodToday, we talk about the Creation. Did you know the Hebrew verb "to create" is used in the Old testament many times but when it is used, there is only one subject and only one creator, God.2024-06-1022 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchMore Than We Can KnowThe week starts our new Sermon Series on what we believe. Sometime we become so comfortable with what we think we know, we forget about what we do not know and what we cannot know. We learn very little when we are comfortable but we can learn so much when we are uncomfortable. Today, our first lesson begins, as it should, with what we can know about God. You are invited to post questions as we work through our understanding and misunderstanding together.2024-06-0331 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchThe Fine Art of RestorationIn this last sermon on Paul's Letter to the Galatians, we explore our own motives as we confront sin - in others and in ourselves.2024-05-2025 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchWelcomed FruitIn the Fifth Chapter of Galatians, Paul is challenging the church to a journey of faith and hope, led by the Holy Spirit. This chapter is the most persuasive argument of the church's need to be spirit led.2024-05-1319 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchThe Danger of Telling the TruthPaul challenged the Galatians by telling them the missionaries from Jerusalem were wrong.  They did not need to being in good standing with the Old Covenant to become mmbers of the New Covenant. So I'm wondering if it is wrong to tell LGBTQ individuals they must become straight before they are fully included in the New Covenant.2024-05-0642 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchKinfolkThe new kingdom Jesus presents in not the resurrection of the old kingdom of God found in the Hebrew Bible. The old Kingdom was a physical kingdom with boundaries and politics. The new Kingdom has no boundaries. It expands only when Jesus changes a heart and mind.2024-04-2931 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchLet's Start with AbrahamIf you do not understand the story of Abraham, you will not understand Paul's theology. Abraham was not redeemed by the Law; he was redeem by faith.2024-04-2234 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchConflictedPaul began his ministry as a Pharisee, sworn to abide by and protect the law then he encountered Jesus. Paul's call was to the Gentiles. Paul's call was to preach salvation by faith alone in the grace of Jesus Christ. Peter knew this but took heat from the church in Jerusalem where they followed Jesus and kept the law. It is a debate we have been having for 200 years.2024-04-1522 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchWhere Is Our Thanksgiving?In every letter of Paul, both the seven certain and the two maybes, there is a greeting followed by a prayer of thanksgiving except one - Galatians. Why is Galatians different? That is what we will be learning in this seven week series.2024-04-0820 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchWalking with JesusOn this Easter Sunday, we take a look at the two disciples walking home to Emmaus. This story is a real story of discipleship. We walk together, we listen to the word, and we receive grace in the breaking of the bread together.2024-04-0112 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchSteadfastAccording to the gospel of Luke, Jesus spent his last week on earth teaching at the Temple in Jerusalem. He told his followers they might be persecuted but do not hire a lawyer to prepare a defense. Prepare your faith to be steadfast.2024-03-2519 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchThe Damage of PrideToday we talk about excessive pride. We look at a short passage in the ninth chapter of Luke that contains three examples of the damage pride can cause.2024-03-1822 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchRecovering JoyJoy! The religious leaders complaining that Jesus was hanging out with the wrong people in the wrong places certainly did not have it. So Jesus told them three stories. We look at the first two today!2024-03-1127 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchThe Dirty Second ChanceMost of us wish there was a magic formula that could keep those we love away from harm. That secret wish reveals itself when we hear of a tragedy and want to believe it was not random. Jesus is tells his disciples that it is. Then he says, Repent or you will die. Yikes! Thank goodness a parable comes to explain.2024-03-0422 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchThe Deepest LamentIn the 13th chapter of Luke, Jesus is standing on the Mount of Olives, looking over the Kidron Valley to the Temple Mount. There, he expresses a deep lament for the past, present, and future of Jerusalem. Today, we lament how our world has changed.2024-02-2629 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchThe Temptations of BelieversThe first Sunday of Lent always includes a the story of Jesus in the wilderness being tempted by Satan. Why? The temptations of Jesus mirrors the temptations that snag us all - appetite, status, and control.2024-02-2220 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchYou Won't Believe This OneToday, we look at the Transfiguration story. We usually emphasize the glory shone but maybe we need to listen to what god has to say.2024-02-1221 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchBlessings & WoesThis week we explore Luke's Sermon on the Plain which is similar to Matthew's Sermon on the Mount but abbreviated and given to the disciples, not to thousands. If you choose to follow Jesus, you are expected to take a different direction in the way you live life. Discipleship is caring for your neighbor's well being as much as your own.2024-02-0622 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchLet's Go FishingToday, in Luke 5:1-11, we find Peter, James, John, and Andrew returning from an all night fishing adventure having caught nothing. Jesus shows up and turns things around.2024-01-2925 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchBlessing OthersJesus went to his hometown and ended up being the preacher for the service. He chose to read from the prophet, Isaiah, chapter 61. He told the truth to his hometown crowd and they did not like it.2024-01-2223 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchRemember Your Baptism - Called by NameThis week we celebrate the baptism of Jesus by remembering our own baptism.2024-01-2123 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchWe All Need EpiphanyAn epiphany is defined as a manifestation of the Divine. In the turmoil of our world and the newness of