Weekly sermons from Covenant Methodist Church (The Woodlands, TX). available in English & Español.
In this sermon, Pastor Zach Anderson explores the importance of wholehearted repentance, challenging the mindset of an "if-then" approach to God and the dangers of a numb heart. Drawing from Joel 2:12-14, he unpacks the difference between half-hearted apologies and true repentance, emphasizing that God desires a transformed heart rather than empty outward actions. This message also addresses the spiritual battles that can arise when confronting sin and offers scriptural truths to counter lies. Instead of viewing repentance as a way to earn forgiveness, we are invited to see it as restoring our relationship with God, built on His unconditional love and compassion. No matter where we find ourselves, whether struggling with an "if-then" theology or feeling spiritually numb, we are called to bring our whole hearts to Jesus in honest, vulnerable repentance. This offering of what we have leads to deeper intimacy with God.
We're beginning a new sermon series, "Heart Posture," focusing on cultivating the right attitude before God. This message challenges us to approach Him with reverence and awe rather than becoming too familiar or complacent. Looking at Psalm 95, we reflect on God as our Creator, Savior, and Shepherd and consider what it means to worship Him with joy, thanksgiving, and humble adoration. True humility isn't thinking less of ourselves but thinking of ourselves less, following Jesus' example of bold humility. This sermon invites us to examine our hearts and respond to God's voice with trust and obedience.
In this sermon, Rev. Karen Tyler unpacks Matthew 5:11-12, addressing one of the hardest commandments in Scripture: to rejoice and be glad when persecuted for righteousness. Rev. Tyler draws a powerful parallel between the discipline required in individual competitive sports and the spiritual perseverance needed to obey this command. In the "upside-down kingdom," believers are called to follow God's rules over worldly expectations, finding strength and reward in the midst of persecution. Rev. Tyler encourages us to assess our lives, release control, and seek God's will, knowing that the true reward of faith is a deeper companionship with Jesus. This message challenges us to embrace the difficulty of persecution as an opportunity to grow closer to Him.
In this sermon, Pastor Pierce Drake unpacks Matthew 5:8-10, exploring what it means to be "pure in heart" and a "peacemaker." At the core of every human longing is a relationship with Jesus—one that is received by grace through faith, not earned. Yet, the struggle to maintain purity of heart is real. Pastor Pierce explains how a pure heart grants believers a new vision, allowing them to intimately know and relate to God as a loving Father. He also highlights that Jesus calls us to be peacemakers, not peacekeepers. A peacekeeper stays siloed to avoid conflict, while a peacemaker actively steps into broken places and places of conflict to bring Christ's peace. This message invites us to boldly go forth as agents of His peace in a world that desperately needs it.
Pastor Zach explores Matthew 5:5-7, highlighting the blessings of meekness, righteousness, and mercy in the Kingdom of Heaven. Using a personal story about an Ironman race, he illustrates how God's ways often defy worldly expectations. Pastor Zach challenges us with the idea that Christ-like meekness is not weakness at all, but Christ-like meekness is power under control. True meekness trusts in God's plan, while a deep hunger and thirst for righteousness transforms us into people who defend the vulnerable and confront sin. This message invites us to reflect on our God-given strengths, ask God what He loves most about how He created us, and seek ways to use our gifts for His kingdom.
In this opening message of our new series, The Upside-Down Kingdom, Pastor Pierce introduces the Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount, focusing on what it means to be poor in spirit and to mourn. Jesus flips the world's values upside down—rather than avoiding or demanding from people, He sees, pursues, and teaches them. Being poor in spirit means recognizing our deep need for God's grace, while mourning reflects a heart broken over sin and the absence of God's kingdom. Pastor Pierce challenges us to seek holy tears—a vision to see our community as God does and to step into His work with humility. This is just the beginning. Over the next several weeks, we will continue exploring the Beatitudes, allowing Jesus' words to reshape how we see God, ourselves, and the world around us.
