North Raleigh UMC Sermons

Rev. Laura Johnson - May 17, 2026 North Raleigh UMCThe parable of the Good Samaritan reveals a profound truth that transforms how we understand love and community. When a legal expert asked Jesus who his neighbor was, Jesus responded with a story that completely reframed the question. The tale of a Samaritan helping a beaten traveler wasn't just about helping those in need - it was about fundamentally changing how we approach relationships with others.The revolutionary insight is that neighbor is not a noun but a verb. Instead of treating neighbors as objects we identify and help when convenient, Jesus calls us to live as neighbors to everyone we encounter. The Samaritan didn't stop to calculate whether the injured man deserved help or whether he was required to assist. Love was simply his default mode of interaction with the world, making compassion as natural as breathing.This parable also reveals Jesus as the ultimate Good Samaritan who came down to rescue us, tended our wounds, and paid the price for our healing. Through the Holy Spirit's transforming work within us, we can move beyond religious checklists and become people whose lives naturally express love to everyone we meet, regardless of who they are or what they've done.

In this episode of the North Raleigh UMC Behind the Scenes Podcast, Pastor Laura Johnson joins Kevin Van Hall to unpack one of Jesus' most recognizable parables: the Good Samaritan. As the church concludes the sermon series I Love You, But… with the message No Ifs, Ands, or Buts, the conversation explores what it truly means to love without conditions or boundaries.Laura and Kevin dive into the deep historical tension between Jews and Samaritans, helping listeners understand why Jesus' choice to make the Samaritan the hero of the story was so shocking. Together they discuss the priest, the Levite, and the wounded man on the road to Jericho, examining how fear, excuses, and self-preservation can keep people from showing compassion.The episode highlights Jesus' challenge to redefine “neighbor” not as a category of people we choose to love, but as a way we live toward others. Laura reflects on how the Samaritan mirrors the compassion of Christ Himself — offering mercy, healing, generosity, and care with no strings attached.The conversation also connects the parable to Ascension Sunday and the church's call to continue Christ's work in the world until He comes again. Listeners are invited to consider how faith becomes real through action, mercy, and love that moves beyond words.Plus, hear details about upcoming Pentecost celebrations, wearing red for worship, possible birthday cake for the church, and the children's musical Storms coming this Sunday evening.I Love You, But...No Ifs Ands Or ButsWhen Jesus was pressed to define who is and isn't worthy of being loved like a neighbor, he was clear in his response: the love of God that shines through us is to be unlimited in its reach. We are to love our neighbors, no ifs, ands, or buts. Join us this Sunday as we revisit the story of the Good Samaritan and consider Christ's call to expand our understanding of "neighbor" to include all.

5/10/2026 Rev. Kevin Johnson North Raleigh UMCDiscover the hidden lessons in the Prodigal Son parable that reveal profound truths about God's love, grace, and our spiritual identity. This powerful biblical story explores two different struggles with divine love: feeling unworthy versus feeling overlooked. Learn why the older brother's jealousy represents a common challenge for faithful believers and how taking God's blessings for granted can damage our relationship with Him.Explore key themes including sibling rivalry in biblical history, the difference between earned and unmerited grace, and why God's love isn't a competition. Understand how divine grace operates differently from worldly economics and why someone else receiving God's blessing doesn't diminish what's available to you.This message addresses common spiritual struggles like jealousy among believers, taking God's love for granted, questioning our belovedness, and learning to cultivate gratitude for daily blessings. Discover practical ways to recognize God's constant presence and remember your identity as His beloved child.Perfect for anyone wrestling with feelings of spiritual inadequacy, jealousy toward other believers, or questions about God's love. Learn how to respond when God asks Do you love me and find freedom from comparison and competition in your faith journey.Key topics covered: biblical parables explained, understanding God's grace, overcoming spiritual jealousy, cultivating gratitude, remembering your identity in Christ, responding to God's love, and finding security in divine acceptance.

