First Houston United Methodist Church
793 episodes — Page 9 of 16
“Specifically, What Should the Church Be Doing in the Face of Evil?” - Andy Nixon, Brandi Horton, Donyale Fraylon, Anthony Rogers & Ben Wyman
The group take a moment to reflect on their experiences at the downtown march for George Floyd. Bloomed from our Ahmaud Arbery episode, today’s question searches for specific guidance on what the church can do to combat evil and what we as individuals can do. Below is more information on the book recommendations mentioned in this podcast. -Divided By Faith, by Michael Emerson -Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson -The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander -Jesus and the Disinherited by Howard Thurman -How to be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi -The Post-Racial Negro Green Book by Jan Miles -So you want to talk about race by Ijeoma Oluo Books for Kids: Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor White Flour by David LaMotte Monster by Walter Dean Myers The UMC is already helping us talk to our kids. These are books that lift up the sacred worth of every human, no matter their gender, race, ability level, or sexual orientation. https://www.umcjustice.org/sacred-worth-books?fbclid=IwAR20VyKJ3ILh21SXuf5WE_RiboNC6M6LKcMoo0BdxqDtMSrOIMF2TH20ETM This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm
That Just Happened: "Everyone's A Prophet Now" - Andy Nixon
On Pentecost Sunday, as cities across America are filled with marchers and protestors, Andy makes a call to action. "It is not acceptable to be a church hunkered down, afraid to go out and proclaim the name of Jesus." Acts 2:1-11 fmhouston.com
Ask Me Anything: "Does The Methodist Church Discipline People? Do You Have To Confess Your Sins To A Pastor?" - Andy Nixon, Brandi Horton, Donyale Fraylon, & Ben Wyman
A non-member asks whether the Methodist church disciplines members, and if people are required to confess their sins to a pastor or another authority. It leads to a discussion of what rules the Methodist church actually has, the importance of accountability, and how pastors work to try to be someone who stands in your corner rather than punishing you. FMHouston.com/AMA
A New...: "A New Peace" - Andy Nixon
Andy speaks about “God in Real Time": God is taking care of you in the here and now, and God is going to take care of you in the future. Anything the world gives to you is going to fade away, the peace God gives to us is infinite. The Holy Spirit is a gift that shows us that fear cannot prevail. “Faith is stranger than peace, and so even though we feel the storm, the storm does not overcome us.” John 14:25-27 fmhouston.com
“How Should The Church Respond To The Shooting Of Ahmaud Arbery?” - Donyale Fraylon, Ken Coneby, Anthony Rogers & Ben Wyman
Questions of racial justice, privilege and discipleship surface as the group breaksdown the murder of Ahmaud Arbery. They reflect on the heavy price payed for racial harmony, the work that still awaits and the steps the church can take to be the champions of love. This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm
A New...: "A New Creation" - Donyale Fraylon
Donyale comes to us from her kitchen table to consider why God chooses people who don't need just minor changes, but be changed utterly. 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 fmhouston.com
“Did John Wesley Ever Talk About Social Justice?” - Andy Nixon, Brandi Horton, Ken Coneby & Ben Wyman
We’re talking about social holiness and what John Wesley meant by it. What that it looks like today and how it differs from how we interpret God defines it. This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm
A New...: "A New Age" - Andy Nixon
Isaiah 65:17-25 This week, Andy got angry at a fajitas-for-one, and then at the frustrations of the pandemic. But today's passage from Isaiah shows how anger turns to joy, and how change can be change forever. But to do that, we have to leave sins in the past. fmhouston.com
“Should American Christians Put Themselves In Harm's Way To Help The World’s Most Vulnerable During This Pandemic?” - Andy Nixon, Brandi Horton, Donyale Fraylon & Ben Wyman
All hands are on deck as the group dives deep into examining the consequences the precautionary actions we take to stay safe during the pandemic may have on others around the world. They find themselves wrapped in the same chaos our questioner finds themselves in. fmhouston.com/ama
A New...: "A New Chance" - Andy Nixon
John 5:1-9 Andy discusses the story of the man who could not make it into the pool to be healed, and the importance of what exactly it was that Jesus said to him in that moment. fmhouston.com
“Is This A Transformational Moment For The Church?” - Andy Nixon, Brandi Horton, Donyale Fraylon, Ben Wyman & Special Guest Bishop Scott Jones
We welcome our first guest to the Ask Me Anything table, Bishop Scott Jones! The group pick each others brains’ on how they’re managing daily life, spouses, parenting and the “new trend” growth during this pandemic. They lean into the changes they’ve seen in how we’re worshiping due to the pandemic and the possible impact on the future of the church This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm
A New...: "A New Hope" - Andy Nixon
