One Church Sermons

Jesus, by his miraculous power, is able to feed 5,000+ people with a few loaves of bread and fish. It's a miracle! And he does so by empowering his disciples to serve the crowds. Today, Jesus is still equipping and empowering ordinary people like you and me to serve others. Download the sermon notes (https://acts2umc.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2020/03/2020-Mar-13-1C.pdf) Follow One Church: Website (https://onechurchacts2.com) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/onechurchacts2) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/onechurchacts2) Twitter (https://www.twitter.com/onechurchacts2)

We've all been there before. We feel too busy to even eat. Thankfully, Jesus calls us out of the busyness and to rest in him. In Mark 6, Jesus says to his disciples, "Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while." And Jesus invites us to find rest in him, too. Download the sermon notes (https://acts2umc.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2020/03/2020-Mar-6-1C.pdf) Follow One Church: Website (https://onechurchacts2.com) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/onechurchacts2) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/onechurchacts2) Twitter (https://www.twitter.com/onechurchacts2)

What is worship? Is it simply singing a few songs? Could it be that worship is much more than we ever imagined? In Romans 12, we read that true worship is offering every part of us to God. Two practices that help us do that more and more are worshipping in community and praying. Download the sermon notes. (https://acts2umc.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2020/03/2020-Feb-28-1C-.pdf) Follow One Church: Website (https://onechurchacts2.com) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/onechurchacts2) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/onechurchacts2) Twitter (https://www.twitter.com/onechurchacts2)

The #1 thing you can do for the health of your marriage is to become healthy yourself. So, how can we help one another become emotionally healthy? Dr. Mark Foster shares three questions to consider before getting married and biblical guidance for loving well. Download the sermon notes. (https://acts2umc.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2020/02/2020-Feb-21-23-1C-A2.pdf) Follow One Church: Website (https://onechurchacts2.com) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/onechurchacts2) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/onechurchacts2) Twitter (https://www.twitter.com/onechurchacts2)

The beginning of marriage is exciting, but it's also challenging--particularly when you realize your spouse's habits, expectations, and dreams are much different than your own. And when children enter the picture, everything else goes out the window as we just try to get by. But when we clothe ourselves with the character of Jesus, we can learn to navigate difference and conflict so that we're able "to love and to cherish" one another for a lifetime. Download the sermon notes. (https://acts2umc.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2020/02/2020-Feb-7-1C-.pdf) Follow One Church: Website (https://onechurchacts2.com) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/onechurchacts2) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/onechurchacts2) Twitter (https://www.twitter.com/onechurchacts2)

Over the years, dating has changed drastically! What does dating look like today? Even more important, what role does faith in God have with dating and singleness? In this sermon, we explore contemporary dating, Scriptures pertaining to singleness, and what the church can do to equip single people. Download the sermon notes. (https://acts2umc.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2020/02/2020-Jan-31-1C.pdf) Follow One Church: Website (https://onechurchacts2.com) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/onechurchacts2) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/onechurchacts2) Twitter (https://www.twitter.com/onechurchacts2)

Did you know that it is possible to do loving deeds without actually having love? Jonah is a great example of this. Although he (eventually) went to Nineveh, he still harbored ill feelings toward the Ninevites. Unlike Jonah, we can choose "the most excellent way" and can join God in loving all people! Download the sermon notes. (https://acts2umc.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2020/01/2020-Jan-24-1C.pdf) Follow One Church: Website (https://acts2umc.org/connect/one-church/) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/onechurchacts2) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/onechurchacts2) Twitter (https://www.twitter.com/onechurchacts2)

"Yes." It's a short, simple word. A word we probaby say many times each day. However, saying "yes" to God is the best decision we can make. In God's Kingdom, even one "yes" can go a long way. Download the sermon notes. (https://acts2umc.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2020/01/2020-Jan-17-1C.pdf)

Is it possible to become familiar with God's voice? Jesus certainly thought so. Through experience and examination, we, too, can become more familiar with God's voice and learn to discern it from other voices. Download the sermon notes. (https://acts2umc.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2020/01/2020-Jan-10-1C.pdf)