Forgiveness stands as one of the most difficult yet essential aspects of Christian faith. When someone has deeply wounded us, the question becomes how to love while still forgiving. Jesus established forgiveness as foundational, telling Peter to forgive not seven times but seventy times seven, demonstrating unlimited grace. Even while suffering on the cross, Jesus prayed for his torturers' forgiveness and offered salvation to the thief beside him.The importance of forgiveness becomes clear through Jesus' parable of the unforgiving servant, where a man forgiven an enormous debt refused to forgive a much smaller one. This story reveals that unforgiveness creates its own prison, keeping us bound by resentment and preventing us from living freely. Many resist forgiveness due to misconceptions, believing it means accepting harmful behavior, freeing others from consequences, or maintaining dangerous relationships. In reality, forgiveness is primarily heart work that involves releasing resentment, letting go of ill will, and recognizing our shared need for grace.Archbishop Desmond Tutu developed a practical four-step process that helped heal an entire nation: tell your story honestly to trusted people, name the specific emotions and hurts you're carrying, grant forgiveness as a daily choice rather than waiting for feelings to change, and decide whether to renew the relationship with boundaries or release it entirely. Even when apologies never come, forgiveness remains both possible and necessary for our own freedom from the burden of carrying resentment.Learn how to forgive when it feels impossible with this biblical guide to letting go of resentment and finding freedom. Discover what Jesus taught about unlimited forgiveness and why it's essential for spiritual growth and emotional healing. This comprehensive guide explores common misconceptions about forgiveness, explaining what it does and doesn't mean for relationships and personal boundaries.Explore the powerful parable of the unforgiving servant and understand how unforgiveness becomes its own prison, keeping you bound by anger and resentment. Learn practical steps for forgiveness using Archbishop Desmond Tutu's proven four-step process that helped heal South Africa after apartheid: telling your story, naming your hurt, granting forgiveness as a choice, and deciding how to move forward with relationships.This biblical approach to forgiveness addresses difficult situations including abuse, betrayal, loss, and unresolved conflicts. Discover how to forgive even when apologies never come and how to set healthy boundaries while still choosing grace. Whether you're struggling to forgive others or yourself, this guide provides scriptural wisdom and practical tools for emotional healing and spiritual freedom.Topics covered include Jesus' teachings on forgiveness, the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation, protecting yourself while choosing grace, dealing with unrepentant people, and finding peace after deep wounds. Perfect for anyone seeking biblical guidance on one of faith's most challenging commands.

What does it really mean to forgive—especially when someone never apologizes? In this powerful episode of the North Raleigh United Methodist Church “Behind the Scenes” Podcast, Pastor Laura Johnson and host Kevin Van Hall dive deep into one of the hardest questions of the Christian faith: How do I forgive someone who has truly hurt me?Exploring Jesus' teachings in Matthew 18 (the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant) and Luke 23 (Jesus' words on the cross: “Father, forgive them”), this conversation unpacks the tension between forgiveness, justice, accountability, and healing. Together, they tackle real-life questions about resentment, toxic relationships, unanswered apologies, and what forgiveness looks like in everyday life.If you've ever struggled with letting go of anger, reconciling faith with real pain, or understanding what the Bible says about forgiveness, this episode offers honest insights, practical wisdom, and a grace-filled perspective.✨ In this episode, you'll discover: What Jesus really meant by “forgive 77 times”  Whether forgiveness requires an apology  The difference between forgiveness and reconciliation  How to forgive someone who doesn't think they did anything wrong  Why forgiveness is essential for your own spiritual and emotional health  How Jesus modeled radical forgiveness—even on the cross This episode is part of the “I Love You, But…” sermon series, tackling tough conversations in Christian life, relationships, and belief.

Throughout Christian history, believers have wrestled with disagreements on biblical interpretation, from women in ministry to church practices and theological positions. These differences can feel deeply personal and divisive, yet they have existed since the earliest days of the church. The challenge lies not in eliminating disagreements but in learning how to maintain unity despite our differences.Many Christians approach Scripture with biblical literalism, believing interpretation should be straightforward. However, this becomes complicated when encountering seemingly contradictory passages, such as Paul's restrictions on women teaching in 1 Timothy while simultaneously empowering female leaders like Phoebe and Lydia. The Wesleyan Quadrilateral offers a framework for interpretation using Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience, recognizing that while Scripture is authoritative and inspired, reading and applying it always involves interpretation.The Corinthian church faced similar divisions when factions developed around different leaders like Paul and Apollos. Paul's response was direct: both he and Apollos were simply servants with different roles, but God made everything grow. As Christians mature, it's tempting to create categories of right and wrong believers based on theological differences, leading to the countless denominational splits throughout history. However, Jesus consistently connected with people across all theological and social boundaries. True Christian maturity involves holding convictions both tightly and loosely, growing in knowledge while simultaneously growing in the fruits of the Spirit. Our unity comes from one Lord, one faith, one baptism, reminding us that we are one body even when we disagree on specific points of doctrine.Why do Christians disagree on biblical interpretation and church practices? This comprehensive exploration examines the roots of Christian disagreements from the early church to today, covering topics like women in ministry, biblical literalism, and theological differences that divide believers. Learn about the Wesleyan Quadrilateral approach to Scripture interpretation using tradition, reason, and experience alongside biblical text. Discover how the Corinthian church dealt with factions and divisions, and what the Apostle Paul taught about unity in diversity. This message addresses common questions about biblical interpretation methods, denominational differences, church unity, and Christian maturity. Whether you're struggling with theological disagreements in your church, wondering how to interpret difficult Bible passages, or seeking to understand different Christian perspectives, this teaching provides practical wisdom for navigating faith differences with love and humility. Topics covered include biblical hermeneutics, church history, denominational splits, spiritual maturity, fruits of the Spirit, and maintaining Christian fellowship despite doctrinal differences. Perfect for anyone interested in biblical studies, church leadership, Christian apologetics, or understanding how to build unity in diverse faith communities. Learn how to hold your convictions passionately while growing in love, gentleness, and humility toward fellow believers who interpret Scripture differently.

