Asbury United Methodist Church in Tulsa

Jesus, drawing on the Old Testament prophet Isaiah, says that there are two kinds of people:People who use their ears and actually *hear* the gospel message and people who don't.The people who don't use their eyes and ears and heart to respond to God might as well be stone statues.But the people who actually *hear* the gospel? Jesus says the results will be shocking. In a good way.“Do you have ears? You need to use them."

Life is just strange. Good people sometimes die young, bad people sometimes seem to prosper. The best team doesn't always win. Human life comes and goes quickly, and the world just keeps on turning.The Book of Ecclesiastes is about life's strangeness. It's like the dissenting opinion of the Bible—the Bible's minority report. And it's for anyone who has ever wondered, “Why is life so strange?”

Mortality is all around us. Everyone is aging, things are decaying, death seems everywhere; whether in decades or days, death is coming for us all.And yet, even as we are surrounded by mortality, it is possible for believers in Jesus to become more and more alive with each passing day.This is the message that Paul wants the Corinthians to understand in his well-known “weight of glory” passage.Every breath is proof: God's not done yet.

What has your attention? This question matters because what you give attention to will shape your life.In the age of the smartphone, this has become an urgent issue for all of us.The good news is that the Lord has told us what to do, by giving us a way to reshape our attention.

The world is crazy these days. What should God's people do about it?When Israel found itself in exile in Babylon, the prophet Jeremiah relayed a surprising word from the Lord:Make the city you find yourself in better.Or, to put it another way, “Leave it better than you found it.”

Some people think that America is moving from being a high-trust to a low-trust society.In Acts 5, Ananias and Sapphira lie to the church, and the penalty is severe: death.It seems as if the one thing that will kill the church is deceitful speech.What will it take to be a person of truthful speech in a culture of deceit?

Over the summer, it just hit me: Jesus is really bullish about the future.Imagine if someone told you to “plant a tree.” The implication would be that that person believed that the long, slow work of tree planting and cultivation was a worthwhile endeavor. It would be a really hopeful instruction, since tree-planting is a hopeful act.That's what hit me over the summer: right there in his final instructions, Jesus lets on that we should have hope for the future.“Make disciples” is about as hopeful a command as there could be. It means that Jesus isn't finished yet! No matter how bad things look, there is a future that God believes in.

One thing we learn from history is that people don't learn from history. What was true in ancient Israel was equally true in the Roman Empire - idols were everywhere. On Paul's missionary journeys, he would have encountered idols of every kind. In Acts 17, he visited Athens, where he would have seen numerous temples, altars, and statues dedicated to various false gods. He was deeply distressed by what he saw. Idolatry is when something or someone becomes a rival to God's exclusive glory. We are surrounded by it in our culture today. When we see it, are we deeply distressed like Paul was? Do we defend the name of the Lord and want idols in our culture erased? Or have we grown comfortable with them, tolerating them with very little resistance. And what about you? Is there anyone or anything in your life that has become a rival to God's exclusive glory?

When we open the Book of Acts, we are entering a world saturated with religion. Every city had its temples. Every household had its idols. Every culture had its gods. Worship and devotion were prominent in the first-Century. However, the people were not worshipping the One who could offer them forgiveness. They were not devoted to the One who had victory over death. They had settled for spiritual imitations–gods that could not save them. When the apostles preached about Jesus, they weren't introducing another religious option. They were proclaiming that the real King had come, lived among them, died, and resurrected. And that changed everything. Every person had to answer the same question: is Jesus the real deal? The message of the apostles is now our message, and there are people all around who are wondering if Jesus is the real deal. Will you tell them?

You've likely heard Pastor Andrew say, "God has more for you." But what does that really mean? Experiencing the fullness of God isn't just about receiving more blessings; it's about becoming more like Christ and being prepared for His purposes. Throughout Scripture, God develops His people through seasons of formation, discipleship, and intentional relationships in the local church.After Saul's dramatic conversion, God didn't immediately launch him into ministry. Instead, He used mentors such as Barnabas to encourage, equip, and prepare him for what lay ahead. Later, Paul would do the same for Timothy, passing the faith and leadership to the next generation. If we truly desire more of God, we must embrace His design for spiritual growth through mentorship. The question is: Are you allowing God to prepare you for more, and are you ready to invest in someone else's faith journey?

Acts 9 recounts Saul's conversion. The Holy Spirit speaks to Saul and Ananias. Acts 9 shows some of the reasons God speaks to us today. Relationship requires communication. And communication requires speaking and listening.In some ways, it is like going from noticing that a bird is singing to being able to identify a particular bird's song.This sermon will help you learn to tune in to the distinct sound of the Lord's voice in your life.

