FUMC Tulsa

The message explored how God answers prayers, drawing insights from Zechariah 4. It emphasized that God is cultivating a people who will give themselves to prayer, even in times of desperation and uncertainty. The message highlighted three ways God responds to our prayers: through miraculous interventions, inner spiritual witnesses, and by sending His people to act on His behalf.

Our message explored the power of prayer, emphasizing its fundamental role in building a deeper relationship with God. Pastor Andrew highlighted that while prayer can lead to miraculous outcomes, its most significant power lies in drawing us closer to our Creator. The message reminded us that God is always near and desires an intimate relationship with each of us through consistent, heartfelt prayer.

Our message explored the power of prayer, emphasizing its fundamental role in building a deeper relationship with God. Pastor Andrew highlighted that while prayer can lead to miraculous outcomes, its most significant power lies in drawing us closer to our Creator. The message reminded us that God is always near and desires an intimate relationship with each of us through consistent, heartfelt prayer.

The message explored the importance of evangelism in our Christian walk, emphasizing that sharing our faith is not just for a select few but a calling for all believers. We discussed how our culture's shift towards privatized faith can hinder our willingness to share the Gospel, and how the Holy Spirit empowers us to overcome this hesitation. The message challenged us to be more aware of opportunities to share Jesus in our daily lives, reminding us that evangelism can be as simple as offering to pray for someone or engaging in a conversation about faith.

The message explored the importance of evangelism in our Christian walk, emphasizing that sharing our faith is not just for a select few but a calling for all believers. We discussed how our culture's shift towards privatized faith can hinder our willingness to share the Gospel, and how the Holy Spirit empowers us to overcome this hesitation. The message challenged us to be more aware of opportunities to share Jesus in our daily lives, reminding us that evangelism can be as simple as offering to pray for someone or engaging in a conversation about faith.

The message explored the significance of celebrating communion weekly and having people of all ages worship together. It emphasized the importance of intentionally teaching our children about our faith practices, particularly the meaning behind communion. Pastor Andrew shared personal experiences and biblical references to illustrate how communion can be a transformative experience, deepening our relationship with Jesus and shaping our spiritual lives.

The message explored the significance of celebrating communion weekly and having people of all ages worship together. It emphasized the importance of intentionally teaching our children about our faith practices, particularly the meaning behind communion. Pastor Andrew shared personal experiences and biblical references to illustrate how communion can be a transformative experience, deepening our relationship with Jesus and shaping our spiritual lives.

Our message this week explored the theme of new beginnings, drawing parallels between the start of the school year and Joshua's leadership transition. Pastor Andrew discussed the importance of God's constant presence in our lives, especially during times of change. The message also emphasized our collective responsibility as a church to spiritually nurture our younger generations, highlighting the critical role of intergenerational relationships in sustaining faith.

Our message this week explored the theme of new beginnings, drawing parallels between the start of the school year and Joshua's leadership transition. Pastor Andrew discussed the importance of God's constant presence in our lives, especially during times of change. The message also emphasized our collective responsibility as a church to spiritually nurture our younger generations, highlighting the critical role of intergenerational relationships in sustaining faith.

The sermon explored the hymn "My Jesus, I Love Thee" and its connection to true intimacy with Jesus. Pastor Andrew emphasized the difference between rational knowledge about God and the deep, experiential knowledge of the heart that comes from a personal relationship with Jesus. Using the story from Luke 7 about the sinful woman anointing Jesus' feet, the sermon highlighted the transformative power of forgiveness and the depth of love it inspires.

The message explored the depths of God's mercy through Charles Wesley's hymn "Depth of Mercy" and Paul's testimony in 1 Timothy 1:12-17. Pastor Todd Lovell reminded us that God's mercy is not just for the seemingly righteous, but for all of us, even those who consider themselves the "worst of sinners." This message challenges us to reconsider our understanding of God's grace and how it transforms our lives.

