First United Methodist Church of Kearney Sermons

Luke 7:18-50

Luke 6:37-7:17

This Sunday, we dove deep into Jesus' baptism and the mystery of the Trinity. Discover how Jesus’ baptism not only revealed the divine Trinity but also modeled a life of relational love and surrender. His baptism wasn’t only a historic event but an invitation for us today. So, let triune God redefine how we live, move, and connect with the world around us.

Luke 6:9-36

Luke 5:17-6:8

Luke 4:33-5:16

Luke 4:5-32

Luke 3:12-4:4

Luke 2:36-3:11

Join us for our new sermon series, "Doctor’s Orders," where we explore the Gospel of Luke using two prescriptions that deepen our faith and understanding. We'll journey together through scripture and prayer, discovering how these practices can provide the spiritual boost we need. Dive in with us and be inspired, curious, challenged, and transformed.

Luke 2:8-35

Luke 1:57-2:7

Luke 1:29-56

Luke 1:1-28

In our concluding sermon of the "How Can I Help?" series, we explore the profound message of serving those in need within our communities, as guided by Matthew 25:31-36. This thought-provoking message challenges us to discern our role in helping others, emphasizing that while Jesus is the ultimate savior, our role is to serve. Delve into the insights on how to manage the tension between providing support and trying to solve others’ problems, and discover practical ways to extend care without overstepping our human limitations. Join us in embracing a bias towards hope and optimism as we strive to embody Christ’s call to serve with compassion and humanity. Don't miss this inspiring conclusion and learn how your service is akin to caring for Jesus himself.

This week we'll explore the emotion of anger and how, as Christians, we are called to be peacemakers in an increasingly angry world. Using Matthew 5:9, we'll learn that true happiness isn't found in avoiding conflict but in actively reconciling relationships. We will look at the three roles one can play—counselor, coach, or consultant—in helping others navigate their anger and aligns this with God’s work of restoration. Join to learn how transforming outrage into peace can reflect God’s love in a world that thrives on anger.

Join us for our new sermon series "How Can I Help?" where we explore how to genuinely support others in times of need. This week, we delve into ways to be present for those experiencing loss, drawing inspiration from the story of Job and the powerful lesson that showing up beats speaking up. Discover how small acts of care can truly embody God's love and make a significant difference in someone's life. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how to be there for your neighbors during their darkest moments.

God’s silence isn’t rejection, it’s preparation. When we don’t hear Him, He’s still working behind the scenes. What if the waiting season you’re in right now is setting the stage for something greater? Keep trusting. God’s timing is always perfect.

So much of the media we have access to is not just about information but attention. And when you're in the attention business it's less about being true than being first. How do we sort out fact from fiction in the information age? How can we be wise in our discernment of what we consume and share?

Join us for a timely message on navigating the digital age with faith and integrity. We'll explore how technology can amplify our worst tendencies and how virtual actions have real-world consequences. By delving into Jesus’ teachings from Matthew 5, we'll uncover ways to guard our hearts from anger and lust, embracing the pure and noble life God desires for us. Discover practical tips for managing online interactions and maintaining accountability in our tech-driven world.

In the latest sermon in our series "What the Tech!?" We turn to the subject of Screen Time.We'll delve into the surprising parallels between ancient Roman practices and our modern technology use. Discover how Proverbs 25:28 offers timeless wisdom on self-control and the importance of setting healthy boundaries with screens. Explore the impact of digital distractions on our well-being and learn how to prioritize meaningful connections and spiritual focus in a tech-driven world. Don't miss this insightful message that challenges us to reclaim control over our digital lives.

In our upcoming sermon, "What the Tech: The Three A's," we explore the intersection of faith and technology through the lens of Genesis 11:1-9. We'll discuss how the neutrality of technology depends greatly on the choices people make and consider modern applications like AI, availability, and access. By looking at both the challenges and opportunities technology presents, we'll examine how it can either bring us closer to God or lead us away. Join us as we reflect on how to intentionally use technology to live faithfully in today's world.

Join us this Sunday as we explore the theme of "Addition by Subtraction" from Ephesians 4:22-24. As we embark on a new year, discover how releasing our old selves can create space for the transformative work God desires in us. We'll discuss how true change doesn't come from trying harder but from allowing God to renew our minds. Reflect on what you need to release and how you can better prepare to receive God's grace in 2025.

Blessings aren’t just for us—they’re meant to be shared. Numbers 6:24–26 reminds us of God’s promise to protect, guide, and bring peace to His people. As we reflect on this past year, let’s look for ways to be a blessing to others, spreading God’s love and kindness to those around us. How will you share your blessings this week?

“Excuses build walls, but faith builds bridges.” The shepherds didn’t let fear or doubt stop them from responding to God’s call. What’s holding you back? Take one step of faith today and see how God can use it to build something extraordinary.

Discover the surprising message behind this year's advent theme: destruction. Explore how the true reason for the season goes beyond sentimentality and addresses the deeper purpose of Christ's coming. Learn how Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil, freeing us from the power and penalty of sin. Join us in understanding why this message of destruction is actually the best news of all this Christmas.