God is calling you and me, which is wonderful news! The problem is, we often don't know how to discern God's voice. Thankfully, we can learn how to better hear God's voice through practice, prayer, and community. Download the sermon notes. (https://acts2umc.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2020/01/2020-Jan-3-1C.pdf) Follow One Church: Website (https://onechurchacts2.com) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/onechurchacts2) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/onechurchacts2) Twitter (https://www.twitter.com/onechurchacts2)

It's the most wonderful time of the year...for some of us. For others, this time of the year can be filled with disappointments and unmet expectations. In Matthew 2, we see that the first Christmas ever did not go how Mary and Joseph had expected. When we, too, find ourselves in difficult, unexpected places in life, we can rest in God's love and find comfort in community. Download the sermon notes. (https://acts2umc.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2019/12/2019-Dec-27-1C-1.pdf) Follow One Church: Website (https://onechurchacts2.com) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/onechurchacts2) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/onechurchacts2) Twitter (https://www.twitter.com/onechurchacts2)

In the midst of darkness, God sends light. At Christmas, we remember that even when things seem dark, God is close to us, and God is near, because Jesus is Emmanuel--God with us. Follow One Church: Website (https://onechurchacts2.com) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/onechurchacts2) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/onechurchacts2) Twitter (https://www.twitter.com/onechurchacts2)

Aim at joy and you’ll miss it. Joy happens while we are busy serving others, in the quiet of a forest, or in the prayer of thanks for another day of grace from Jesus. In this sermon, Dr. Mark Foster looks at joy as described in the Bible from the prophet Ezra through the words of Jesus and the actions of the early church. If you need joy, this message is for you. Download the sermon notes. (https://acts2umc.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2019/12/2019-Dec-13-1Cpdf.pdf) Follow One Church: Website (https://onechurchacts2.com) Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/onechurchacts2) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/onechurchacts2) Twitter (https://www.twitter.com/onechurchacts2)

At Christmas, we are all longing for peace, but often find stress instead. Yet, peace is possible! God is One who gives peace to all, and this peace is seen so clearly in Jesus. This Christmas season, may we slow down and receive the peace God freely offers. Download the sermon notes. (https://acts2umc.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2019/12/2019-Dec-6-1C.pdf) Follow One Church: Facebook (https://facebook.com/onechurchacts2) Twitter (https://twitter.com/onechurchacts2) Instagram (https://instagram.com/onechurchacts2) Website (https://acts2umc.org/connect/one-church/)

Jesus is the One who brings hope, even when we find ourselves in situations that seem hopeless. As we follow Jesus, our Living Hope, we can share his great hope with those around us. Also, as a church, we believe fellowship and discussion are important. Following this brief message, there are some questions that we discussed around tables on Friday night. You are invited to listen to them and reflect upon them.

Amen" is often thought of as a way to end prayers. However, "amen" can also be a powerful prayer in itself. When we pray "amen," we are proclaiming God's goodness, aligning ourselves with God's will, honoring covenant, and saying, "Let it be so!" Amen! Download the sermon notes. (https://acts2umc.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2019/11/2019-Nov-22-1C.pdf)

Is it possible to give thanks, even when things around us seem difficult? The author of Psalm 136 says, "Yes." Because of God's character, creation, community, and care for daily needs, we can be people who continually pray this simple: "Thanks." Download the sermon notes. (https://acts2umc.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2019/11/2019-Nov-8-1C.pdf)

With so much to do, life can easily feel overwhelming. King Solomon, in the Old Testament, also felt overwhelmed, which led him to ask God for help. We, too, can ask God for help when we pray that short, one-word prayer: "Help." Download the sermon notes. (https://acts2umc.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2019/11/2019-Nov-1-1C.pdf)

God has blessed us in so many different ways with so many different gifts. How are we using those gifts? God desires for us to use our gifts and "talents" in a way that glorifies God and helps those around us.  Download the sermon notes. (https://acts2umc.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2019/10/2019-Oct-25-1C-.pdf)

What is the highest value? Paul writes that it is not finding success or having many accomplishments. Rather, the highest value is knowing and being known by Jesus, and compared to it, everything else looks like "rubbish." Download the sermon notes. (https://acts2umc.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2019/10/2019-Oct-18-1C-.pdf)

The things we worry about compete for mastery of our lives. When put God first, we are free from worry. When we trust God, we are free to leave the results of our obedience to our loving, merciful, glorious savior, Jesus. Download the sermon notes. (https://acts2umc.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2019/10/2019-Oct-11-1C.pdf)