The message explored the depths of God's mercy through Charles Wesley's hymn "Depth of Mercy" and Paul's testimony in 1 Timothy 1:12-17. Pastor Todd Lovell reminded us that God's mercy is not just for the seemingly righteous, but for all of us, even those who consider themselves the "worst of sinners." This message challenges us to reconsider our understanding of God's grace and how it transforms our lives.

This message explores the theme of relinquishing control and fully trusting in God's protection and care. Hannah shares a personal experience of facing danger and feeling God's supernatural protection, relating it to the hymn "His Eye Is on the Sparrow." She emphasizes the importance of moving beyond intellectual understanding to a gut-level trust in God's watchful care, encouraging listeners to release their need for control and embrace the freedom that comes from trusting in God's sovereignty.

This message explores the theme of relinquishing control and fully trusting in God's protection and care. Hannah shares a personal experience of facing danger and feeling God's supernatural protection, relating it to the hymn "His Eye Is on the Sparrow." She emphasizes the importance of moving beyond intellectual understanding to a gut-level trust in God's watchful care, encouraging listeners to release their need for control and embrace the freedom that comes from trusting in God's sovereignty.

The message explored the powerful message of Romans 8, focusing on the freedom from condemnation that comes through Christ. It looked at the personal struggles many face with guilt and shame, even after intellectually understanding God's forgiveness. Pastor Matthew shared his own journey of moving from a place of feeling condemned to experiencing the assurance of God's love, drawing parallels with John Wesley's spiritual breakthrough. The sermon emphasized the importance of not just knowing the truth intellectually, but experiencing it deeply in our hearts.

The message explored the powerful message of Romans 8, focusing on the freedom from condemnation that comes through Christ. It looked at the personal struggles many face with guilt and shame, even after intellectually understanding God's forgiveness. Pastor Matthew shared his own journey of moving from a place of feeling condemned to experiencing the assurance of God's love, drawing parallels with John Wesley's spiritual breakthrough. The sermon emphasized the importance of not just knowing the truth intellectually, but experiencing it deeply in our hearts.

Pastor Andrew discusses the concept of alienation from our true spiritual home while living in this world, and how we can love our country while ultimately placing our highest allegiance with God. The message emphasizes the importance of recognizing God as the source of our blessings and liberty.

Pastor Andrew discusses the concept of alienation from our true spiritual home while living in this world, and how we can love our country while ultimately placing our highest allegiance with God. The message emphasizes the importance of recognizing God as the source of our blessings and liberty.

This message explores the transformative power of the cross, examining how a symbol of suffering and shame became the central emblem of Christian faith and salvation. Pastor Andrew dives into the historical context of crucifixion, contrasting its original horror with its current significance for believers. He emphasizes how Jesus' sacrifice on the cross redeems not only humanity as a whole but also the individual shame and guilt of each person, offering forgiveness and freedom through faith.

This message explores the transformative power of the cross, examining how a symbol of suffering and shame became the central emblem of Christian faith and salvation. Pastor Andrew dives into the historical context of crucifixion, contrasting its original horror with its current significance for believers. He emphasizes how Jesus' sacrifice on the cross redeems not only humanity as a whole but also the individual shame and guilt of each person, offering forgiveness and freedom through faith.

This message explores the universal human search for meaning and purpose, drawing parallels between the ancient Athenians' religious quest and modern society's pursuit of fulfillment. While everyone worships something, not all objects of worship are worthy. Our one true God is not distant but intimately close, and Jesus Christ has already proven God's love and presence through His incarnation, death, and resurrection.

This message explores the universal human search for meaning and purpose, drawing parallels between the ancient Athenians' religious quest and modern society's pursuit of fulfillment. While everyone worships something, not all objects of worship are worthy. Our one true God is not distant but intimately close, and Jesus Christ has already proven God's love and presence through His incarnation, death, and resurrection.

