Shows
Sellersburg United Methodist Church Sermon PodcastSERMON | John 20:19-23 | PENTECOST - "He Breathed On Them" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, IndianaSERMON | John 20:19-23 | PENTECOST - "He Breathed On Them" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, Indiana
This is the arrival of the Holy Spirit in John.
At first hearing we might think, “Well, that’s boring.”
“No sound? No fire? No speaking in foreign languages? No Peter giving a testimony that leads to 3,000 people believing in the risen Savior?”
Why bother, right?
Jesus breathed on them.
—a very different effect in our post...2023-05-2820 min
Sellersburg United Methodist Church Sermon PodcastSERMON | 1 Peter 3:13-22 | A LIVING HOPE - 5. "Always Be Ready" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, IndianaSERMON | 1 Peter 3:13-22 | A LIVING HOPE - 5. "Always Be Ready" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, Indiana
Daily we should be remembering that Christ IS Risen
That the world is in conflict while evil is uprooted and removed
That we are a part of this process in our daily living
Maybe we aren’t facing authorities who are punishing us for our faith, but that
day could come:
It is a reality for many around the world.
It was a real...2023-05-1420 min
Sellersburg United Methodist Church Sermon PodcastSERMON | 1 Peter 2:2-10 | A LIVING HOPE - 4. "Like Living Stones" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, Indiana.SERMON | 1 Peter 2:2-10 | A LIVING HOPE - 4. "Like Living Stones" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, Indiana.
There is a freedom available to you through our resurrected Lord.
When you remember, and spend time remembering regularly, that you are a living stone being built into a spiritual house alongside Jesus Christ and every person who seeks to follow him as Lord, you are awakened to freedom.
We don’t have to be right when we are free.
it is God who ma...2023-05-0719 min
Sellersburg United Methodist Church Sermon PodcastSERMON | 1 Peter 1:17-23 | A LIVING HOPE - 2. "Loosening the Bonds" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, Indiana.SERMON | 1 Peter 1:17-23 | A LIVING HOPE - 2. "Loosening the Bonds" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, Indiana.
Do you know you are loved?
Our full display of LOVE is God coming to us in Jesus Christ…
to tell our story in a new way…
to bring healing to our very hearts, minds, souls, and bodies…
to face and embody our rejection…
to suffer at the hands of our sinful pride and need to judge and control…
and...2023-04-2316 min
Sellersburg United Methodist Church Sermon PodcastSERMON | John 20:1-18 | IN AWE OF GRACE - Easter Sunday "The End that Wasn't" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, Indiana.
SERMON | John 20:1-18 | IN AWE OF GRACE - Easter Sunday "The End That Wasn't" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, Indiana.
JOHN 20:1-18
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark…
The WORD of God moves again…and new life bursts forth…
He was mistaken for the gardener…a throwback to the first humans…
but he wasn’t like any other human who had come before…
And then, Jesus says her name… “Mary!”
She understands who he is, but he is different.
Then Jesus says, “Go tell my brothers…”
The...2023-04-0917 min
Sellersburg United Methodist Church Sermon PodcastSERMON | John 13:1-17, 31b-35 | IN AWE OF GRACE - Maundy Thursday "Commanded to Love" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, IndianaSERMON | John 13:1-17, 31b-35 | IN AWE OF GRACE - Maundy Thursday "Commanded to Love" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, Indiana
Jesus seized the opportunity to love his disciples…his friends…
because why wouldn’t he?
THIS is God glorified.
to give of God’s self for God’s children.
The foot-washing is just a small example of what Jesus was about to do the next day.
Is there any greater love than to lay down your life for your frien...2023-04-0715 min
Sellersburg United Methodist Church Sermon PodcastSERMON | Matthew 21:1-17 | HOLY WEEK - IN AWE OF GRACE - 1. "This Is the Day" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, IndianaSERMON | Matthew 21:1-17 | HOLY WEEK - IN AWE OF GRACE - 1. "This Is the Day" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, Indiana
THIS IS THE DAY!!
Palm Sunday!
Hosanna!
We have begun Holy Week.
Our Lenten journey has brought us here…to this week.
We have traversed the wilderness…and we have arrived at the heart of God’s people.
Jesus rides into Jerusalem—on two donkeys??
—we see the author’s confusion about the prophecy from which the imagery comes.
(there is no “and” in the prophecy, so one donkey becomes two)
That isn’t...2023-04-0214 min
Sellersburg United Methodist Church Sermon PodcastSERMON | Ezekiel 37:1-14 & John 11:1-45 | LENT: LEARNING TO LIVE INSIDE OUT - 5. "Who Could Stand" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, IndianaSERMON | Ezekiel 37:1-14 & John 11:1-45 | LENT - LEARNING TO LIVE INSIDE OUT - 5. "Who Could Stand" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, Indiana
Learning to Live Inside Out — a Lenten journey with Jesus…
toward the cross…
toward the death of sin and self…
following Jesus…
until what we KNOW in our hearts becomes the REALITY we live in the world.
We’ve focused on the importance of fasting and testing…
moving from the familiar comforts in the uncomfortable unknown…
confronting our thirst…
and seeing the presence of God among us…
Today we come to a d...2023-03-2612 min
Sellersburg United Methodist Church Sermon PodcastSERMON | 1 Samuel 16:1-13 & John 9:1-41 | LENT: LEARNING TO LIVE INSIDE OUT - 4. "In the Presence" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, IndianaSERMON | 1 Samuel 16:1-13 & John 9:1-41 | LENT - LEARNING TO LIVE INSIDE OUT - 4. "In the Presence" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, Indiana
Learning to Live Inside Out — a Lenten journey with Jesus…
toward the cross…
toward the death of sin and self
We’ve talked about fasting…
About a life of faith taking us from the familiar and comfortable into the unknown…
About recognizing the deeper thirst we have for a life only God can lead us into…
Today we wrestle with the question of how to know when y...2023-03-1916 min
Bible Verse of the Day: Scripture quotes to inspire your faith in God today.Bible Verse of the Day | Psalm 23:3 | A verse about trustWelcome to Bible verse of the day. I am Reverend Joseph Sanford and we are continuing our focus on the 23rd Psalm. We been working on this the last couple of days and we will keep going as we turn to verse three the Lord restores my soul, my shepherd lead me and write pads for the Lords names, the Lord is our shepherd keeps us alive. It’s another way to say that is the word for soul is also the word for life. your restore this doesn’t mean that things are always going our way I’ll be...2023-03-0801 minBible Verse of the Day: Scripture quotes to inspire your faith in God today.Bible Verse of the Day | Psalm 23:2 | A verse about God's desire for usWelcome to Bible verse of the day. I am Reverend Joseph Sanford coming to you on this Monday morning March 6. We’re going to continue in our reading from Psalm 23 and it is verse two we continue with and it reads he makes me lie down in Green pastures. He leads me beside still Waters we find that the Lord desires for us, a place of wellness of calm, and as a good shepherd, as this image of a shepherd is developed. We know that we need to find sustenance. We need to find what it is to survive, an...2023-03-0601 min
Sellersburg United Methodist Church Sermon PodcastSERMON | Genesis 12:1-4a & John 3:1-17 | LENT: LEARNING TO LIVE INSIDE OUT - 2. "Go From Your Country" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, IndianaSERMON | Genesis 12:1-4a & John 3:1-17 | LENT: LEARNING TO LIVE INSIDE OUT - 2. "Go From Your Country" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, Indiana
Here we are in our own journey of faith.