God is love, and God's love for us has been revealed perfectly in Jesus. As loved people who are created in God's image, we respond to God's love by loving others and being generous. Download the sermon notes. (https://acts2umc.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2019/10/2019-Oct-4-1C.pdf)

In the New Testament, we read the greatest story of all time: the story of Jesus and His great love for us! But how did certain books make it into the New Testament? And can we trust the Gospel accounts of Jesus in the New Testament? In this sermon, we look together at the reliability of the New Testament. Download the sermon notes. (https://acts2umc.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2019/09/2019-Sept-27-1C.pdf)

In John 17, Jesus prayed for all of his followers, both present and future, to be one. Even in the midst of differences, including differences on what we believe about human sexuality, Christians can truly live as "one body." Download the sermon notes. (https://acts2umc.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2019/09/2019-Sept-20-1C-.pdf)

In the Bible, we read the greatest story of all time: the story of a loving God who willingly died and rose again to restore us. However, some parts of the Bible confuse us, especially parts where God seems violent. How do we read those passages in light of Jesus, the Word of God? Download the sermon notes. (https://acts2umc.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2019/09/2019-Sept-13-1C-.pdf)

What is the Bible? What is it about? Why should I read it? What is the Word of God? The Bible, composed of 66 individual books, tells the greatest story ever told and testifies to Jesus Christ, the Word of God. Download the sermon notes. (https://acts2umc.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2019/09/2019-Sept-6-1C-with-blanks.pdf)

The most important thing we can do as a church is love Jesus. When we fall more and more in love with Jesus, our lives will be transformed. Jesus invites us to fellowship with Him every single day, and we have the opportunity to say "Yes" to the invitation. Download the sermon notes. (https://acts2umc.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2019/09/2019-Aug-30-1C.pdf)

In a world filled with condemnation, the church can be a "community of prayerful love." Through offering compassion (and not condemnation!) and through prayer, we can look more and more like the community Jesus described in Matthew 7. Download the sermon notes. (https://acts2umc.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2019/08/2019-Aug-23-1C-1.pdf)

We live in a world that is constantly giving us more and more to worry about. Thankfully, Jesus has a better way to live. Through examining ourselves, knowing who we are, and knowing Whose we are, a life of peace is possible in a worry-filled world. Download the sermon notes. (https://acts2umc.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2019/08/2019-Aug-16-1C.pdf)

A life lived solely to be seen by others is far from the abundant life Christ has for us. A life lived for God, the Audience of One, is the happiest and holiest life. How different would our lives look if we only cared about the opinion of God, the One who loves us more than we ever could imagine? Download the sermon notes. (https://acts2umc.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2019/08/2019-Aug-9-1C-.pdf)

What is Jesus doing in the Sermon on the Mount? While it may look like he is adding more laws or making existing ones more strict, he is really showing us what the Kingdom Heart looks like. Living a life of love, without anger, is a possible reality for any Christ follower. Download the sermon notes. (https://acts2umc.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2019/08/2019-Aug-2-1C.pdf)

Who is really blessed? Rev. John Vick explores Jesus' teaching on true blessedness in the first installment of our new series on the Sermon on the Mount, "The Best Teaching You'll Ever Hear."

Before ascending into heaven, the resurrected Jesus sends out his followers "to make disciples of all nations" and shows us that God loves all people, has all authority, and is with us in all places. We have the great joy of sharing this—the greatest news of all time—with the world! Download the sermon notes. (https://acts2umc.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2019/07/2019-July-19-1C.pdf)

Jesus' words are life-giving. They are meant to be so much more than just heard. They are to be lived out and acted upon. When we live them out, we will find ourselves building our lives upon the only solid foundation: Jesus Christ. Download the sermon notes. (https://acts2umc.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2019/07/2019-July-12-1C.pdf)

The instructions God gives us are good and life-giving, and in them we learn how to love God and neighbor better. When used the wrong way, though, these instructions can make our faith legalistic and dry. When used correctly, however, we can see God's heart more clearly and know how to love others better. Download the sermon notes. (https://acts2umc.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2019/07/2019-July-5-1C-1.pdf)

