Grand View Dubuque Sermons

In this week's message of "God's Greatest Hits" Rev. Tom talks about the story of Jonah. God was calling Jonah to go to the city of Nineveh, but Jonah didn't want to. However, God's plan was greater. This story reveals to us examples of faith and obedience, while also revealing the good news that God will be with you, behind you, and beside you no matter the circumstance.Is there something today that God is asking you to do that you don't want to do?

As we continue with the sermon series "God's Greatest Hits," Rev. Tom digs deeper into the importance of prophets.God used prophets, like Jeremiah, to share a new message of hope with people in dark and hopeless situations. Today, God continues to speak through people as they interpret the Bible and to use them to share messages of hope and encouragement. How is God working through you today?

In this week of "God's Greatest Hits" Rev. Tom looks at the story of Moses and the burning bush. God was calling Moses to help lead God's people into a better future. God still works this way in calling people to work for him. How is God calling you to be in ministry and action today?

In this week of "God's Greatest Hits" we look at the story of Joseph from the Old Testament. After looking at the hills and valleys of Joseph's life, how amazing is it that he could say - "you meant it for evil, but God used it for good." What are the valleys, what are the battles, what are the bad situations in your life right now? How can you look at them and know that God is present, and that in the end, God is working it towards something good?

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." In week 3 of "God's Greatest Hits" Rev. Tom preaches that if you can believe that basic Christian belief - you can likely believe most of the Bible. But, if you struggle with God being the creator of all things - you may struggle to believe and trust the other promises of God. In this sermon, we hear to not focus on the when or how of creation - but instead on the who (God) and the why (to give order out of chaos.)

One of God's Greatest Hits was the creation of music. God gifted certain composers with the ability to put notes, rhythms, and words together to help share a message with His people. On this second Sunday of "God's Greatest Hits" Rev. Tom and the Church House Band look at some of these special songs that have shaped our faith and what message they have for us today.

Happy Pentecost, church! On this day where we celebrate the birth of the church through the work of God's Holy Spirit - Rev. Tom talks about this Greatest Hit of God. God continued to be active and present (and still does today) with his people through the Spirit coming on Pentecost. How is the Holy Spirit of God moving you today, and how is our church showing this movement to the world around us?

We are invited to a variety of different things all of the time. The question is, do you accept the invitations or do you find excuses to avoid them? Rev. Tom uses this imagery and Jesus' use of this parable in Luke 14 to look at the invitation God has given all of us through Jesus - to be connected to God and God's people. Are you answering God's invitation and being 'all in' to his call? Or, are you finding excuses?

The Gospel of Luke, chapter 13, contains tough instructions and realities for God's people. In this message from Luke 13, Rev. Tom asks us all to consider - how much does God matter to you? How are you showing fruit of your relationship with him? How are you living differently because you've come to know Jesus. Because, knowing and being known by Jesus determines our future.

On this Sunday after Easter, Grand View takes time to continue to look at the promise and hope that through Jesus we can experience change in our lives. Old can become new, dead can become alive. The question for us this week is, can people see signs of this type of life change in you? How are you showing others (without even saying a word) the change that you have experienced through Jesus?

This year at Grand View throughout Holy Week we have been seeing the parallels between Jesus' work and the work of God in the Exodus story. Rev. Tom asked all of us, What is it that you need to leave behind so that God can lead you into a new promised land?

In this two part sermon, Rev. Tom Shinkle looks at both the 'traditional' Good Friday story and the story of the Exodus. This Good Friday what do you need to leave behind, like those that left Egypt in the Exodus? Jesus' death is the opportunity you may be waiting for to get rid of the old, to die to the old, to leave the old behind so that God can do something new in your life.

On Palm Sunday 2023, Rev. Tom looks at the importance of having Hope and how true hope only comes from knowing and trusting in Jesus and his saving work. The question for all of us this year is, "Do you know Him?" and "Do you put your trust and hope in his promises?" That first Palm Sunday they didn't totally "get" who Jesus was, do you?