In a world full of noise and distractions, are you making space to hear God? This year, Covenant is committing to a theme of seeking God's presence, learning to listen for His voice above all else. In this powerful sermon, we explore the importance of silence and solitude in drawing closer to Him. Through a personal story about the beauty of snow and the overwhelming quiet it brings, we're reminded how easily noise can drown out God's voice. Looking at the story of Samuel, we see how even when God speaks, we may not always recognize His voice. The challenge for the church is to be intentional—limiting technology, taking silent walks, reading Scripture aloud, fasting, and practicing listening prayer. When we create space, God fills it. What is He saying to you? Will you listen and obey? Join us on this journey and make space for God's presence this year. Watch now!
Haciendo Espacio para el Reino de Dios
Haciendo Espacio para la Visión de Dios
The story of the two blind men in today's scripture reveals two profound truths. First, when we seek healing but attempt to force our own timeline, we fail to acknowledge the sovereignty of God. He is not God because He heals; He is God because of who He is. Healing will come, but in His perfect timing—our role is to trust Him fully, even in the waiting. Yet, in not trusting His timing, we often fill the void with earthly fixes, distracting ourselves instead of relying on His grace and provision. Second, we are often blind to the needs of those around us. These men were not random outsiders; they were insiders, followers of Jesus, crying out, “What about me? I need healing.” Yet Jesus paused, allowing the community around them to guide them on the path to healing. This reminds us that healing isn't just about us—it's about being part of a community that sees those in need, walks alongside them, and points them to Jesus with compassion and humility. Will you trust God's timing and open your eyes to those around you, stepping forward to walk with them in faith, love, and holiness?
Haciendo Espacio para la Presencia de Dios
In Romans 12:1-2, Paul transitions from theology to sanctification—the process of becoming like Jesus. We are called to live as "living sacrifices." Unlike the Jewish concept of sacrifice tied to death, in this new definition, we are to offer our whole lives to God. We are both the priest and offering. Dedicating our lives means creating space for God's transformative presence. The goal of faith is not for us to be saved, but for us to become more like Jesus, embodying His love so that the world may know Him through us. This stewardship of our lives requires us to assess: What needs to be removed or added to make room for God's presence? When we intentionally create that space, God fills it, not just to bless us, but to flow through us for the sake of others. And as we love God fully and love our neighbor as ourselves, pleasing our Heavenly Father, we live with fresh eyes and renewed purpose.
What if the journey to Christian perfection isn't about extraordinary moments but about Jesus transforming our lives through our daily consistency? Anna's story reminds us that transformation often comes through simple, faithful practices. As Methodists, we believe sanctification—the process of being made holy—can happen in this lifetime. Many New Year's resolutions fail because they're harder than expected, face resistance, or seem too mundane. Yet, true success often comes through steady, dedicated consistency. The same is true for our spiritual lives. Committing to an ordinary, faithful pursuit of Jesus can lead to profound spiritual growth. What if you resolved to lean into Jesus, saying, “Here I am. What will you do with me?” Trust his grace to work through your faithfulness and transform your life.
Mary's question, “How can it be?” is a question we should ask every day—how can we, as ordinary people, be vessels that carry Christ into the world? The answer lies in being overshadowed by God's presence, humbling ourselves so that his glory is what is visible. An extraordinary life is not about our own achievements but about reflecting God's glory. To carry Christ into the world is to live in surrender, allowing his greatness to shine through us so others may see his love and glory in all we do.
El Playground Divino de Dios (Servicio de Navidad)
This message opens with a panel discussion introducing Rev. Pierce Drake as Covenant's new lead pastor, beginning January 1, 2025. Hear his vision and heart for ministry as he shares his excitement about stepping into this new role. Following this introduction, Pastor Zach leads a devotion reflecting on the tension between loving someone in the present moment and envisioning who God intends them to become. Drawing from the shepherds' encounter with Jesus, Pastor Zach reminds us in this busy Christmas season to pause and recognize that in this very moment, we are in the presence of Love itself. When we do this we will be filled with an uncontainable joy— and we will be compelled to share that love with the world.
