HPUMC - Sanctuary Sermons (Traditional Worship)

Rev. Matt Tuggle

Rev. Matt Tuggle

Hannah Buchanan

Rev. Chelsea Peddecord

Rev. Chip Robertson | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. Empty. What comes to your mind when you hear the word “empty"? Sometimes it refers to the absence of something; we open a box, and there is nothing in it. Sometimes it's a feeling; something or someone important seems to be missing from our lives. Sometimes it's a verb, the act of removing content and leaving an openness; we empty the trash. Physicists tell us that nature abhors a vacuum, and how we fill that emptiness really matters. In this sermon, we're going to start thinking about emptiness. It's something many authors and social scientists think too many of us are experiencing these days. But, as usual, God has an idea about the problem. And sometimes God teaches us in the most unexpected ways.  

Rev. Matt Tuggle | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. What is downstream of you? You want to make a difference; all of us do. Who we are, what we value, how we speak, how we spend, how we love, how we forgive, and how we show up—or fail to show up—does not stop with us. Every life has an outflow. You want the world—or at least your family and friends—to be better because you are here. You want the outflow of your life to bless others' lives. Things like intentional love, sacrificial generosity, wise stewardship, and faithful service send hope, stability, and blessing downstream. They send evidence that another way of living is possible. A decade ago, Nicholas Kristof wrote, “The people I've encountered over the years in the most impossible places—like Nuba, where anyone reasonable has fled—are disproportionately unreasonable because of their faith.” Faith—and specifically faith in Christ—does something to a person. Alongside the moral clarity and motivation faith provides, the apostle Paul believed faith in Christ actually, fundamentally changes a person. In this sermon, we explore how faith can change a person and change a life.

Rev. Matt Tuggle | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. God's will is something we've all wrestled with at different points—whether we're facing a major life decision like a move or career change or simply trying to discern where we belong and how we should live day to day. We often approach these moments wondering if we're choosing what God has planned for us. But Colossians 1:9-14 reminds us that, while we may not always know every detail, God's will is not hidden from us. It is knowable, doable, and good.  At its core, God's desire is to form us into people who love Him fully and love others deeply. And the good news is that God is not only guiding us—He is actively working within us, through His power, to make that kind of life possible. He understands the deepest desires of our hearts even better than we do, and His will is ultimately for our good and the good of others.

Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. Jesus was asked many questions throughout his life. In fact, most of his teachings come as responses to what people asked or assumed. But here, just before his final week, Jesus turns the tables and asks a question himself—twice, in two different conversations: “What do you want?” First, a mother comes on behalf of her sons, asking for places of honor in his kingdom (Matthew 20:20-28). Then, two blind men cry out from the roadside, simply asking to see (Matthew 20:29-34). It's a familiar question, but Jesus invites a deeper answer, one that moves beyond surface desires to the longings underneath. Placed side by side, these stories invite us to compare and reflect. One asks for power, and the other asks for sight. One reveals a kind of blindness despite proximity to Jesus, and the other demonstrates true spiritual vision despite physical blindness. Both, however, need Jesus to open their eyes in different ways. Through these moments, Jesus redefines life in his kingdom: greatness is not found in status or control but in service, sacrifice, and surrender—the way up is down. He not only teaches this truth but lives it, moving toward the cross and praying, “Not my will, but yours be done.” His invitation is to examine what we want, uncover what we really want, and bring those desires honestly to him. As we follow Jesus, we trust that he will reshape our desires according to his will.

Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. “What does ‘humble' mean?” That's the question before us in this sermon. It is a question that many of us have asked throughout our lifetime. Humility is something that we hear about all throughout the Bible and is a common theme in Jesus' life. Though the disciples saw pure humility in their lives of following Jesus, in Matthew 18 we see them challenge it with human pride, competition, and comparison. Despite everything they had seen, they were still measuring greatness the way the world measures it. And don't we do the same? We compare. We compete. We seek recognition. We want to be seen, valued, and elevated. The disciples' struggle with humility isn't distant from us—it mirrors our own hearts. Their question reveals something deeply human: the pull toward pride and self-importance. Jesus responds in a way that completely redefines greatness. He calls a child to himself and says that unless we become like little children—lowly, dependent, and unassuming—we cannot even enter the kingdom of heaven. In other words, humility is not optional in the Christian life. It is essential. Let's explore what it means to be humble together as we continue our Lenten journey toward the cross and the empty tomb.

Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. Jesus' parable of the mustard seed in Matthew 13:31–33 reveals that the kingdom of God often begins in ways that seem small, hidden, and insignificant but ultimately become transformative and far-reaching. Just as a seed absorbs water, soil, and light to become something new, Jesus' ministry began in the obscure village of Nazareth within the vast Roman Empire. What started small grew into a movement that outlasted empires and changed the world.  Jesus understood that his Father's kingdom is ever-expanding, and he continues this seed-like work in human hearts today—absorbing pain, shame, addiction, and sorrow and transforming them into hope, forgiveness, healing, and love. The central message is that the world changes one human heart at a time. Though individual lives may feel small and insignificant in the face of seemingly overwhelming global problems, God works through quiet, faithful transformation, turning surrendered hearts into catalysts for change in families, communities, and beyond.  

Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. Luke 5 opens with Peter, a skilled fisherman, exhausted after a night of empty nets. It is in the midst of this frustration that Jesus steps into Peter's boat, meeting him in his ordinary work. When Jesus tells him to go into deep water and lower his nets, Peter chooses trust over relying on his own expertise (Luke 5:5). His obedience results in an overwhelming catch that nearly sinks two boats. Rather than celebrating, Peter falls to his knees in awe and confesses his unworthiness. Jesus responds with a new calling: “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people” (Luke 5:10). Peter leaves everything to follow him, showing that true life is found in following Jesus, not clinging to the blessings he has provided. This week's message invites us beyond shallow safety into deeper trust with God and reminds us that our everyday places (work, school, and home) are where Jesus calls us to join his mission. He steps into our boats first, meeting us where we are, before we ever prove ourselves worthy.  

Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. Life is full of beginnings and endings. Most of the time, we get more excited about the former. With relationships, opportunities, careers, etc., there is a level of excitement and expectation with something new. Hope abounds. With endings, not so much. There is a finality to endings that often seems unsettling. There is a fear of uncertainty that can be particularly debilitating. But what if our perspective on both was just a bit off? What if beginnings and endings were far more connected than we realize? New things cannot begin if something else doesn't end. Life goes in seasons of life, death, and resurrection, or in other words, beginnings, endings, and new beginnings. We see that new beginnings mean new blessings and new mercies from God. Endings do not always have to have a negative connotation; there can be a glimmer of hope.

Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. Have you met many shepherds lately? Seems like a dying profession. They're out there, but they don't get much press. Which is a shame, because Jesus thought the work of a shepherd was mission-critical.  Turns out, it still is. The work of a shepherd is intentional, tedious, and repetitive. A shepherd knows their flock, how many are supposed to be there, and notices when one wanders off. You've got to know your flock well to notice when just a singular sheep goes astray. That's how God knows us.  That's why, nearly 100 years ago to the day, Dr. Umphrey Lee decided that Jesus' Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:1–7) should be the featured Scripture adorning the walls of our Sanctuary. As we go through week three of “The Final Four,” we'll take a look at this marvelous story and why it's more relevant than ever.

Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. What do you think about when you think about God? Is God tall or short? Mean or kind? Present or distant? Angry or content? All of the above? At some point, we all consider what God is like. Even the most confident atheist had to come up with an understanding of God that they would decide to reject. So, one more time, what do you think about when you think about God?  What you believe about God also shapes how you see yourself. If God is loving, then you are lovable. If God is merciful, then you are more likely to forgive yourself. It doesn't stop there. The way you think about God determines how you love people. A God who keeps score often produces relationships marked by judgment and comparison. A God who delights in mercy forms people who are slower to condemn and quicker to restore. We tend to treat others the way we believe God treats us. So the question matters deeply: What do you think about when you think about God? Because that belief doesn't stay in your head—it moves into your prayers, your self-worth, your relationships, and the way you move through the world. Change your understanding of God, and over time, you change the way you live.

Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. The comparison trap can be harmful. That insatiable allure of being more like someone else than who we are meant to be. Why is it so difficult to believe in ourselves? We were fearfully and wonderfully made, and we tend to forget that when comparison seeps in. We look around constantly at the masterpieces that God created, forgetting that we are also a masterpiece created by God. Humans were specifically and intentionally created by the God of the universe. Every part of our lives—our gifts, personalities, stories, and even our struggles—is connected to our lives for a purpose.  Believing in ourselves becomes difficult because comparison trains us to measure our value externally rather than anchor it in truth. Instead of resting in who God says we are, we look for validation in people's achievements, appearances, or approval. Fear creeps in—fear of not measuring up, fear of being overlooked, fear that we somehow missed the mark in who we were created to be. We were not short-changed when God created us. Over time, this fear erodes confidence and replaces faith with insecurity. Letting go of comparison is an act of faith. It is choosing to believe that we are enough—not because we are perfect, but because we are God's.

Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. Got any storms in your life? Of course you do. This world is full of chaos and turbulence—unexpected waves that crash into our plans, sudden winds that shake our confidence, and silent pressures that weigh on our hearts. Sometimes that chaos rises from within us. And sometimes that chaos originates in the world around us. If only we could find some peace. Christmas reminds us that God sees our storms. God knows our chaos and cares deeply about guiding us into peace. The miracle of Christmas is not just that Christ came into the world—it's that he came into our world with all its mess, noise, and struggle. Peace didn't wait for the world to quiet down; peace stepped into the noise. And the good news is, peace is closer than we think. On this second Sunday of Advent, we will dive deeper into how to find that peace that is closer than we think.

Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. Thanksgiving is a time for abundant activity. And for many, one of the more common activities is getting together with THOSE PEOPLE. You know what I mean—THOSE PEOPLE—the ones you don't get along with, agree with, or even enjoy being around. The good news is, being around those people doesn't have to be a bad experience. In fact, Jesus gives us a pretty good model for being around people who were nothing like him. So whether it's during Thanksgiving—or any other day—if you struggle with those people, you'll want to hear this message.

Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. God is good, all the time! And, all the time, God is good! We believe that. We proclaim that. But c'mon... Aren't there days when you feel like you've lost all momentum when it comes to experiencing the goodness of God? You've been following God, worshiping God, and praying to God just like you were told, and your life seems to be anything but good. What then? If you have ever wondered where the goodness of God has gone, you'll want to hear this message. We'll be in the third week of our exploration of 1 & 2 Samuel as we look at the life of David.

Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. You have nothing to fear! Has anyone ever said that to you when you were fearful of something? And they probably meant well. They were just trying to calm you down by minimizing the object of your fear. But what if the object of your fear really exists? How do you avoid being fearful when there really is something to be afraid of?  Fear is a natural part of life and something that we can often hide behind. But just because we can hide behind it doesn't mean we don't have to. Frequently in the Bible, we see “Do not be afraid” or “Fear not,” and those can be reminders that fear does not need to be in control. In this sermon, we learn about a young David standing firm in the face of fear and leaning into the strength of God.  

Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. It's time to celebrate! When Project Mockingbird began, we invited you to be part of the "echo" in order to continue the great work of HPUMC over the past 109 years, both ON and FROM the corner of Hillcrest and Mockingbird. We believe the brighter HPUMC shines, the more light we bring to our community and the city of Dallas. You have answered that call.  Your support is a testament to the strength of a church that has made an impact and will continue to do so for years to come. Thanks to your generosity, we are moving forward with initiatives focused on a thriving church, thriving leadership, and thriving community partners. Our work remains ahead of us, but through this celebration, we are encouraged to keep moving forward.