This Pentecost Sunday sermon explores the theme of overcoming the fear of death through faith in Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. Understanding our mortality can lead to different life choices, but ultimately, true freedom comes from embracing God's love and the promise of eternal life. The message weaves together personal experiences, biblical teachings, and the lyrics of Charles Wesley's hymn "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" to illustrate how the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—works to transform believers and free them from the bondage of sin and fear of death.

This Pentecost Sunday sermon explores the theme of overcoming the fear of death through faith in Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. Understanding our mortality can lead to different life choices, but ultimately, true freedom comes from embracing God's love and the promise of eternal life. The message weaves together personal experiences, biblical teachings, and the lyrics of Charles Wesley's hymn "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" to illustrate how the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—works to transform believers and free them from the bondage of sin and fear of death.

This sermon explores the importance of worship as preparation for eternal life with God. It emphasizes that our earthly worship reflects and anticipates the continuous praise occurring in heaven. Pastor Andrew discusses the need to prioritize our lives according to God's truth, guided by the Holy Spirit, and how our current worship practices are a reflection of heavenly worship described in Revelation. The sermon also highlights the significance of hymns, particularly "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty," in expressing adoration for God's nature beyond just His actions.

This sermon explores the importance of worship as preparation for eternal life with God. It emphasizes that our earthly worship reflects and anticipates the continuous praise occurring in heaven. Pastor Andrew discusses the need to prioritize our lives according to God's truth, guided by the Holy Spirit, and how our current worship practices are a reflection of heavenly worship described in Revelation. The sermon also highlights the significance of hymns, particularly "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty," in expressing adoration for God's nature beyond just His actions.

Are we ever truly satisfied? This message challenges us to examine our deepest hungers and the endless pursuit of 'more.' It invites us to consider a radical alternative: true satisfaction found in intimacy with God. The story of Moses and his encounter with God at the Tent of Meeting serves as a profound illustration of this intimacy. We're encouraged to see that this deep friendship with the Divine isn't reserved for biblical figures but is available to all of us through Christ.

Are we ever truly satisfied? This message challenges us to examine our deepest hungers and the endless pursuit of 'more.' It invites us to consider a radical alternative: true satisfaction found in intimacy with God. The story of Moses and his encounter with God at the Tent of Meeting serves as a profound illustration of this intimacy. We're encouraged to see that this deep friendship with the Divine isn't reserved for biblical figures but is available to all of us through Christ.

As we journey through life's transitions, we're reminded of the wisdom found in the story of the Exodus. The Israelites carried Joseph's bones and followed God's pillar of cloud and fire, symbolizing the delicate balance between honoring our past and embracing God's guidance for our future. Like them, we're called to remember our identity in Christ while allowing the Holy Spirit to chart our course. This message challenges us to consider: Are we carrying our spiritual 'bones' – the values and faith that ground us? Are we also open to the Holy Spirit's leading, ready to unfurl our sails and venture where God calls?

As we journey through life's transitions, we're reminded of the wisdom found in the story of the Exodus. The Israelites carried Joseph's bones and followed God's pillar of cloud and fire, symbolizing the delicate balance between honoring our past and embracing God's guidance for our future. Like them, we're called to remember our identity in Christ while allowing the Holy Spirit to chart our course. This message challenges us to consider: Are we carrying our spiritual 'bones' – the values and faith that ground us? Are we also open to the Holy Spirit's leading, ready to unfurl our sails and venture where God calls?

As we reflect on the depth of our relationship with Jesus, we're challenged to go beyond surface-level faith. The message emphasizes that Jesus desires full spiritual union with us, achievable only through our willingness to lay everything down for Him. We're encouraged to see Jesus as the answer to all of life's struggles, from addiction to broken relationships. This perspective invites us to examine our own faith journey and ask ourselves: How deep are we willing to go with Jesus? Are we seeking a comfortable faith or one that truly transforms our lives?