In Week 5 of "Get Jesus: He Gets You," Rev. Tom Shinkle reminds us that true joy, contentment, and hope come from staying hungry for Jesus. In this season of Lent it is time for all of us to ask and answer the question - "Am I still hungry for Jesus and Christian Living, or am I simply grazing when it's convenient?" As we draw closer to Easter, and as we go forward, let us all stay hungry!

On this fourth week of Lent, Rev. Tom looks at the truth that Jesus experienced Joy. He experienced the full range of human emotions, and that includes Joy. If Jesus knows us because he was like us, how can we have more joy in our lives? We believe that God doesn't want more reserved, upset, or self-righteous Christians. He wants Jesus followers full of Joy.

Rev. Tom continues the series "Get Jesus: He Gets You" by looking at the story of Jesus being tempted in the desert. Jesus was tempted just like we are tempted - and we are able to beat temptations by staying close to Jesus and God's Word. In this world where temptation, sin, and destruction seems close and easy to access it's time to "Get Jesus" to help us be victorious over these vices. How are you being tempted right now, and how can Jesus help you overcome?

In this second week of "Get Jesus: He Gets You" Rev. Tom Shinkle looks at the video from the He Gets Us campaign that highlights Jesus welcome all at his table. Jesus' love and invitation is available to all people, that is a core concept of Christianity. But, as Pastor Tom explains, Jesus loves you so much that he doesn't let you stay the way you currently are - he calls all to a better way of living.

Rev. Tom kicks off our Lenten season by looking at the truth of the Gospel - Jesus became human and interacted with people - or as we are saying this year, "He Gets You." Because of this truth, Rev. Tom is calling all of Grand View to spend this Lenten season "Getting Jesus" more this year. How would your next 40 days look differently if you spent more time getting to know Jesus and living differently by what he calls us to do and be?

Rev. Tom continues to talk about the moving of God's Holy Spirit being powerfully present and known throughout our church, our country, and our world. Specifically, this week, he looks at two stories of Jesus and Jesus' people making the news. When we see or hear of these miraculous movements of God, are you quick to be skeptical and cynical, or are you quick to be trusting, expectant, and excited? God is at work here and it involves you - how do you see other people and the work of Jesus in this world?

Rev. Tom takes time to look at the true reason we give to God through our local church. In our human relationships we give because we care and love for the people we call family & friends. The same should be true with our relationship with God - it should cause us to give. Are you committed to giving to God out of love and thanksgiving for all he has done for you?

On a football team not everyone can be the coach, the quarterback, or the lineman - it takes a full team to be successful. In week 2 of "Gifted" Rev. Tom uses that same knowledge and understanding to look at Jesus' team - also known as the church. The truth found in scripture is that we all are gifted by God in unique ways and those unique ways are not just for us, but for the glory of God. How are you using your gifts that God has given you?

Rev. Tom kicks off a new series and season at Grand View with the reminder that "God is at work here and it involves YOU." In this new season, God hasn't changed - God is still moving in our midst - how are you being a part of God's work? In week 1, Rev. Tom looks at the truth that all of God's people have been blessed by God with a spiritual gift - and this gift isn't just for ourselves, but it is to help build up God's church and work in the world.

Rev. Tom continues talking about the movement of God in our personal lives and in the life of our Christian Community. The good news of Jesus and the resurrection reminds us that God can take anything and work it from the God. God is still in the business of moving people and groups of people from one situation into a new way of living. How do you need God to move in your life this year?

Throughout the history of Christianity, the church has divided and organized itself with different ways of understanding God and the role of the Church. This is still happening today. What if instead of seeing this as a division, we saw this as an exciting new movement of God's Holy Spirit? Rev. Tom explains that this type of revival, renewal movement is something that he is excited to be a part of - a movement focused on the main things of loving God and loving people.