1 Peter 1:3-9 Andy confronts the strangeness of our current life from his church office, and points to 1 Peter, where the Scripture points to the value of working through the darkness as we wait for the light. "When we get to the other side, we know that Christ is alive – and working in us." FMHouston.com
“What is the Book of Revelations Really Telling Us and Do Rapture Teachings Have Negative Lasting Effects?” - Andy Nixon, Brandi Horton, Donyale Fraylon & Ben Wyman
The group tackles two similar questions regarding the book of revelations. Ben’s pastoral side really shines when discussing the misconceptions of how we read this part of the bible. Everyone shares their experiences learning about the rapture growing up and the Left Behind series. This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm
A New...: "A New Time" - Donyale Fraylon
An advertisement for a theater company leads Donyale to reconsider Isaiah 11:1-8, and the meaning of these verses on the Branch of Jesse. This scripture, she says, is a story of hope. God was calling those who heard it to put their trust in him alone. He still is. “This hope is sturdy enough for you and me today.” FMHouston.com
“Why Do We Design Our Worship Services The Way That We Do?” - Andy Nixon, Ken Coneby & Ben Wyman
Today’s question puts the formula of our worship services under a microscope. The group examines what elements of a service really matters and the roles that lay and clergy people play. This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm
Easter Sunday: "Death Rejected" - Andy Nixon
In a world and a time marked by despair, Andy chooses to focus on the message that Easter brings - one of miraculous, incredible hope. fmhouston.com
“How Do We Battle Busyness?” - Andy Nixon, Brandi Horton & Ben Wyman
Andy, Brandi, and Ben dissect the cons of staying busy for the sake of being busy. Moreover, the struggle to slow down our lifestyle. This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm
The Rejected: "Opening Doors By Flipping Tables" - Andy Nixon
Mark 11:15-18 Andy is caught up by the moment that we are at in society, and so today's sermon starts off on a somber note before he begins to further explore the text of Jesus flipping over the moneychangers' tables, and why Jesus acted so harshly at the temple that day. fmhouston.com
“How Do I Cope As The Covid-19 Quarantine Continues?” - Brandi Horton, Ken Coneby, Donyale Fraylon & Ben Wyman
The group discuss the different ways they’re each adapting to daily life during the Covid-19 quarantine and the struggle of battling loneliness as a result of social distancing. This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm
The Rejected: "Clear Vision" - Andy Nixon
Andy talks about a man born blind and how Jesus healed him, and in light of current times, how we deal with those who are in struggle. "There is pain," he says. "There is suffering. And when we let that speak to us, I think it influences the Scripture greatly." John 9:1-7, 35-41 fmhouston.com
“How Do We Operate In A Pandemic? Are Things Supposed to Change?” - Andy Nixon, Brandi Horton, Donyale Fraylon & Ben Wyman
The group begins today’s discussion picking up our conversation from last week’s episode and touching on the priesthood of all believers. However, they decide to hijack the question and talk through how they think the current pandemic will effect how we practice being the church. This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm
The Rejected: "The Marginalized Embraced"
Andy jokes his way through the troubles of quarantine, before turning to talking about having compassion for those dealing with the realities of the situation, reaching out to those around us, and grounding ourselves on the gospel of Jesus Christ. For more info on the series, check out fmhouston.com/the-rejected fmhouston.com
“Is it Legitimate to Take Communion At Home?” - Andy Nixon, Brandi Horton, Donyale Fraylon & Ben Wyman
The group tackle what the rules are in taking communion during extreme times and what make separates communion from a love feast. This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm
The Rejected: "God Sits With Sinners"
Luke 5:27-32 It has been a tough week, and there's a lot of trepidation for what lies ahead. But Andy lays out the path that God has for us, the ways in which we can help our neighbors and the way we see Christ in the ways they help us. And also, a little bit of poetry from William Blake. FMHouston.com
“Why Do We Give Things Up For Lent?” - Andy Nixon, Brandi Horton, Donyale Fraylon & Ben Wyman
The group discuss what they’re each doing for lent and what they hope to gain from it. This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm
Rejected: 'Getting Called Out by Jesus' - Ken Coneby
Luke 8:43-48 This week, Ken talks about a woman who had been rejected by society and healed by Jesus. fmhouston.com
“Should We Consider Other Interpretations of Scripture, Such As Racial and Feminist Perspectives?” - Andy Nixon, Brandi Horton, Donyale Fraylon & Ben Wyman
On today’s episode the group tackles the second part of a question they never got around to finishing earlier - should we consider other specific perspectives on the Bible? They reflect on whose interpretation of scripture we tend to acknowledge more and explore what the practice of reading scripture in different environments does to our perspective. Don't forget to send in your Lent questions! FMHouston.com/AMA