Have we become a settled people?
Have we been holding tightly to what is familiar and comfortable?
Have we been open to where the Spirit is taking us?
Or are we still fumbling in the darkness?
Are we longing to just stay put?
Or maybe your desire to stay in the familiar and comfortable means you leave the reality that is changing to f...2023-03-0514 minBible Verse of the Day: Scripture quotes to inspire your faith in God today.Bible Verse of the Day | Psalm 23:1 | A verse about provisionWelcome to Bible verse of the day. I am Reverend Joseph Sanford coming to you and we are going to spend several days on Psalm 23 one verse at a time so let’s begin Psalm chapter 23 verse one. The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want we often think that we aren’t gonna want our shepherd but that’s not what this is saying it’s saying that the Lord is my shepherd. Therefore I will want for nothing. I’ll have everything which doesn’t always feel right does it because there are lots of things that we want...2023-03-0301 min
Sellersburg United Methodist Church Sermon PodcastSERMON | Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7; Matthew 4:1-11 | LENT: LEARNING TO LIVE INSIDE OUT - 1. "If We Fall Down" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, Indiana.
SERMON | Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7; Matthew 4:1-11 | LENT: LEARNING TO LIVE INSIDE OUT - 1. "If We Fall Down" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, Indiana.
LENT: The Season of journeying to the cross.
Similar to Advent—Advent is not Christmas, but preparation for it—Lent is NOT Easter.
But first…before the resurrection…we must journey to the cross.
We must spend 40 days in the wilderness alongside our Messiah.
We must keep our eyes focused on the cross and then prepare to stop...2023-02-2617 minBible Verse of the Day: Scripture quotes to inspire your faith in God today.Bible Verse of the Day | John 11:25 | A verse on resurrection and lifeWelcome to Bible verse of the day I’m Reverend Joseph Sanford coming to you on this Monday bringing you the word and may the word finds you well may find you inspired as we turned the gospel. We called John chapter 11, verse 25. Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life, those who believe in me, even though they die will live. This is the pinnacle of our faith. Not just that he said it, but that he did it that he is the resurrection and the life Jesus Christ is the one who we play st...2023-02-2001 minBible Verse of the Day: Scripture quotes to inspire your faith in God today.Bible Verse of the Day | Galatians 5:22-23 | A verse on the fruit of the SpiritWelcome to Bible verse of the day I’m Reverend Joseph Sanford coming to you on this Friday and I hope the day finds you well. I hope you are blessed and I hope this reading blesses you from Galatians chapter 5, verses 22 and 23 by contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, Joy, peace, patients kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. Paul has blessed us with two lists. I’ve read the ladder. The former gives the thing he’s contrasting it with the way that we used to live versus the fruit...2023-02-1701 minBible Verse of the Day: Scripture quotes to inspire your faith in God today.Bible Verse of the Day | John 5:24 | A verse about eternal lifeWelcome to Bible verse of the day. I am Reverend Joseph Sanford coming to you with the reading of the word and may the spirit move in this reading and you’re listening and you’re contemplating as we turned the gospel we called John chapter 5 verse 24. very truly, I tell you anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and does not come under judgment, but has passed from death to life Very truly when we see that we know to pay attention in the gospel we call John Jesus is talking abou...2023-02-1501 minBible Verse of the Day: Scripture quotes to inspire your faith in God today.Bible Verse of the Day | Isaiah 53:6 | a verse about inquityWelcome to Bible verse of the day I’m Reverend Joseph Sanford coming to you on this day, and I hope this day finds you well healthy and happy. We are going to hear from the word the prophet Isaiah chapter 53 verse six all we like sheep have gone astray, we have all turned to our own way, and the Lord has laid on him, the iniquity of a saw this word iniquity. I compare it to trust pass an equity, and then wickedness. We see all these in the Bible, a trespass is an innocent mistake. We messed up, bu...2023-02-1301 min
Sellersburg United Methodist Church Sermon PodcastSERMON | Matthew 5:21-37 | GLIMPSES OF THE KIN-DOM: 6. "But I Say..." by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, Indiana.SERMON | Matthew 5:21-37 | GLIMPSES OF THE KIN-DOM: 6. "But I Say..." by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, Indiana.
Jesus is inviting his disciples into a new way of living…
A new Kin-dom…
with a new rule…
Not a list, tablet, or scroll, but WAY of Life.
The early church called our faith “The Way” because it was JUST THAT!
A NEW WAY.
Jesus holds up the rule they know and follow, but then takes it deeper.
Don’t just NOT MURDER, but don’t be angry with your sister or brother.
You’ll be liable t...2023-02-1222 minBible Verse of the Day: Scripture quotes to inspire your faith in God today.Bible Verse of the Day | Isaiah 53:4 | A verse about the love of God in JesusWelcome to Bible verse of the day I’m Reverend Joseph Sanford coming to you on this February 10 as we’re going to hear from the great prophet Isaiah chapter 53 verse four and it reads surely he has born our infirmities and carried our diseases yet we are counted him, stricken struck down by God and afflicted All the love of God as we see in Jesus Christ we often assign Jesus to be the focal point of this prophecy, and there’s some validity to that there other ways to see it, but when we see Jesus and this...2023-02-1001 minBible Verse of the Day: Scripture quotes to inspire your faith in God today.Bible Verse of the Day | Romans 6:23 | A verse about dead livingWelcome to Bible verse of the day I’m Reverend Joseph Sanford coming to you today with a verse from our scripture make it finds you well today we’re going to read from the letter to the church in Rome chapter 6 verse 23 for the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus, our Lord This verse from Paul is speaking to a group of people trying to sort it all out of people divided trying to understand exactly what has happened. What does the cross mean and sometimes we can...2023-02-0801 minBible Verse of the Day: Scripture quotes to inspire your faith in God today.Bible Verse of the Day | Hebrews 13:5 | A verse about moneyWelcome to Bible verse of the day. Iamb Reverend Joseph Sanford coming to you with a bit from our word or scripture and I hope the spirit works in it today for everything you need. We’re going to read from Hebrews 13 five keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have for he himself has said I will never leave you or for sake you Owe money, money, money we have such a interesting relationship of money. Don’t think we need it because our culture our society is based off of i...2023-02-0601 minBible Verse of the Day: Scripture quotes to inspire your faith in God today.Bible Verse of the Day | Ephesians 2:8-9 | A verse about grace and faithWelcome to Bible verse of the day I’m Reverend Joseph Sanford coming to you on February 3 and we’re going to read from the letter written to the church of Ephesus Ephesians chapter 2 verses eight and nine and they read for by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing. It is the gift of God not the result of works, so that no one may boast, all Paul is touching on something that we all need to remember today because sometimes we start to think that faith has to do with what...2023-02-0301 minBible Verse of the Day: Scripture quotes to inspire your faith in God today.Bible Verse of the Day | Deuteronomy 31:6 | A verse about identity and fearWelcome to Bible verse of the day. I am Reverend Joseph Sanford coming to you on February 1, 2023. We’re going to hear from the book of Deuteronomy chapter 31 verse six and it reads be strong and bold. Have no fear or dread of them, because it is the Lord, your God, who goes with you he will not fail you or forsake you. This verse is addressing the Israelites, getting ready to enter the land of Canaan. They’ve been journeying for well over a generation learning how to be the people of God, a treasured possession, a kingdom of p...2023-02-0101 minBible Verse of the Day: Scripture quotes to inspire your faith in God today.Bible Verse of the Day | Philippians 4:8 | A verse about right focusWelcome to Bible verse of the day. I’m Reverend Joseph Sanford coming to you on Monday, January 30. We’re going to read from Philippians chapter 4 verse eight and it reads finally brothers and sisters whatever is true whatever is honorable whatever is just whatever is pure whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable if there’s any excellence, and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things Pause, addressing a church in turmoil, I mean, when is it not right and they can get focused on the wrong things in and be tearing themselves down and then j...2023-01-3001 min
Sellersburg United Methodist Church Sermon PodcastSERMON | Matthew 5:1-12 | GLIMPSES OF THE KIN-DOM - 3. "Of the Same Mind" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, IndianaGlimpses of the Kin-dom:
Kin-dom - the activity and influence of God here and now through the people of God, the body of Christ in the church.