The Apostle Paul was a Roman citizen from birth, and he used the rights and privileges of that citizenship for the purposes of the gospel.American citizenship is a gift from God. As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of America, we would do well to remember the tremendous privileges we American Christians have received by virtue of that citizenship. Will we use it for the glory of God and the furtherance of the gospel?

In Acts 15, the Jerusalem Council makes a fateful decision: Gentile Christians do not have to become Jewish before they can be saved. Rather, the Council realizes that all along God's plan was to save the nations through Jesus.The reason this matters is because it means that the church will be made up of lots of different cultures, each bringing their best to God.In other words, heaven will be a lot like the World Cup….

In the book of Acts, the church continues to grow as the Lord adds to the number of those being saved. But growth creates new challenges. As more people come to faith, the need for leadership, service, and shared responsibility increases.In Acts 6, we see a pivotal moment in the life of the church. Rather than allowing the demands of ministry to overwhelm a few leaders, God raises up others to serve. These new leaders bring unique gifts and strengths that complement the ministry of the Apostles, creating space for the gospel to continue advancing.The mission of God has not changed. The Lord is still drawing people to Himself today. The question is: will you be part of what He is doing? What gifts has God entrusted to you? Where might He be calling you to serve? And what could happen if you stepped into the role He has prepared for you?

Jesus told his followers exactly what their mission was - GO and make disciples and teach them everything He commanded. After such clear instructions, why did Jesus then tell them to WAIT and not depart just yet? What were they waiting on?

I would like to set out a challenge for Asbury this summer:By the end of the summer, I would like every single Asburian to have a personal testimony of the power of the Holy Spirit for mission and ministry.Jesus told the apostles that the Father was going to give the Holy Spirit to empower them for ministry. The Holy Spirit is not for special Christians only, but for all Christians, because all Christians are meant to be in ministry.Where might the Holy Spirit might want to empower you for mission this summer?

As I was reflecting on our big Pentecost service of consecration and ordination, I kept coming back to Jesus's promise to the apostles in Acts 1:8:"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”The Holy Spirit has been given to us to empower our ministry.I think my problem with the Holy Spirit is that I have rarely put myself in the position to *need * that power.What would it look like for us to put ourselves in the place where we desperately needed the Holy Spirit?

Asbury Church will enter a new season this Pentecost. Joshua 1:1-9 and 3:5 offer a powerful example of a new beginning in the Bible. John Wesley and Francis Asbury also offer models for strength and courage in the midst of changing circumstances. This sermon is a call to prepare and get ready for Pentecost.

In 1 Samuel 1 we meet one of the very few wholly positive characters in the Bible: Hannah, the mother of Samuel.Hannah is a model for the spiritual life. She brings her pain and sorrow to God, and then, when she receives the gift she has been desperately praying for, she puts that gift in God's hands.

As a boy, I thought of Samson as a biblical He-Man. But when I went back and read the Samson account (Judges 13-16) as an adult, I realized what a complete disaster his life is. The tragedy is that the Lord gives him a purpose, and Samson just wastes his life and strength.The Lord has given us a purpose, too, and for us to be faithful to it, we will need to raise up pastors to lead us on.It's like that jungle man and the spider monkey….

As a boy, I thought of Samson as a biblical He-Man. But when I went back and read the Samson account (Judges 13-16) as an adult, I realized what a complete disaster his life is. The tragedy is that the Lord gives him a purpose, and Samson just wastes his life and strength.The Lord has given us a purpose, too, and for us to be faithful to it, we will need to raise up pastors to lead us on.It's like that jungle man and the spider monkey….

Last week I went to Washington, D.C., to participate in a public reading of scripture. I was assigned what I think is the hardest passage in the entire Bible: Ezra chapters 1-3, and especially chapter 2!Sure, Ezra chapter 2 is no one's favorite passage and it doesn't appear on any bumper stickers or license plates.But, I've come to believe that what at first seems like the most boring passage of scripture is actually really beautiful and encouraging.

Last week I went to Washington, D.C., to participate in a public reading of scripture. I was assigned what I think is the hardest passage in the entire Bible: Ezra chapters 1-3, and especially chapter 2!Sure, Ezra chapter 2 is no one's favorite passage and it doesn't appear on any bumper stickers or license plates.But, I've come to believe that what at first seems like the most boring passage of scripture is actually really beautiful and encouraging.