Political polarization has reached a breaking point in our personal relationships, creating divisions between family members, friends, and potential romantic partners. We have learned to treat politics like team sports, putting on partisan jerseys that immediately categorize others as allies or enemies, leaving no room for nuance or middle ground.The apostle Peter addressed early Christians facing persecution for their faith, reminding them that their primary identity was as God's chosen people, not citizens of any earthly nation. This biblical perspective offers a framework for navigating political differences today. Rather than allowing political affiliation to define us, Christians are called to ground their identity first and foremost in Jesus Christ and citizenship in God's kingdom.To love people we disagree with politically requires intentional steps: removing our partisan identity when approaching others, recognizing that people are far more complex than their political views, prioritizing loving posture over being right, extending grace instead of judgment, and remembering our ultimate allegiance to Christ. Jesus demonstrated this approach with his diverse group of disciples, who represented a complete spectrum of political views from tax collectors to zealots. By approaching others with curiosity rather than condemnation, asking questions to understand their hearts rather than attacking their minds, we can preserve and strengthen relationships while maintaining our convictions. The goal is not to change minds but to love people, remembering that we all need grace and none of us has perfect understanding of every political issue.

Discover the profound wisdom behind Jesus' response to one of the most challenging questions in the Bible. When religious leaders tried to trap Jesus by asking about the greatest commandment, His answer revealed life-changing truths about love, faith, and relationships that still transform lives today.Learn why loving God with all your heart, soul, and mind isn't about perfect emotions or special knowledge, but about faithful commitment and action. Explore the Hebrew concept of hesed - steadfast, faithful love that never lets go - and discover how this applies to your daily walk with God. Understand why you don't have to manufacture love for God, but can receive it first and then reflect it back.Uncover why Jesus added a second commandment about loving your neighbor and why these two commandments are inseparable. Find out who your neighbor really is according to biblical teaching, and learn practical ways to love even the difficult people in your life. Discover how genuine faith transforms relationships with family, coworkers, fellow believers, and everyone you encounter.This message addresses common struggles Christians face: How do you love God when you don't always feel emotional about faith? What does it mean to love difficult people? How can you tell if someone is a genuine follower of Jesus? Learn how receiving God's love first enables you to love others authentically.Explore practical applications for putting your whole self into loving God - including areas like finances, relationships, career, and time that you might be holding back. Get specific strategies for showing love to challenging people in your life and discover how Scripture should build up rather than tear down others.Perfect for anyone seeking to understand biblical love, improve relationships, grow in faith, or learn how to apply Jesus' teachings in daily life. Whether you're struggling with difficult relationships, wanting to deepen your relationship with God, or looking for practical Christian living guidance, this message provides biblical wisdom and actionable insights.Keywords: greatest commandment, love God, love neighbor, Christian relationships, biblical love, Jesus teachings, faith and relationships, loving difficult people, Christian living, spiritual growth, Bible study, Matthew 22, Shema prayer, Hebrew hesed, faithful love.

Discover why the question Who sinned leads us away from understanding God's true nature and grace. This powerful message explores the story of Jesus healing a blind man in John 9 and challenges common misconceptions about suffering, faith, and God's role in difficult circumstances. Learn the crucial difference between grace-based and karma-based Christianity, and why many believers unknowingly operate with a prosperity theology mindset that creates spiritual confusion during times of hardship.Explore the true meaning of Romans 8:28 and discover why God working all things together for good doesn't mean God causes every tragedy. Understand how the Holy Spirit intercedes for us when we cannot even pray, offering hope through divine presence rather than theological explanations. This message addresses theodicy, the age-old question of how to reconcile belief in a loving God with the reality of suffering in our world.Key topics covered include understanding grace versus karma in Christian faith, the role of the Holy Spirit during suffering, proper interpretation of Romans 8:28, moving beyond blame when tragedy strikes, finding God's presence in pain and difficulty, and discovering hope without needing all the answers. Whether you're struggling with personal hardship, questioning God's goodness during difficult times, or seeking to understand how faith and suffering intersect, this message provides biblical insight and practical application.Perfect for anyone wrestling with questions about why bad things happen to good people, seeking comfort during trials, or wanting to develop a more grace-centered understanding of God's character. Learn how to offer grace instead of judgment to those who are suffering and discover where God might be working even in your most challenging circumstances.