Kin-dom - where heaven and earth overlap and coexist.
We catch glimpses of it in and through the church — where the Reign of God is fully present and embraced by the Kin-dom family.
We are born anew through baptism into the church. It’s in that moment that we embrace the Holy Spirit back
We are raised in the church, like a family, to learn and grow into our faith.
We have the same...2023-01-2922 minBible Verse of the Day: Scripture quotes to inspire your faith in God today.Bible Verse of the Day | Matthew 6:33 | A verse about our needsWelcome to Bible verse of the day I’m Reverend Joseph Sanford coming to you on Friday, January 27 and we’re going to read from the gospel account. We call Matthew chapter 6 verse 33 and it reads but seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well. All of these things Jesus is talking about in the sermon on the mount is the things that we worry about from day today what we will eat and what we will wear and we can add 100 other things to that every sing...2023-01-2701 minBible Verse of the Day: Scripture quotes to inspire your faith in God today.Bible Verse of the Day | Romans 8:28 | A verse about goodnessWelcome to Bible verse of the day I’m rubber and Joseph Sanford coming to you on this January 25, 2023 and we’re going to read from Romans chapter 8 verse 28 and it reads we know that all things work together for good for those who love God who are called according to God‘s purpose, that’s versus wildly, popular I’ve heard of many times as I’m sure you have and there are many ways to think about this. I invite you to data to pause the thoughts that all things happen because God has brought them to you or God's...2023-01-2501 minBible Verse of the Day: Scripture quotes to inspire your faith in God today.Bible Verse of the Day | 1 Peter 3:15 | A verse about hopeWelcome to Bible verse of the day. I am Reverend Joseph Sanford coming to you on the 23rd day of January and we’re going to read from first Peter chapter 3 verse 15 and it reads but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you and accounting for the hope that is in you. What a great verse we’re in a culture we’re in a time when everyone is defending their opinions and perspectives they’re defending their politics, their religion, their sports teams, you name it we’re...2023-01-2301 minBible Verse of the Day: Scripture quotes to inspire your faith in God today.Bible Verse of the Day | 2 Timothy 3:16 | a verse about scriptureWelcome to Bible verse of the day. I am Rev., Joseph Sanford, and we are here back again. Turning to the word and today we’re going to read from second Timothy chapter 3 verse 16 and it reads all scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching for reproof for correction, and for training and righteousness Return to this particular verse quite a bit, and there’s much to say about it, particularly that the scripture Paul was referring to. It was what we refer to as our old testament. He’s trying to lift up that wall. The sc...2023-01-2001 minBible Verse of the Day: Scripture quotes to inspire your faith in God today.Bible Verse of the Day | 2 Corinthians 12:9 | a verse about graceWelcome to Bible verse of the day. I’m rubber and Joseph Sanford here to bring you the word through Holy Spirit. The word may awaken in your heart today we read them in second Corinthians chapter 12 verse nine said to me my grace is sufficient for you. Power is made perfect in weakness, so I will boast all the more gladly at my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ means well in me, this is not always the answer to the prayer. We are seeking right we want things to change for the better when we are go...2023-01-1801 minBible Verse of the Day: Scripture quotes to inspire your faith in God today.Bible Verse of the Day | Philippians 4:7 | a verse about peaceWelcome to Bible verse of the day I’m Reverend Joseph Sanford here to bring a word to bring you sustenance and I hope that this time together brings you some life and hope today Philippians chapter 4 verse seven and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus This word piece. We have much to say on it, but I’ll try to be quick. Peace comes from the word of the idea the understanding of shalom. It’s not the absence of conflict in the absence of anything it’s t...2023-01-1601 minBible Verse of the Day: Scripture quotes to inspire your faith in God today.Bible Verse of the Day | Philippians 4:6 | a verse about worryWelcome to Bible verse of the day I’m Reverend Joseph Sanford here to bring you a bit of encouragement of hope with the spirit that works through our holy word today we’re going to read from Philippians chapter 4 verse six do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God. Don’t be anxious about anything OK easy done right no problem no no anxiety and worry it’s always on our minds and sometimes we then worry that we’re worrying and we shouldn’t...2023-01-1301 minBible Verse of the Day: Scripture quotes to inspire your faith in God today.Bible Verse of the Day | Romans 12:12 | A verse about hopeWelcome to Bible verse of the day. I am Reverend Joseph Sanford and we continue today in this new year with all sorts of dreams and visions about what lie ahead we turn to Paul’s letter to the church in Romans chapter 12, verse 12. Rejoice in hope the patient in affliction persevere in prayer Paul, oh, Paul just wows us and his letter to the church and responding to the turmoil that is occurring because we’re always dealing with turmoil aren’t we personal turmoil communal turmoil he’s lifting up hope because biblical hope sustains us in all thin...2023-01-1101 minBible Verse of the Day: Scripture quotes to inspire your faith in God today.Bible Verse of the Day | Philippians 4:13 | A verse about strengthWelcome to Bible verse of the day I’m Reverend Joseph Sanford here to bring you a bit of good news here to help you encounter the spirit through the reading of the word and today we turn to Paul’s letter to the church and Philippi chapter 4 verse 13. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. We probably heard this verse before we probably said it, or thought it or leaned upon it at one time or another we want to make sure we consider what Paul was saying versus maybe what Paul wasn’t saying I have...2023-01-0901 minBible Verse of the Day: Scripture quotes to inspire your faith in God today.Bible Verse of the Day | John 1:14 - a verse about the living/tabernacling WordWelcome to Bible verse of the day. I am Reverend Joseph Sanford and we have one extra day. This prologue goes 14 verses so we’re gonna do an extra day of bonus day as we continue with that 14th verse, and the word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory the glory as of a father‘s only son, full of grace and truth what a great finishing line to wrap up what it is we’re focused on this Christmas season as we continue into the rest of the year this word becoming flesh...2023-01-0601 minBible Verse of the Day: Scripture quotes to inspire your faith in God today.Bible Verse of the Day | John 1:13 - a verse on God's willWelcome to Bible verse of the day I’m Reverend Joseph Sanford coming to you on the 12th and final day of the Christmas season where we continue on the prologue John chapter 1 verse 13 who were born not a blood or of the will of the flash or of the will of man, but if God is for us, is referring to those who receive the power to be children of God, born in a new way, not a blood, like almost every other human being, that not related to your family line this isn’t the world, a flas...2023-01-0501 minBible Verse of the Day: Scripture quotes to inspire your faith in God today.Bible Verse of the Day | John 1:12 - a verse about believingWelcome to today's Bible verse. I am Rev., Joseph Sanford and I come to you on this 11th day of Christmas continuing and John chapter 1 verse four chapter one continuing and John chapter 1 verse 12 this beautiful prologue of the word, but you all who received him