What is on your list of things too complex to comprehend? Medical insurance, the mystery of where the second sock disappears to, the federal tax code, the list could go on. In many ways God is beyond our comprehension. And yet. That is one of the reasons or the season: Jesus came to show us what God is like. This Sunday we'll Unpack the mystery of a God who becomes known to us in humility and love, breaking barriers to offer salvation to all. Join us as we delve into the Gospel of John to understand how Christ’s birth brings us closer to understanding what God is truly like.

In this sermon, we explore the deeper meaning behind the familiar slogan "Jesus is the reason for the season," challenging us to see ourselves as part of that reason, as Jesus came to bless the whole world. By reflecting on God's promise to Abram and the lineage leading to Jesus, we are reminded of the transformative power of living out that story today. The sermon invites us to not only know the story of Christ but to believe it and become a blessing to others, embodying the light of Jesus in a weary, post-Christendom world. As we enter the Christmas season, this message calls upon us to actively participate in blessing our communities, both locally and globally.

Do you ever feel like life is ordinary, predictable, or even stuck? What if the Kingdom of God is hiding in those very places? God's Kingdom is like the Chiefs Kingdom: unstoppable, unexpected, and welcoming to all. It grows in surprising places, offers abundance beyond measure, and calls us to go all-in. In this Kingdom, expect the unexpected – it's where the ordinary becomes extraordinary. This Sunday, join us as we uncover “The Kingdom Parables” in Matthew 13:31-34, 44-46.

You ever heard the expression, "Forgive and forget?" What if that is neither helpful nor true? On Sunday we'll explore the profound power of forgiveness as demonstrated in Luke 7:44-48. We will discuss how our ability to forgive others expands as we recognize the depth of God's forgiveness toward us. The message challenges the cliché of "forgive and forget," emphasizing that forgiveness is about releasing the right to retribution rather than dismissing past wrongs. Join us as we learn to embrace forgiveness not as an emotion, but as a conscious decision inspired by God's love and grace, just in time for the holidays.

Have you struggled with forgiving yourself for something in the past? How has God’s grace helped you move forward? Life isn’t about being perfect; it’s about progress, redemption, and finding the courage to say, “It’s okay.” This Sunday, as we kick off a new sermon series on 'Forgive and forget', we’ll dive deep into 1 John 1:9 and Philippians 3:13-14, exploring what it truly means to let go of past mistakes and live in the freedom of God’s grace.

In today's fast-paced society, we are bombarded with limitless options and endless information, yet loneliness and division prevail. Join us this Sunday as we delve into 1 Corinthians 1:20, 25, exploring how the "foolishness" of God surpasses the wisdom of the world, offering us a path to genuine community and profound peace. Discover inspiring testimonies from our own congregation and see how the church—a seemingly miraculous institution—continues to pave the way for true community and transformed lives. Don’t miss this opportunity to see how God’s wisdom can redefine your life!

How did you do with group projects in school? A lot of times we struggle if we don't get enough credit or if others get too much. On Sunday we'll look at how the early church tackled this timeless dilemma as we shift from merely consuming to actively contributing to our community's spiritual and physical needs. We'll celebrate ministries that have happened throughout 2024 as we start the first of a two-week series Time Machine.

Join us this week as we delve into "Not In It To Win It," examining how fear can distort our intentions and principles, especially during election season. Drawing from 2 Timothy 1:7 we'll explore how Christ calls us to transcend the fear-based narratives that often dominate politics. In its place we'll discover how Christians can embrace the gift of the spirit of power, love, and sound mind. Discover how we, as followers of Christ, can rise above division and fear, fueled by love and guided by faith, to be true ambassadors of God's Kingdom. Don't miss this opportunity to spiritually prepare and engage thoughtfully in civic participation.

In this sermon, "Not In It to Win It: Don’t Substitute Politics for Religion," we explore how partisanship can misplace our devotion away from faith. Drawing inspiration from 1 Corinthians and the example of Paul, we learn to prioritize spiritual mission over political allegiances. With upcoming elections, we're reminded that our true allegiance is to Jesus, who transcends political divides. Emphasizing love and understanding over division, this message challenges us to evaluate what influences our actions and encourages maintaining our witness as Christians above all. Join us as we are reminded of our first love: faith in Christ.

Discover what it truly means to "follow your passion" as we dive into the depths of commitment and suffering for love, drawing wisdom from Philippians 3:10-11. Explore the real-life struggles of extraordinary individuals and uncover how true fulfillment in Christ involves both resurrection and suffering. Join us this Sunday to redefine passion and rekindle a deeper, unwavering love for Jesus.

Join us this Sunday as we delve into Acts 6:1-7 and uncover the powerful lesson that even the first followers of Jesus needed help to fulfill God's mission. Discover how recognizing our unique gifts and seeking support from our community can lead to extraordinary ministry and personal growth. Come be inspired to embrace humility, courage, and the strength of togetherness in your faith journey.