One of the wildest parables Jesus tells involves a dishonest manager who is *praised* for his dishonesty!The point of the parable: God's people need to be more streetsmart, but not according to the world's values, but streetsmart according to the values of the kingdom.It's almost as if Jesus is saying, “You folks need to think like a kingdom mafia.”

One of the wildest parables Jesus tells involves a dishonest manager who is *praised* for his dishonesty!The point of the parable: God's people need to be more streetsmart, but not according to the world's values, but streetsmart according to the values of the kingdom.It's almost as if Jesus is saying, “You folks need to think like a kingdom mafia.”

There's this great encounter we read about in Joshua chapter 5:Joshua is about to lead the people into battle when he sees a strange figure with a drawn sword.Joshua asks “Are you on our side, or on the side of our adversaries?”The strange man's response: “No.”The question, it seems, is not “Is God on our side?”The better question is, “Am I on God's side?”

There's this great encounter we read about in Joshua chapter 5:Joshua is about to lead the people into battle when he sees a strange figure with a drawn sword.Joshua asks “Are you on our side, or on the side of our adversaries?”The strange man's response: “No.”The question, it seems, is not “Is God on our side?”The better question is, “Am I on God's side?”

Why does the resurrected Jesus have scars?The answer: because the scars are part of his glory!The scars tell us that God is working all things together for the good of those who love him.Life has many hard, difficult moments, but the scars are proof that if God can use something as evil as the Crucifixion as part of the glory of the Resurrection, there is nothing and no situation that is without hope.

Why does the resurrected Jesus have scars?The answer: because the scars are part of his glory!The scars tell us that God is working all things together for the good of those who love him.Life has many hard, difficult moments, but the scars are proof that if God can use something as evil as the Crucifixion as part of the glory of the Resurrection, there is nothing and no situation that is without hope.

Jesus fulfilled the ancient prophecy of a victorious and humble king, but he did so in a way no one expected. We often want Jesus to push our agendas, stand for our causes, and represent our values. We want Jesus to be like us, but he wants us to become like him. Salvation means becoming more like Jesus.

Jesus fulfilled the ancient prophecy of a victorious and humble king, but he did so in a way no one expected. We often want Jesus to push our agendas, stand for our causes, and represent our values. We want Jesus to be like us, but he wants us to become like him. Salvation means becoming more like Jesus.

Deuteronomy is Moses's farewell speech. The Israelites are gathered on Mount Nebo, ready to go into the Promised Land, and Moses tells them what they need to do to live well in the land:Listen.

Deuteronomy is Moses's farewell speech. The Israelites are gathered on Mount Nebo, ready to go into the Promised Land, and Moses tells them what they need to do to live well in the land:Listen.

In Numbers 13, the Lord guides the Israelites to the edge of the Promised Land and sends twelve spies to explore the land He has promised to give them. When they return, ten of the spies focus on the challenges, the size of the cities, and the strength of the people. This causes fear to quickly spread through the camp. Only Caleb and Joshua trust that if God has promised the land, He will also give them victory. Instead of choosing to move forward in faith, the people let fear take over and refused to enter, missing out on the blessings God had prepared for them. This scripture challenges us to reflect: Could it be that sometimes we miss out on God's blessings or promises not because He is unwilling to give them, but because we find it hard to trust Him enough to step forward in faith? Where do you need to trust God today?

In Numbers 13, the Lord guides the Israelites to the edge of the Promised Land and sends twelve spies to explore the land He has promised to give them. When they return, ten of the spies focus on the challenges, the size of the cities, and the strength of the people. This causes fear to quickly spread through the camp. Only Caleb and Joshua trust that if God has promised the land, He will also give them victory. Instead of choosing to move forward in faith, the people let fear take over and refused to enter, missing out on the blessings God had prepared for them. This scripture challenges us to reflect: Could it be that sometimes we miss out on God's blessings or promises not because He is unwilling to give them, but because we find it hard to trust Him enough to step forward in faith? Where do you need to trust God today?

I believe we are living in the end times. We have been since the Day of Pentecost, 50 days after the Resurrection.What does this mean? What do we need to do?In light of the fact that we are living in the end times, Jesus gave us a two-word command:“Stay awake!”

I believe we are living in the end times. We have been since the Day of Pentecost, 50 days after the Resurrection.What does this mean? What do we need to do?In light of the fact that we are living in the end times, Jesus gave us a two-word command:“Stay awake!”

Leviticus is about the sacrificial system, which is why what happens on the Day of Atonement is so striking—the culminating event on the Day of Atonement isn't a sacrifice, but a scapegoat.On the Day of Atonement, the goat that bears Israel's sins is sent away alive.This is the concept of the so-called “scapegoat”—the idea that one bears the sins of the many.

