Journey of Hope UMC's Weekly Sermons

Packing for the Journey - Jarrod - Bartlett Campus

In this powerful message, we explore the profound calling Jesus gave to his 72 disciples, and how it applies to our lives today. The scripture from Luke 10 reminds us that we are all called to be laborers in God's harvest. Just as Jesus sent out his followers with specific instructions, we too are commissioned to share the good news. The parallels between sowing seeds in a field and spreading the Gospel are beautifully illustrated, emphasizing how small beginnings can yield abundant results. We're challenged to step out in faith, trusting God to provide all we need for our spiritual journey. This message encourages us to rejoice not in our own accomplishments, but in the fact that our names are written in heaven – a powerful reminder of God's grace and love for each of us.

Leaving a Legacy of Love - Lay Speaker Andy Lindstrom - Elgin Campus

Andy Lindstrom shares reflections of our recent mission trip to Spirit Lake, North Dakota.

Emmanuel... Not Just for Christmas - Jason - Elgin Campus

In this powerful message, we're reminded of the profound truth that God is with us, always and everywhere. Drawing from Joshua 1:9, we're encouraged to be strong and courageous, knowing that the Lord our God is with us wherever we go. This isn't just a Christmas sentiment - it's a year-round reality that should shape our daily lives. The concept of 'Emmanuel' - God with us - isn't confined to a season; it's a constant presence that comforts us in hardship and rejoices with us in good times. We're challenged to not only recognize God's presence but to carry His love, grace, and compassion into the world, becoming vessels of His Spirit. This message invites us to reflect on how we can live out this truth, sharing God's presence with others in tangible ways.

Finding Jesus in the Fours - Lay speaker Kimberly - Elgin Campus

In our journey of faith, we are reminded through Psalm 139 that there is an intimacy in how God created each of us. We are 'fearfully and wonderfully made,' each life meticulously woven with purpose and intention. This scripture invites us to marvel at the divine artistry present from our very inception. It highlights the spiritual lesson that we are not an accident but a cherished part of God’s grand design. Understanding this can bolster our confidence and our sense of belonging, reassuring us that our life’s path is known by our Creator. As we embrace this, it opens our hearts to reflect God's love, acceptance, and grace upon others. This knowledge empowers us to carry out our purpose, serving as a gentle reminder that our unique journey is crafted by God’s own hands.

Amazing Grace - Freedom in Christ

In this powerful exploration of Galatians 5:13-24, we're invited to dive deep into the essence of Christian freedom. Paul's words challenge us to redefine what true freedom means – not as a license for self-indulgence, but as an opportunity to serve one another in love. The passage draws a stark contrast between the 'acts of the flesh' and the 'fruit of the Spirit,' urging us to choose a path that aligns with God's design for our lives. As we reflect on this, we're called to examine our own behaviors and motivations. Are we using our freedom to build up or tear down? Are we living by the Spirit or succumbing to our baser instincts? This message reminds us that our faith journey isn't just about personal salvation, but about how we impact the world around us. It's a call to embody love, joy, peace, and all the fruits of the Spirit in our daily interactions, creating a ripple effect of grace in our communities.

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.