First United Methodist Church of Kearney Sermons

We pray “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven," in the Lord's Prayer. God’s Kingdom isn’t a distant place but His reign, values, and presence in our lives right now. Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is in your midst.” (Luke 17:21). It’s about living out God’s love, justice, and peace here and now. We’re called to reflect these values in our lives, making God’s Kingdom a present reality.

This message talks about the opening lines of the Lord's Prayer, 'Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.' We learn that addressing God as 'Our Father' emphasizes our interconnectedness as God's children, transcending differences and reminding us to pray with a sense of community. The parable of the prodigal son illustrates the depth of God's fatherly love, which surpasses the limitations of earthly fathers. We discover that God is omnipresent, not confined to a specific place and that we can see Him in our daily lives and interactions. The sermon explores the significance of hallowing God's name and recognizing His unparalleled holiness and greatness. By living in alignment with the gospel, we magnify God's glory to the world, just as a microscope or telescope reveals the true vastness and beauty of creation. Ultimately, we are inspired to let our lives be a living testament to God's presence, allowing others to glorify our Heavenly Father through our actions.

Today's message reminds us that change is an inevitable part of life's journey, filled with joys, sorrows, and uncertainties. However, we can find comfort and strength in the unwavering love and presence of God. The scriptures from Deuteronomy 31:6 and Romans 8:38-39 assure us that God will never leave or forsake us, and that nothing can separate us from His love in Christ Jesus. We are excited for Teresa Brent to be bringing the message!

The sermon explored the story of Gideon from the Book of Judges, illustrating how God can use even the weakest and most powerless among us to accomplish His great purposes. Despite Gideon's doubts and feelings of inadequacy, God called him a "mighty warrior" and promised to be with him always. It's a reminder that our strength doesn't come from ourselves, but from trusting in a God who has our back and believes in us.

Today's message explores the greatness and goodness of God in the face of life's challenges and the existence of evil. We are reminded that God's power and love are often revealed through nature, like the rare northern lights, but also in the everyday joys and growth of our loved ones. However, when faced with suffering and injustice, we may question how a great and good God could allow such things. In times when God's greatness and goodness seem incongruent with our experiences, we are called to trust in His promises and faithfulness. Just as a parent comforts a child through temporary pain, knowing they will be okay, we can trust that God's perspective is greater than ours and that He is working all things for our ultimate good. Our faith in Jesus Christ, who embodied God's love and overcame the world, allows us to find peace and hope even in the midst of trouble.

On Sunday we'll turn to Jesus for shedding the weight of worry and stepping into a life defined by faith and freedom from anxiety.The relentless pursuit of perfection often steers us away from authentic security and self-worth, pushing us to seek validation in all the wrong places. Almost everyone has experienced the universal battle with anxiety, a theme that echoes through the experiences shared by today's youth in Jonathan Haidt's work, and the cultural sentiments captured in John Mayer's music. Together, we'll examine how these contemporary reflections align with Jesus' enduring wisdom on worry and anxiety as depicted in the book of Matthew, offering a guide to refocusing our attention on what truly nourishes our souls.

Join in on a stirring journey as we unravel the complex web of traits and teachings handed down through generations, captured in the John Mayer song "In the Blood." We'll share a heartfelt tribute to Sandra, whose legacy of servant leadership and compassion continues to inspire long after her mentorship ended. This conversation is a Biblical examination of inheritance, how it shapes us and the choice we have to either embrace or redefine the narratives we've been born into. It is also an ode to the women who've poured their strength, love, and wisdom into our lives—whether they share our bloodline or simply our journey. Tune in as we celebrate the multifaceted nature of inheritance and the profound gratitude we owe to those who have shaped us, on Mother's Day and beyond.

This week we tackle the dynamic and sometimes contentious early days of the Christian church, focusing on the landmark debate of Acts 15, where early leaders grappled with whether Gentile converts should adhere to Jewish laws. Discover how Peter and James championed grace over legalistic tradition, paving the way for a faith that knows no borders.We'll celebrate the spirit of generosity exemplified by the United Methodist Church's global initiatives and local kindness. Hear the heartwarming story of Velda, a librarian whose simple, yet profound act of kindness, facilitated by our church's support, underscored the essence of community. The mission of the early church is the same as ours today: to extend its reach from small towns to the ends of the earth.

Have you ever chased the highest rewards with the least amount of work? On Sunday we look at the difference between a self-centered approach to a God-centered life; guided not by fear of punishment or desire for reward, but by the aspiration to live in obedience and holiness through the empowerment of God's grace. We'll look at John Wesley's vivid house analogy of grace, we navigate from the welcoming front porch of prevenient grace, step through the transformative doorway of justifying grace, and venture into the heart of sanctifying grace. It's here we truly start to live in harmony with God's purpose, guided by a desire for holiness and obedience. Join in to learn more about "The Method and the Madness."

On Sunday we explore the concept of grace measured against the way of the world. We're taught to measure worth by condition and performance, but today we're flipping the script. It's a universal message of reassurance for anyone feeling the pressure to meet the world's exacting standards. No matter the scars we carry or the knocks we've taken, we are cherished and fully embraced by God, through Christ. 