who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, what a beautiful follow up to yesterday and this idea of missing it, not excepting it because there were plenty who did who did and the only way they could and they were always the people you least expected to...2023-01-0401 minBible Verse of the Day: Scripture quotes to inspire your faith in God today.Bible Verse of the Day | John 1:11 - a verse about acceptanceWelcome to Bible verse of the day. I am Rev., Joseph Sanford and we continue on this 10th day of Christmas. You might be singing 10 words of leaping or maybe you’ve already put your decorations away for the year. We’re going to continue on with verse 11 came to what was his own and his own people did not except him we read this line and maybe we think we’re disconnected from it I mean, how could they miss it right there is on people we wouldn’t miss it all we will and we do so many tim...2023-01-0301 minBible Verse of the Day: Scripture quotes to inspire your faith in God today.Bible Verse of the Day | John 1:10 - a verse on the word and the worldWelcome to Bible verse of the day I’m Reverend Joseph Sanford and we continue on the ninth day of Christmas and John chapter 1 this prologue this beautiful intro to the gospel verse 10 he was in the world and the world came into been through him yet the world did not know him we’re back to the story of the word and flash of Jesus being in the world. John the writer of the gospel writer is making that clear the whole world came into being through and everything everyone, all of it is connected to the word it a...2023-01-0201 minBible Verse of the Day: Scripture quotes to inspire your faith in God today.Bible Verse of the Day | John 1:9 - A verse about enlightenmentWelcome to Bible verse of the day. I am Reverend Joseph Sanford, and we continue on this eighth day of Christmas turning to the gospel of John. Once again continuing the prologue chapter 1 verse nine. The true light, which in lightens everyone was coming into the world. I love this verse this verse reminds us that we are all invited into this process of enlightenment, and I know sometimes that word is had other cultures and ideas attached to it, but the whole idea is that we all glimpse of little more of the truth, it lightens us. It...2023-01-0101 minBible Verse of the Day: Scripture quotes to inspire your faith in God today.Bible Verse of the Day | John 1:8 - a verse about not being the lightWelcome to Bible verse of the day. I’m Reverend Joseph Sanford, and we continue on the seventh day of the Christmas season as we turn to John chapter 1 verse seven he himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light John’s purpose again pointing to the light, we think of them like the moon bright the moon produces no light itself. It simply reflects from the sun, so the true light, even when not visible can still be seen through the moon just like we sometimes enter into dark spaces and we’re not su...2022-12-3101 minBible Verse of the Day: Scripture quotes to inspire your faith in God today.Bible Verse of the Day | John 1:7 - a verse about testifying to the lightWelcome to Bible verse of the day. I am Rev., Joseph Sanford, and we continue on this sixth day of Christmas telling the story of the white as it’s told in the gospel of John chapter 1 now, verse seven he came as a witness to the light so that all might believe through him. This passage continues with the story of John in this beautiful poem, this epic prologue to this incredible gospel John the baptizer came on the scene sent from God to witness to testify to the light to be a beacon to point the way no...2022-12-3001 minBible Verse of the Day: Scripture quotes to inspire your faith in God today.Bible Verse of the Day | John 1:6 - A verse about John being sent by GodWelcome to Bible verse of the day. I am Reverend Joseph Sanford and we are well into the Christmas season. We’re going to continue today with John chapter 1 verse six as we tell the story of the light there was a man sent from God whose name was John the seems like almost a throwaway line doesn’t it just kind of set. The scene just tells her something that we already know for any of us who have spent any time in the church we know John the second cousin to Jesus related somehow and baptize people you...2022-12-2901 minBible Verse of the Day: Scripture quotes to inspire your faith in God today.Bible Verse of the Day | John 1:5 - a verse about Light and DarknessWelcome to Bible verse of the day. I am Rev., Joseph Sanford, and we continue on our Christmas Journey to the Gospel we call John continuing with chapter 1 verse five concerning the word flesh. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it. This simple little line contains so much power… so much imagery. It’s important for us to remember that Jesus is often described as the light, particularly in this gospel, but light has its own power light cannot be stopped in the darkness. Darkness is simply the absence of light, so when you...2022-12-2801 minBible Verse of the Day: Scripture quotes to inspire your faith in God today.Bible Verse of the Day - John 1:4 - A verse about Light and LifeWelcome to Bible verse of the day I’m Reverend Joseph Sanford and in this Christmas season we continue in the journey of our gospel we call John concerning the word concerning Christ concerning the cosmic element of it all as we continue in chapter 1 verse four what us coming to being in him was life and the life was the light of all people all things came to be through the word all was intentional with purpose and that includes the life and the light of all people what we understand is the truth this grace the thing th...2022-12-2701 minBible Verse of the Day: Scripture quotes to inspire your faith in God today.Bible Verse of the Day - John 1:3 - A verse on the intent of all CreationWelcome to Bible verse of the day I’m Reverend Joseph Sanford and we continue this Christmas season journey through the gospel be called John continuing with chapter 1 verse three more concerning the word and flesh all things came into being through him and without him not one thing came into being we’re getting a real clear message that everything that has been created all that was originally intended with order and purpose from the chaos of those deep dark Waters of Genesis 1 all of it not only came from God but in God‘s presence God‘s oneness...2022-12-2601 min
Sellersburg United Methodist Church Sermon PodcastSERMON | John 1:1-14 | PREPARE THE WAY FOR THE LORD - 4. "Testifying to the Light" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, INSERMON | John 1:1-14 | PREPARE THE WAY FOR THE LORD - 4. "Testifying to the Light" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, IN2022-12-2511 minBible Verse of the Day: Scripture quotes to inspire your faith in God today.Bible Verse of the Day - John 1:2 - A verse about the ever-present God "with us"Welcome to Bible verse of the day I’m Reverend Joseph Sanford merry Christmas it’s Christmas day it’s not the day we mark because that’s when the kingdom all began in the flesh in person and Jesus and so we continue with John chapter 1 verse two he was in the beginning with God we learned about the word yesterday and we’re gonna be thinking about the word every day of course but especially this Christmas season the word was in the beginning with God before all things came into being the essence of God the logic of G...2022-12-2501 minBible Verse of the Day: Scripture quotes to inspire your faith in God today.Bible Verse of the Day - John 1:1 - A verse on the Word of GodWelcome to Bible verse of the day I am Reverend Joseph Sanford and we began a 13 day journey through the Christmas season beginning on today Christmas Eve a special day and we begin with the gospel of John. Here’s chapter 1 verse one in the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God one of the most famous prologue says these first 14 verses of John through which we will work and we start at the