Journey of Hope UMC's Weekly Sermons

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. 

Embarrassment

In our exploration of emotions through the lens of faith, we delve into the powerful feeling of embarrassment. We're reminded of the liberating truth found in Romans 8:1 - 'There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.' This profound statement invites us to release our shame and embrace God's unconditional love. We see examples of embarrassment in Scripture, from Adam and Eve hiding their nakedness to Peter denying Jesus. Yet in both cases, God's grace prevails. These stories remind us that even in our moments of deepest shame, we are not abandoned. The message challenges us to cultivate empathy and vulnerability in our relationships, echoing Brene Brown's insights on shame and courage. As we approach life's challenges, let's remember that our vulnerability is not weakness, but a pathway to deeper connection with God and others.

"ENVY"

In this powerful exploration of envy, we're challenged to confront one of the most pervasive yet often overlooked emotions in our spiritual lives. Drawing from Proverbs 14:30 and James 3:13-18, we're reminded that a heart at peace gives life, while envy rots the bones. The message delves into the roots of envy, revealing how it often stems from feelings of inadequacy, fear of scarcity, and unrealistic comparisons. We're encouraged to combat envy by fostering gratitude, recognizing our unique value, and trusting in God's abundance. The insight that envy can distort our view of God's kingdom is particularly striking, pushing us to embrace a mindset of abundance rather than scarcity. As we reflect on this, we're called to celebrate others' successes and remember that someone else's joy doesn't diminish our own. This message invites us to transform our relationship with envy, using it as a tool for growth and self-discovery rather than allowing it to breed resentment.

Inside Out - Foundations

In this powerful message, we're reminded of our divine origin and purpose. The scripture from Genesis emphasizes that we are created in God's image - not physically, but in the image of love. This fundamental truth shapes our identity and calls us to both receive and exude love. However, we're also confronted with the reality of living in an imperfect world, as reflected in Ecclesiastes. The message tackles the critical issue of mental health, challenging us to create safe spaces for sharing emotions and supporting one another. We're encouraged to understand that faith and mental health challenges can coexist, and that seeking professional help is not a sign of weak faith. The staggering statistics on mental illness serve as a wake-up call, urging us to be present, listen without judgment, and offer comfort to those struggling. Ultimately, we're reminded of Jesus' invitation to find rest in Him and the assurance that it's okay not to be okay. This message calls us to embrace our worth as God's masterpieces and to actively participate in bringing hope and healing to our communities.

By Water and the Spirit - Pastor Jarrod - Bartlett Campus

Today, we dive into the powerful symbolism of baptism and its profound significance in our spiritual journey. The scripture from Acts 8 and Luke 3 reminds us of Jesus' own baptism and the descent of the Holy Spirit. This beautiful moment isn't just a historical event; it's a call for us to remember our own baptisms and the transformative power they hold. We're challenged to consider: How are we living out our baptismal vows? Are we allowing the Holy Spirit to work in and through us? The message emphasizes that baptism isn't a ticket to heaven, but rather an outward sign of God's inward grace. It's a celebration of our adoption into God's family - a family that, like the Hawaiian concept of 'ohana', leaves no one behind. As we reflect on this, let's consider how we can embody this inclusive love in our own lives and communities.

Remember Your Baptism, and Be Thankful - Pastor Jason - Elgin Campus

Today, we dive into the powerful symbolism of baptism and its profound significance in our spiritual journey. The scripture from Acts 8 and Luke 3 reminds us of Jesus' own baptism and the descent of the Holy Spirit. This beautiful moment isn't just a historical event; it's a call for us to remember our own baptisms and the transformative power they hold. We're challenged to consider: How are we living out our baptismal vows? Are we allowing the Holy Spirit to work in and through us? The message emphasizes that baptism isn't a ticket to heaven, but rather an outward sign of God's inward grace. It's a celebration of our adoption into God's family - a family that, like the Hawaiian concept of 'ohana', leaves no one behind. As we reflect on this, let's consider how we can embody this inclusive love in our own lives and communities.

Gifts, Pastor Jarrod Severing, Elgin Campus

The story of the Magi visiting Jesus offers profound insights into God's inclusive love. These mysterious visitors from the East, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, symbolize God's invitation extending beyond Israel to all nations. Their journey reminds us that God's plan of salvation is universal, crossing cultural and ethnic boundaries. As we reflect on this, we're challenged to examine our own attitudes: Who do we consider 'outsiders' in our faith community? Are we truly welcoming all, as God does? The Magi's gifts, prophetically pointing to Jesus' kingship, divinity, and sacrificial death, invite us to consider what unique gifts we bring to worship and serve. This Epiphany story urges us to broaden our understanding of God's family and to actively participate in His inclusive kingdom.

Reflection - Jason - Elgin Campus

Pastor Jason shares a brief reflection during our "Lessons and Carol" service following Christmas.