Have you ever felt that little surge of pride when you're waved through a VIP line, or when your loyalty card bumps you to the front of the queue? That's the allure of exclusivity talking – a feeling many of us know all too well. On Sunday we'll peel back the layers of this societal concept to reveal a starkly different spiritual truth: God's grace doesn't play by these rules. In contrast this with our world, we'll look at God's inclusive grace, a gift that's not earned but freely given. As The United Methodist Church has a general conference later in April We start a new series "The Method and the Madness" about how the theology of John Wesley still makes a difference in the 21st century.

As we welcome nine new students to our congregation on this Confirmation Sunday, we explore the church as a home.  This conversation is not just about a location on a map; it's about where we find our hearts anchored—a sense of belonging forged on faith and fellowship, strengthening ties that transcend ancestry. This goes beyond our own blood, and we are unified by Christ’s.  From the biblical lands promised to Abraham to the modern sanctuary of the church, we ponder the spiritual and emotional dimensions that shape our sense of belonging and community.

What do you do when things don't turn out the way you thought they would? We probably have had this happen for better and for worse. On Easter we'll see how God overturns our expectations, between the astonishment of the disciples at the empty tomb and the grace that flows into our own lives. The resurrection is the ultimate good news, inviting us to embrace the possibility of revitalization in areas of life that may seem lifeless. Join in celebrating Jesus' victory over the grave!

On Palm Sunday we tackle the enigmatic identity of Jesus Christ during the solemnity of Holy Week. Jesus was much more than an exemplary figure, he was the Messiah. When he enters the the capital city there is no turning back. We're confronted with a decision that's as momentous now as it was two millennia ago—was Jesus a lunatic, a liar, or the Lord He claimed to be? We'll delve into the heart of Christian belief and what it means to stand in the shadow of the cross on Good Friday. Join the conversation that isn't just about history—it's about the here and now, and how you respond to one of the most profound questions ever asked.

In this week's message, we uncover the rich parallels between such cherished memories and the disciplines of our faith. We examine how, much like the ease of making fruit dip contrasted with the efforts of creating a homemade feast, spiritual practices—especially those within a community—require dedication but yield profound rewards. Join in for an engaging conversation that reaffirms the idea: to live out our faith, we must do so together.

This Sunday we'll explore how doing less and creating space for God in our lives is a powerful spiritual discipline, allowing us to decrease so that He may increase. Becoming more like Jesus isn't about a flawless victory, but a process teeming with setbacks and grace and growth. We'll unpack a passage from Mark 2, discussing Jesus' actions on the Sabbath and how this illustrates the importance of embracing the spirit of God's laws rather than being ensnared by the letter. Join in for a refreshing perspective that reassures us that spiritual growth is about availability to God's transformative work, not our own pursuit of perfection.

Find comfort in the shared affirmation of "Amen," reinforcing the idea that no matter where we are or how we pray, we can always maintain our connection to the vine of spiritual life and sustenance. From the rich metaphor of the vine and branches in John 15 to the thoughtful balance of a Brazilian steakhouse buffet, we'll tackle the challenges and beauty of integrating prayer into our bustling lives. As we navigate the multifaceted landscape of prayer, embrace the TACOS method—Thanksgiving, Adoration, Confession, Others, Self—to structure your conversation with God.

Have you ever started something you didn't finish? Who hasn't? In worship we'll consider the teachings of Jesus on the importance of perseverance and commitment in our journey as disciples. With insights from John Mark Comer's "Practicing the Way," we emphasize that following Jesus is a lifelong endeavor, far beyond a singular decision. Join in to explore the transformative power of engaging with Scripture for revelation, rather than just information. We also introduce a new weekly devotion available on the church's website to aid in reflecting on Scripture, likening it to a spiritual apprenticeship with Jesus. Embrace the journey towards a deeper, more meaningful relationship with God as we learn to live by every word that comes from His mouth.

Discover the currency that has surpassed gold in value: your attention. We'll track modern trends, unveiling how today's bustling market of data and distraction has crowned attention as its most coveted asset. This message highlights the lost art of followership, an often overshadowed skill in the age of leadership glorification. Learn to navigate this omnipresent attention economy and discern which voices merit your focus, amidst the clamor vying for a piece of your mind. Join in to delve into the teachings of Jesus, our Good Shepherd. Experience the transformative power of community and worship to cut through the noise. Prepare for a voyage into the heart of what matters, and refine your ability to heed the call of what's truly important.

Join us for a powerful sermon on finding spiritual and emotional healing in the aftermath of life's storms. 🕊️ explore the crucial steps to navigate the aftermath of a crisis, merging practical first aid principles with spiritual wisdom. We discuss the Check, Call, Care approach in emergencies, extending its application to spiritual turmoil, and uncover how to identify both evident and subtle crises in our lives. With insights from counseling experts Sherry Oxendale and Amy Thompson, we delve into coping strategies for weariness and burdens. Don't miss the dual invitation of Christ—to find solace in Him and to offer that comfort to others.

Struggling with a career pivot or reevaluation of your life's work can feel like a solitary trek through uncharted territory. That's why this Sunday is dedicated to those wrestling with the concept of worth beyond the work desk. We take a soul-searching journey with Carolyn and Blake, who share their candid stories of transition and transformation. Carolyn reveals how she conquered impostor syndrome and found her true calling, while Blake discusses how faith steered his professional journey. These moving narratives underscore a profound truth: our worth is not defined by our job titles, but by the intricate craftsmanship of our Creator.

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