this year, we all need an epiphany.2024-01-1321 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchWhat If It Were Today?This Christmas Eve we think about Jesus' birth in Bethlehem. He was born in oppression but today, he would have been born in the Bethlehem of the West Bank.2024-01-1314 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchThe Wisdom of FaithfulnessDiscipleship starts at somepoint in our lives and continues for eternity unless we decide we know enough. If we stop striving and if we stop being curious, we do not become all god has called us to be. Simeon and Anna were old but God gave them what God promised.2024-01-0524 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchToo Loud to Be IgnoredEver notice how loud truth seems to be. when you hear it, you may not want to listen but it is there and you should. Artist are truth tellers. So was John the Baptist.2023-12-1122 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchAngels Bring Good NewsIt has always baffled me how people of faith in the Bible are terrifed by angels. Today we look at Zechariah's reaction when Gabriel shows up in the Temple to tell him Good News!2023-12-0416 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchThe Feast of All FeastsRevelations 19 describes the wedding feast of the Lamb, an event we all hope to attend!2023-11-2915 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchGiven for YouThe Gospel of John tells the story of the Last Supper in a way that seems to emphasize foot washing over communion but maybe he is telling us something even more important. His first miracle is making wine at the wedding in Cana. In the sixth chapter of John he feeds the multitudes then goes into a long discussion of bread. Let's explore this today!2023-11-1319 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchIgnoring GraceIn our sermon today, we will begin looking at feasts in the New Testament. Jesus does not just use food and banquets in his parables, we often finding him celebrating with those the church rejects.2023-11-0617 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchSpeak UpMy sermon schedule is typically set at least three months in advance. On occasion the text is exactly what needs to be explored given the events of the week, Today, the sermon is the story of Esther.2023-10-3021 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchOffering our BestMany of us look at the rules in Scripture but what if we look at the instructions for hospitality instead. The 18th Chapter of Genesis is hospitality well done and hospitality refused. It is an amazing constrast. You cannot have a feast without hospitality.2023-10-2325 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchLimitless HopeWith the Hamas attack on October 7th, Israel and Palestine have been on our minds. It was another dire period of time when Isaiah spoke these words from the 55th chapter. What do they mean to us today?2023-10-1724 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchA Year of JubileeGod laid out a plan in Leviticus 25 to alleviate generational poverty. It was God's intent for people to thrive. That includes you!2023-10-1121 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchCelebrate and RememberIn October we began a new sermon series called Always Room for One More. We began this week, World Communion Sunday in Leviticus 23 where God commanded the people to observe Sabbath but also seven festivals. Why? They were to celebrate and remember the redemption of God's people but you cannot celebrate redemption if you do not understand what it meant.2023-10-0222 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchSundays with Ellen - June 25, 2025Why is Connectionalism important? We look at The Way United Methodist do church, chapter 9 of Joyner's "Being United Methodist in the Bible Belt."2023-06-2524 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchSundays with Ellen - June 18, 2023United Methodist believe in doing -- lesson 6 in Belton Joyner's "Being United Methodist in the Bible Belt."2023-06-1819 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchLessons of our FathersToday we look at Chapters 6 & 7 of Joshua. We talk about these stories of Jericho and Ai as stories of power and conquests but I believe they may be pointing to something else.2023-06-1718 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchSundays with Ellen - June 11, 2023How does God impart grace to us? A look at ordinary means of grace with Belton Joyner's "Being United Methodist in the Bible Belt."2023-06-1022 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchChoosing JesusRobert Alter describes the first twelve chapters of Joshua as ruthless and the last twelve chapters at tedium. The first twelve chapters remind us of our current culture of completely fidelity to a leader no matter how harmful. We have another choice.2023-06-0924 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchSundays with Ellen - June 4, 2023What do United Methodists believe about baptism? Our 4th lesson in Belton Joyner's "Being United Methodist in the Bible Belt."2023-06-0422 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchDominionToday we begin a new series on the books of Joshua and Judges. Joshua takes us from the wilderness into the Promised Land but you have to get across a river first.2023-06-0326 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchSundays with Ellen - May 28, 2023Do United Methodist really believe in the Bible? Our 3rd lesson from Belton Joyner's "Being United Methodist in the Bible Belt."2023-05-2825 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchFire SagaIt is Pentecost! The disciples are gathered together when the wind starts howling, the flames start dancing, and they start speaking in other languages. Do not be distracted by the side show. The real miracle is what happens to the disciples and what can happen to you!2023-05-2816 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchSundays with Ellen - May 21, 2023Sin, grace, and church: lesson 2 in Belton Joyner's "Being United Methodist"2023-05-2120 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchBe My WitnessOn this Ascension Sunday, we explore Luke's telling of Jesus rising into the clouds, the disciples' question, and Jesus' response. It is still relevant today!2023-05-2021 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchDo All in LoveThis is our last sunday in First Corinthians. What do we need to take away from this important letter?2023-05-1426 minCamden First United Methodist ChurchCamden First United Methodist ChurchSundays with Ellen - May 14, 2023Lesson One in a humorous book by F. Belton Joyner, Jr., "Being United Methodist in the Bible Belt."2023-05-1421 min