Leviticus is about the sacrificial system, which is why what happens on the Day of Atonement is so striking—the culminating event on the Day of Atonement isn't a sacrifice, but a scapegoat.On the Day of Atonement, the goat that bears Israel's sins is sent away alive.This is the concept of the so-called “scapegoat”—the idea that one bears the sins of the many.

Any modern person who has started to read Leviticus immediately wonders,“What's with all the blood?”The sacrificial system is strange… and beautiful, once you understand it.See, in the Bible, the sacrificial system was meant to teach Israel what it would take to come back into the presence and life of God.The answer? A blameless representative who would die on behalf of sinful people.

Any modern person who has started to read Leviticus immediately wonders,“What's with all the blood?”The sacrificial system is strange… and beautiful, once you understand it.See, in the Bible, the sacrificial system was meant to teach Israel what it would take to come back into the presence and life of God.The answer? A blameless representative who would die on behalf of sinful people.

“Ministry” is not something that just pastors or church musicians do.Ministry is for all Christians.The first person in the Bible said to be filled with the Spirit of God is not Abraham or Moses—it's a man named Bezalel.And in Exodus 31 we read that Bezalel is a craftsman! That is, the Holy Spirit gives him the ability to make things. It's the spiritual gift of carpentry, you might say.Now, because of the work of Jesus, the Holy Spirit has been poured out on the church. Which means every Christian has been gifted for ministry by the Holy Spirit.This means that ministry is not something specialized or “over there.” Your life is your ministry.How you live your life *is* the way you serve God.

“Ministry” is not something that just pastors or church musicians do.Ministry is for all Christians.The first person in the Bible said to be filled with the Spirit of God is not Abraham or Moses—it's a man named Bezalel.And in Exodus 31 we read that Bezalel is a craftsman! That is, the Holy Spirit gives him the ability to make things. It's the spiritual gift of carpentry, you might say.Now, because of the work of Jesus, the Holy Spirit has been poured out on the church. Which means every Christian has been gifted for ministry by the Holy Spirit.This means that ministry is not something specialized or “over there.” Your life is your ministry.How you live your life *is* the way you serve God.

Over and over again throughout the Bible, the same pattern occurs:The Lord offers Eden, people rebel and live in Exile, but the Lord continues to offer Eternal Life to those who trust him.Once you see the pattern, you see it everywhere.

Over and over again throughout the Bible, the same pattern occurs:The Lord offers Eden, people rebel and live in Exile, but the Lord continues to offer Eternal Life to those who trust him.Once you see the pattern, you see it everywhere.

The final section of Genesis (chapters 37-50) tells one of the most intricately-crafted, moving, and mysterious stories in the entire Bible—the account Joseph and his brothers.In the second to last paragraph of the entire book, Joseph says something remarkable.His brothers—who sold him into slavery years before—are worried that he will seek revenge.But Joseph says, “What you meant for evil, God intended for good.”And then Genesis ends.In some ways, that statement from Joseph sums up the entire rest of the biblical story.

The final section of Genesis (chapters 37-50) tells one of the most intricately-crafted, moving, and mysterious stories in the entire Bible—the account Joseph and his brothers.In the second to last paragraph of the entire book, Joseph says something remarkable.His brothers—who sold him into slavery years before—are worried that he will seek revenge.But Joseph says, “What you meant for evil, God intended for good.”And then Genesis ends.In some ways, that statement from Joseph sums up the entire rest of the biblical story.

The Bible is difficult.If you have ever read the Bible, you've encountered something puzzling or off-putting or mysterious.Why isn't the Bible easier? Why is the Bible so hard to understand?The disciples actually put this question to Jesus.His answer: God is trying to get our attention.Do you have eyes and ears? Use them.

The Bible is difficult.If you have ever read the Bible, you've encountered something puzzling or off-putting or mysterious.Why isn't the Bible easier? Why is the Bible so hard to understand?The disciples actually put this question to Jesus.His answer: God is trying to get our attention.Do you have eyes and ears? Use them.

Even if you've never read the Bible, you probably are familiar with its first verse:“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”The problem with that verse is that…it's *too* familiar. That is, we take it for granted.But what if we didn't have it? What If You Didn't Know Genesis 1 Existed?What If There No Creator?What If Those Pages Were Ripped Out?

Even if you've never read the Bible, you probably are familiar with its first verse:“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”The problem with that verse is that…it's *too* familiar. That is, we take it for granted.But what if we didn't have it? What If You Didn't Know Genesis 1 Existed?What If There No Creator?What If Those Pages Were Ripped Out?