Discover the profound spiritual truth behind one of Scripture's most compelling questions: Will you give me a drink? This powerful message explores the deeper meaning of thirst - not just physical, but the soul-deep longing we all experience for purpose, belonging, peace, and spiritual fulfillment. Through the biblical stories of the Israelites in the wilderness and Jesus' transformative encounter with the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well, learn how God provides living water that truly satisfies.Explore themes of spiritual thirst, divine provision, grace, transformation, and authentic community connection. Understand how Jesus deliberately crossed cultural boundaries to offer hope and healing, and discover what it means to move from being spiritually thirsty to becoming a spring of living water for others. This message addresses universal human needs for security, forgiveness, meaning, and belonging while showing how God's prevenient grace works even when our faith wavers.Key topics include: spiritual thirst and soul needs, biblical stories of divine provision, Jesus crossing cultural divides, the Samaritan woman's transformation, leaving behind what no longer serves us, becoming vessels of grace, overcoming social barriers, authentic vulnerability in relationships, and practical ways to live as springs of living water in today's divided world.Whether you're feeling spiritually dry, searching for deeper meaning, struggling with belonging, or wanting to make a positive impact in your community, this message offers hope and practical guidance. Learn how small acts of courage like listening before speaking, choosing curiosity over assumptions, and sharing your story authentically can transform communities and relationships.Perfect for anyone interested in Christian spirituality, biblical teachings, personal transformation, community building, social justice, interfaith dialogue, and practical faith application. Discover how God's grace flows freely to everyone and how we can become conduits of that grace in a world that desperately needs connection and hope.

Discover the profound meaning of spiritual rebirth and how to begin again in your faith journey. This exploration of Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus reveals the difference between physical birth and being born from above through water and spirit. Learn why spiritual questions and doubts aren't enemies of faith but opportunities for deeper growth and understanding.Key topics covered include the nature of spiritual transformation, understanding God's kingdom as both present reality and future hope, and navigating the challenges of faith as a lifelong thru-hike. Whether you're new to faith, struggling with doubts, or feeling stuck in spiritual routine, this message offers hope for new beginnings.Perfect for anyone seeking spiritual renewal, exploring Christianity, dealing with religious questions, or looking for meaning during life transitions. Discover how God's Spirit works mysteriously to bring transformation and open our eyes to see divine kingdom principles operating in everyday life.Topics: spiritual rebirth, born again meaning, faith and doubt, Christian transformation, spiritual growth, religious questions, God's kingdom, new beginnings, spiritual renewal, faith journey, biblical teaching, Jesus and Nicodemus, overcoming spiritual darkness, finding God, Christian living, spiritual awakening, religious seeking, faith development, spiritual maturity, divine transformation.

Discover how to identify and follow God's voice amidst life's competing influences in this powerful exploration of spiritual discernment and biblical wisdom. Learn from Jesus' wilderness temptation experience and develop practical strategies for hearing God clearly during difficult times.This message examines the three temptations Jesus faced during his 40-day wilderness experience and reveals how his responses demonstrate the kind of spiritual leadership we need in our own lives. Explore how Jesus used Scripture and his relationship with the Father to resist temptation and maintain his mission focus.Key topics covered include spiritual discernment, biblical meditation, prayer practices, wilderness experiences, temptation resistance, Christian discipleship, spiritual formation, and practical faith application. Learn about the importance of regular Bible study, developing a consistent prayer life, and practicing self-denial and service as ways to strengthen your spiritual foundation.This teaching provides actionable steps for spiritual growth including daily Scripture reading, varied prayer practices, and intentional service opportunities. Discover how the season of Lent can serve as a training ground for spiritual development and preparation for life's inevitable challenges.Whether you're facing difficult decisions, overwhelming circumstances, or simply want to grow deeper in your faith, this message offers biblical wisdom and practical guidance for discerning God's voice above the noise of daily life. Learn how to train your spiritual senses to recognize divine guidance and develop the spiritual muscles needed for holy living.Perfect for anyone seeking spiritual growth, biblical wisdom, Christian discipleship guidance, or practical faith application in daily life. This message combines scriptural teaching with actionable steps for spiritual development and character formation.

