First Houston United Methodist Church

This Easter Sunday, Pastor Lindsay reassures us of the power of Christ's love; regardless of the emptiness, suffering, or regret in our tears, these moments will never be greater than his acceptance. fmhouston.com

This Holy Week, discover the true meaning of peace, which is more than just the absence of conflict; it is the deep, spiritual wholeness known as shalom, a quietness of soul content in God. The manuscript explores how Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, established peace on earth through his birth and peace in heaven through his death and resurrection, making shalom accessible to all. When we forget this peace, Jesus offers a pathway back through a healing journey which includes confession, faith, and release that transforms our hurts and brokenness. Just as in the Japanese art of kintsugi, where broken pottery is made more beautiful with gold, true peace is found not in a pain-free life, but in submitting our scars to Jesus for redemption and restoration, leading to a profound wholeness that surpasses all understanding. fmhouston.com

Pastor Lindsay speaks on how releasing these burdens is essential to make room for God’s peace. It challenges the notion that true compassion means absorbing other people's anxieties until we "pop"; instead, we fulfill the law of Christ by carrying one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2) and releasing them to Jesus on their behalf.1 The power of release is illustrated through the story of Jameel McGee, who released his bitterness towards the former cop, Andrew, who wrongfully imprisoned him, as well as biblical figures like Abraham, Moses, Esther, Peter, and Paul, who all had to release something to step into the abundant life God had planned. It's a call to action: Lay down whatever weighs you down—bitterness, unforgiveness, or old commitments—to receive the rest, peace, and healing Jesus promises. fmhouston.com

True faith is not a tool to coerce God, but a deep, unshakeable trust in the presence and power of Jesus Christ, regardless of our circumstances. Faith is spiritual exercise—an action of believing and trusting God over and over—that strengthens our spiritual muscle and contributes to a profound, soul-deep healing. Learn how practicing this kind of trust allows you to look at chaos with a peace that surpasses understanding. fmhouston.com

In this sermon, Pastor Eric explores the profound and mutual healing found in confession and prayer as taught in James 5:16 "confess your sins to one another and pray for one another so that you may be healed". fmhouston.com

We all face the "I don't wanna's"—the internal resistance that keeps us stuck. But what happens when that doubt is focused on God? In this powerful message, we dive into the story of Jesus healing the man with the skin disease (Mark 1:41). The man didn't doubt Jesus' ability, only His will. Discover the gut-wrenching compassion of Jesus, captured in the Greek word splagchnizomai, and find the answer to the ultimate question: Does Jesus want to heal you? Using the life story of Beth Moore, we explore how healing comes through bringing all your pain, hurt, and even your anger, into the light. Your pain matters to God, and silence is the enemy's trick. The question for you today is, "Do you want to be healed?" fmhouston.com

Pastor Lindsay explores the profound connection between salvation and healing, challenging the audience to seek deep, lasting spiritual wholeness from Jesus, the ultimate Healer. Pastor Lindsay opens with a personal story of a childhood medical chart mix-up to illustrate how we often look in the wrong places for healing, missing the source right in front of us. Diving into the Scriptures, the message highlights how Jesus grounded his entire ministry in healing, revealed by the Hebrew name Jehovah Rapha (God Our Healer) and the Greek word Sozo, which means both "to save" and "to heal." The core of the talk emphasizes that God's love is unconditional, but spiritual healing is available to all who choose to turn to Him, ultimately leading to relational and emotional healing. fmhouston.com

Pastor Lindsay shows us that Jesus doesn’t answer the question, “Who is my neighbor?” Instead, He calls us to be the neighbor. In a world divided by “us versus them,” we are invited to live differently — carrying compassion everywhere we go. There is no us and them. There is only me for you. fmhouston.com

What do you do when life feels like an in-between space—neither where you were nor where you’re going? In this sermon based on Matthew 14:22–33, we explore the idea of “thin places”—those liminal moments of transition, uncertainty, and vulnerability where faith is stretched and fear can take over. Through the familiar story of Jesus walking on the water, we’re invited to reconsider Peter’s leap from the boat and ask a surprising question: What if faith sometimes looks like staying put instead of stepping out? Drawing connections between Scripture, everyday life, and moments of global and personal transition, this message reminds us that Emmanuel—God with us—is not a seasonal promise, but an eternal one. Whether the waters are stormy or calm, Jesus is present, responding immediately, calling us not to panic, but to trust. This sermon speaks to anyone navigating change, grief, anticipation, or uncertainty—and offers a grounding reminder to pause, breathe, and listen for God’s voice in the middle of it all. Scripture: Matthew 14:22–33 Theme: Faith, thin places, trust, and God’s abiding presence 📖 “Take heart. It is I. Do not be afraid.”