beginning Access back to Genesis in the beginning those words were meant to go all the way back to...2022-12-2401 minBible Verse of the Day: Scripture quotes to inspire your faith in God today.Bible Verse of the Day - Matthew 3:12 - A verse on the work of the Holy SpiritWelcome to Bible verse of the day I am Rev. Joseph Sanford and we finish out our advent walk through the live through the words the ministry the message the wisdom of John the Baptist we conclude with Matthew 3 verse 12 his winnowing fork is in his hand and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the granary but the Chaffee will burn with unquenchable fire Nothing like a good heartwarming message from John the baptizer what we have is it a good sign of hope using the image of farming and harvesting because the...2022-12-2301 minBible Verse of the Day: Scripture quotes to inspire your faith in God today.Bible Verse of the Day - Matthew 3:11 - A verse on baptism, the Holy Spirit, and fireWelcome to Bible verse of the day I am Reverend Joseph Sanford and we continue with the story of John the baptizer during this advent season as we read from our gospel recall Matthew chapter 3 verse 11 it reads I baptize you with water for repentance but the one who was coming after me is more powerful than I and I am not worthy to carry his sandals he will baptize you with the holy spirit and fire white verse baptism is such an important part of our expression of faith in every denomination does it differently and I think...2022-12-2101 minBible Verse of the Day: Scripture quotes to inspire your faith in God today.Bible Verse of the Day - Matthew 3:8 - A verse on a life of repentanceWelcome to Bible verse of the day I am Reverend Joseph Sanford and we continue on our movement through Matthew chapter 3 the word the ministry of John the baptizer in this advent season here are the words to some religious leaders therefore Barefruit worthy of repentance what John’s dealing with our leaders who think that their status is going to be enough for them in the eyes of God and while we certainly have a loving God who makes us worthy through the blood of Christ what we hear in the message from long ago for our lives to...2022-12-1901 minBible Verse of the Day: Scripture quotes to inspire your faith in God today.Bible Verse of the Day - Matthew 3:3 - A verse on preparation for the coming of ChristWelcome to Bible verse of the day I’m Reverend Joseph Sanford and we’re going to continue in Matthew with chapter 3 verse three the words that John spoke from Isaiah which brings us to one of our main Advent messages as we prepare 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 pads straight This message comes to us from the voice of the Baptizer so long ago but we tell the story of advent looking backward at t...2022-12-1601 minBible Verse of the Day: Scripture quotes to inspire your faith in God today.Bible Verse of the Day - Matthew 3:2 - A passage on repentanceWelcome in to Bible verse of the day I am Rev. Joseph Sanford and we are going to begin a several day journey through the story and words of John the Baptist will begin in Matthew chapter 3 verse two what is an appropriate message for our advent season repent for the kingdom of heaven has come near we’ve heard this said many times in many sermons many books we’ve heard in songs even this idea of repentance for the kingdom of heaven has come here is such an exciting announcement it was for them then and it is f...2022-12-1401 minBible Verse of the Day: Scripture quotes to inspire your faith in God today.Bible Verse of the Day - Proverbs 3:6 - A scripture verse on disciplineWelcome to Bible verse of the day. My name is Rev., Joseph Sanford, and today we’re going to continue in Proverbs with chapter 3 verse six this continues on from where we were just the other day about wisdom, and all your ways acknowledge him and he will make straight your paths. Wow if we acknowledge God and everything we were experiencing if we took time when we got up in the morning when we brushed our teeth when we ate our breakfast when we left our house when we arrived where we were where we ate meals before we...2022-12-1201 min
Sellersburg United Methodist Church Sermon PodcastSERMON | Matthew 3:1-12 | PREPARE THE WAY FOR THE LORD - 3. "Are You Ready to Be Prepared?" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, INSERMON | Matthew 3:1-12 | PREPARE THE WAY FOR THE LORD - 3. "Are You Ready to Be Prepared?" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, IN2022-12-1120 minBible Verse of the Day: Scripture quotes to inspire your faith in God today.Bible Verse of the Day - Proverbs 3:5 - A scripture verse on wisdomWelcome in the Bible verse of the day. I am Reverend Joseph Sanford today we will read Proverbs chapter 3 verse five a passage on wisdom as it pertains to us and God trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight, we have such a limited view of our lives, and of the world, and of what’s happening around us we can only see one direction we can only look back we can’t even properly look into the future even if we have a pretty good idea of what’s going...2022-12-0901 minBible Verse of the Day: Scripture quotes to inspire your faith in God today.Bible Verse of the Day - Genesis 1:1 - A Scripture verse on creationWelcome in the Bible verse of the day. I am Reverend Joseph Sanford, and today we’re going to begin at the beginning Genesis one verse one the opening words of all of our scripture heard maybe differently when God began to create the heavens and the earth that’s the verse you might be used to it being in the beginning God created, but it can be translated when God began to create the heavens and the earth either way what we find in the opening phrase of the scripture of all that we’ve come to call our ho...2022-12-0701 minBible Verse of the Day: Scripture quotes to inspire your faith in God today.Bible Verse of the Day - Romans 8:28 - Scripture passage on faithWelcome to Bible verse of the day. I am Reverend Joseph Sanford and today we’re going to read Romans chapter 8 verse 28. This letter from Paul to the church in Rome brings us so much good news and it reads we know that all things work together for good for those who love God called according to God‘s purpose This verse allows us to have some freedom. We can relax when things don’t go as planned when bad situation occur or maybe we just mess up or maybe we’re just dealing with things out of our control...2022-12-0501 min
Sellersburg United Methodist Church Sermon PodcastSERMON | Luke 1:57-80 | PREPARE THE WAY FOR THE LORD - 2. "The Hand of God" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, INSERMON | Luke 1:57-80 | PREPARE THE WAY FOR THE LORD - 2. "The Hand of God" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, IN2022-12-0421 minBible Verse of the Day: Scripture quotes to inspire your faith in God today.Bible Verse of the Day - Jeremiah 29:11 - Scripture passage on hopeWelcome to Bible verse of the day. I am Rev., Joseph Sanford, and today we’re gonna spend time with Jeremiah chapter 29 verse 11, one that is well known and worth our reflection and it reads her. Surely I know the plans I have for you says the lord plans for your welfare and not for harm to give you a future with this verse speaks pretty loudly against the idea that God bring suffering into our lives God does not bring suffering brains bad things happen, because we live in a world where we have a choice we have fr...2022-12-0201 minBible Verse of the Day: Scripture quotes to inspire your faith in God today.Bible Verse of the Day - Luke 3:4 - Scripture verse for AdventWelcome here to Bible verse of the day. I am Rev., Joseph Sanford, and today we’re gonna spend time with Luke chapter 3 verse four what summarizes the message of our advent time from John the Baptist as it is written in the book of the Words of the Prophet Isaiah, the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. We anticipate this time of Christmas this year.