As we stand at the beginning of a new year we have lots of opportunities, possibilities, and hope for the year that is in front of us. Rev. Tom takes this Sunday to look at a good, positive change that we could all strive for in 2023 - to be a better Christian. In particular, what if we all strived to be more like Jesus this year? How would your life be different? How could your family, community, church, and nation be different? In the ned, it's all about putting yourself in a position for God to make the changes you need in this new year.

On this first day of the new year, Alec Amosson looks at the opportunity we have to set our priorities and purpose fresh this year. If we believe God has redeemed us through the work of Jesus - we should be living differently with a purpose. How would your year look different if you truly believed that and lived into that purpose?

Have you ever been given a surprise gift for Christmas? How did that make you feel? Think of the surprise that was found in the birth of Jesus. Not what they were expecting, not in the way they were expecting - the birth of Jesus was a prophesied event, but nevertheless it was a surprise. This Christmas, how has Jesus' birth changed anything for you? How can this Christmas be different and give you hope for the new year?

On this most special night of the year, we look at the importance of light in the Christian story. Jesus came into the world to be light in the midst of the darkness that was all around. That was true then, and it is true for us now. What darkness do you need Jesus to shine light into for you this year? And, how can you better know and live into God's love for you this season?

In week 4 of our advent sermon series, "Redeeming Christmas," Rev. Tom looks at the history of the Christmas tree. How does the Christmas Tree represent the different trees that you hear of in the Bible? How has God used trees to help redeem you? And, in this season, how can you help other people hear and know the story of God's redemption in their life?

Following up from last week's sermon on "Redeeming Santa," Rev. Tom this week looks at our history of gift giving for Christmas. Giving gifts to one another is not a bad tradition - but it is worth taking time to look at what we give and why we give. What could you give to someone in your life this year to help them grow in their connection with God and the Christian Community?

In week 2 of "Redeeming Christmas" Rev. Tom looks at the history and importance of Santa (aka St. Nicholas). The true story of the man Saint Nicholas helps us understand how we can redeem the importance of Santa. This Christmas/Advent season, how can you start to ask "What can I give to others?" more than asking "What am I getting from others?"

Rev. Tom kicks off Grand View's Advent sermon series, "Redeeming Christmas" by giving the background that got us to how we celebrate the holiday today. And, in the midst of all that the world does to celebrate Christmas, how can we as Christians use even secular themes to point us to the birth of Jesus? Some say, "culture takes the Christ out of Christmas" - but, is that true for you? Only you can help keep the reason for the celebrations focused on Jesus.

In week 4 of "Can I Get a Witness," Alec Amosson looks at the phrase - "You'll Never Believe What I've Seen" and how that should be true when we talk about Jesus and the church. Our hope and prayer is that everyone has had an unbelievable experience with God through the church. So, what's the next step? 1) Go out and tell other people about it. 2) Keep following the ways of Jesus so that others that come into the Christian Community can have unbelievable encounters with God too.

Rev. Tom continues Grand View's series "Can I Get a Witness?" by looking at Jesus' call to his people to be salt and light in the world. How does that look in our world today? What influence do you have in the people around you to help point them to Jesus?

Rev. Tom takes time on this communion Sunday to look at our call to not only receive grace and mercy from God - but to also give it. When you are in situations where you feel out of control, confused, frustrated, or worried - are you showing the same kind of love, grace, and forgiveness that God shows you? And, as Grand View and other United Methodist Churches look at their future - how can we have tough conversations with this type of 'map' of how to interact with others?

In week 1 of the new series, "Can I Get a Witness?", Rev. Tom looks at the call for all people to share Jesus in their everyday lives. It may be through words, or it may be through how you chose to live your life - different than those around us. This week take time to look back on those Christian Influences in your life and how they impacted your journey with Jesus - and give thanks for them.

Joshua 1:9 reminds the people in the bible and reminds us today that God promises to be with us, therefore we should be strong and confident. In this week's message about "Damka Matters" past mission trip participants Melissa, Blaine, Joie, and Matt share their stories and encourage you to act! How are you called to either support this ministry, or how are you called by God to be in ministry in your context?

