Journey of Hope UMC's Weekly Sermons

Amazing Grace - Freedom in Christ

Heirs and Children - Jarrod - Bartlett Campus

In this powerful exploration of grace and family, we delve into Paul's letter to the Galatians, uncovering the transformative power of God's love. The central message reminds us that we are no longer bound by the law, but freed through Christ's sacrifice. We're invited to see ourselves as adopted children of God, fully embraced and given all the benefits of true family members. The imagery of putting on new clothes in Christ, symbolized in baptism and confirmation, beautifully illustrates our spiritual transformation. As we reflect on the parable of the Prodigal Son, we're challenged to embrace God's unconditional love and extend it to others in our faith community. This message calls us to live out the concept of 'Ohana' - where no one is left behind or forgotten - in our church family and beyond.

Heirs & Children - Pastor Jason - Elgin Campus

In this powerful exploration of Galatians 3:23-4:7, we're invited to reflect on the transformative nature of God's grace and our adoption into His family. The scripture reveals how we've moved from being under the guardianship of the law to becoming children of God through faith in Christ. This shift isn't just a change in status; it's a complete transformation of our identity and purpose. We're reminded that in Christ, there are no distinctions - we're all one, clothed in Christ through our baptism. This unity in Christ challenges us to see beyond our earthly divisions and embrace our shared inheritance as God's children. How might this understanding of our adoption into God's family change the way we relate to one another and to God Himself? As we ponder this, we're called to recognize and utilize the unique gifts God has given each of us for the benefit of our spiritual family and the wider community.

Faith Leads Us to Salvation, Then Good Works

In this powerful exploration of Galatians 3:1-14, we're challenged to rethink our understanding of salvation and grace. Paul's passionate words to the Galatians remind us that our relationship with God isn't based on our works or adherence to the law, but on faith alone. The story of Abraham serves as a powerful example of this truth - he was credited as righteous because of his unwavering faith, not because of his actions. This message invites us to reflect on our own attitudes towards faith and works. Are we trying to earn God's love through our actions, or are we living in joyful response to the grace we've already received? It's a paradigm shift that can transform our spiritual lives, freeing us from the burden of performance and opening us to the liberating power of God's unconditional love.

Hypocrisy Hurts the Gospel

The heart of Galatians 2:11-21, where Paul opposes Cephas (Peter), strikes at the core of living out our faith authentically and truthfully. In this passage, Paul addresses Peter's hypocrisy in choosing to eat separately from Gentiles when pressured by the circumcision group. This narrative is not just about historical conflict but invites us to examine our own spiritual integrity. We are reminded that our faith is anchored not in the law but in the grace afforded to us through Jesus Christ. As we reflect on Paul's message, we are called to challenge ourselves on how true we are to the gospel's teachings. Are we, like Peter, allowing external pressures or comfort in tradition to lead us away from the radical inclusiveness Jesus taught? It is a call to live our faith boldly and to ensure our actions align with our beliefs, welcoming all to the table of fellowship.

The True Gospel

In this powerful exploration of Galatians 1:1-10, we're challenged to confront the true meaning of grace in our lives. Paul's letter to the Galatians serves as a stark reminder that the gospel is not just a set of rules, but a revolutionary message of God's unconditional love. We're invited to reflect on how easily we can be swayed by 'different gospels' that add conditions to God's grace. The central theme urges us to embrace salvation by faith alone, not by our works. This message encourages us to examine our own beliefs and practices, asking ourselves: Are we living in the freedom of God's grace, or are we still trying to earn our salvation? As we journey through this text, we're called to consider how this understanding of grace might transform our relationships, our communities, and our approach to faith itself.

Mother's Day Reflections

On this Mother's Day, we're invited to expand our understanding of motherhood beyond societal norms. The sermon draws from Psalm 1 and Acts 9:36-43, reminding us that true happiness comes from following God's instruction, not worldly advice. We're challenged to see motherhood through a biblical lens, recognizing the diverse experiences of mothers in Scripture - from Eve to Mary. These stories teach us that there's no 'perfect' way to be a mother; instead, it's about loving and caring for others, regardless of biological ties. The story of Dorcas in Acts beautifully illustrates this, showing how one can be a 'mother' through acts of kindness and compassion. This message encourages us to celebrate all women who nurture and care for others, reminding us that we're all loved by our Creator, regardless of our circumstances.

Vision and Sight - Jason - Elgin Campus

Finding Jesus Resurrected

On this joyous Easter morning, we're invited to reflect on the profound message of resurrection and God's unwavering love. The sermon delves into Luke 24:1-12, recounting the discovery of Jesus' empty tomb. This pivotal moment in Christian faith reminds us that Christ's resurrection isn't just a historical event, but a living reality that transforms our lives today. The poignant question posed by the angels, 'Why do you look for the living among the dead?' challenges us to seek Jesus in the vibrancy of life, not in places of despair or hopelessness. As we contemplate Peter's journey from denial to redemption, we're reminded that God's love persists even when we falter. This Easter, let's embrace the powerful truth that nothing can separate us from God's love, and allow the resurrection story to renew our faith and purpose.

Finding Jesus as Our Savior

In this powerful exploration of Psalm 22, we're invited to witness Jesus' presence in the Old Testament and understand the profound depth of His sacrifice. The psalm, famously quoted by Jesus on the cross, paints a vivid picture of His suffering and ultimate triumph. As we journey through its verses, we're reminded that Christ faced the same feelings of abandonment and despair that we often encounter. Yet, the psalm doesn't end in despair—it concludes with hope and victory. This reminds us that no matter how dark our circumstances may seem, God's presence never truly leaves us. The psalm serves as a powerful tool to understand Christ's mindset during the crucifixion and offers us comfort in our own trials. As we approach Palm Sunday and Holy Week, we're challenged to look beyond the surface of celebration and truly comprehend the depth of God's love demonstrated through Jesus' sacrifice.