As we reflect on the depth of our relationship with Jesus, we're challenged to go beyond surface-level faith. The message emphasizes that Jesus desires full spiritual union with us, achievable only through our willingness to lay everything down for Him. We're encouraged to see Jesus as the answer to all of life's struggles, from addiction to broken relationships. This perspective invites us to examine our own faith journey and ask ourselves: How deep are we willing to go with Jesus? Are we seeking a comfortable faith or one that truly transforms our lives?

In this powerful message, we're reminded that God's love for us is unwavering and all-encompassing, and revolves around Jesus as our Good Shepherd, who relentlessly pursues us no matter how far we've strayed. This imagery, rooted in biblical parables, emphasizes God's unconditional love and His commitment to bringing us back to His fold. We're encouraged to recognize that even in our darkest moments, when we feel unseen or unloved, Jesus sees us and speaks words of love and belonging to us.  It reminds us that in Christ, we have a champion who will never give up on us, offering hope and reassurance to all who are struggling, inviting us to experience His redemption and embrace our identity as His beloved children.

In this powerful message, we're reminded that God's love for us is unwavering and all-encompassing, and revolves around Jesus as our Good Shepherd, who relentlessly pursues us no matter how far we've strayed. This imagery, rooted in biblical parables, emphasizes God's unconditional love and His commitment to bringing us back to His fold. We're encouraged to recognize that even in our darkest moments, when we feel unseen or unloved, Jesus sees us and speaks words of love and belonging to us.  It reminds us that in Christ, we have a champion who will never give up on us, offering hope and reassurance to all who are struggling, inviting us to experience His redemption and embrace our identity as His beloved children.

The message beautifully connects our worship to our mission, reminding us that what we practice in church prepares us for sharing God's love in the world. It's a call to make worship our priority, knowing that it's both the source and the ultimate goal of all our service. The story of Peter walking on water in Matthew 14 serves as a profound illustration of this truth. Before Peter took that miraculous step onto the waves, he first fixed his eyes on Jesus - a perfect picture of worship. This teaches us that our acts of faith and service must be rooted in a deep, personal encounter with Christ. We're challenged to consider: Are we truly seeing Jesus in our worship, or are we distracted by the storms of life?

The message beautifully connects our worship to our mission, reminding us that what we practice in church prepares us for sharing God's love in the world. It's a call to make worship our priority, knowing that it's both the source and the ultimate goal of all our service. The story of Peter walking on water in Matthew 14 serves as a profound illustration of this truth. Before Peter took that miraculous step onto the waves, he first fixed his eyes on Jesus - a perfect picture of worship. This teaches us that our acts of faith and service must be rooted in a deep, personal encounter with Christ. We're challenged to consider: Are we truly seeing Jesus in our worship, or are we distracted by the storms of life?

This Easter message invites us to embrace the revolutionary power of Christ's resurrection. We're reminded of how God's plan for redemption, from Adam and Eve to Jesus, demonstrates His commitment to restoring our relationship with Him. The resurrection isn't just a historical event; it's a promise of new life and freedom for each of us. Like babies in the womb unable to comprehend life outside, we're challenged to open our hearts to the reality of life beyond death. This message urges us to live in the 'already but not yet' - experiencing the freedom Christ has won for us while anticipating His glorious return. It's an invitation to step into God's ongoing story, living out our faith with purpose and mission.

On this Palm Sunday, we're reminded of the profound significance of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. The sermon draws our attention to God's persistent love, or 'hesed', which appears 242 times in the Old Testament. This steadfast love is what drove God to establish covenants with His people throughout history, culminating in the new covenant through Jesus Christ. We're challenged to see Jesus not just as a prophet or king but as the fulfillment of all previous covenants - the last Adam, the second Noah, the seed of Abraham, the new Moses, and the heir of David. This perspective invites us to reflect on our own relationship with God and how we respond to His persistent love in our lives.