Discover how to reignite your passion for life and uncover the unique gifts God has placed in you! Join us this Sunday as Janna Thomason delves into how we can experience deeper meaning and joy through the activities that bring us true fulfillment. Learn about the Waypoint Matrix, the importance of hobbies, and how embracing our God-given talents can transform our lives and draw us closer to Him. Don’t miss this inspiring message that promises to help you reconnect with your purpose and find joy amidst life's challenges!

Pastor Adam explores the challenges of waiting and enduring in our pursuit of God's purpose, using Colossians 1:9-12 as a guide. Discover how patience and endurance, even in tasks we don't like, can bring us closer to God's joy and calling for our lives. Remember, the joy God has in store is worth the wait!

Join us this Sunday we start a new series: "Waypoint." In this week's message titled "God's Gifts, Your Call," we explore Romans 12:6-8. Discover how God's unique gifts to you can guide your life's purpose. Whether you're seeking, rekindling, or fully living out your calling, this message will inspire and equip you to embrace and deploy your God-given talents in service to others. Don't miss this transformative series that will help you align your passions with God's plan. See you there!

You've heard of being "midwest nice" right? What if Jesus shows us a better way? He said: "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." Meekness shouldn't be confused with weakness; it's strength under control. It's the balance between rage and passivity, the courage to pause before reacting. True meekness, like Jesus and Moses showed, comes from God's strength within us. This Sunday we'll see what train rides, muppets, and paper plates all have to do with allowing Jesus' teachings to shape our life.

This Sunday we'll explore Psalm 37:4 and the transformative power of delighting in the Lord. In a world captivated by stories of transformation, we’ll discuss how our heart’s desires shape our lives and how aligning those desires with God’s will can lead us towards a fulfilling spiritual journey. Learn about our vision as a church to be a community of unlikely friends following Jesus together, and discover how we aim to help everyone know Christ, grow together in faith, and serve the world in Jesus' name. Whether you’re with us in person or tuning in online, we look forward to being on this journey with you!

If someone asked you what the most important thing about you was, how would you respond? The answer may surprise you. As we celebrate back to school Sunday we'll be praying for a successful year for students, teachers, and staff and we'll look at how we ALL are a piece of God's puzzle.

In this week's concluding message of the "For Heaven’s Sake" series, we tackle some of the most common and intriguing questions about heaven with a Q & R format. Diving into biblical perspectives, we explore topics ranging from animal life in heaven to the nature of eternal joy and the fate of those who do not believe. With insights from various theological views and an emphasis on the three R's—Return of Christ, Resurrection of the body, and Restoration of all things—we aim to provide a comprehensive and comforting outlook on eternity. Ultimately, we anchor our understanding in Jesus’ promise of preparing a place for us in his Father’s presence. Join us as we wrap up this enlightening series and find solace in the assurance that heaven is about the people of God dwelling in the place of God, in the presence of God.

When we close our eyes and envision heaven, what images come to mind? Fluffy clouds, rays of light, or perhaps angels with harps? Our perceptions of the afterlife are often shaped by our primary experiences, cultural influences, and even popular Christian media. But what if our common understanding of heaven is incomplete? Let's embark on a journey through Scripture to explore a perspective on heaven that might challenge our preconceptions and offer a more profound hope for the future.

In this Sunday's sermon, we'll tackle "the question of destiny," addressing what happens after we die and where we get our information about heaven. We'll examine the Bible as our primary source and the resurrection of Jesus as the cornerstone of our hope. Though scripture may not answer every question, it provides the essential hope we need. Join us as we embark on this enlightening exploration in the first part of our three-week series, "For Heaven’s Sake."

Most of us have gotten lost at one time or another. Maybe we're too stubborn to use a GPS or ask someone for help. Sometimes being labeled lost is perceived as negative but what if it is less of a label and more a statement of fact? In Jesus' time he clashed with a group of religious leaders often around one issue: how to respond to "the lost." In Luke 15 he responds with three different stories that all end in a party. Why would anyone try to stop the party?

We all face temptations daily – from anxiety to procrastination, from overeating to social media addiction. We're not alone in this struggle. Even Jesus was tempted in the desert. The Lord's Prayer, "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil" reminds us that God is our greatest protector and rescuer. When evil lurks, inside or out, call on Him. He's always there, ready to guide us towards the light. 

"Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." Forgiveness is a daily necessity, like bread for our souls. It's not about forgetting but releasing resentment. Holding grudges hurts us more than those who wronged us. God's grace empowers us to forgive beyond human limits. Forgiveness brings healing, restoration, and spiritual growth.

"Give us this day our daily bread." This simple prayer holds a profound truth: We're all in this together. When we pray this, we don't just pray for "my" bread, but for "our" bread. When we have more than enough, we're called to be the answer to someone else's prayer. In a world of plenty, we're asked to create a community where everyone has enough. That's how we build God's kingdom on earth.