Journey of Hope UMC's Weekly Sermons

Finding Jesus as Our Strength - Jarrod Bartlett Campus (scripture reading from Elgin Campus)

In this powerful exploration of Psalm 69, we're invited to confront our deepest struggles and find Jesus as our ultimate strength. The psalmist's cry, 'Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck,' resonates with our own moments of despair. We're reminded that even in exile, in times when we feel God is absent, He is carrying us through. The psalm's vivid imagery of sinking in miry depths and being engulfed by floods mirrors our own experiences of feeling overwhelmed. Yet, it's in these moments that we're called to recognize Christ's presence, just as He was foreshadowed in this ancient lament. The parallel between the psalmist's suffering and Jesus' passion invites us to see our own trials through the lens of Christ's redemptive work. This message challenges us to find spiritual strength beyond our human capabilities, encouraging us to take that next step in faith, knowing Jesus walks beside us in our darkest hours.

Finding Jesus as Our Strength - Jason Elgin Campus

In this powerful exploration of Psalm 69, we're reminded of life's overwhelming challenges, symbolized by rising waters and sinking in mire. The psalmist's cry for help resonates with our own experiences of feeling engulfed by life's trials. But amidst this struggle, we're shown a profound truth: God doesn't merely hover above our troubles, but actively reaches down to us. Like a Coast Guard rescue swimmer plunging into turbulent waters, our Creator dives into our distress, offering not just a lifeline, but becoming our very salvation. This message challenges us to anchor ourselves in God's eternal love and grace, finding stability even in life's stormiest moments. It's a call to embrace hope, recognizing that while we may feel adrift, our anchor in Christ holds firm.

Finding Jesus as Our Hope - guest speaker - Jon Hutchison

In this powerful exploration of hope, we delve into Psalm 110 and its profound connection to Jesus Christ. The message challenges us to examine our personal experiences with Jesus and how they shape our trust, faith, and ultimately, our hope. We're invited to consider: Is Jesus truly our hope? The sermon uses relatable examples, like the certainty of sunrise and weight loss journeys, to illustrate how experience leads to trust, trust to faith, and faith to hope. This template is then applied to our spiritual lives, encouraging us to recognize Jesus' work in our daily experiences. The message emphasizes that without acknowledging Jesus' presence in our lives, we may struggle to find genuine hope for our futures. It's a call to embrace Jesus not just as Savior, but as Lord, allowing His teachings to shape our beliefs and actions. As we reflect on this, we're reminded of Jesus' promise in John 16:33 - that despite earthly trials, we can find peace and hope in Him because He has overcome the world.

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.