Sabiduría y Fidelidad: El Camino hacia Jesús
The Magi's story offers us a powerful example of being perfected in love through action-oriented faith. Though they came from different faiths, the Magi sought to understand the Scriptures, pursuing wisdom that led them to recognize who Jesus was. Their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh reveal the depth of their understanding of his identity. Beyond these well-known gifts, there are other gifts embedded in this scene. The wise men gave the gift of their presence, traveling from afar to be fully present with Jesus as they entered his presence. They also gave the gift of their praise—grown men, kings, bowing low before a baby and declaring his worth. In turn, they point us to the greatest gift of all: the gift of God in Jesus Christ. May we follow their example, seeking him, praising him, and being fully present in his love as we are being made perfect in him.
Filled with the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth's response to Mary's arrival seems almost instinctive, as though she blurted out her words without fully understanding where they came from. How did she know who Jesus was to be while He was still in Mary's womb? Her words are a powerful example of the Holy Spirit working through her. We often think of spiritual wisdom in terms of discernment or decision-making, yet the wisdom of the Holy Spirit is available to us at all times. This is a gift we can embrace by asking two questions: “Jesus, where are You?” and “What are You doing?”—followed by a desire to join in the Spirit's work. Like Elizabeth, we need to invite such Spirit-led moments into our lives. With openness and expectation, we can receive this gift and allow ourselves to become vessels for God's purposes, being made perfect in love.
Mary's story is a profound invitation to grow in intimacy with the Lord through complete surrender. While the song Mary, Did You Know? ponders her awareness, Scripture shows us that Mary indeed knew. As a young woman from a small Jewish town that clung to its faith and traditions amidst Roman influence, Mary understood the implications of her Jewish heritage and lineage. She heard and believed the message from the angel. Mary knew in her heart that she was highly favored, that she would conceive by the Holy Spirit, and that her child, Jesus, would be the Son of God, reigning forever. Her response—“Here I am, fully surrendered”—reveals the perfection of love through sacrifice and trust in God's plan. What might our lives look like if we adopted Mary's posture, setting aside our plans to fully embrace God's will?
La Gratitud Transforma: Volviendo a los Pies de Jesús
A covenant is an agreement that defines a relationship between two or more parties, and its terms are crucial. In the Old Covenant, Israel's relationship with God was conditional, requiring strict adherence to the law. Yet, because humans could not live up to this standard, it didn't lead to the intended unity with God. Hebrews teaches us about a New Covenant, which comes with better promises and a better outcome, negotiated by the perfect mediator—Jesus. This New Covenant is a gift: it's no longer based on our ability to uphold the law but on God's promise to forgive and forget our sins. Unlike the old, which limited access to God through a hierarchical priesthood, the New Covenant is open to everyone, from the least to the greatest. With God's law written in our hearts and minds, our responsibility is simply to receive it.
"El Creador y Consumador de Nuestra Fe"
God's unbreakable promise finds its fulfillment in Jesus, our hope and anchor. Hebrews 6:13-20 reminds us that if we cling to this hope, we'll remain steadfast. Jesus, as our Forerunner, has gone ahead, making a way for us. And none of our human experience, including death, is beyond his understanding. Jesus went before us in both joy and pain to open the path toward glory and to assure us that no matter what, we are never alone.
Sumo Sacerdote: Intercesor Eterno ante el Padre
The priestly duty is to speak to God on behald of people—to serve as a representative, interceding for those who cannot speak for themselves. Hebrews names Jesus the Great High Priest. Did you knwo that Jesus is actively engaged as your representative in the throne room of heaven? The Bible tells us that, "He always lives to intercede for us." If you find yourself wondering where to find an advocate—someone to speak up for you when no one else will--fix your thoughts upon Jesus, you High Priest.
Apóstol: El Enviado de Dios para la Redención
Pionero de la Salvación: El Camino que Nos Abrió
Hebrews 2 names Jesus, the “Pioneer of their salvation.” This implies that in the saving work of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, Jesus was doing something truly new. With unfettered bravery, Jesus the Pioneer traveled into new and unmarked territory, tasting the cup of death to make it safe for us to die. As his mirror image, we don't Pioneer our own salvation or the salvation of others, but we do add our footsteps to Jesus' footsteps, trodding toward Jesus down the path of salvation to pave the way for others to follow.