Jesus has not been born yet in our calendar as we tell the story we are preparing the way by...2022-11-3001 minBible Verse of the Day: Scripture quotes to inspire your faith in God today.Bible Verse of the Day - John 3:16 - Scripture Quote on God's LoveWelcome man to Bible verse of the day. I am Rev., Joseph Sanford, and today we’re going to spend time with John chapter 3 verse 16 one of the most well-known and quoted verses in all of our scripture, and it begins for God, so loved the world that he gave his only son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish, but may have eternal life This just kind of sums up what we’re all about as Christians this brings it all together in a simple package, and I invite us to reflect upon the whole vers...2022-11-2801 min
Sellersburg United Methodist Church Sermon PodcastSERMON | Luke 1:5-17 | PREPARE THE WAY FOR THE LORD - 1. "Your Prayer Has Been Heard" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, INSERMON | Luke 1:5-17 | PREPARE THE WAY FOR THE LORD - 1. "Your Prayer Has Been Heard" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, IN2022-11-2719 min
Sellersburg United Methodist Church Sermon PodcastSERMON | Luke 23:33-43 | FACE TO FACE WITH JESUS - 4. "Scoffers On A Hill" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, INSERMON | Luke 23:33-43 | FACE TO FACE WITH JESUS - 4. "Scoffers On A Hill" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, IN2022-11-2019 min
Sellersburg United Methodist Church Sermon PodcastSERMON | Luke 21:5-19 | FACE TO FACE WITH JESUS - 3. "Open-Mouthed Tourists" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, INSERMON | Luke 21:5-19 | FACE TO FACE WITH JESUS - 3. "Open-Mouthed Tourists" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, IN2022-11-1319 min
Sellersburg United Methodist Church Sermon PodcastSERMON | Luke 20:27-38 | FACE TO FACE WITH JESUS - 2. "Band of Puzzlers" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, INSERMON | Luke 20:27-38 | FACE TO FACE WITH JESUS - 2. "Band of Puzzlers" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, IN2022-11-0619 min
Sellersburg United Methodist Church Sermon PodcastSERMON | Luke 19:1-10 | FACE TO FACE WITH JESUS - 1. "Man Out On a Limb" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, Indiana.SERMON | Luke 19:1-10 | FACE TO FACE WITH JESUS - 1. "Man Out On a Limb" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, Indiana.
We walk through 4 face-to-face encounters with Jesus and the unexpected challenge and invitation in each occasion.
We begin with Zacchaeus as an example for us all--whether we identify with Jesus' stunning invitation, the crowd's response, or Zacchaeus' faith and response.2022-10-3018 min
Sellersburg United Methodist Church Sermon PodcastSERMON | 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 | NOT ASHAMED - 4. "Poured Out" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, IndianaSERMON | 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 | NOT ASHAMED - 4. "Poured Out" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, Indiana
We wrap up our series looking at the world through Paul's eyes -- people, God, self, church, living, suffering, and even dying.
We are to "keep the faith" as Paul did, always remembering the core identity and reality from which we live as Christians -- with Jesus as God's ruler, raised from the dead, and making all things new here...now...and forevermore.
If we buy into the pseudo-gospel of thinking the poin...2022-10-2319 min
Sellersburg United Methodist Church Sermon PodcastSERMON | 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 | NOT ASHAMED - 3. "Itching Ears" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, INSERMON | 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 | NOT ASHAMED - 3. "Itching Ears" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, IN
Paul encourages Timothy to remember what he has come to know and believe...and then stay true to it.
Scripture has all we need to instruct us so that we might find salvation in our faith in Jesus Christ.
But...which scripture?
Let's spend some time walking through what "inspired" actually means and how we can come to understand how to follow Timothy and Paul's footsteps in our dedication to our fait...2022-10-1619 min
Sellersburg United Methodist Church Sermon PodcastSERMON | 2 Timothy 2:8-15 | NOT ASHAMED - 2. "Present Yourself to God" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, IndianaSERMON | 2 Timothy 2:8-15 | NOT ASHAMED - 2. "Present Yourself to God" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, Indiana
The gospel is simple, to Paul: Jesus is God's ruler over everything, raised from the dead, a descendant of David.
For a young Jewish Christian, like Timothy, this simple gospel makes all of the sense in the world. Other opinions and convictions should not take precedent over this foundational proclamation. In a time of outside pressure and swirling chaos, Paul's words bring grounding to Timothy.
We need that same grounding.
Wh...2022-10-0920 min
Sellersburg United Methodist Church Sermon PodcastSERMON | 2 Timothy 1:1-14 | NOT ASHAMED - 1. "ReKindle the Gift" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, IndianaSERMON | 2 Timothy 1:1-14 | NOT ASHAMED - 1. "ReKindle the Gift" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, Indiana
Paul addresses his protege, Timothy, during a difficult time. Paul is in prison and Timothy is facing all sorts of pressure in his culture to step away from everything Paul has taught him.
Paul urges Timothy to remember the story he is a part of: the bigger story of God's work and the smaller story of his own life and faith given to him through his grandmother and mother.
"Re-Kindle the gift, Timo...2022-10-0219 min
Sellersburg United Methodist Church Sermon PodcastSERMON | Micah 4:1-4 | "Kingdom Dreams, Violent Realities" for National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, IndianaSERMON | Micah 4:1-4 | "Kingdom Dreams, Violent Realities" for National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, Indiana
There is a master plan for reality.
God has given us the Kingdom Dream, the blueprint (Jesus), and it is up to us to adjust our personal/communal game-plan so that the Dream may become a Reality. Our reality today is far from that dream...
Like the prophet Micah and Judah, we have 2 choices.
Adjust...or march on toward destruction and violence.
The...2022-09-2516 min
Sellersburg United Methodist Church Sermon PodcastSERMON | Luke 6:1-13 | HAVING WORDS WITH JESUS - 3. "Debts Are Tossed" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, IndianaSERMON | Luke 6:1-13 | HAVING WORDS WITH JESUS - 3. "Debts Are Tossed" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, Indiana
We are to be clever with our world and its resources.
We are to be as clever AS the world with its resources, but not clever IN THE SAME WAYS.
How are we using money and time and power and influence? For God and the Kingdom...or something/someone else? For ourselves?
We all struggle with this, but this parable from Jesus gives us a chance to renew our t...2022-09-1819 min
Sellersburg United Methodist Church Sermon PodcastSERMON | Luke 15:1-10 | HAVING WORDS WITH JESUS 2. "Finding the Lost" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, IndianaSERMON | Luke 15:1-10 | HAVING WORDS WITH JESUS 2. "Finding the Lost" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, Indiana
We continue in the large scene in the middle of Luke; Jesus has some hard truths to offer those who are intent to hold tightly to their perspective on God and faith.
Jesus is transforming people's understanding of self and acceptance with God. It's no wonder the religious leaders of the day are struggling; they are supposed to be the experts, after all!
