Journey of Hope UMC's Weekly Sermons

Finding Jesus as Our Shepherd

In this powerful exploration of Psalm 23, we're invited to rediscover the profound comfort and guidance offered by 'The Lord is my shepherd.' As we journey through Lent, this familiar passage takes on new depth, revealing Jesus as our Good Shepherd. We're challenged to reflect on how we recognize God's voice in our lives, and whether we're truly following His lead. The sermon draws fascinating parallels between sheep behavior and our own tendencies, reminding us of the importance of choosing the right shepherd in a world full of distractions. It's a call to not only be disciples but to become agents of transformation, influencing others positively as we follow Christ. This message encourages us to consider who we're following, who's following us, and how we can lead others to the Good Shepherd through our words and actions.

Finding Jesus With Us In Our Hard Places

In this powerful exploration of Psalm 16, we're reminded that God is our ultimate refuge in times of trouble. The central message resonates deeply: 'The worst thing is never the last thing.' This truth echoes through David's words and our own lives, offering hope in the face of adversity. We're encouraged to trust in God's goodness, even when circumstances seem dire. The psalm points us toward Jesus, foreshadowing His resurrection and our own eternal hope. As we navigate life's challenges - whether health crises, major life changes, or feelings of failure - we're called to remember that God's grace is ever-present. This message invites us to reflect on how we can find peace and rest for our souls during difficult times, anchoring our faith in the promise of God's unfailing love and protection.

Why Do We Need to Find Jesus in the Psalms - Jarrod - Bartlett

As we embark on our Lenten journey, we're invited to find Jesus in the Psalms, starting with Psalm 2. This powerful scripture challenges us to consider why nations rage and people plot in vain against God's anointed. It reminds us that true refuge is found not in earthly powers, but in Christ alone. As we navigate the complexities of our world, this Psalm encourages us to seek wisdom, serve the Lord with reverence, and celebrate His rule. It's a timely message that speaks to our hearts, urging us to examine where we place our trust and how we align ourselves with God's will. This Lenten season, let's reflect on how we can deepen our relationship with Jesus, finding Him not just in the Psalms, but in every aspect of our lives.

Why Do We Need to Find Jesus in the Psalms - Jason - Elgin

Pastor Jason begins our Lent series of Finding Jesus in the Psalms, focusing on Psalm 2 and how we can see references of Jesus throughout the Psalms.

Ash Wednesdays Reflection

Pastor Jarrod shares some reflections on a special Ash Wednesday service at Journey of Hope.

Preference or Purpose? - Jarrod - Elgin Campus

In this powerful message, we're invited to explore the transformative story of Jesus' Transfiguration. As we journey through Luke 9:28-36, we witness how Peter, James, and John were awakened to Christ's glory on the mountaintop. This narrative challenges us to examine our own spiritual alertness. Are we, like the disciples, spiritually 'sleepy,' missing the glory of God around us? The sermon encourages us to be aware of what might be causing our spiritual slumber - prejudice, mental ennui, or a love of ease. It reminds us that God is always doing something new, urging us to look beyond our comfort zones and personal preferences. As we approach the Lenten season, we're called to sacrifice our desires for God's greater purpose, echoing Jesus' prayer, 'Not my will, but yours be done.' This message invites us to wake up spiritually, to see God's glory in our everyday lives, and to courageously step into the new things God is doing in and through us.

Rise Above

In this powerful message, we're reminded of God's eternal comfort and strength, as beautifully expressed in Isaiah 40. The passage speaks to those feeling exiled, anxious, or abandoned, offering hope that transcends our temporary earthly struggles. We're encouraged to find peace not just in solitary moments, but in the embrace of a supportive community. The sermon draws an intriguing parallel between our inner emotional landscape and the characters from 'Inside Out 2', illustrating how our true selves emerge when all our emotions work in harmony. This analogy invites us to embrace our whole selves - our strengths and vulnerabilities alike - as we journey towards healing and growth in faith. As we face life's challenges, we're called to rise above, not alone, but together as a community of believers, spurring one another towards love and good deeds as emphasized in Hebrews 10.

Anxiety

In this powerful message, we explore the complex emotion of anxiety and its intersection with faith. The central scripture comes from Philippians 4:6-7, reminding us to 'not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.' This passage beautifully illustrates how we can find peace amidst our anxieties through prayer and trust in God. The sermon draws an interesting parallel between anxiety and the character from 'Inside Out 2,' showing how anxiety can take control of our minds and actions. However, we're reminded that Jesus offers us rest and peace, as stated in Matthew 11:28-30. The key takeaway is that experiencing anxiety doesn't indicate a lack of faith; rather, seeking help for mental health challenges is an act of faith itself. We're encouraged to shift our focus from fear to faith, practice self-care, and lean on our community and professional resources when needed. This message challenges us to examine our own anxieties and find ways to trust in God's peace and presence in our daily lives.

Ennui - Jarrod - Bartlett Campus

In this powerful message, we explore the concept of 'ennui' - a state of listlessness and dissatisfaction that can creep into our spiritual lives. Drawing from Revelation 3:15-16, we're challenged to examine whether we've become 'lukewarm' in our faith. The church in Laodicea serves as a stark warning: despite their material wealth, they were spiritually poor, blind, and naked. This prompts us to ask: Are we too comfortable? Have we lost our passion for God's mission? The call is clear - we must rekindle the fire of God's love in our hearts, moving beyond personal comfort to fulfill God's purpose. As we reflect on this, let's consider how we can actively share God's love and make a difference in our communities, ensuring our faith remains vibrant and transformative.

Ennui - Jason - Elgin Campus

Pastor Jason shares about the emotion of ennui as we continue our mental health and faith series based on the Disney/Pixar movie, Inside Out 2.