First United Methodist Church of Kearney Sermons

The book of John - Day 16

The book of John - Day 15

The book of John - Day 14

The book of John - Day 13

The book of John - Day 12

The Book of John - Day 11

God is like a lifeguard who never fails, constantly watching over us, ready to save. We're all drowning in the pool of life, but through Jesus, we've been offered rescue and new life."For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16) These 26 words remind us that God's love isn't conditional—it's for the whole world, including you. Jesus didn't come to condemn us but to save us. Condemnation is not God's goal; salvation is.This Lent, we're diving into the Gospel of John together. No matter where you are or what mistakes you've made, you are loved more than you can ever know. Nothing can separate you from God's love. Join us as we explore what it means to be fully saved and wholly loved.

The Book of John - Day 10

The Book of John - Day 9

The Book of John - Day 8

The Book of John - Day 7

The Book of John - Day 6

The Book of John - Day 5

What is God really like?This Sunday we’re kicking off a brand new series in the book of John—“So That You May Believe.” In a world full of questions, mysteries, and mixed messages, John points us to a simple but powerful truth: if you want to know what God is like, look at Jesus.Join us as we explore John 1:1–4 and discover how Jesus, the “Word,” reveals the very heart of God—and invites us into real, lasting life. We’ll also share a simple, practical way for you to engage Scripture during Lent alongside our church family.Come ready to reflect, ask questions, and take a next step in your faith journey.

The Book of John - Day4

The Book of John - Day 3

The Book of John - Day 2

The Book of John - Day 1

Is it okay for Christians to be cremated? 🤔This Sunday we’re talking about one of the most frequently asked — and often avoided — questions surrounding death, funerals, and the hope of resurrection. In John 11, Jesus calls Lazarus out of the tomb and reminds us that He is “the resurrection and the life.”Together we’ll explore the difference between resuscitation and resurrection, why our ultimate hope isn’t in what happens to our earthly bodies, and how the promise of new life in Christ changes the way we grieve, plan, and live today.If you’ve ever wondered how faith speaks into end-of-life questions — or if you just need a reminder of real hope — this message is for you.Join us this Sunday!

Reconciliation means the relationship is restored. Through Christ, we've moved from enemies to beloved children. But reconciliation isn't just a status—it's a lifestyle. Having been reconciled to God, we're now called to live as ambassadors of reconciliation in a broken world. This is the journey of sanctification, where we increasingly reflect God's character not to earn His love, but because we've received it. We pursue holiness from security, not insecurity. We serve from fullness, not emptiness. As you close this devotional series, commit to one specific way you'll live differently this week because of God's pre-approval. Let your actions flow from acceptance, not toward it. You are already His beloved. Now live like it.

Jesus couldn't be everywhere at once, and neither can you. The anxiety of "being there for people" fades when we ask: "What is mine to do?" Don't be lazy, but embrace your limits. You're human-sized, not God-sized. Do what you can—that's enough.

When you don’t know what to do next, the pressure to “have the answer” can leave you feeling exposed, anxious, and stuck. This Sunday we’ll look at Gideon’s story in Judges 6 and discover how God meets us not in our certainty, but in our doubts and small steps of trust. What if, instead of needing all the answers, faith looks like giving God something to work with? Join us as we explore what it means to be human-sized and trust a God who already knows the way.

Perfection can be exhausting—and if we’re honest, it’s often the loudest voice in our heads. This Sunday, Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:48 invite us into something deeper than flawless performance: a life that is growing, maturing, and being shaped by God’s grace. What if God isn’t asking you to be perfect, but to become who you were created to be? Join us as we learn to pursue our potential, not perfection.

Feeling like life is slipping out of your control? In our new series New Years’ Dissolutions, we begin by tackling one of the biggest sources of anxiety: control — and learning what it means to truly trust a sovereign God while taking responsibility for what’s in our hands. Drawing from 2 Chronicles 20 and practical wisdom, this message invites us to release our grip on what we can’t manage and rediscover peace, faith, and freedom for the year ahead.

“If you don’t know where you’re going, you might wind up someplace else.”This Sunday we’re talking vision, direction, and discipleship—rooted in Jesus’ Great Commission (Matthew 28).New year. Clear purpose. One mission.📍 Vision Sunday — don’t miss it.