Discover what it truly means to do justice according to God's Word and how to move from passive hope to active participation in bringing justice to your community. This powerful exploration of Micah 6:8 reveals the three essential requirements God has for believers: doing justice, embracing faithful love, and walking humbly with God. Learn about biblical justice, God's heart for the vulnerable, and practical ways to make a difference in your neighborhood. Perfect for Christians seeking to understand social justice from a biblical perspective, this message addresses common questions about faith and activism, the church's role in society, and how to respond to injustice as followers of Christ. Topics covered include Old Testament justice, Micah 6:8 explained, biblical social action, Christian response to injustice, faith and social justice, God's concern for the poor and marginalized, practical Christianity, and moving from online activism to real-world impact. Whether you're struggling with how to respond to overwhelming news cycles or wondering what the Bible says about justice and mercy, this message provides clear biblical guidance for living out your faith through concrete action. Explore how Martin Luther King Jr.'s Letter from Birmingham Jail challenges modern churches, why God shows preferential concern for widows, orphans, immigrants and the poor, and how to avoid common pitfalls that keep Christians from engaging in justice work. Learn the difference between criminal justice and social justice from a biblical worldview, understand why justice reflects God's nature, and discover practical steps for partnering with God in bringing His kingdom values to earth. This message is essential for anyone wanting to understand what the Lord requires and how to live out authentic biblical faith in today's world.

What Does the Lord Require? The prophet Micah describes the ways that Israel has failed and forgotten God, and it feels like they're in serious trouble. Like they need to repay something to God. So the prophet asks, “what does the Lord require?” It turns out, justice does not mean “equaling the scales” for God. But the Lord requires doing justice, embracing faithful love, and walking humbly with God.  | Psalter: Psalm 15 (UMH 747) Micah 6:1-8

Traditional Worship 12/21 - The Thrill of Hope- He Will Save His People from Their Sins - Rev. Laura Johnson Advent 3 -The Thrill of Hope- He Will Save His People from Their Sins Joseph was faithful. He didn't want to humiliate Mary, but then the angel came to him. And Joseph learned that this child within Mary would save his people from their sins. What a promise of hope–salvation is coming! Isaiah 7:10-16 (NRSV) and Matthew 1:18-25 (NRSV) A Thrill of Hope: There are seasons of life when hope feels hard to come by. Will it get any better? Will things ever change? The good news of Advent rushes upon us with a thrill: Yes! There is hope! Join us this season as we wait for the thrill of hope in the coming of Jesus. 

A Thrill of Hope: Lifting up the Lowly - Rev. Kevin JohnsonAdvent 2 - The Thrill of Hope- Lifting Up the LowlyMary bursts forth with a song that she cannot contain. She doesn't know how everything will happen, but she has confidence in God's character and history. God always lifts up the lowly, feeds the hungry, and takes the side of the oppressed. A song of hope indeed!Isaiah 11:1-10 (CEB) & Luke 1:39-56 (CEB)A Thrill of Hope: There are seasons of life when hope feels hard to come by. Will it get any better? Will things ever change? The good news of Advent rushes upon us with a thrill: Yes! There is hope! Join us this season as we wait for the thrill of hope in the coming of Jesus.

Advent 1 - A Thrill of Hope (Candle of Hope) - Here it Comes!John the Baptist appears on the scene with a bold proclamation: God's Kingdom is on its way!  And he announces that the One who comes after him will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.  What a message!  It's a thrill of hope (and a warning)."Isaiah 2:1-5 (CEB) and Matthew 3:1-12 (CEB)A Thrill of Hope: There are seasons of life when hope feels hard to come by. Will it get any better? Will things ever change? The good news of Advent rushes upon us with a thrill: Yes! There is hope! Join us this season as we wait for the thrill of hope in the coming of Jesus.

Windows into Faith: The Humble King - Rev. Kevin JohnsonChrist the King Sunday- The Humble KingOn this Christ the Kingdom Sunday we will consider the kind of Kingship Jesus embraced, for Jesus was a King who rode into his city on a donkey, without armed guards and shows of political might, but with joy, love, and a heart for God's people. What wisdom can we glean from our sanctuary window depicting the triumphal entry, and how might we live as faithful citizens of Christ's Kingdom today?Windows Into FaithWe are surrounded by the stories of our faith every Sunday. Are they just pretty colors of glass? Or, could these stories of faith be here to shape us as followers of Jesus and his community together? Join us for this series as we explore the stories of the saints of old and consider how we may live as saints of God today.Colossians 1:11-20 and Luke 19:29-40