Messages on Gospel of John
We Love One Another
We continue our look at how we are to live following the resurrection in this sermon from May 5, 2024. The scriptures are:Acts 10:44-48Psalm 981 John 5:1-6John 15:9-17
Viniculture for Dummies
Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5, NRSVUE). Join us as we explore this “I AM” saying of Jesus. Acts 8:26-40Psalm 22:25-311 John 4:7-21John 15:1-8
Gentle Shepherd
On this 4th Sunday of Easter, we look at the image of the Good Shepherd. Our readings are: Acts 4:5-12Psalm 231 John 3:16-24John 10:11-18
Loving the Light
The sermon on John 3:1-21, delivered by Pastor Wayne, delves into the symbolism of Nicodemus coming to Jesus by night, exploring the themes of darkness as spiritual blindness and the transition from ignorance to understanding. Nicodemus represents those who question Jesus and struggle with his teachings, yet also embodies the journey of seeking truth and enlightenment. The sermon emphasizes the need for believers to confront their spiritual blindness and expand their understanding of God’s teachings. Nicodemus’s nighttime visit symbolizes the…
Turning Tables
The scriptures for today are: Exodus 20:1-17; Psalm 19:1-14; 1 Corinthians 1:18-25; andJohn 2:13-22 In Pastor Wayne’s sermon, he juxtaposes the idealized image of the Amish community in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania with the harsh reality of the region’s puppy mills. He challenges the theological justifications for animal exploitation while weaving in an allegorical story about the creation of dogs and cats to highlight the unique bond between humans and animals. Transitioning from this exploration of human-animal relationships, Pastor Wayne delves…
Rules to Live By: Stay in Love With God
This is the third and final message in a series dealing with the General Rules of the Methodist Societies: 1) Do No Harm; 2) Do Good; and 3) Stay in Love with God. These rules stand at the very heart of what it means to be Methodist. If implemented, they could change the world. They definitely change the lives of the very folks who make them a rule of life. The Scriptures for today’s message revolve around James 5:13-20 and…
Boot Camp for the Soul: Dead End
On this Fifth Sunday in Lent, we deal with themes of death and resurrection, an appropriate topic since the celebration of Resurrection Sunday is only 2 weeks away! Our scriptures are: Ezekiel 37:1-14; Psalm 130; Romans 8:6-11; and John 11:1-45. We joyfully welcomed Beverly Capps back to church following a long illness and we welcomed Liz Jones as a new member at McFarland by transfer of letter from Jones Memorial UMC in East Ridge. Holy Week services are as follows:Sunday,…
Boot Camp for the Soul: Redefined
The scriptures for the Fourth Sunday in Lent, Year A:1 Samuel 16:1-13Psalm 23Ephesians 5:8-14John 9:1-41 When we encounter God, we find our lives changed. The encounter redefines who we are in relation to whose we are.
Bootcamp for the Soul: Hydrate
Water is essential to our daily living. We can fast from food for some time, but we cannot fast from water for more than a day or two. On this third Sunday in Lent our theme is water. From the water that Moses provides to the stick-necked people of Israel to the living water that Jesus offer to the Samarian woman at the well.
Boot Camp for the Soul: Reset
This is the second sermon in our lectionary series for Lent, Boot Camp for the Soul. Looking at the text primarily from John 3:1-17, we see that transformation is at the heart of discipleship.