Rev. Tom takes time to revisit and remind the congregation of how God has been at work through Grand View since 2012 with the people of Damka, Nigeria. This partnership is Grand View's best attempt at letting God work through the church as we try to live out the scriptures: "Serve the Least of These," and "Here I Am, Send Me."

As Grand View finishes up reading the Gospel of Mark as part of Grand View Reads, Rev. Tom Shinkle looks at some challenging teaching from Jesus in the end of this book. What does it mean for Jesus' followers to be able to withstand snakes and poison? Rev. Tom look at this call and promise from Jesus as an invitation and reminder that with God, you can handle any of the poison and evil that is found around you in this world.

On this World Communion Sunday 2022, Rev. Tom reminds us of the importance of communion - not just the bread and juice - but what they represent. The main thing for the church is to help people be in connection with God and with God's people. Starting today, may we be reminded that all we do must move people into deeper connection.

"You Will"...be strengthened. This promise from God to God's people is not that you will be physically strong to do impressive things - but rather that you can endure, you can get through, you can come out the other side of any battle or issue with God's strength.

What do you do in those times where it feels like you are surrounded by fear? In this week's Big Promise, Rev. Tom looks at God's promise to Israel, God's promise to the early disciples, and God's promise to you - "You Are...not alone."

In Week 2 of "Big Promises," Rev. Tom looks at the promises made to the community in Jeremiah 29 - promises of hope, purpose, and a future. How do those promises look for our community today and for the people that make up that community? Especially after failing God, how do you know God has a bigger, better plan for you yet?

Rev. Tom Shinkle kicks off this new sermon series, "Big Promises," by looking at the promise of God's ability to do anything - and your ability to do anything with God. In Mark 11, Jesus teaches his disciples to speak to the mountains and they will be moved. What are the mountains in your life? And, do you believe that with faith in God YOU CAN overcome them?

Whether you have kids or not, the back to school season impacts our lives and the life of the church - it serves as a mile marker to the last four months of the year. Rev. Tom looks at this reality and Mark 10 to ask - What are your expectations? and What are your hopes? In this week's message Rev. Tom clearly defines how these two are different and how focusing on one leads to a better, God-centered, fulfilling life.

Alec Amosson continues the series, "The Gospel According to Grand View," by looking at the importance of having both something old and something new. We at Grand View, and hopefully us all as Christians, value the importance of the Bible, the Creeds, and the historic understanding of the Trinity as the basis of our faith. It's only from that strong foundation that we can look at doing new things to reach new people for Jesus.

Alec Amosson continues our series, The Gospel According to Grand View, by looking at the emphases at Grand View of the Bible and positive relationships (between God and God's people.) We are called to be in God's words so that we may know him more - and that we may find others that share a similar foundation. When is the last time you opened your Bible? What is your foundation?

Week 2 of the series, "The Gospel According to Grand View" is like no worship celebration we've done before at Grand View. This special time of worship focuses on music - in particular the songs that help define our worshipping body and the scriptures and stories behind them. Through readings, singing, prayers, and teaching may we all connect more deeply with the God that we worship and live lives of worship throughout our weeks.

Rev. Tom kicks off a new sermon series at Grand View, "The Gospel According to Grand View" by looking at 2 things that are central to how we live the faith out in our Christian Community. It's not the Gospel of Grand View, but rather it's about how we embody and follow what Jesus taught us. This includes our understanding that Jesus is available to all - and all means all; and we are called to Love God, Love Others, and Serve Like Jesus Served.

One of the things Christians should care about: our spiritual health and salvation / getting right with God. But do we understand salvation? Many people "bumped into Jesus," or had contact with him when he was in a crowd. Yet not all of them were changed nor saved just from this casual or accidental contact. But there was a woman who deeply believed Jesus could heal her and deliver her from sickness. She simply touched his robe and was healed. What was different?

Pastor Tom discusses Mark's Gospel and the Parable of the Soils. This points us to consider what kind of soil we are - with the hope that we are all working at becoming better and better dirt!