Will they repent, let go, and follow Jesus into...2022-09-1121 min
Sellersburg United Methodist Church Sermon PodcastSERMON | Luke 14:25-33 - HAVING WORDS WITH JESUS 1. "Counting the Cost" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, Indiana.SERMON | Luke 14:25-33 - HAVING WORDS WITH JESUS 1. "Counting the Cost" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, Indiana.
We begin a 4-week series looking at four passages from our third Gospel account that are, frankly, difficult to sit with.
Did Jesus really mean what he said?
Are we seriously expected to follow this today?
We will have words with Jesus on a few of his more difficult sayings.
We begin on what it means to follow him in the first place. Have we thought it throug...2022-09-0419 min
Sellersburg United Methodist Church Sermon PodcastSERMON | Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 - "Mutual Love; A Response to Crisis and Change" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, IndianaSERMON | Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 - "Mutual Love; A Response to Crisis and Change" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, Indiana
In an earth-shaking moment of chaos, a biblical teacher reaches out to a group in shock to help them move forward. By interpreting Jesus Christ through the lens of the Temple, animal sacrifice, and priesthood, the people could see how their world hadn't changed in the way they had feared.
Learning all of this leads the teacher to instruct the church to respond to crisis and change with mutual love and c...2022-08-2821 min
Sellersburg United Methodist Church Sermon PodcastSERMON | Isaiah 5:1-7 - PROPHET MARGINS 6. "Yielding Wild Grapes" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, IndianaSERMON | Isaiah 5:1-7 - PROPHET MARGINS 5. "Yielding Wild Grapes" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, Indiana
To be pastoral or prophetic...??
That is the question.
We wrap up our Prophet Margins series considering the consequences of our choices. Our pain becomes our lesson and our lesson becomes our hope for the future.
Are we open to what God is going to bring us through the pain of our wild choices? We often settle for something that resembles the divine will but in actuality perverts it.
Isra...2022-08-1420 min
Sellersburg United Methodist Church Sermon PodcastSERMON | Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 - PROPHET MARGINS 5. "Learn to Do Good" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, IndianaSERMON | Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 - PROPHET MARGINS 5. "Learn to Do Good" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, Indiana
We are to practice what we preach...
to let our actions match our worship.
We all need to work on doing good.
While we have much to confess, we also have great hope for the days ahead.2022-08-0723 min
Sellersburg United Methodist Church Sermon PodcastSERMON | Hosea 1:2-10 - PROPHET MARGINS 4. "Pity on the House; a Risky Love" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, IndianaSERMON | Hosea 1:2-10 - PROPHET MARGINS 3. "Risky Love" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, Indiana
We are called to be faithful in our love and commitment to God. This commitment is most purely expressed in the way we take care of the most vulnerable. The calling of Hosea is tricky and difficult to accept, but his life is a living metaphor for the people Israel...and us.
There is always hope with God, but we have to be ready to risk it all for love of God and neighbor.2022-07-2418 min
Sellersburg United Methodist Church Sermon PodcastSERMON | Amos 8:1-12 - PROPHET MARGINS 3. "Living In a Bitter Day" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, Indiana.SERMON | Amos 8:1-12 - PROPHET MARGINS 3. "Living In a Bitter Day" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, Indiana.
Are we rehabilitating from our self-serving ways of sin?
We must confront ourselves honestly if we hope to truly be connected to The Kingdom of God. If we want truth, life, and to be healed/saved, then we must be open to reality as it is versus how we think it is.
We have hope in Jesus Christ!
This means we can look back to our pa...2022-07-1716 min
Sellersburg United Methodist Church Sermon PodcastSERMON | Amos 7:7-17 - PROPHET MARGINS 2. "What Do You See?" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, Indiana.SERMON | Amos 7:7-17 - PROPHET MARGINS 2. "What Do You See?" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, Indiana.
Israel is in trouble, in Amos' day.
They have become corrupt from the very top of the structure of leadership--both the king and priest.
The system of Israel is crushing the vulnerable to build up those in charge.
This kind of system is always destined for complete failure and collapse.
Amos confronts this reality with little hope for the people.
But here we...2022-07-1021 min
Sellersburg United Methodist Church Sermon PodcastSERMON | 2 Kings 5:1-14 - PROPHET MARGINS 1. "Wash & Be Cleaned" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, IndianaSERMON | 2 Kings 5:1-14 - PROPHET MARGINS 1. "Wash & Be Cleaned" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, Indiana
We begin a 9-week journey through the prophets to wrestle with with the uncomfortable, hard, and necessary truths which lead us to the joy, hope, of faith to which we are called.
We begin with Elisha's healing of Naaman and the political nightmare that it was. We learn that the voice of guidance and faith often comes through the unexpected voice. Our preconceived notions and expectations can hinder us on a journey of a life o...2022-07-0323 min
Sellersburg United Methodist Church Sermon PodcastSERMON | 1 Kings 19:1-18 - "From Madness to Stillness" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, IndianaSERMON | 1 Kings 19:1-18 - "From Madness to Stillness" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, Indiana
We turn to the story of Elijah running for his life and encountering the presence of God in the most unexpected way.
Examining what happened and how it happened gives us insight into our own realities we face today. There is a great deal of madness in our world and in our lives (and good things too). Learning to trust God can calm the madness and keep us focused on where we are headed. More than th...2022-06-2620 min
Sellersburg United Methodist Church Sermon PodcastSERMON | Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31 - "Does Not Wisdom Call" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, IndianaSERMON | Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31 - "Does Not Wisdom Call" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, Indiana
Lady Wisdom comes to us on this Trinity Sunday to woo us away from another kind of lady (from Proverbs 7). These ladies are 100% rhetorical and metaphorical, but we should not lose the overwhelming femininity of The Holy Spirit from the opening page of the Bible through its end. The Spirit is a feminine word. So...we'll claim Lady Wisdom for how she is presented to us.
Our goal, however, is to examine ourselves in a life o...2022-06-1218 min
Sellersburg United Methodist Church Sermon PodcastSERMON | Acts 2:1-21 & Genesis 11:1-9 - "Overcoming Babel" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, INSERMON | Acts 2:1-21 & Genesis 11:1-9 - "Overcoming Babel" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, IN
We celebrate Pentecost by honoring the work of God to bring humanity back together through the work of the Holy Spirit. Our diversity is stamped with approval; we are to be united, not uniform.
Are we open to our own release from the confusion of Babel?2022-06-0519 min
Sellersburg United Methodist Church Sermon PodcastSERMON | Acts 16:9-15 - WE ARE WITNESSES "Opened the Heart" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, INSERMON | Acts 16:9-15 - WE ARE WITNESSES "Opened the Heart" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, IN
The story of Paul and Lydia is one of serious change in human plans leading to divine providence. Even when things seem to be going wrong...or just taking a long time...we can lean upon our faith to help us trust that The Holy Spirit is still at work to direct us amid disruption.
As individuals, as a church, and as a member of the many groups of which we commit ourselves, we a...2022-05-2218 min
Sellersburg United Methodist Church Sermon PodcastSERMON | Acts 11:1-18 - WE ARE WITNESSES - "What God Called Clean" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, INSERMON | Acts 11:1-18 - WE ARE WITNESSES - "What God Called Clean" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, IN
Change is coming for the early church...