On this Palm Sunday, we're reminded of the profound significance of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. The sermon draws our attention to God's persistent love, or 'hesed', which appears 242 times in the Old Testament. This steadfast love is what drove God to establish covenants with His people throughout history, culminating in the new covenant through Jesus Christ. We're challenged to see Jesus not just as a prophet or king but as the fulfillment of all previous covenants - the last Adam, the second Noah, the seed of Abraham, the new Moses, and the heir of David. This perspective invites us to reflect on our own relationship with God and how we respond to His persistent love in our lives.

Jesus tells us that the Kingdom isn't something we can observe externally, but it's already in our midst. This profound truth challenges us to develop our spiritual senses, to see and hear according to the Holy Spirit. We're called to move beyond spiritual lethargy and fully embrace the life God intends for us - one filled with signs and wonders, healing, and freedom. As we reflect on this, let's ask ourselves: Are there areas in our lives we're still holding back from God? How can we open ourselves more fully to the work of the Holy Spirit?

David's choice to lead with worship, dancing before the Lord with all his might, demonstrates that worship should be at the center of our lives as God's people. It's a call for us to examine our hearts: do we view worship as a chore or as the foundational expression of our relationship with God? As we reflect on this, we're encouraged to seek the freedom that comes when the Spirit of the Lord is present, breaking chains and liberating us from what binds us.

David's choice to lead with worship, dancing before the Lord with all his might, demonstrates that worship should be at the center of our lives as God's people. It's a call for us to examine our hearts: do we view worship as a chore or as the foundational expression of our relationship with God? As we reflect on this, we're encouraged to seek the freedom that comes when the Spirit of the Lord is present, breaking chains and liberating us from what binds us.

The story of Exodus reveals a God who hears our cries and sees our pain, determined to act on our behalf. Just as He rescued the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, God desires to liberate us from our own bondage - whether it's addiction, grief, or habitual sin. We're challenged to recognize that God always fulfills His promises, even when circumstances seem dire. The covenant established with Abraham extends to us today through Christ, inviting us into a treasured relationship with our Creator. As we navigate life's struggles, we're encouraged to cultivate our ability to hear God's voice through His Word, fellow believers, circumstances, and the Holy Spirit's promptings.

The story of Exodus reveals a God who hears our cries and sees our pain, determined to act on our behalf. Just as He rescued the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, God desires to liberate us from our own bondage - whether it's addiction, grief, or habitual sin. We're challenged to recognize that God always fulfills His promises, even when circumstances seem dire. The covenant established with Abraham extends to us today through Christ, inviting us into a treasured relationship with our Creator. As we navigate life's struggles, we're encouraged to cultivate our ability to hear God's voice through His Word, fellow believers, circumstances, and the Holy Spirit's promptings.

The story of Joseph, often overshadowed by his colorful coat, takes center stage as we explore how he embodies the anti-Adam - a man who chose to do right despite overwhelming challenges. Joseph's life serves as a testament to the power of 'chastity of heart' - not just sexual purity, but a deep devotion to God's purpose. His journey from the pit to the palace demonstrates how our lowest points can become the beginning of God's greatest work in our lives. As we reflect on Joseph's story, we're challenged to consider our own commitment to doing right in a world that often punishes good deeds. Are we willing to be light bearers in an increasingly dark world?

The story of Joseph, often overshadowed by his colorful coat, takes center stage as we explore how he embodies the anti-Adam - a man who chose to do right despite overwhelming challenges. Joseph's life serves as a testament to the power of 'chastity of heart' - not just sexual purity, but a deep devotion to God's purpose. His journey from the pit to the palace demonstrates how our lowest points can become the beginning of God's greatest work in our lives. As we reflect on Joseph's story, we're challenged to consider our own commitment to doing right in a world that often punishes good deeds. Are we willing to be light bearers in an increasingly dark world?

In this exploration of Jacob's story, we're reminded that God is big enough for our struggles. The symbolism of Jacob's new name, Israel, reveals that God Himself wrestles for our hearts, showing His relentless pursuit of us. We're encouraged to see our spiritual growth not as effortless but as a daily 'grinding' process, like developing expertise in any field.