In the book of Acts, the Antioch Church was a church that dug deep and reached out. Like them, we too can dig deep with devotion, encouragement, and discipleship, as well as reach out through the Holy Spirit, to diverse groups, in love. Download the sermon notes. (https://acts2umc.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2019/07/2019-June-28-1C.pdf)

When we face transitions in life, we often must leave our comfort zones to reach the destination God desires for us. Rev. Andy and Melissa Nelms share about the apostles' adaptation to new circumstances in Acts 10 and how we can adapt when God calls us off the beaten path. Download the sermon notes. (https://acts2umc.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2019/06/2019_06_21-Sermon-Notes.pdf)

We've all experienced unpredictable moments in life. Maybe you're in one right now! The Holy Spirit's coming at Pentecost is a story of great unpredictability. While the Holy Spirit may move and work in sometimes unpredictable ways, we can be confident that the Spirit is our Comforter and Teacher. Download the sermon notes. (https://acts2umc.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2019/06/2019-Jun-7-1C.pdf)

Jesus said, "Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks." Our words and actions flow from what we treasure in our hearts. When we treasure the word of Christ and the love of God within our hearts, we can overflow with love and kindness. Download the sermon notes. (https://acts2umc.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2019/05/2019-May-24-1C-with-blanks.pdf)

We all go through times when God's voice seems silent. Some have called it "the dark night of the soul." In the Bible, we read about people who also went through these dark nights. However, as Christians, we can confidently know that darkness is not the end of our story, and resurrection is coming! Download the sermon notes. (https://acts2umc.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2019/05/2019-May-17-1C-Sermon-Notes.pdf)

It can be difficult to know what God sounds like. Through sharing his personal experience of hearing God, Pastor Andy encourages us not only to listen, but to obey God’s voice as well. Download the sermon notes. (https://acts2umc.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2019/05/2019-May-10-1C-Sermon-Notes.pdf)

Every day, we are bombarded by voices that compete for our time, attention, and our hearts. In a sea of competing voices, how do we discern the one voice that leads to abundant life? Download the sermon notes. (https://acts2umc.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2019/05/May-3-2019.pdf)

God's voice can be difficult to hear, as the boy Samuel found out. However, Samuel was able to discern God's voice through the help of his mentor Eli and through praying this prayer: "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening." Often, the first step needed to hear God's voice is simply to listen. Download the sermon notes. (https://acts2umc.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2019/04/2019-April-26-with-blanks.pdf)

When Jesus rose from the dead on Easter Sunday, it wasn't just one glorious moment. It was the culmination of God's saving work that began with the creation of the universe, and it's the source of our hope for the future and the beginning of God's new creation when all things will be made right.

Sloth is painful to watch, but easy to fall into. When we give in to sloth, we become indifferent to those around us. But throughout his life, Jesus models a better way—the way of diligence. Download the sermon notes. (https://acts2umc.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2019/04/2019_04_12-1C-Sermon-Notes.pdf)

Greed affects us more than we like to admit. This week we learn how to apply generosity to our lives and find joy even with less stuff. Download the sermon notes. (https://acts2umc.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2019/04/2019_04_05-1C-Sermon-Notes.pdf)

Whether it's food, shopping, or scrolling on our phones, we all struggle with wanting more than is good for us, and the excess leads to ruin. But God desires our freedom, and through the virtue of temperance, helps us trust that Jesus is enough. Download the sermon notes. (https://acts2umc.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2019/05/2019-Mar-29-1C.pdf)

Envy can cause us to resent and even have contempt towards others. We can, however, find true, authentic contentment in God. In the presence of God, we have all that we need, and our envy begins to vanish. Download the sermon notes. (https://acts2umc.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2019/05/2019-Mar-22-1C.pdf)

Lust can wreck our relationships and reduce our capacity for love. The virtue of chastity helps us overcome lust so that we no longer see others as objects for our use, but as people with whom we can have real relationships. Down load the sermon notes. (https://acts2umc.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2019/05/2019-Mar-15-1C.pdf)

It's easy to respond with anger when things don't go our way, but patience allows us to let go of the anger that ensnares us. Download the sermon notes. (https://acts2umc.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2019/05/2019-Mar-08-1C.pdf)

Our pride keeps us living in fear that we will be found out. Humility offers a way out of that fear, but it only comes through a genuine connection with God. Download the sermon notes. (https://acts2umc.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2019/03/2019_03_01-sermon-notes-web.pdf)