The shepherds returned to ordinary life—but were forever changed by meeting Jesus. Christmas isn't just a moment; it's a transformation. Keep Jesus first, others second, yourself third. Your life may look the same, but you are completely different.

This Christmas Eve, we’ll be searching for the missing peace—the kind of peace that doesn’t always make sense on paper. In a season full of joy and stress, we’re reminded that Jesus didn’t come to remove every hardship, but to be God with us in the middle of them. Join us as we discover how true peace is found not in perfect circumstances, but in the presence of Christ. Come celebrate the good news of great joy with us on Christmas Eve.

Feeling stuck between fear and uncertainty? This Sunday we’ll explore how Jesus meets the disciples behind locked doors with a gift we all need—peace that isn’t dependent on circumstances. From liminal seasons to big decisions, discover how God invites us to trade anxiety for discernment and learn what it means to walk by the Spirit when the way forward isn’t clear. When you’re going in blind, you’re not going alone.

This week we’re talking about the kind of peace that only shows up after we’re willing to own our mistakes. Romans 12:18 challenges us to do everything within our power to make things right—and sometimes the missing peace is the peace we’re called to make. We’ll explore how obliviousness, pride, and fear hold us back, and how simple, intentional steps toward reconciliation can open the door to healing. If you’ve ever felt the sting of a strained relationship, this message might be exactly what your heart needs. 

Have you ever felt like you’re waiting on God? His timing might always be perfect, but from where we sit, it can also be frustrating. It can even feel like sometimes, He’s forgotten us. This Sunday, let’s look at what happens when God’s timing makes us pause, reflect, and depend on Him. 

Peace isn't found in perfect circumstances but in Christ's presence. This Advent, remember: the world will always lack peace, but Jesus, the Prince of Peace, offers shalom—deep harmony and complete wellness. Peace becomes possible when Christ becomes central. 

We often keep a mental ledger of what others owe us. That insult. That betrayal. That hurt. We calculate the debt and wait for payback. But Jesus offers a radically different approach in Matthew 6:12: "Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." Forgiveness is not pretending nothing happened. It is releasing your right to retribution. It is choosing to let go of the demand that someone suffer as much as they made you suffer. This journey moves through three stages: from vengeance (wanting them to hurt like you hurt), to obedience (releasing the debt because Jesus says to), to transcendence (genuinely desiring the best for them). It takes time. It takes grace. But it sets you free.

Time is a finite resource- we can't slow it down or make more. When we have so many things competing for our time it can be overhwhelming to prioritize the most important. How do we avoid spending our time before we even get it? We often hear "time is money" or "time is precious" so how are you spending yours?

This Sunday we'll kick off our new series "In the Red" by tackling one of the most common struggles we face: worry. In a world where we're constantly bombarded with information, news alerts, and social media content, it's no wonder anxiety levels are rising across all age groups. We spend an average of 46 hours a week on screens—essentially a full-time job of consuming content that often fuels our fears rather than our faith. We'll talk about distinguishing between acute anxiety (real, immediate problems) and chronic anxiety (future-based, hypothetical worries) and to recognize that God cares for us even more than He cares for the birds of the air.

On All Saints Day, we emphasizing the role of those who have gone before us in our faith journeys. Through the metaphor of a "great cloud of witnesses" from Hebrews 12, the message encourages us to honor and be inspired by the saints' lives while acknowledging the complex nature of grief. We'll walk through some ways to externalize grief and celebrate memories through meaningful actions. Worship will conclude with a candle-lighting ceremony as a tribute to the saints who have impacted our lives.

This week in worship we'll focus on gratitude and acknowledging God's continuous blessings, even when they become familiar over time. Drawing insights from Lamentations 3:22-23 and 2 Corinthians 9:7, we'll celebrate a year of service and generosity. Come worship in joyful response to God's unwavering faithfulness and to continue the mission of helping others know Christ, grow in faith, and serve the world.

Knowing your "why" can make all the difference. Join in this week as we look at Jesus' parting words to his disciples in Acts 1:8-9 and how it matters to our church 2,000 years later.