Dream: 'Workers' - Andy Nixon
Matthew 25:31-46 This week, Andy reminds us-like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. did in Memphis-that we need to focus on helping those in need on Earth before we focus on our afterlife in Heaven. fmhouston.com
Dream: 'Workers' - Ann Spears
Matthew 25:31-46 This week in the final sermon of the Dream series, Ann talks about what it means to be a sheep or a goat. fmhouston.com
Dream: 'Dreamers' - Brandi Horton
This week, Brandi talks about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as a preacher and his "I Have A Dream..." speech. fmhouston.com
Dream: 'Dreamers' - Andy Nixon
This week, Andy discusses the scriptures Dr. King references in his "I Have A Dream..." speech. fmhouston.com
“What Does It Mean To Be A Living Sacrifice?” - Andy Nixon, Ken Coneby, Emil Niz & Ben Wyman
The group takes a closer look at romans 12 to discuss how literal that scripture is. Ken takes the question a step further and ponders if the church falls short in “living sacrificially” for each other. thesourcehouston.org
Dream: 'Extremists' - Donyale Fraylon
Matthew 5:43-48 This week, Donyale begins the sermon series following the scriptures that inspired Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. fmhouston.com
“Why Do We Limit The Bible To Sixty Six Books?” - Andy Nixon, Brandi Horton & Ben Wyman
Andy and Brandi are ready to charge into today’s conversation on why there is only sixty six books in the Bible. The group finds themselves on different ends of the spectrum as they discuss what the conversation would look like if the canon was opened. thesourcehouston.org
Neighborhood: A Conversation With Gilad Katz - Andy Nixon
Andy sits down and talks with Gilad Katz, Consulate General of Israel to the Southwest United States. Scripture: Psalm 121 This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm
Neighborhood: 'Life Up Your Eyes' - Andy Nixon
Andy talks about how the Psalms can bring about a certain peace and help put your faith into action. Scripture: Psalm 121 This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm
“Does Scripture Tell Us That God Should Be In Control Of The Government?” - Andy Nixon, Donyale Fraylon, Emil Niz & Ben Wyman
Ben pulls a question from Christmas that questions how literal Isaiah 9:6 is meant to be interpreted. The group discusses what history tells us about it and how it translates today. Ben also makes another plea for more meaty questions so send yours in! This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm
Level Up!: 'Excess/Overflow' - Ann Spears
Exodus 36:1-5 This week, Ann talks about how the Israelites in the days of Moses at Mount Sinai gave all they could, because they knew what it was like to be without. fmhouston.com
Level Up!: 'Excess/Overflow' - Andy Nixon
Exodus 36:1-5 This week, Andy talks about the differences in a person when they view life through a lens of scarcity or a lens of abundance. fmhouston.com
“Why Do People Feel Like If Someone Commits Suicide They Can’t Go To Heaven?” - Andy Nixon, Ken Coneby, David Wyman & Ben Wyman
The group breakdowns the assumption that people who take their own lives don’t go to heaven. David Wyman (Ben’s Dad!) and Ken Coneby join the conversation. Today's subject deals with suicide, and mentions that suicide crisis lines now have a texting feature. If that's something you'd like to know about, you can find out more at https://www.crisistextline.org/ thesourcehouston.org
Level Up!: 'Reluctance' - Donyale Fraylon
Acts 5:1-6 This week, Donyale talks about removing the mask we put on in front of others and how it is okay to show our spiritual vulnerability and growth. fmhouston.com
Level Up!: 'Reluctance' - Andy Nixon
Acts 5:1-6 This week, Andy talks about our reluctance when we are called to give. fmhouston.com
“Why Do People Believe That The Apostle Paul Hated Women?” - Andy Nixon, Brandi Horton & Ben Wyman
Our trio discusses what they believe Paul meant in his letters in regards to women in the church. This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm
Level Up!: 'Provisions' - Dr. Brant Wallace
Acts 2:42-47 This week, Brant talks about how we are called to be generous with our time, talent, and treasure. fmhouston.com
Level Up!: 'Provisions' - Andy Nixon
Acts 2:42-47 This week, Andy talks about the story of Pentecost and the importance of communication. fmhouston.com
“What Does “Blessed Are The Peacemakers” Mean?” - Andy Nixon, Brandi Horton, Donyale Fraylon & Ben Wyman
We have a full table this week as the group takes on what it means to be a peacemaker on a personal and global scale. thesourcehouston.org
Level Up!: 'Scarcity' - Brandi Horton
2 Corinthians 8:1-7 This week, Brandi talks about how giving shouldn't be a competition. fmhouston.com
Level up!: 'Scarcity' - Andy Nixon
2 Corinthians 8:1-7 This week, Andy discusses religious offerings and its origin in Christianity. fmhouston.com
“What's Up With This Proposal For Splitting Up The Methodist Church?” - Brandi Horton, Donyale Fraylon & Ben Wyman
The group returns for the first episode of 2020 to tackle the question everyone has been asking, what is "The Protocol of Reconciliation & Grace Through Separation" proposal and what does it mean for our church? fmhouston.com/ama
Level Up!: 'Abundance' - Andy Nixon
This week, Andy talks about the upcoming year for the church. fmhouston.com