Change is coming for the church of today...
BECAUSE...that's how things work.
Things change.
Are we ready for where God is leading us next?2022-05-1518 min
Sellersburg United Methodist Church Sermon PodcastSERMON | Acts 9:36-43 - WE ARE WITNESSES - "Get Up!" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, IndianaSERMON | Acts 9:36-43 - WE ARE WITNESSES - "Get Up!" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, Indiana
This is a story about Peter...but, really, it's not. This story is about Tabitha. Our inclination is to stay focused on Peter because, c'mon, it's Peter! But part of our role as witnesses is to notice the unnoticed--to pay attention...to see and hear...so we can then share what we've seen and heard.
Tabitha was a witness. Her story is miraculous long before Peter enters the scene and raises her from the dead...2022-05-0819 min
Sellersburg United Methodist Church Sermon PodcastSERMON | Acts 9:1-20 - WE ARE WITNESSES - "Who Are You, Lord?" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg, United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, IndianaSERMON | Acts 9:1-20 - WE ARE WITNESSES - "Who Are You, Lord?" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg, United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, Indiana
In week 3 of our series, we hear the story of the conversion/turning/repentance of Saul of Tarsus (the Apostle Paul, Greek circles). His conversion comes when he is on the path of certainty with full conviction. He is forced and then invited to listen--first to Jesus, then to Ananias (the enemy).
This is a story about what it means to witness as a listener/observer.
Too often, we are tem...2022-05-0116 min
Sellersburg United Methodist Church Sermon PodcastSERMON | Acts 5:27-32 - "We Are Witnesses" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, IndianaSERMON | Acts 5:27-32 - "We Are Witnesses" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, IN
We continue the Easter Season as we build up to Pentecost on June 5th. We tell the story of the Spirit-empowered Apostles to prepare ourselves as Spirit-empowered disciples. We begin with the simplicity of our calling to be witnesses.
The word witness can be understood in a variety of ways (some good, others not-so-good). Let's walk through the idea of witness so we can understand the foundational calling we each have in our world today. Let's focus on...2022-04-2418 min
Sellersburg United Methodist Church Sermon PodcastSERMON | Luke 24:1-12 - EASTER "God Raised Him" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, IndianaSERMON | Luke 24:1-12 - EASTER "God Raised Him" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church
We kick off the season of Easter on Resurrection Day. The events of that day have inspired billions of people over the last 2,000 years. The world and all of history shifted due to the events of that morning long ago. God raised him (Jesus). When we consider the implications, we find that our world shifts even today.
Let's retell that story and let the truth guide us forward in our faith.2022-04-1716 min
Sellersburg United Methodist Church Sermon PodcastSERMON | John 13:1-17, 31b-35 - MAUNDY THURSDAY "Do You Know What I Have Done?" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, IndianaSERMON | John 13:1-17, 31b-35 - MAUNDY THURSDAY "Do You Know What I Have Done?" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church
We read the same passage every year for Maundy (mandatum/mandate) Thursday. While we celebrate the actions of Jesus once a year every year, they are to be replicated every single day; this is our mandate--to love one another just as Christ loved us.
We will walk through the passage and mandate to remind ourselves of our commitment to follow Jesus Christ as disciples.2022-04-1519 min
Sellersburg United Methodist Church Sermon PodcastSERMON | Luke 19:28-40 - PALM SUNDAY "The Lord Needs It" given by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, INSERMON | Luke 19:28-40 - PALM SUNDAY "The Lord Needs It" given by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, IN
As Holy Week begins, we come to Jesus' entry into Jerusalem -- young donkey, songs, cloaks, and all.
How we get from the joyful Sunday to Good Friday is worth considering, not only for Jesus' time, but ours as well. What did the people expect to happen over the course of the week? What did they expect Jesus to be all about? What kind of king did they think he would be? What is...2022-04-1020 min
Sellersburg United Methodist Church Sermon PodcastSERMON | John 12:1-8 - "Filled With Fragrance" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, INSERMON | John 12:1-8 - "Filled With Fragrance" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, Indiana on Sunday April 3, 2022.
We examine the gift of Mary to Jesus as the archetype activity of a disciple compared to Judas who exemplifies what a disciple is not in the scene.
Preparing for Holy Week and our honoring of Jesus' death on the cross, we follow the footsteps of Mary to offer a gift of extravagant generosity.
What will you give to the Lord of life?2022-04-0321 min
Sellersburg United Methodist Church Sermon PodcastSERMON | Luke 15:1-32 - "Lost & Found" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, INSERMON | Luke 15:1-32 - "Lost & Found" by Rev. Joseph Sanford
Given at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, IN on March 27, 2022. Visit our website at sellersburgumc.com to learn more about our church and its ministries.
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Understanding the message behind Luke 15 requires us to pan back and see the larger scene which started a couple chapters prior. Jesus is calling disciples to move beyond the conventional understandings of shame and honor. He critiques the religious leaders of the day who are playing power games and grumbling about Jesus fully welcoming sinners to his table.2022-03-2730 min
Sellersburg United Methodist Church Sermon PodcastSERMON | Luke 13:1-9 - "If It Bears Fruit" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, INSERMON | Luke 13:1-9 - "If It Bears Fruit" by Rev. Joseph Sanford
We continue working through a scene where Jesus is examining Jerusalem in light of his mission and movement of the peaceful, forgiving, enemy-loving, and life-giving Kingdom. Jerusalem has not been living up to its calling. This does not encompass all of Jerusalem--the leadership in place has been compromising, extorting, and hyper-focusing on legalistic approaches to worship. Many people who worship there are honest, hard-working, and humble people just fighting to survive. Jesus knows the presence of God's Kingdom will not sit well with any of the leade...2022-03-2022 min
Sellersburg United Methodist Church Sermon PodcastSERMON | Luke 13:31-35 - "Under the Wings" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, INSERMON | Luke 13:31-35 - "Under the Wings"
In a volatile time of war, division, uncertainty, inflation, and the calling to ministry...we can become overwhelmed.
Through this passage, where Jesus looked past the opposition to see the heart of the matter of his time and day, we can follow an example which offers us the path to life over destruction. We can find hope while traversing difficult times.
We are welcomed under the wing of Jesus Christ who is portrayed as a mother hen offering shelter to her babies while the fox is on...2022-03-1318 min
Sellersburg United Methodist Church Sermon PodcastSERMON | Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 - ASH WEDNESDAY "Piety Practice" by Rev. Joseph Sanford at Sellersburg United Methodist Church in Sellersburg, INSERMON - ASH WEDNESDAY | Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 "Piety Practice"
Rev. Joseph Sanford leads us into the beginning of the Season of Lent. We begin this season of 40 days by examining the very motivation of our piety (religious commitment). Do we practice for God?? Or do we practice for ourselves?? We begin this season of repentance and confession by receiving ashes to be reminded that without God we are nothing but dust; we need a Savior.
Do we live a life of the Christian faith to be seen and highly regarded by others?
Do we live t...2022-03-0309 min