"Patience isn't just waiting—it's trusting that God's timing is better than our own." In a world of instant gratification, remember: God is always working, even when we can't see it. Like the Israelites, we must resist impatience and trust in God's perfect timing. 

What if contentment wasn’t about what you have—or what you’ve lost—but about who holds your life together? As we close our journey through Philippians, we’ll learn Paul’s secret to joy that no prison walls or life circumstances could take away. As we close our Philippians series and Bible Book It theme don't forget to read through Philippians and register for your pizza! https://kearneyfumc.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3093778

As you read through Philippians we’d invite you to prayerfully consider the following questions:  1.     What inspired you or was meaningful to you?2.     What didn’t you understand?3.     What frustrated or bothered you?4.     What might cause you to make a change?

What’s the best team you’ve ever been part of—and what made it great? In Philippians 3, Paul reminds us that true fellowship isn’t just about friendship or fun, but about the shared struggle of pressing on toward Christ. All earthly gains pale in comparison to the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus, and the church is where we learn to rejoice, even in hardship, as we pursue Him together. Join us this week as we discover how fellowship in Christ transforms struggle into strength.

As you read through Philippians we’d invite you to prayerfully consider the following questions:  1.     What inspired you or was meaningful to you?2.     What didn’t you understand?3.     What frustrated or bothered you?4.     What might cause you to make a change?

This Sunday we continue our Bible Book It series in Philippians, exploring how Jesus “came to reverse everything.” In Philippians 2, Paul reminds us that while the world uses power for gain, Jesus gave up every advantage to serve and to save. Our call is to respond—not by striving to earn God’s love, but by receiving His grace and living with the same mindset as Christ. Come discover how this reversal can reshape your daily life and help you shine “like stars in the sky.”

As you read through Philippians we’d invite you to prayerfully consider the following questions:  1.     What inspired you or was meaningful to you?2.     What didn’t you understand?3.     What frustrated or bothered you?4.     What might cause you to make a change?

As you read through Philippians we’d invite you to prayerfully consider the following questions:  1.     What inspired you or was meaningful to you?2.     What didn’t you understand?3.     What frustrated or bothered you?4.     What might cause you to make a change?

Discover the power of true priorities in this week's sermon as we delve into Philippians 1:9-10. Experience a lively blend of humor and insight as we explore how to keep "first things first" in our fast-paced world. Join us for "Bible Book It," where reading Philippians not only brings spiritual growth but also fun rewards, like free pizza! Don't miss this opportunity to engage with Scripture and transform your understanding of what truly matters.

In this sermon concluding the "It's Just a Phase" series, we'll explore the universal need for assurance and meaning in life. Everyone wants to know their life counts, no matter what generation they're a part of. We'll see in the story of Nicodemus in John 3:1-9 that true assurance comes not from worldly success but from the transformative love and grace of Jesus Christ. Being born again by faith gives our lives purpose and we can find our assurance in the grace of God. We'll remember to cherish life's small moments and focus on what truly matters: finding meaning and assurance at the Cross.

"Our faith and life challenge us to adapt." As young adults navigate diverse life stages, adaptability is key. Like Paul, who became "all things to all people," we're called to adjust to new conditions. Embrace change, knowing God is with you in every phase.

Have you ever had someone talk to you about realizing your potential? An "I See In You" conversation? What if a high dose of those could have unintended effects? In our second week of our series "It's Just A Phase" we'll learn about what this generation of students need most. We'll shape the conversation on Sunday after one of the disciples who has many Biblically recorded encounters with Jesus: Peter. Peter is always trying. Sometimes he nails it, sometimes he fails spectacularly. But through it all, Jesus sees and affirms Peter.

This week we start a new sermon series: It's Just A Phase. What do different generations need? What would each generation want the others to know? Our Director of Children's Ministry Cassie Guinn will be bringing the message! We'll discuss the importance of giving the next generation "unrestricted access" to opportunities for growth and faith. Drawing on personal experiences and biblical examples like King Josiah, she emphasizes that young people are capable of bold actions and deep faith when given the chance. We'll also be blessing backpacks and everyone involved in education. It is going to be a great Sunday!