If we slow down enough to acknowledge it, all people experience the various painful symptoms of our "sin" disease, which means that all people have a desperate desire to be healed of that disease and its painful results. For Hebrews 3:1 to name Jesus as the original "Apostle" means that Jesus is a messenger sent on mission, to bring good news to humans: You can be set apart from your sin (made holy) and set apart for a life of eternal significance. As we receive this gift, rather than try chasing holiness and significance to wind up at Jesus, "fix your thoughts on Jesus" in every situation, and he will make you holy and significant.
The names of Jesus reveal deep truths—not only about who He is but also about who WE are. These names carry the power of mission. As his reflection, we're called to live out those titles. Jesus isn't just another prophet or teacher; he is the exact character of God, brought close, so we can see him clearly. Jesus not only restored the health of the woman who was bleeding but also her dignity, welcoming her back into the community. This shows us how deeply God cares for each and every one of us. Through Jesus, we're adopted into God's family and are called to show that same love to others. Living out Christ's identity means embracing his mission. People are desperate for a glimpse of Christ's love, and we are to be that glimpse. Jesus went to the lost, the needy, and the poor, likewise we are called to be sent. He didn't die so we could stay comfortable—he died so we, driven by love, could be sent out on his mission of redemption, restoration, and transformation. Jesus entered homes, sat at tables, and brought deep change. Washing feet wasn't just an act of service it was radical love. We're called to live with that same humility serving others and putting their needs first. God's generosity is about taking the small and insignificant and multiplying it. This mission is more than a title—it's our purpose. Go and be the hands and feet of Jesus, reflecting His love and glory in everything you do.
Concluding the “Ekklésia” series on who the church is and what the church does, the Scriptures offer a unique title to all Christians, everywhere: Priests. 1 Peter 2 calls the church a “Royal [and] holy priesthood,” but what does this mean? To be a priest means to be an intermediary between broken, hurting, sinful people, and God. So, as you move through your life, do so as one with a divine assignment—to find broken, hurting, sinful people, and offer them the tangible love of God. This is your priestly duty.
When the foundation is right, everything else falls into place. Like solving a puzzle, you start with what you know is correct and build from there. In the Church, when Jesus is the cornerstone, and when he is in his rightful place, everything aligns. In Ephesians we find a repeated pattern: you, we, God, we now together. Jesus destroyed the dividing wall of hostility between Jews and Gentiles. We—now together—are God's household and we, together, are God's house. In ancient times, the patriarch provided protection, provision, and community for his entire household. When Christ is the head of the Church, we experience these same blessings. Household" speaks to belonging, while "house" speaks to function—where God resides, the covenant is practiced, and forgiveness is found. What once took place in a physical temple now happens in the Church. When Jesus is in the correct place, the works of Jesus begin to take place—broken souls are welcomed and restored. So with Jesus as the cornerstone, let us pray that here, in this community and this time, with the presence of the Holy Spirit, the works of Jesus can be accomplished.
La Esposa del Cordero: El Destino Glorioso de la Iglesia
We, the Church, are the Bride of Christ. In Revelation 18, we just heard about the fall of evil, and now in Revelation 19:6, we hear the sound of a multitude, like rushing waters or thunder. These are powerful sounds heard long before the source is visible. A sense of anticipation is building. What follows is the wedding banquet—the marriage of the Lamb of God, who takes away the world's sin. Jesus, through His sacrifice, paid the price for sin, and we, the Church, are His bride. So, how do we prepare ourselves for this wedding? We might think we need to purify ourselves, but that's not what this passage says. The wedding clothes, the fine linen, bright and clean, are given to us. This purification is not something we earn; it's a gift, made possible by the Holy Spirit at work within us. And, clothed in this righteousness, we will stand with Jesus in the final battle.
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